EPA Eliminates Office of Research and Development, Fires Up to 1,155 Scientists

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the elimination of the agency''s Office of Research and Development on July 18, 2025, resulting in the firing or reassignment of up to 1,155 scientists and researchers. The ORD had been responsible for the scientific basis of EPA air, water, and chemical safety regulations. Scientists and former officials warned that without independent research capacity, the agency''s regulatory decisions would depend entirely on industry-funded studies.