EPA Planning to Gut its Science Office

WASHINGTON -The Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to gut its science office - the Office of Research and Development - and lay off more than 1,000 scientists, including chemists, biologists, and toxicologists, the New York Times reported.

The following is a statement from Ticora Jones, chief science officer at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

"EPA's scientists are at the core of its mission to protect human health and the environment. Without them, every American is in the dark about the risks they face from forever chemicals in drinking water, mercury in fish or toxic pollutants spewing from the factory smokestack down the street. Science is the foundation that ensures we are protected when we turn on our taps, take in a breath of air, or let our kids out to play in the yard.

"EPA needs the smartest science to put the smartest protections in place for people and the planet - and maintain them. Without this research, the agency would be beholden to the biased analyses by industry.

"Yet again, the Trump EPA is putting polluters over people. Congress needs to stand up and demand that EPA keep its scientists on the beat so that we all can get the clean air and clean water we need and deserve."

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).