President Trump's Reported Cuts to EPA’s Clean Air and Water Programs Would Have Serious Consequences for Kids

Statement of Elizabeth Thompson, EDF Vice President for Climate and Political Affairs

According to news reports, the Trump Administration plans to propose big cuts to the budget for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Here’s what cutting EPA’s budget means in the real world: more air pollution, more asthma attacks for kids, more health problems. This isn’t about budget savings. It is about giving big polluters a license to pollute without consequences. And it goes against the wishes of the American public – 67 percent of whom think EPA should stay the same or should be strengthened.

“Half of all Americans live in counties with unhealthy air quality – increasing the risk of asthma attacks, heart disease and lung disease. More than 10 million Americans live in homes that get their drinking water through lead pipes – in Flint, Michigan and many other places. Americans will be less safe if Congress goes along with this reckless budget.”  

            - Elizabeth Thompson, EDF Vice President for Climate and Political Affairs

With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org

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