House passes controversial spending bill cutting EPA funds

House Republicans passed a $38.5 billion spending bill that significantly reduces funding for clean energy and climate programs.

Andres Picon reports for E&E News.

In short:

The bill proposes a 20% cut to the EPA's budget, reducing funds for science and environmental justice programs.
It includes conservative policy riders, expanding mining, increasing oil and gas leases and blocking climate initiatives.
Many provisions are unlikely to survive bicameral negotiations after the November elections.

Key quote:

“Rather than making sound investments to protect our air and water, preserve our national parks and ensure the environment we all share and live in remains clean and protected, the majority’s bill benefits the most egregious polluters and climate science deniers.”

— Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee

Why this matters:

The bill's cuts to the EPA could hamper efforts to address climate change and environmental justice. Reductions in funding may affect public health, particularly in low-income and rural communities.

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