ASSOCIATED PRESS • January 30, 2021
The ranks of scientists who carry out environmental research, enforcement and other jobs fell sharply under former President Donald Trump. Veteran staffers say many retired, quit or moved to other agencies amid pressure from an administration hostile to science and beholden to industry. That poses a challenge for President Joe Biden, who must rebuild a depleted and demoralized work force to make good on promises to tackle climate change, protect the environment and reduce pollution that disproportionately affects poor and minority communities.