EPA Staff Cuts Spark Concern Over Public Health and Climate Oversight

Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reducing its workforce to 1980s levels, despite a sharp rise in environmental responsibilities. The agency now tackles a broad range of issues including pollution, climate change, toxic chemicals, and emerging threats like PFAS and cyber risks to water systems. Critics warn the staffing cuts will severely weaken the EPA’s ability to safeguard air, water, and public health. The restructuring plan involves eliminating key scientific divisions and scaling back climate programs, raising fears of a major setback for environmental protection. Staff reductions could delay permit processing, enforcement, and chemical risk assessments. Some insiders describe the move as an “extinction event” for climate work. The cuts also limit scientists’ ability to specialize, potentially compromising the quality of regulatory decisions. As environmental threats become more complex, observers argue that shrinking the EPA’s capacity undermines its mission at a time when scientific expertise is most needed.

14-05-2025