US EPA plans to reduce staff to 1980s levels, cut budget by $300 million

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday announced plans to reorganize and reduce staffing to 1980s-levels and slash its budget by $300 million in fiscal year 2026.

“This reorganization will bring much needed efficiencies to incorporate science into our rulemakings and sharply focus our work on providing the cleanest air, land, and water for our communities,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in a statement.

The reorganization, which will consolidate several key offices, will reflect the plans laid out in President Donald Trump’s executive orders, the EPA said.