Research and developments is a blog for brief updates that provide a context for the burst of news concerning changes in law and politics that have an impact on science and scientists today.
The Trump administration plans to dismiss more than 1,000 scientists from the EPA research branch. The layoffs are part of a “reduction in force” which comes after the agency taken from the hundreds probationary workers. (A federal judge has In order that these employees are reintegrated and although the administration complied, most of the workers were placed on administrative leave.)
According to documents examined by the Chamber of Sciences, Space and Technology Committee and reported by the New York TimesThe Trump administration plans to dissolve all EPA Research and development office (Ord) and cut up to 75% of its workers, placing the rest elsewhere in the agency.
This decision could improve the agency’s ability to create policies with influence of business entities rather than the contribution of scientists. Chris FreyWho managed the Research and Development Office under the Biden Administration, told the New York Times that the closing the office will grant the EPA plus the freedom to impose its policies. “It is certainly practical for certain stakeholders to have silence in silence”, Frey said.
Chemists, biologists, toxicologists, atmosphere scientists and other experts from the Research and Development Office are responsible for ensuring that the EPA rules that support public health – APFA Limits in drinking water has Air quality standards– are guided by independent research and supported by data. The office manages several research programs studying air and water pollution, public health, internal security, climate change and chemical security.
The dismissal of scientists involved in this research goes against EPA assignment To protect human health and the environment by ensuring that Americans have clean air, earth and water, Environmental health news reported.
The dismissals planned are part of President Trump’s efforts and the new EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, for Slash of the EPA budget of 65%which have so far included actions to Close environmental justice offices,, interrupt the initiatives of diversity, equity and inclusionAnd terminon billions of dollars in grants For environmental projects.
“The concept of emptying the EPA budget – or the staff – 65% is as unbearable as they are non -constitable, but we must take the assertion of Trump seriously,” said Mary Grant, director of the Water Watch Environmental Watch for non -profit Food & Water, said Mary Grant, Water Program at Environmental Entrance Watch, said, said Mary Grant said. in a declaration. “Even half a cut in the size of Trump’s shocking assertion would have immediate and striking impact on the health and well-being of people from one ocean to another.”
– Grace Van Deelen (@ gvd.bsky.social), Editor
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