Overview

• The agency reduced its headcount from 16,155 in January to 12,448 as of July 18, achieving nearly $750 million in projected taxpayer savings.
• The workforce realignment affects the Office of Research and Development by moving scientific staff into newly defined program offices.
• A new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions will oversee research, support rulemaking and provide technical assistance to states.
• Earlier in March, the EPA terminated Biden-era diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice programs, prompting protests and legal challenges.
• Administrator Lee Zeldin credited President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting agenda for driving the overhaul and refocusing efforts on the agency’s core mission.