Science silenced? Leaked EPA plan would dissolve its scientific research arm

There has been condemnation of a leaked plan to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) by former senior agency staff. The plan would see 50–75% of its 1540 employees laid off and the remainder could be relocated. The office, which has served as the foundation for science-based regulations and policies at the EPA for decades, could be dissolved and some of its functions transferred elsewhere in the agency.