On Friday, the E.P.A., led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced a significant reallocation of its scientific personnel from the Office of Research and Development to other divisions, specifically to expedite the approval of new chemicals. Zeldin emphasized the need to concentrate on mission essential issues. This transition comes amidst prior recommendations to eliminate the research office under the Trump administration. Although plans to fire numerous scientists were scrapped, the shift of 130 staff members indicates a strong focus on addressing industry backlogs in chemical approvals at the agency. Nancy Beck, heading the chemicals office, expressed enthusiasm about the changes during a team meeting.
Administrator Lee Zeldin announced in a video that the E.P.A. is shifting its scientific expertise to focus on mission essential issues, particularly in new chemical approvals.
The changes predominantly affect the Office of Research and Development, tasked with studying health risks of chemicals and pollution, emphasizing new agency priorities.
Nancy Beck, now leading the E.P.A.'s chemicals office, emphasized at the staff meeting that it was a 'very exciting time' for the agency's new direction.
While plans to eliminate the research office and cut scientist positions were halted, one hundred and thirty jobs will be reassigned to support chemical approvals.
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