EPA, Park Service take big hits in latest Trump budget plan
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON (The Hill) – The Trump administration’s expanded budget request aims to significantly reduce science, workforce, and various programs across several federal agencies dealing with environmental issues.

Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Park Service (NPS) are facing substantial and targeted reductions according to the more detailed version of the administration’s budget released late Friday.

The EPA sees a 35 percent cut to the payroll for its science staff and for staff who work on environmental programs and environmental management.

NPS sees a 30 percent cut to its staff in charge of park system operations.

Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sees a 28 percent cut to its operations, research and facilities staff payroll.

However, it’s not just personnel that are affected. Numerous offices focused on energy and environmental research, as well as disaster response, face cutbacks or are proposed to be eliminated under this plan.

It completely zeroes out NOAA’s office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, for example, and also cuts federal assistance at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by 32 percent.

Science and technology activities at the EPA would see a 33 percent cut, while environmental programs and environmental management at the agency would see an 18 percent one.

And the Energy Department would also see a 13 cut to its science office. The budget document also proposes to “wind down” the department’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, which was established in the Biden-era bipartisan infrastructure law to bolster emerging energy technologies including hydrogen power, carbon capture, advanced nuclear reactors, and batteries.

“This sick joke of a budget is a nonstarter,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, in a written statement. “In no way can America continue to lead if Trump continues his vendetta against the scientific enterprise. While Trump slashes budgets for American research and innovation, our adversaries, like China, are popping champagne. I will do everything I can to stand in the way of this ridiculous plan.

In previous years, a White House budget request has been taken as more of a signal of an administration’s priorities than a roadmap that’s likely to be realized since it’s Congress, not the administration, that has the power of the purse.

The Trump administration, however, has signaled that it is willing to go further to challenge that authority, already instituting massive layoffs at many agencies and gearing up for more. 

And White House budget director Russell Vought said over the weekend that the administration would consider “impoundment” to get its agenda across the finish line.

It’s not entirely clear how the budget would play out politically, as cuts to programs such as NPS have been historically unpopular. The administration’s calls for cuts to FEMA have also been met with mixed reviews even within the GOP, though, the budget proposal stops short of the administration’s broader calls to eliminate FEMA entirely.

The document that was released late Friday gives additional color to a less detailed “skinny budget” previously released by the administration. The skinny budget also proposed big cuts at similar agencies.

The previously announced document called for a 55 percent cut to the EPA’s overall budget and a 31 percent cut to the Interior Department, which houses the Park Service. It also called for transferring certain national park “properties” to the states. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Danville School Board’s Unanimous Decision: Administrator Dismissal Sparks Change

In a decisive move, the Danville Board of Education has chosen to…

Colleagues Honor Cherished CSRA Radio Host’s Legacy

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Central Savannah River Area is in mourning following…

Survey Reveals Texans’ Divided Opinions on Trump’s Immigration Policies

McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) A recently released poll highlights a divide among…

Pentagon Boosts Rio Grande Security with Enhanced Coast Guard Patrols: A Strategic Response

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to hold a press conference on Thursday…

Enjoy a Pleasant Weekend: Warm, Dry, and Breezy Weather Ahead

In Tampa, Florida, residents can expect a delightful afternoon with temperatures climbing…

Trump Halts Trade Negotiations with Canada Following Reagan Tariff Advertisement

On Thursday, President Trump announced the cessation of trade discussions with Canada,…

Trump Delays Federal Surge in San Francisco, Grants Additional Time to Mayor

A planned increase in federal enforcement in San Francisco has been temporarily…

Storm Team 3 Forecast: Enjoy Sunny & Warm Weekend Before Showers Arrive Next Week

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Thursday dawned with some of the season’s coolest temperatures…

Central Illinois Initiative Highlights Vital Bus Safety: Protecting Our Most Precious Passengers

TUSCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) — Every day, millions of students nationwide rely on…

Resilient Sacred Heart-Griffin Football Aims for Comeback After Heartbreaking Defeat

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – As the Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin football team prepares…

Intel Reports Profits Despite Challenges in Reclaiming Market Share

NEW YORK – Intel has reported a profitable quarter as the company,…

Explore Weekend Wonders: Hiking, Elk Fest, and More in the Tri-Cities!

TRI-CITIES, Tenn./Va. (WJHL) — This weekend, the Tri-Cities area is buzzing with…