New TV Ad: EPA Cuts Will Increase Health Problems, Hurt Disaster Response

Environmental Defense Fund has launched a new TV ad to highlight the need for a fully capable Environmental Protection Agency to protect the health of all Americans. The ad, which will run for three weeks in the Washington D.C. area, reminds Congress that cutting EPA means they’ll be responsible for more asthma attacks, more lead in the water, more pollution, and more health problems. The spot, which ends with footage of the recent fires at the Arkema chemical plant near Houston, reminds lawmakers that EPA is critical part of disaster response.

“The Trump administration has proposed a 30% cut to EPA, the biggest cut of any federal agency,” said Elizabeth Thompson, Vice President, U.S. Climate and Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund. “That would leave EPA unable to protect our kids’ health or respond effectively to disasters like Harvey and Irma. The Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the agency that keeps our air and water clean – and protects our health in case of emergencies — are deeply irresponsible.”

The ad is part of an ongoing effort by EDF to ensure that EPA, which has already suffered serious budget reductions in recent year, remains capable of protecting public health.

The ad can be seen here.