‘Skinny’ Budget Cuts Funding, Research Needed to Advance Environmental Justice

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The White House's proposed "skinny" budget would slash essential environmental justice funding across agencies, shutter the EPA's environmental justice programs, restrict critical research and development grants, and reduce funding for state water infrastructure and hazardous waste cleanup. These proposed cuts would further limit the abilities of communities to address pollution, lack of clean water, and other harmful environmental issues in their neighborhoods. They would also perpetuate environmental health disparities and continue to undermine the critical role frontline and fenceline communities play as decision-makers regarding their health and well-being.

"The administration's proposed cuts to key EPA offices and programs, like the Environmental Justice Office, the Office of Research and Development, and the Superfund program, are deeply concerning," said Taofik Oladipo, policy manager for environmental justice at the National Wildlife Federation. "Too many communities are disproportionately exposed to pollution to suggest eliminating the few existing resources needed to support them. Congress should advance its own budget that acknowledges and addresses the full extent of harm frontline and fenceline communities are experiencing."