6 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 28
Administrator Lee Zeldin faced Democratic lawmakers at a House subcommittee hearing, defending the Trump administration’s plan to slash the EPA’s fiscal 2027 budget by more than half.
Zeldin argued the cuts would increase efficiency, including eliminating the Atmospheric Protection Program and rolling back emissions and chemical rules, while Democrats warned of weakened environmental protections and lawsuits over Clean Air Act violations.
The proposal follows previous praise from Republicans for refocusing the EPA and supporting the coal industry, while Democratic attorneys general continue to challenge EPA policy changes in court.
How will a $4.2 billion budget address growing threats like microplastics after years of much larger, supplemental funding?
With 24 states suing, what is the future of America's largest-ever environmental deregulation action?
With enforcement lawsuits reportedly down 76%, what does the EPA’s new 'compliance first' policy mean for polluters?
After placing 144 dissenting scientists on leave, how is the EPA ensuring scientific integrity in its decisions?
How will communities be protected after environmental justice offices were closed and specific emissions rules relaxed?
The EPA has flagged microplastics in drinking water. How will it move from monitoring to actual removal?