EPA Cuts Sabotage Protections Americans Rely on Every Day

Background: On Wednesday, February 26th, President Trump announced a 65% cut in staff to the Environmental Protection Agency. Hours later, the White House corrected the President, making clear that a cut to the agency budget of 65% is planned instead. The action would likely still result in significant firing of staff and dramatically restrict efforts by the agency to protect people in the U.S. from harmful chemical and toxic pollution to air, water and land.

Statement by Earthworks Policy Director Lauren Pagel:

“Donald Trump and Lee Zeldin are playing with fire, in fact they’re playing with floods and droughts and public health risks, too. A strong EPA and federal agencies are set up to protect us all. Weakening them serves corporate polluters, not people, especially not in places of high risk and at times of urgent need. 

“Gutting the agency by 65% will leave polluters unchecked, contaminating clean air, water and public health, and all but guaranteeing greater risk for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. True public servants in Congress and the courts must stop this reckless, ideological sabotage of the EPA.”