Late last Friday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced his intention to eliminate EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD).
As part of the administration’s war on science, Zeldin is laying off and forcing out EPA scientists in record numbers and slashing research and travel budgets for the remaining EPA scientists. With ORD’s elimination imminent, scientists and support staff still at EPA will work in policy offices or directly under the administrator.
Since 1970, ORD has been a separate office at EPA. Until now, both Democratic and Republican administrations have recognized the value of protecting its work from policy-oriented biases and political interference.
Now, Zeldin, with no Congressional approval, is destroying decades of investments that have helped improve our understanding of how pollution affects the world we live in. He is doing so as part of the Trump administration’s effort to turn the reins of government over to powerful polluting industries.
In the next few months, as Zeldin puts his plan into action, PEER will be doing everything within our power to stop this latest effort to destroy science in the government. Read our statement on how eliminating ORD will harm all Americans.
Sincerely,
Tim Whitehouse
Executive Director
P.S. PEER is making a real difference for public employees in the face of this administration’s illegal actions. If you are able, please consider making a gift to support PEER in this pivotal moment. Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar this summer, up to a total of $70,000. There may never be a more critical time to come together. Donate Here »
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