The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday a reduction in force that will save taxpayers nearly $750 million.
The workforce reorganization is part of the agency’s “comprehensive restructuring efforts,” and will affect the Office of Research and Development, the EPA’s scientific research arm.
After the latest reduction, the EPA will have cut its workforce from 16,155 employees in January to 12,448 employees today. That includes 3,201 individuals who voluntarily separated from the agency this year.
In response to the reductions, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin pointed to President Donald Trump’s leadership and cost-cutting agenda as the impetus for the decision.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, EPA has taken a close look at our operations to ensure the agency is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback,” Zeldin said.
He added, “This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars.”
The EPA announced it was refocusing employees on its most important obligations and necessary functions.
Amid news of the agency’s reduction, the EPA announced it is in the process of creating a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions. It will focus on research and science, supporting rulemaking and technical assistance for states.
The reduction in force comes after the EPA announced in March the termination of Biden-era Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Environmental Justice programs.