The Trump administration's plan to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development would be devastating for our ability to protect the environment and address climate change. Laying off over 1,000 scientists, chemists, biologists and other researchers would cripple the EPA's scientific capabilities and undermine its core mission. Scientific research is essential for understanding environmental threats, evaluating risks, and developing solutions. Without its research arm, the EPA would lack the expertise and data needed to effectively safeguard air and water quality, clean up toxic sites, and mitigate climate impacts. Dismantling this office would sacrifice crucial knowledge and compromise the agency's credibility. We cannot afford to lose the EPA's scientific resources at a time when robust environmental protection and climate action are more critical than ever. I urge you to oppose any efforts to defund or dismantle the Office of Research and Development. Preserving the EPA's research capacity is vital for informed policymaking and ensuring a livable planet for future generations.