UPDATE: While the EPA is shutting down the Office of Research and Development, its lab on Pensacola Beach may survive. I received this email: “ GB lab not closing. I work there. It’s being reorganized but not closing.”
The New York Times reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Friday that it would eliminate its Office of Research and Development, which includes the Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division (GEMMD) Laboratory, located on Pensacola Beach.
Leader in Ecosystem Modeling
The facility conducts scientific research on the effects of pollution, nutrient runoff, climate change and other man-made stressors on Gulf Coast ecosystems. It assesses the effectiveness of pollution control features, such as stormwater retention ponds, in preventing harmful contaminants from entering sensitive environments. The lab also supports the development of strategies and solutions for addressing regional and national environmental challenges, thereby enhancing sustainability and public health. GEMMD has approximately 122 employees and occupies 92,400 square feet of laboratory, office, and support space on Pensacola Beach, according to this “At a Glance” report.
- Dig Deeper: From the “At a Glance” report: “Gulf Breeze scientists are leaders in ecosystem modeling to inform watershed management decisions, and experimental and modeling approaches to predict toxicity of chemicals on wildlife populations. A unique emphasis of work in Gulf Breeze is the development of tools and metrics to characterize the role of the environment in human health and well-being. Laboratory staff also participate in ecological crisis response, including hurricanes and oil spills, with expertise in methods development, survey design, data analysis and interpretation.”
“Comprehensive Restructuring”
In its press release on Friday,the EPA announced that the reduction in force (RIF) continues its comprehensive restructuring efforts. With organizational improvements, EPA is delivering $748.8 million in savings.
- “Under President Trump’s leadership, EPA has taken a close look at our operations to ensure the agency is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback. This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
In January 2025, EPA had 16,155 employees. Combined with voluntary retirements, separations, and other announced reductions in force, EPA will have a workforce of 12,448 employees. This includes th ,201 applicationss received fo the Fork in the Road, Deferred Resignation Program (DRP,) and Voluntary Early Retirement (VERA).
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