<p>The EPA is gutting its research and development office and laying off thousands of employees.</p><p>The agency's office of Research and Develpoment has long provided scientific guidance for EPA's mission to protect the environment and human health.</p><p>The EPA said in May that it woujld shift its scientific expertise and research effort to program offices that focus on major issues like air and water.</p><p>Officials say the EPA is creating a new office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions that'll allow the agency to focus on research and science "more than ever before"</p><p>Haya Panjwani, Washington.</p><p>  </p>
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