Bob Menendez: “This amendment simply restores EPA's enforcement budget to current levels. Without these funds, the EPA's ability to…”

“This amendment simply restores EPA's enforcement budget to current levels. Without these funds, the EPA's ability to enforce the Nation's environmental laws will be greatly reduced. If we pass this appropriation without adopting this amendment, we will be doing a grave disservice to America's environmental health. The cut in the EPA's enforcement budget will result in a further degradation and destruction of environmental resources. As a result of this cut, there will be fewer than 2,000 inspectors, 50 fewer criminal actions and 50 fewer civil actions and the loss of millions of dollars in cost recovery. This administration would like to rely on the States for enforcement action and, as a result, will cut some 270 enforcement positions.”