Clean and Safe Water Dismissed by EPA

During a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) questioned EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson with respect to the agency's proposed $8.973 billion budget request for Fiscal Year 2012. Specifically, Congressman Latta questioned the projected $947 million cuts in revolving loan funds to states that are trying to comply with federal water regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act--funds the Fifth Congressional District relies on.

"EPA wants to cut critical water infrastructure funding in exchange for climate change funding; an issue Congress has deemed outside the boundaries of the EPA. Currently the budget allocates $252.8 million to address climate change, which is about a $56 million increase from the levels enacted in Fiscal Year 2010. It's clear the agency is willing to put at risk human health in order to fulfill a dying political agenda -- climate change," said Congressman Latta.

The need in Ohio is substantial; with an estimated over $21 billion need to adequately address Ohio's water infrastructure needs.

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