8/12: Demand Funding for EPA and Superfund


Since it’s founding in 1970, the EPA has played a crucial role in ensuring that our country’s land, air, and water is protected for the health and safety of all Americans. The EPA’s Superfund program, in particular, is necessary for facilitating the cleanup of more than 1300 toxic sites across the country, including the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund, the site of the 2015 Gold King Mine Spill. Unfortunately, the Superfund program is now more important than ever.

Ignoring that reality, the Trump administration has proposed a 31% decrease in funding for the EPA, including cuts to the Superfund program of $330 million annually. EPA chief, Scott Pruitt, has defended the budget proposal, even while experts warned the cuts would likely delay cleanup at the most complex and polluting sites. That’s unacceptable. Join us in asking the U.S. Congress and Senate to prioritize the health and safety of our communities by fully funding the EPA and it’s Superfund program.

HOUSE OR SENATE BILL:

United States Budget – Fiscal year 2018

SUGGESTED MEMBER ACTION:  

Contact your representatives demanding EPA’s budget is not cut and funding is provided for Superfund.

WHO MEMBER IS TO CONTACT:  

US HOUSE AND SENATE

  • Senator Michael Bennet     

www.bennet.senate.gov

  • Senator Cory Gardner   

http://www.gardner.senate.gov

  • Representative Scott Tipton    

https://tipton.house.gov/contact-me

MEMBER SCRIPT:

I am writing to ask you to oppose any budget that includes cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) funding, which is crucial for protecting human and environmental health.  The EPA’s Superfund program, in particular, is necessary to cleanup more than 1300 of the most toxic sites across our country, including the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund, the site of the 2015 Gold King Mine Spill …

For further information and additional suggestions for script go to: www.sanjuancitizens.org/no-cuts-to-superfund  

WHEN IS MEMBER TO WRITE:

Congress has until October 1st, 2017 to approve a budget for fiscal year 2018, but a vote on funding for the EPA and Superfund could come much sooner. Submit your letter ASAP.