The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will focus of its science researchers toward approving new chemicals – and indicated that it may be preparing to cut hundreds or even thousands of jobs.

In a press release issued Friday, the EPA said it would be “shifting its scientific expertise and research efforts,” including by transferring 130 experts to the agency’s chemicals office.

It said that these employees would work on approving new chemicals and pesticides – noting that there’s currently a backlog of 504 chemicals and 12,000 pesticides.

More broadly, agency science will be transferred to its program offices and scientists will be put to work on what the agency described as “statutory obligations and mission essential functions.”

Critics of the decision expressed concerns that transferring scientists to other offices could lead to political interference in their findings.

© The Hill