EPA scientists ordered to halt Office of Water publications — political review underway

According to reporting, scientists in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water were instructed by political appointees to stop work on studies headed for publication because they will now be “subject to a new review process.” Staffers reportedly learned of the order during a town-hall this week. The move could halt “millions” of dollars of research, one employee told reporters.

Why this matters

• The Office of Water helps ensure the safety of the nation’s drinking water. Pausing or re-reviewing scientific publications can delay crucial public-health protections.
• This is the latest in a series of changes at the EPA, including proposed rollbacks on PFAS limits (keeping only PFOA and PFOS), thousands of layoffs, and plans to close the agency’s scientific research office.

Notable context: In May the agency signaled it would roll back limits for several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), leaving only PFOA and PFOS limits in place. In July the EPA laid off thousands and proposed rescinding some greenhouse-gas standards. The EPA also proposed ending the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program that requires major polluters to report emissions.

Staff reaction: Reported staffers said they were not given explanations to provide to journals, nor details about the new review process. One employee said the decision “represents millions of dollars of research, potentially, that’s now being stopped.”

Sources

• Engadget: EPA scientists were reportedly ordered to halt publication of research papers
• Additional coverage and links will be added as available.

If you’d like, I can update this post with more source links (e.g., Washington Post) after confirming them.