Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to request a briefing from EPA on the proposed draconian cuts to the Agency. The request comes after a report by the Washington Post about a leaked internal memorandum written by EPA Acting Chief Financial Officer David A. Bloom last month. The report detailed the proposed cuts, which would paralyze EPA’s ability to function. Pallone’s letter requests a briefing from EPA as soon as possible in order to confirm and review the rumored budget cut proposals.
“As the Committee with primary oversight authority over EPA, it is imperative that Energy and Commerce Members and staff receive accurate and timely information on the current priorities and plans of the Agency," Pallone wrote in the letter to Administrator Pruitt. “It is unacceptable that we have only heard of the proposed staff and funding cuts - and the elimination of more than 50 critical programs - through unofficial sources.
“To expeditiously remedy this situation, I request a briefing on EPA’s budget request," Pallone continued. “As part of this briefing, and to the extent practicable, I would appreciate any information concerning the programs and initiatives within the jurisdiction of the Committee, including proposed budget and spending breakdowns, future state and regional funding, current and future employment numbers, elimination and consolidation plans for allegedly duplicative programs, and timelines for implementing these sweeping changes."
