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States Slash Funds for EPA Programs02-10-10 | News

States Slash Funds for EPA Programs




California has suspended or axed funds for a number of environmental projects, including a $12 million plan to prevent storm water runoff into Santa Monica Bay. This is how the beach gets after a rainstorm.
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According to the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), the EPA issues about 100 new rules each year that impact state and local governments. That?EUR??,,????'?????<

The states are responsible for implementing nearly every major EPA program, including conducting the permitting, inspections, enforcement
and monitoring on behalf of EPA for air, water, drinking water and
waste programs.

ECOS points out that states can no longer continue to subsidize EPA requirements, as there are budget shortfalls in 48 of the 50 states.

The EPA does give financial assistance through state and tribal assistance grants (STAG). STAG constitutes nearly half of EPA?EUR??,,????'?????<

Still, states are slashing funds for environmental programs, which threaten their ability to meet federal standards for clean air and water.

All but two states, Montana and North Dakota, have made significant cuts to EPA initiatives, ranging from toxic waste cleanup to sewage treatment, according to Steve Brown, ECOS executive director.

Pennsylvania has cut state funding for its Department of Environmental Protection by 30 percent; Massachusetts by 18 percent; and California has suspended or cut funds for dozens of environmental projects, including a $12 million plan to prevent storm-water runoff into the Santa Monica Bay.

While this year?EUR??,,????'?????<

The new budget, as proposed, cuts the State Revolving Loan Funds (SRFs) to pay for increases elsewhere. However, the SRFs have received unprecedented funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the previous budget. EPA again proposes solid funding this year for the SRFs that protect the environment and create construction sector jobs.

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