EPA's Jackson Defends Agency Spending
Administrator focuses remarks on Clean Water Act.
Compiled by staff
Published: Mar 8, 2011
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has continued the parade of cabinet members testifying before subcommittees in the House, addressing President Obama's Fiscal Year 2012 budget request. Last week Jackson addressed the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies concerning the President's proposed budget for EPA.
In her prepared remarks, Administrator Jackson said, as head of the EPA, I am accountable for ensuring that we squeeze every drop of public health protection out of every dollar we are given. So I support the tough cuts in the President's proposed budget. But, I am equally accountable for pointing out when cuts become detrimental to public health. Without adequate funding, EPA would be unable to implement or enforce the laws that protect Americans' health, livelihoods, and pastimes.
The Clean Water Act was Jackson's primary focus. She said, without proper funding, big polluters would flout legal restrictions on dumping contaminants into the air, into rivers, and onto the ground. Concentrations of harmful pollution would increase from current levels in the places Americans live, work, go to school, fish, hike, and hunt. The President's proposed annual budget for EPA cuts nearly 13% from its current level.
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Tagged: EPA, legal
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