US EPA grapples with funding reductions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency faces significant operational challenges as it attempts to maintain staffing levels and core functions despite a nearly $1 billion budget cut.

Kevin Bogardus reports for E&E News.

In short:

The EPA's budget for fiscal 2024 is reduced to $9.2 billion, affecting various programs.
The agency plans to keep staffing around 15,130 full-time equivalents despite the cuts.
Superfund program receives support from new "polluter pays" taxes, partially offsetting budget reductions.

Key quote:

"I will say that as with everybody else a level budget is, in fact, a cut because of inflation and extra costs."

— Stan Meiburg, executive director of Wake Forest University's Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability

Why this matters:

With fewer resources, the EPA may struggle to enforce regulations, monitor pollution, and support state and local environmental programs. The reduction in budget could also impact the agency’s ability to respond to environmental emergencies, conduct scientific research, and promote sustainable practices. The ripple effects of such a significant financial blow extend beyond the agency itself, potentially jeopardizing public health and environmental quality.

www.eenews.net

US EPA grapples with funding reductions

China is the new science power: how will Europe respond?

Insiders warn how dismantling federal agencies could put science at risk

‘Trump is against humankind’: World leaders at climate summit take swipes at absent president

10 years after the Paris Climate Agreement, here's where we are

Planet in peril: 30 years of climate talks in six charts

China, world’s top carbon polluter, likely to overdeliver on climate goals. Will that be enough?

Elections set up national battleground over electricity

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.