The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Friday that it will cut about 23 percent of its workforce and eliminate its research and development office as part of the agency’s restructuring effort.
The agency stated that it expects its workforce to reduce from 16,155 to 12,448 employees, noting that many have opted to resign through voluntary early retirement and a deferred resignation program.
The layoffs will affect the Research and Development Office, according to its statement. The agency said the restructuring effort is expected to help it save about $748.8 million after completion.
The EPA said it plans to create an Applied Science and Environmental Solutions Office that will enable it to focus on research and science “more than ever before,” placing them “at the forefront of rulemakings and technical assistance to states.”...
