Environment
Burning, polluted rivers and visibly polluted air were some of the factors that led to the first major environmental laws in our country. Environment and public health are closely linked and although the days of pouring chemicals into waterways and air pollution as thick as pea soup have passed there are still many challenges facing our environment and affecting public health. Aging transportation and water systems should be replaced to improve air and water quality. We need to protect our National Parks and other American public lands in order to preserve the unique diversity of plant and animal life, as well as our cultural heritage. And we should work to develop our cities, communities and rural areas more sustainably, including with more sustainable agricultural practices.
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Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-MA)
Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)
Today, President Trump released his budget blueprint for fiscal year 2018. The Trump Budget is characterized by massive cuts to environmental and climate change programs, clean energy investment, and science funding in order to offset a $54 billion increase in military spending, plus the cost to construct an environmentally damaging southern border wall. Here are some of the proposed cuts that are most concerning for SEEC members.
The Trump Administration has released a budget that would slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by more than 30 percent and eliminate 20 percent of staff. EPA plays a critical role in the protection of our clean air and water and supports the clean-up of contaminated sites around the country, often in the form of grants to states. The budget would also cut or eliminate other important clean energy and climate change programs at other agencies. SEEC Leadership Members released the following statements in response to these proposed cuts:
Washington D.C. – It has been reported that the Trump Administration plans to slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by almost 25 percent and eliminate 20 percent of staff. EPA plays a critical role in the protection of our clean air and water and supports the clean-up of contaminated sites around the country, often in the form of grants to states.
Today, President-Elect Trump nominated Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency. SEEC Co-Chairs Gerry Connolly (VA), Doris Matsui (CA), and Paul Tonko (NY) released the following joint statement: