Silencing Science: How We All Suffer the Airborne Fallout

The essence of a nation endures through myriad quiet erasures, with the recent dismantling of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) at the Environmental Protection Agency marking a profound loss. This agency was vital in safeguarding public health and environmental integrity, yet it has been removed entirely, impacting over 1,500 scientific professionals. As a result, communities—particularly those marginalized—will experience the brunt of this decision. ORD served as the guiding force behind numerous regulatory measures, pioneering research that addressed critical issues like lead contamination and toxic air pollution. With its absence, states navigate environmental challenges without the necessary data, and vulnerable populations, including Indigenous and marginalized communities, now face increased risks. The rhetoric of efficiency cloaks a larger ideological agenda, targeting the scientific truths that expose systemic inequalities. As we witness this scientific exodus, it is crucial to document and organize against these losses for the benefit of our health, environment, and future.