In a major overhaul, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shuttered its Office of Research and Development (ORD) while initiating the layoff of thousands of its workforce as part of a broader Trump-ordered downsizing, as The Guardian reports.

The EPA's latest reorganization targets departmental streamlining and comprehensive cost reduction in alignment with President Donald Trump's federal workforce reduction strategy.

As revealed on Friday, the EPA will also establish a new department, the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, which prioritizes practical scientific research areas such as air and water quality.

New era at EPA

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin described the reorganization as not merely a reduction in workforce but as a strategic reorientation towards applied scientific research to better support the EPA's mission of protecting health and the environment.

The reduction follows a Supreme Court endorsement of Trump's plan to downsize the federal workforce. This move will reduce EPA's staff numbers to approximately 12,448 -- showcasing a 23% drop from the number at the outset of Trump's administration.

Zeldin stated that these reductions would achieve nearly $750 million in savings, arguing that the agency could now operate more efficiently while still achieving its fundamental objectives.

Criticism of organizational change emerges

The announcement has triggered a fierce backlash from various quarters, including scientific and environmental advocates, who warn of the repercussions on public health and safety.

Justin Chen, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, remarked that the removal of ORD strips the EPA of its "heart and brain," compromising the agency's ability to evaluate impacts on health and the environment.

Chen claimed this “destruction will devastate public health in our country.”

Zeldin responded to the backlash in no uncertain terms.

He asserted that the agency “is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission,” amidst these structural shifts.

Reactions from Congress, unions pour in

Expressing vehement opposition, Democrat Rep. Zoe Lofgren criticized the restructuring as a "travesty" and accused Trump's administration of removing essential scientific personnel in favor of political appointments.

Lofgren warned of the "generational impacts" on health and safety because of the ORD's closure.

Her statement echoed widespread sentiments from certain corners about the potential decline in oversight and safety regulations.

An outspoken letter from EPA employees on June 30 further reinforced these concerns, stating that the agency has deviated from its original mission of protecting human health and the environment.

The road ahead

In defense, EPA spokeswoman Molly Vaseliou confirmed that key laboratory functions managed by the ORD would continue under new administrative guidelines.

The restructuring plan additionally entails offering deferred resignations to eligible employees to manage the transitions smoothly, with applications due by July 25.

The impact of these deep and extensive changes remains to be seen, as environmental standards and public health guidelines undergo significant adjustments in the wake of the EPA's new direction.