EPA Administrator Struggles to Defend Drastic Cuts to Clean Air, Clean Water Programs Before House Subcommittee

“Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt spent this morning before a House Appropriations subcommittee, struggling under bipartisan questioning to justify a budget that would decimate protections for clean air and safe drinking water – and would financially burden states and local governments. He had no answer for the fact that slashing EPA will put our children’s health at risk.

“President Trump’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2018 would slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by 31 percent, even though the annual budget is already close to its lowest level in 40 years. It would cut funding for states and local governments, who would be stuck with the bill for the critical work needed to keep our air and water safe. It would eliminate 50 programs – including those to clean up some of America’s most iconic waterways, like the Great Lakes, the Florida Keys, and the Chesapeake Bay.

“The proposed budget would slash funding for the air quality monitoring that warns families about ‘Code Red’ days – badly polluted days when the air is too dangerous for children with asthma and seniors with heart conditions to be outdoors. It would cut funding for cleaning up the more than 1,300 toxic waste sites across America. It would reduce funding for programs that are protecting our children from lead – a serious neurotoxin that damages children’s brains.

“Administrator Pruitt testified today that he wants the Environmental Protection Agency to return to its ‘core missions.’ But protecting clean air, safe drinking water, and public heath are the Environmental Protection Agency’s core missions. This budget would cripple the agency’s basic ability to function, and would leave those core missions – and all Americans – vulnerable.

“The Trump Administration and Administrator Pruitt are risking the health of our children with this callous and irresponsible budget proposal. Members of Congress should stand up for the health and safety of their voters – and reject it.”

            - EDF Action president Elizabeth Thompson