EPA plans to dismantle key offices overseeing climate and air pollution regulation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will dissolve two main offices responsible for regulating greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, signaling a broad retreat from federal climate oversight.
Jean Chemnick reports for E&E News.
In short:
- The EPA will eliminate the Office of Atmospheric Protection and the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, moving some remaining duties to two new offices within the Office of Air and Radiation.
- Many programs, including the greenhouse gas reporting system and the annual emissions inventory, are likely to be discontinued unless legally mandated by Congress.
- The Office of Research and Development, which employs over 1,500 staff focused on science and research, will also be shut down unless Congress intervenes.
Key quote:
“This kind of information is just vital for us to understand where the heat-trapping emissions are coming from and how that’s changing over time. There’s no reason to get rid of it, except to try to bury the evidence.”
— Rachel Cleetus, senior policy director, Union of Concerned Scientists
Why this matters:
The dismantling of these EPA offices reflects a major shift in U.S. climate policy, one with deep implications for public health, environmental transparency and global climate commitments. Federal data collection on greenhouse gas emissions has long served as the backbone for state and local governments, businesses, and scientists striving to understand and combat air pollution and climate change. Without reliable federal tracking and reporting, policymakers and researchers may face serious blind spots in addressing emissions trends. This move could also limit the public's ability to hold polluters accountable. Additionally, the phase-out of research and development functions threatens progress in environmental science and innovation.
For more: EPA moves to cancel nearly 800 climate justice grants issued under Biden
