This week, a hearing was held by the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, led by Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin. The session focused on examining the Trump Administration's agenda to provide clean air, land, and water while restoring accountability and cooperative federalism to agency policy. Lawmakers emphasized the need to curb Biden-era bureaucracy and boost American jobs and energy.
Subcommittee Chairman Simpson remarked on the administration's review of EPA's funding priorities and regulatory reach. "This Administration is taking a hard look at EPA’s funding priorities and regulatory overreach, which I believe is much needed," he stated. He expressed support for finding a balance between environmental protection and economic growth.
Chairman Cole highlighted his eagerness to collaborate with Administrator Zeldin in reducing red tape while improving environmental health. "Administrator Zeldin, I look forward to working together to reduce red tape, provide regulatory certainty, and improve environmental health while also protecting American jobs and lowering energy costs," said Cole.
EPA Administrator Zeldin outlined efforts undertaken since President Trump's inauguration. "We are fulfilling our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while powering the great American comeback," Zeldin noted. He detailed actions such as wildfire cleanup in Los Angeles, combating PFAS contamination, redevelopment at Superfund sites across 13 states, delisting four sites from the National Priorities List, and completing State Implementation Plans.
As work on the FY26 budget continues, collaboration between the House Appropriations Committee and the EPA will focus on promoting strong land and water resources while supporting economic growth for American communities.
