1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The proposed elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Research and Development, resulting in the layoff of over 1,000 scientists, poses a severe threat to the agency's ability to fulfill its mission of safeguarding public health and the environment. This drastic move would cripple the EPA's scientific capabilities, hindering progress on vital issues like clean air and water, toxic waste cleanup, and environmental monitoring. The Office of Research and Development plays a crucial role in providing the scientific foundation for the EPA's policies and regulations. Its chemists, biologists, toxicologists, and other experts conduct essential research to understand and address environmental problems. Eliminating this department would deprive the agency of the very scientific expertise it needs to make informed decisions and develop effective solutions. Furthermore, this action contradicts the EPA's stated commitment to enhancing its ability to deliver clean air, water, and land for all Americans. Without a strong scientific research arm, the agency's capacity to achieve this goal would be severely compromised. The proposed budget cuts of 65%, as well as the dissolution of the Office of Research and Development, risk undermining decades of progress in environmental protection and public health safeguards. I urge you to reconsider this misguided plan and instead prioritize the preservation and strengthening of the EPA's scientific research capabilities. Maintaining a robust scientific foundation is essential for the agency to fulfill its critical role in addressing environmental challenges and protecting the well-being of all Americans.