EPA Undergoes Sweeping Reorganization Aiming for Reagan-Era Staffing Levels and Significant Taxpayer Savings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set for a substantial overhaul under the direction of agency chief Lee Zeldin, with the goal of reducing staffing to levels reminiscent of the Reagan administration and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual savings for taxpayers. The reorganization plan, announced Friday, seeks to streamline operations, enhance the integration of science into regulatory processes, and refocus the agency’s efforts on providing clean air, land, and water for communities across the nation.
Zeldin emphasized the importance of "common sense policies" and pledged to maintain the EPA’s commitment to protecting human health and the environment. He projected annual savings of approximately $300 million by the following year through a comprehensive restructuring of the agency’s operations.
Currently, the EPA employs roughly 15,000 full-time workers. Zeldin aims to reduce this number to levels comparable to those seen during President Ronald Reagan’s tenure in the White House. In 1984, the EPA had a staff of 11,400 employees, according to Reuters.
The reorganization plan will affect several key offices within the EPA, including the Office of the Administrator, the Office of Air and Radiation, the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), and the Office of Water.
A central component of the restructuring involves reorganizing the agency’s research office to prioritize statutory obligations and mission-essential functions. This includes establishing a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, which will prioritize research and integrate science into the agency’s rule-making processes and technical assistance to states.
The Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) will be bolstered by the addition of over 130 scientific, technical, bioinformatic, and information technology experts. These new hires will work to address the backlog of over 504 new chemicals under review that have exceeded the statutorily required timeframe, as well as the more than 12,000 pesticide reviews that are significantly overdue.
To improve air quality management, the EPA will establish the Office of State Air Partnerships within the Office of Air and Radiation. This new office will streamline the resolution of air permitting concerns across state, local, and tribal levels. Additionally, the EPA is creating the Office of Clean Air Programs, which will align statutory obligations and mission-essential functions based on centers of expertise to ensure greater transparency and consistency in regulatory development.
Similarly, changes to the Office of Water will improve the integration of science into the development of regulations, guidance, and policy. This initiative will create a new office dedicated to aligning water-related regulations with the scientific principles that underpin them.
Zeldin pointed out that upon assuming leadership of the EPA earlier this year, he "inherited a workforce that didn’t come into the office." He highlighted the low attendance rate at EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., noting that the record high day of attendance in 2024 was approximately 37%. Zeldin emphasized that one of the first actions taken upon President Trump’s inauguration was to end COVID-era remote work policies.
The former New York congressman also addressed the EPA’s budget, noting that under the Biden administration, the agency’s budget and awards in grants last year alone totaled $63 billion. He stated that this figure was significantly higher than the previous annual funding levels of between $6 billion and $8 billion.
Zeldin affirmed his commitment to reducing excess spending and ensuring the EPA operates as efficiently as possible for the benefit of American taxpayers. He noted that progress has already been made by re-examining grants and contracts, real estate footprint, travel costs, and staffing levels. With the assistance of DOGE, the EPA has identified and canceled more than $22 billion in grants and contracts, resulting in direct savings for the American people.
The sweeping changes proposed by Zeldin signify a major shift in the EPA’s direction. The focus on reducing staff, streamlining operations, and prioritizing science-based policies reflects a broader effort to enhance the agency’s effectiveness and accountability. The impact of these changes on the environment and public health will be closely watched as the reorganization unfolds.
This reorganization plan is certain to spark debate and discussion among environmental advocates, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. Supporters argue that the changes will lead to a more efficient and effective EPA, while critics raise concerns about the potential impact on environmental protection and the agency’s ability to address critical challenges such as climate change and pollution.
