Federal agency planning to dismantle scientific research division
In an interview conducted by Host Flora Lichtman, Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, a former long-time employee of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), discusses the potential consequences of the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) shutdown.
The ORD, established nearly 55 years ago, has been instrumental in advancing understanding of environmental pollutants and toxic chemicals. It conducts research on pollutants in air and water, investigates the risks posed by toxic chemicals, and informs the EPA's guidelines and standards.
The ORD's current research programs, such as the Air, Climate and Energy Research Program, focus on understanding causes and consequences of climate change. Without this office, emissions control, air and water safety, and food supply health could all worsen due to reduced scientific oversight and guidance.
The EPA's decision to shut down the ORD is likely to have significant negative impacts on public health and the environment. Critics warn that closing this key scientific research arm will impair the EPA's ability to conduct independent research and apply scientific findings to address crucial issues such as climate change, air and water quality, and chemical safety.
While the EPA claims it will create a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions and add experts to other offices to maintain focus on research, the overall agency staffing will drop by 23%, with nearly $750 million in savings from these cuts. However, critics argue that these changes will undermine science-based policies and have generational adverse effects on Americans' health and safety.
The interview emphasizes the significance of maintaining quality science journalism to keep the public informed about such issues. Environmental advocates describe the closure as "crippling" EPA’s scientific capacity and "flying blind," ultimately weakening the agency’s role in protecting human health and the environment.
In summary, the closure of the EPA’s Office of Research and Development risks reducing the quality and effectiveness of environmental and public health protections by eliminating a critical source of scientific research and expertise within the agency.
The lack of the Office of Research and Development in the Environmental Protection Agency could have detrimental effects on medical-conditions associated with environmental pollutants, as its research on toxic chemicals is vital for health-and-wellness. Furthermore, the closure could hinder the EPA's ability to address key issues in environmental-science, such as assessing risks posed by pollution in air and water, and conducting research on climate change.
