February 7, 2017

On February 7, Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX-3) introduced the Wasteful EPA Programs Elimination Act (H.R.958) which will eliminate multiple programs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

H.R.958 would defund 13 EPA programs, close all EPA field offices, and require the EPA to sell/lease “under-utilized” properties. The bill also acts to eliminate all EPA grant programs, the National Clean Diesel Campaign, and environmental justice programs. The EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, Climate Resilience Fund, Climate Resilience Evaluation Awareness Tool, Green Infrastructure Program, and Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative are directed to be defunded under this bill. EPA climate research, ozone standard development, and greenhouse gas emission regulations for vehicles and power plants are also directed to be defunded under this bill.

Rep. Johnson cites a Heritage Foundation estimate that these actions would save $7.5 billion in expenditures over 10 years.

The bill was referred to the following committees: House Committee on Energy and Commerce, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House Committee on Agriculture, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment.

Sources: House.gov, Senate.gov