"The Fiscal Year 2026 Environmental Protection Agency Budget."

2025-05-20

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Summary

This meeting of the subcommittee convened to discuss President Trump's fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), featuring Administrator Lee Zeldin as the witness [ 00:27:21-00:27:21 ]

[ 00:40:33-00:40:36 ] . The session was marked by sharp disagreements between Republican and Democratic members regarding the proposed budget cuts and policy shifts at the EPA [ 00:34:22-00:34:42 ] . Administrator Zeldin defended the budget as a move towards efficiency and a return to the EPA's core mission, while many members expressed concerns about the impact on environmental protection and public health [ 00:40:45-00:40:50 ] .

Themes

EPA Budget and Spending Priorities

Discussion revolved heavily around President Trump's proposed 55% reduction in the EPA's budget for fiscal year 2026 [ 00:34:30 ]

. Republican members, including Chairman Griffith, supported the cuts, arguing that the previous administration's spending was "out-of-control" and focused on "Green New Deal-style programs" unrelated to the EPA's traditional mission [ 00:28:46-00:28:56 ] . Administrator Zeldin affirmed his commitment to "zero waste and abuse" of tax dollars and maximizing efficiency [ 01:34:57 ] . In contrast, Democratic members, such as Ranking Member Tonko and Frank J. Pallone Jr., vehemently opposed the cuts, warning they would "fundamentally dismantle the EPA" and cripple its ability to protect public health and the environment [ 00:34:42 ] . Specific concerns were raised about reductions to state revolving funds for water infrastructure and categorical grants, which support state environmental agencies .

Regulatory Reform and Overreach

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the EPA's regulatory approach. Chairman Griffith criticized the "economically disastrous, legally questionable, and expensive policies" of the prior administration, advocating for undoing burdensome regulations that he believes increased energy costs and hindered manufacturing [ 00:27:34-00:27:43 ]

[ 00:28:46-00:28:56 ] . Administrator Zeldin detailed his "Powering the Great American Comeback" initiative, which aims to unleash energy production, boost auto manufacturing, and establish predictable permitting processes . He spoke of reversing "unlawful overreach" like the "Good Neighbor Rule" and reconsidering regulations that impact grid reliability and consumer choice . Some Democratic members expressed concern that these actions would reduce environmental protections for the benefit of industry, potentially increasing pollution .

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and Grant Terminations

The termination of grants, particularly those related to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), sparked heated debate. Chairman Griffith highlighted instances like Appalachian Community Capital receiving $500 million despite a small prior budget, raising questions about potential misuse of funds . Ranking Member Pallone accused Administrator Zeldin of an "illegal freeze of obligated funds" and terminating grants without sufficient evidence of fraud, waste, or abuse . Administrator Zeldin asserted he personally reviewed every canceled grant [ 01:01:05 ]

[ 01:01:10 ] . He cited instances of alleged self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and "unqualified recipients" like Power Forward Communities, which he claimed received $2 billion after reporting only $100 in its account in the previous year .

Climate Change and Environmental Science

The administration's stance on climate change and the role of science within the EPA was a point of contention. Ranking Member Tonko challenged Administrator Zeldin on his decision to reconsider the 2009 endangerment finding, asking for scientific evidence to justify this review [ 00:46:57-00:47:21 ]

. Zeldin responded that the original finding did not review individual gases and failed to account for 16 years of scientific advancements and innovation . He acknowledged human contribution to climate change but not as the sole cause . Concerns were also raised about the potential reorganization or elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD), which critics argue would undermine scientific integrity and capacity . Zeldin assured that statutory obligations for science and research would be met by elevating these functions within other program offices [ 00:50:17 ] .

Specific Environmental Programs and Issues

Several members brought up local and specific environmental concerns. The EPA's actions regarding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were heavily scrutinized, with members like Jake Daniel Auchincloss and Debbie Dingell expressing alarm over the rescinding of certain drinking water standards and extended compliance deadlines . Zeldin clarified that MCLs (Maximum Contaminant Levels) for two key PFAS chemicals (PFOA and PFOS) would remain, and that the review of others was due to a "procedural error" that he would fix, potentially resulting in even lower MCLs . The future of the Energy Star program was also debated, with several Democrats condemning its potential termination as anti-consumer and a violation of law, while Zeldin suggested the program could be run by private entities more efficiently .

Tone of the Meeting

The meeting exhibited a largely partisan and contentious tone, reflecting the deep ideological divides concerning environmental policy [ 00:27:34-00:27:43 ]

. Democratic members frequently adopted an accusatory posture, challenging Administrator Zeldin's actions as undermining the EPA's mission, potentially violating laws, and prioritizing industry interests over public health . Administrator Zeldin maintained a defensive yet firm stance, repeatedly emphasizing the agency's commitment to efficiency, statutory obligations, and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse [ 01:34:57 ] . While the atmosphere was often tense, Zeldin offered a conciliatory approach on several occasions, expressing willingness to work with members on specific local issues and providing technical assistance, and many Republican members praised his pragmatic approach [ 00:42:37 ] [ 01:19:33 ] [ 02:03:04-02:03:15 ] [ 01:22:41-01:22:44 ] .