Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, President Trump released his Budget Blueprint outlining his priorities for fiscal year 2021. The President’s proposed budget dramatically cuts funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Interior (DOI), agencies which keep our water clean and provide valuable recreational opportunities for Ohioans.
The President’s 2021 Budget requests a 26 percent decrease in funding for the EPA, resulting in the elimination of 50 EPA programs. Additionally, this budget requests a total decrease of 16 percent for the DOI — including a drastic 71 percent decrease in the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“After years of devastating environmental rollbacks, the President’s proposed budget appropriations continue to take us in the wrong direction. Ohioans deserve clean air and water and meaningful action on climate change.
“Instead of working to solve the water infrastructure crisis facing our country, President Trump’s proposed 2021 Budget will cut vital programs that keep Ohioans’ drinking water safe. Ohio already faces a dire need for $27 billion in water infrastructure upgrades, now is not the time to cut this funding.
“We urge Ohio’s congressional delegation to reject these harmful budget cuts and work instead to ensure that our federal agencies that protect our air and water have the necessary resources to carry out their missions. Our communities and our climate depend on it.”