Angela Alsobrooks Questions EPA Administrator on Chesapeake Bay Funding and Research Office

Chesapeake Bay Program Funding

• 🎯 Senator Alsobrooks inquired about the status of $238 million in funding for the Chesapeake Bay program, designated by the bipartisan infrastructure law.
• ⚠️ She expressed concern that some funds have been halted and sought confirmation on the full FY25 allocation.
• 🤝 EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated he was unaware of any frozen funds and committed to investigating the matter.

EPA Office of Research and Development Reorganization

• 🔬 Alsobrooks raised concerns about the announced elimination of the EPA's Office of Research and Development, highlighting its role in advancing science-based policy and protecting communities.
• 💡 She emphasized the office's vital expertise in areas like toxic exposures, natural disaster response, and water protection.
• ❓ She questioned the criteria and decision-making process for shutting down the office, asking if it was based on performance data or an external directive.
• 🚫 Administrator Zeldin clarified that there has not been a reduction in force announced for that office and that a reorganization is underway, creating a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions.
• 🧑‍🔬 He stated that feedback from career staff informed the reorg, and scientists are being added to other offices like chemicals and water, with research being boosted in those areas.
• 📊 Zeldin also clarified that while discussions of a reduction in force are occurring, 1,500 employees have not been terminated, and employees are applying for new positions within the reorganized agency structure.