EPA's scientific research plummets after agency overhaul and staff purges
The number of scientific studies published by EPA researchers has dropped sharply since early 2025. This decline follows major restructuring within the agency, including the elimination of its research division. At least six scientists who spoke out against the changes have since lost their jobs. In February 2026, the EPA finalised plans to dismantle the Office of Research and Development. Administrator Lee Zeldin later announced a replacement unit, the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, but it would not function independently. Meanwhile, scientists in at least one EPA research office were instructed to halt publication efforts.
By mid-2026, only 61 peer-reviewed studies by EPA scientists had appeared, putting the agency on course for 183 articles by year’s end. This represents a 33% drop from 2025 and nearly half the output of 2024. Kyla Bennett, science policy director at PEER, warned that the slowdown weakens the agency’s scientific influence. Six EPA researchers who signed an open letter criticising the changes were terminated shortly afterwards. These scientists have since filed federal claims, arguing their dismissals were illegal retaliation. Hundreds more have either resigned or been let go since Donald Trump’s second term began.
The EPA’s research output continues to shrink as restructuring and staff reductions take hold. With fewer studies being published, the agency’s role in environmental science appears to be diminishing. The terminated scientists maintain their dismissals were unfair and are pursuing legal action.
