Dozens of House Democrats have joined forces to push back against planned cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a letter addressed to EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler. The letter, spearheaded by Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), expresses deep concern over the proposed elimination of up to 75 percent of employees within the EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD).
In the letter, the House Democrats highlight the crucial role that the ORD plays in conducting research and providing scientific expertise to support the EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. They argue that cutting the ORD’s workforce would severely hinder the agency’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities and jeopardize the health and safety of American citizens.
The proposed cuts to the ORD are part of the Trump administration’s larger plan to slash the EPA’s budget by 31 percent, a move that has been met with widespread criticism and opposition. The House Democrats’ letter is just the latest in a series of efforts to push back against these proposed cuts and protect the EPA’s vital work.
Rep. Landsman, who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, emphasized the importance of the ORD in a statement, saying, “The Office of Research and Development is the backbone of the EPA’s scientific research and expertise. Cutting its workforce by 75 percent would be a devastating blow to the EPA’s ability to protect our environment and public health.”
The House Democrats’ letter also raises concerns about the potential impact of these cuts on the EPA’s ability to address emerging environmental challenges, such as climate change and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The ORD plays a crucial role in conducting research on these issues and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform policy decisions.
Furthermore, the letter highlights the potential economic consequences of cutting the ORD’s workforce. The EPA’s research and development activities not only protect public health and the environment, but they also support thousands of jobs in the scientific community. The proposed cuts could have a ripple effect on the economy, leading to job losses and hindering the growth of innovative industries.
The House Democrats’ letter has garnered support from a diverse group of lawmakers, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. This bipartisan effort demonstrates the widespread concern over the proposed cuts and the determination to protect the EPA’s critical work.
In addition to the letter, House Democrats have also introduced legislation to block the proposed cuts and provide funding for the ORD. The legislation, known as the “Protecting Scientific Integrity Act,” would prevent the EPA from reducing the ORD’s workforce and ensure that the agency has the resources it needs to carry out its important research and development activities.
The House Democrats’ efforts have been met with praise from environmental and public health organizations. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) issued a statement applauding the lawmakers for standing up for science and protecting the EPA’s vital work. The NRDC also emphasized the importance of the ORD in safeguarding public health and the environment.
In conclusion, the House Democrats’ letter to the EPA is a powerful statement of their commitment to protecting the agency’s critical work and ensuring that it has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission. The proposed cuts to the ORD would have far-reaching consequences, and it is heartening to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle coming together to oppose them. As the letter states, “We urge you to reconsider these proposed cuts and work with us to ensure that the EPA has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment for all Americans.”
