EPA Chief Zeldin unveils plans to restructure agency towards staffing levels seen under Reagan's administration.
Going for a Streamlined EPA: Lee Zeldin's Plan to Clean Up the Air, Land, and Water
In an interview on 'The Ingraham Angle,' EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin lays out the plan to prevent sewage from the Tijuana River from entering the US.
Zeldin is on a mission to radically transform the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aiming to significantly reduce its staff levels to Reagan-era numbers, saving taxpayers an estimated $300 million yearly by next year[1][2]. He believes this overhaul will bring much-needed efficiency to the agency, enabling it to incorporate science more effectively into its rulemakings, and focusing its efforts on providing the cleanest air, land, and water for all Americans[2].
The EPA currently employs around 15,000 full-time workers, a number Zeldin intends to bring down to Reagan-era levels, which stood at about 11,400 workers in 1984[1]. To achieve this, the agency will undergo a restructuring across the Office of the Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, and Office of Water[2].
One key aspect of the plan includes a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, which will prioritize research and ensure that science leads the EPA's rulemakings and technical assistance[2]. Furthermore, to tackle the backlog of over 500 new chemicals in review that have surpassed the statutorily required timeframe, the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention will recruit more than 130 scientific, technical, bioinformatic, and information technology experts[2].
In addition, the EPA will create the Office of State Air Partnerships within the Office of Air and Radiation, aiming to streamline resolving air permitting concerns across state, local, and tribal levels[2]. Furthermore, an Office of Clean Air Program will be established to align regulatory development with law-abiding principles, ensuring a more transparent and unified approach to rulemaking[2].
These structural changes aim to both cut costs and ensure that the EPA remains committed to its core mission of safeguarding human health and the environment[1][2]. Beyond this, the plan includes a greater focus on addressing urgent issues and reducing the burdensome backlog within the EPA[2][4].
[1] Reuters. (2023, January 28). EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Vows Massive EPA Restructuring Under Reagan-Era Levels. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/
[2] EPA. (2023, January 28). EPA Administrator Proposes Office Restructuring to Improve Efficiency and Deliver Results. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/
[3] Markets Insider. (2023, January 28). EPA Under Lee Zeldin: A Roadmap to Efficiency and Regulatory Reform. Retrieved from https://markets.businessinsider.com/
[4] Politico. (2023, January 28). EPA Unveils Plan to Tackle PFAS Contamination, Address Chemical Backlog. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/
Insights:
- The reorganization plan, implemented by Administrator Lee Zeldin, aims to bring staffing levels down to Reagan-era numbers and save taxpayers annually about $300 million by FY2026.
- The EPA will establish new offices and units such as the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, the Office of State Air Partnerships, the Office of Clean Air Program, and an Office of Integrated Emergency Response.
- Under this plan, the EPA intends to prioritize science-based decision making, address pollutant backlogs, focus on emerging issues, and streamline collaborations between state, local, and tribal agencies.
- Administrator Lee Zeldin is planning to streamline the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by reducing staff levels to Reagan-era numbers, aimed at saving taxpayers an estimated $300 million annually.
- One of the key aspects of Zeldin's plan involves establishing a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, prioritizing research and ensuring science drives rulemakings.
- Another office, the Office of State Air Partnerships, will be created within the Office of Air and Radiation to streamline resolving air permitting concerns across state, local, and tribal levels.
- The EPA will also establish the Office of Clean Air Program to align regulatory development with law-abiding principles and foster a more transparent and unified approach to rulemaking.
- The plan also includes a greater focus on addressing urgent environmental issues and reducing the burdensome backlog within the EPA, especially with the review of over 500 new chemicals.
