But as a result, the budget for the rest of EPA is slashed 43 percent. [How eliminating two EPA programs could affect large parts of America]Because of the sweeping cuts to scientific programs, the administrator’s own Science Advisory Board budget would be cut 84 percent. The latest EPA budget plan would abolish programs that study known environmental hazards including lead, poor indoor air quality, and radiation. In each case, the budget document says that these programs can be eliminated because they do not represent core agency priorities or can be deferred to states. The budget document also proposes the elimination of regional programs focused on restoring watersheds and coastal and marine habitats.

Source: Washington Post March 31, 2017 23:46 UTC