EPA Announces Major Reorganization to Enhance Environmental Regulation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a sweeping reorganization under Administrator Lee Zeldin, including plans to cut staff—particularly in its Office of Research and Development (ORD)—and restructure key offices responsible for climate and air pollution regulation. The changes aim to increase efficiency, save at least $300 million annually, and better align the agency with President Trump’s broader government efficiency initiatives. The reorganization includes eliminating the Office of Atmospheric Protection and Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, creating two new offices focused on clean air and state partnerships, and shifting scientific staff into policy-making roles. Critics and former EPA officials warn these moves could undermine the agency’s independent scientific research and weaken its ability to address environmental health risks, including climate change and PFAS contamination. While the agency claims the changes will maintain its core mission of protecting human health and the environment, many view the restructuring as a significant reduction in the EPA’s scientific and regulatory capacity. The bipartisan focus on issues like PFAS regulation remains, but much of the climate work and independent research infrastructure faces major cutbacks.