The Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it was dismantling its scientific research branch, expanding the Trump administrationโs efforts to shrink the agency.
The move to eliminate the Office of Research and Development, which will prompt the exodus of hundreds of chemists and scientists assigned to conduct independent research on a range of environmental hazards, is part of a push to cut 23 percent of the agencyโs staff. Its work, which often underpinned stricter federal regulations, was criticized by chemical manufacturers and other industries.
In January, according to an EPA press release, the agency had 16,155 employees. More than 3,700 employees have left the agency since then because of layoffs, separations and retirements, the agency said.
The reductions will save taxpayers $748.8 million, the statement added.
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Continue/Read Original Article Here: EPA eliminates its scientific research arm – The Washington Post
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