(Washington, D.C.) -- Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley says a plan to fire more than half of the EPA's Office of Research and Development will increase risks from pollution. Merkley is the leading Democrat on the subcommittee that oversees the EPA. He says the change is illegal without the approval of Congress. Merkley says the scientists are conducting research into PFAS chemicals, support for natural disaster responses, and environmental monitoring. He's urging the EPA's administrator to stop the plan.