FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2025
CONTACT:
Aaron Bharucha, Public Relations Associate
(509) 429-1699 and epn-press@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org
Bipartisan Consensus Emerges Against Trump’s Proposed 55% Cut to EPA Budget
WASHINGTON, D.C. — After two congressional hearings where EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin attempted to defend President Trump’s disastrous proposal to cut EPA’s budget by 55%, we know little more about the proposal beyond the fact both sides of the political aisle think it’s problematic. Administrator Zeldin provided no explanation on how taking actions that clearly undercut the capacity of EPA, states, and communities are aligned with the agency’s mission to protect public health and the environment.
The Environmental Protection Network (EPN) calls on Congress to demand real answers to these vital questions, hold the EPA Administrator accountable to Congressional authority on spending and reorganization, and reject cuts to EPA’s programs and budget. EPN also asks Congress to increase EPA funding to $12 billion, citing stagnant core funding that has failed to keep up with inflation, population growth and mission expansion, and calls for targeted funding for specific EPA programs and offices as well as the inclusion of language in legislation to protect those programs.
“Such deep funding cuts would make executing the duties EPA is required to perform impossible,” said Michelle Roos, EPN’s Executive Director.
Slashing funding for EPA goes against the bipartisan support received since the agency’s founding as well as the support of the American people. A post-election poll found that 86% of voters oppose attempts to weaken the EPA.
“Communities across the country rely on EPA to enforce bedrock environmental laws, support clean water infrastructure, respond to emergencies, and conduct scientific research,” Roos said. “Congress must ensure that EPA has the resources it needs to do that.”
EPN also released a factsheet on the Trump Administration’s budget proposal.
###
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NETWORK
Founded in 2017, the Environmental Protection Network harnesses the expertise of more than 650 former EPA career staff and confirmation-level appointees from Democratic and Republican administrations to provide the unique perspective of former scientists and regulators with decades of historical and subject matter knowledge.