U.S. GOP tries to cut EPA spending, kill new regulations
by Kevin Freking, The Associated Press
The bill would reduce the Environmental Protection Agency workforce to 15,000 people, the same level as in 1989
WASHINGTON—House Republicans are proposing a spending bill that cuts the budget at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by nine per cent and tries to prevent the Obama administration from enacting several regulations.
The bill released June 9 by the House Appropriations Committee would reduce the EPA workforce to 15,000 people, the same level as in 1989.
The bill, which also covers the Interior Department, the Smithsonian and other agencies, calls for spending $30.2 billion. That’s $246 million below last year’s levels.
Among the key regulations Republicans seek to quash are EPA efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants and to better protect small streams and tributaries.
The GOP has heard from industry groups that the additional regulations would make it harder for businesses and farmers to operate.
