Indiana advocates ask Congress to save EPA funding; Trump proposed $2.5 billion cut

The Trump administration proposal for 2019 would reduce the agency’s annual budget by 23 percent. The president once promised to reduce the agency to “little tidbits.”

“The proposed federal budget cuts will eliminate state grants of tens of millions of dollars,” said State Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis. “In a state with poor environment indicators we cannot afford to lose this money. I implore our Congressional delegation to reject these cuts.”

She cited federal grants being used to clean up Superfund sites in Indianapolis and reducing lead exposure to Hoosier children.

Congress has a March 23 deadline for federal funding decisions.

“A healthy economy relies on a healthy environment. EPA funding helps clean up toxic sites,” Hamilton added.

Earlier this year, the EPA extended the public

comment period through March 12 for comments on cleaning up the DuPont Facility hazardous waste site in East Chicago. Arsenic is considered the primary contaminant in groundwater there. Primary soil contaminants are lead, zinc, arsenic and cadmium. The EPA has estimated cleanup costs at $22.6 million, which is to be paid by the site owner.

“Toxic substances in the air we breathe, the water we drink and in the soil disproportionately affect children more than adults,” Dr. Margaret Frericks of Improving Kids' Environment said. “This is because they’re still developing.”

That puts youth at “greater risks for contact with toxic substances,” the mother of two said Tuesday.

Last year the EPA announced it would partner with the City of Anderson in the federal Healthy Places for Healthy People program. In Anderson, city and local hospitals and health centers are to create health districts to revitalize neighborhoods, improve the environment and contribute to residents’ health improvements.

Hamilton recently stepped down as executive director of Indiana Recycling Coalition and serves on the House Environmental Affairs Committee.