Mark Kelly Questions EPA's Unbiased Science Amidst Proposed Scientist Cuts

EPA's Office of Research and Development

• 💡 Senator Kelly highlights the proposed 56% cut to EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD), which could result in a 75% staff reduction.
• 📌 ORD is described as a congressionally mandated entity designed to operate independently and without political bias.
• 🔬 The proposed reorganization aims to reassign remaining employees to other offices, potentially exposing them to political and institutional pressure.

Arizona's Air Quality Concerns

• 💨 Kelly discusses the need for EPA's partnership with Maricopa County on emissions reduction credits (Rule 205 and 204) and requests expedited processing.
• 📈 He raises concerns about rising ozone levels in Arizona despite decreasing emissions, specifically mentioning nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
• 🤝 A partnership involving Maricopa County, ASU, University of Arizona, and EPA is working on a ground-level ozone research project, relying on ORD scientists.

Administrator Zeldin's Response

• ⚙️ Administrator Zeldin explains that the reorganization aims to increase science and research efforts within program offices and create new offices like the Office of State Air Partnerships.
• 🧑‍🔬 He assures that scientists from ORD will be integrated into new roles, such as the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, to continue their important work.
• ✅ Zeldin commits to ensuring that scientists can conduct their work without bias and fulfill statutory obligations.

Senator Kelly's Continued Concerns

• 📊 Kelly expresses concern about the impact of significant cuts on scientific independence and the ability to produce unbiased data.
• 🎯 He seeks reassurance that scientists will continue to produce crucial data, especially for issues like rising ozone in Arizona.
• 📝 Kelly requests a new list of 20 actions the EPA can take to assist Arizona.