EPA plans to close labs, drop scientists, and reduce oversight

The Environmental Protection Agency intends to close labs, cut its cadre of upper-level scientists and reduce regulatory oversight, according to an internal agency document. In a memo dated June 8, a top agency official outlined "a set of proposed disinvestments, innovations, efficiencies and consolidations" for the upcoming 2008 fiscal budget. Asked about the memo, the agency said in a statement, "The EPA is committed to being good stewards of our nation's environment and good stewards of our nation's tax dollars." It said the agency hoped "to accelerate the pace of environmental protection by promoting environmental results and accountability, innovation and using the best available science." Source:(via glrppr McClatchy Newspapers via the Kansas City Star, 9/15/06.