Trump Budget Proposal Slashes EPA by 23%

The fiscal 2019 budget proposal, released Feb. 12 by the Trump Administration, proposed a $2.5 billion cut to the U.S. EPA. If approved, this budget cut would reduce the EPA by more than 23%. While water quality projects would receive a huge funding cut, storm water and wastewater infrastructure improvements would receive an additional $397 million.

According to The Washington Post, cut programs would include assistance to fund water improvements along the U.S.-Mexico border and partnerships to monitor water quality in the Gulf of Mexico. Notably, funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration would be cut from its current $72 million to $7 million and a similar program to restore the Great Lakes would fall from $300 million to $30 million. Additionally, programs that relate to climate change would be slashed significantly.

Despite significant cuts, some infrastructure investment is included in the plan. In the wake of recent storms, $397 million would be added to the EPA budget for wastewater and storm water infrastructure improvements. The Superfund program also would see a boost of $327 million. Mick Mulvaney, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, sites the Trump Administration’s mission to reduce regulations as the cause for EPA cuts.

“The president wants a smaller EPA. He thinks they overreach, and the budget reflects that,” said Mulvaney to reporters after the budget proposal was released.

The president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Rhea Suh, strongly disagreed with the proposed budget cuts which include elimination of more than 3,000 positions–20% of the EPA workforce, according to USA Today.

“That means fewer people to monitor air and water quality, enforce our laws, and work with lawmakers, local businesses, public advocates, and other to respond to emerging threats,” said Suh. “You don’t strengthen environmental protections by taking the environmental steward off the beat.”