The Environmental Protection Agency announced it is reassigning 124 staff members as part of efforts to reorganize its scientific research operations. Of those affected, 35 employees are being asked to relocate to new positions.

The staffing changes come as the agency implements broader organizational restructuring under the current administration. The reassignments affect personnel working in the agency's scientific research divisions.

Separately, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin discussed the agency's proposed extension of the flaring window for natural gas wells from the current timeframe to 72 hours. The agency estimates this regulatory change will save the natural gas industry approximately $2.5 billion over the next 15 years.

The policy discussions occur amid rising energy costs, with recent inflation data showing energy prices increased 10.9% from February to March. The EPA celebrated the proposed flaring extension as part of broader energy policy adjustments.

The flaring window extension allows natural gas producers additional time to capture gas from wells before it must be burned off, potentially reducing waste and associated costs for operators in the industry.