Trump administration plans to cut over 1,500 EPA scientists

The Trump administration plans to lay off a large number of scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The cuts are set to affect over 1,500 employees in the agency's research division. This change is part of President Trump's efforts to reduce government spending and lessen environmental regulations. Democratic lawmakers have expressed strong opposition to the proposed layoffs. They argue that losing these scientists will hurt the EPA's ability to address important environmental issues like pollution and climate change. According to documents reviewed by the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, most of the scientists would not be retained, while some may be reassigned to other areas. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has indicated plans to reduce the agency’s workforce by about 65 percent. An EPA spokesperson described the layoffs as part of organizational improvements to better deliver clean air, water, and land. Democrats like Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren have voiced concerns that cutting the research office will harm the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment. They claim that good science is necessary for the EPA to fulfill its obligations. The Union of Concerned Scientists has also criticized the cuts, stating that the research staff play a crucial role in regulating pollution and keeping the public safe. They argue that industries cannot be trusted to self-regulate effectively.