U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a hearing in Washington D.C. on the proposed budget for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Fiscal Year 2026. The session featured EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
Chairman Capito commended Administrator Zeldin's leadership in redirecting the EPA to its core mission and reducing what she described as regulatory overreach by the previous administration. She emphasized that this approach is beneficial for West Virginia and the nation.
Capito remarked, "Welcome to Administrator Zeldin, it is good to see you again... I believe you are doing an excellent job in implementing your vision to return the EPA to its core mission of protecting our country’s air, our land, and water, while eliminating wasteful spending."
She praised efforts like rescinding regulations from prior administrations that aimed at shutting down fossil-fuel electric generation. Capito also highlighted actions taken by President Trump’s team to prioritize West Virginia with initiatives such as an agency-wide PFAS strategy.
Addressing structural changes within the EPA, Capito noted that more than 130 experts have been moved to assist with reviews of new chemicals and pesticides—a process previously criticized for delays. "Addressing the pace of this process is crucial," she stated.
Capito expressed gratitude towards Administrator Zeldin for prioritizing taxpayer money stewardship within the proposed budget. She mentioned restored accountability in grant programs enacted through past legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Specific reductions in environmental justice programs were discussed, with Capito stating these cuts reflect interests of hardworking Americans by reducing burdensome requirements imposed under previous administrations.
However, she raised concerns about potential impacts on bipartisan programs vital for environmental cleanup and safe drinking water access due to proposed funding cuts. These include significant reductions in funding for Brownfields program and Clean Water State Revolving Funds.
"I hope that we can work together through the Appropriations process...to make sure that adequate resources remain available to support our water systems," Capito concluded her statement.
