President Trump's proposal to reduce the Environmental Protection Agency's $8.1-billion budget by $1.6 billion was cut to an $80-million trim in the omnibus spending bill. However, the EPA funding and staff controversy will undoubtedly resume during the next budgetary battles in September.
That's fueling consternation and con jobs in the heartland. According to press releases, funds for cleaning up the Great Lakes, eliminating lead poisoning, stopping oil pollution and "ensuring justice" for affected groups are "on the chopping block." Community leaders, government officials, academics and activists will therefore meet May 10-11 in Chicago for a Freshwater Lab Summit, to "engage the public" and map out strategies for preserving Obama environmental staffs, budgets, programs, policies and priorities.
