EWG: Trump Budget Would Be a Disaster for Water, Air and Public Health

WASHINGTON – President Trump’s 2020 budget proposal seeks deep cuts in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency, showing that the administration continues to ignore growing environmental and public health threats, said EWG.

The White House proposal, released today, would cut the EPA’s budget from $8.9 billion to $6.1 billion, a 31 percent decrease.

“In the face of a nationwide drinking water contamination crisis, a broken chemical safety net, and devastating hurricanes and wildfires, a rational and concerned president would seek more funding to protect Americans’ health, keep our environment clean, and combat the threat of catastrophic climate change,” said EWG President Ken Cook. “President Trump did just the opposite, and by now we shouldn’t be surprised. The administration’s budget proposal reflects the president’s top priority: Appease the fossil fuel and chemical industries that have infiltrated the top positions at the EPA.”

Bloomberg News reported last week that the Trump budget also seeks to once again slash funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, from its current level of $2.3 billion to $700 million, or roughly 70 percent. 

The president’s budget request to slash funding for both the EPA and the renewable energy program will almost certainly be rejected by the Democratic-controlled House.

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The Environmental Working Group is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.

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