The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Friday a sweeping reduction in force and reorganization effort that will save American taxpayers nearly $750 million. The move, part of a long-awaited course correction under President Trump’s leadership, aims to streamline the agency, eliminate progressive bloat, and restore the EPA’s focus on its original mission of protecting human health and the environment.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, EPA has taken a close look at our operations to ensure the agency is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback.”
The reorganization centers on dismantling the outdated and often politically weaponized Office of Research and Development (ORD), while standing up a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions. The new structure integrates hundreds of scientific and technical experts into core EPA programs for air, water, and chemical safety, placing science at the center of enforcement, not ideology.
“This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
The EPA’s workforce will be reduced from 16,155 to 12,448 through voluntary programs like the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) and early retirement. Over 3,200 employees have already applied—underscoring internal support for the agency’s new direction.
In one of its boldest steps yet, the EPA has formally eliminated the Biden-era Environmental Justice (EJ) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, which, according to the press release, often prioritized left-wing activism over actual environmental policy.
“In doing so, EPA conducted a Reduction in Force for 280 DEI and EJ employees and transferred 195 employees who perform statutory obligations and mission essential functions to other offices.”
These steps had stalled due to legal challenges from activist groups temporarily delayed the reforms. But after a July 8 Supreme Court ruling stayed a lower court injunction, the EPA moved quickly to resume its implementation plan.
Following a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, the agency paused implementation of these restructurings. After the Supreme Court’s ruling on July 8 that provided a stay on the May 22 injunction, the agency moved forward to fill open positions that will advance the Trump Great American Comeback policies.
The application window for employees eligible under the DRP remains open until July 25.
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