Putting Ourselves at Risk: Cutting the EPA budget

by: epicsurvivor

Wed May 04, 2011 at 10:41:04 AM EDT

In the early stages of 2011, The Environmental Protection Agency has been assaulted with criticism and faced with a battle from the GOP. The EPA has been forced to fight off advances for nearly 3 or 4 months opposing EPA regulation and support for budget cuts limiting EPA resources. With budget cuts and acts currently not in line with what Republican Party representatives looking for, the barrage of activity opposing the EPA could spell many future problems for the agency. more below

epicsurvivor :: Putting Ourselves at Risk: Cutting the EPA budget

The budget resolution came a few weeks ago, cutting about 16% off of the 2010 EPA budget, a six percent increase on what was initially proposed near the beginning of 2011. While these budgets were agreeable, the GOP didn't receive exactly what their intention was, and the agency was subjected to further budget cuts. This pattern leading into the foreseeable future could be incredibly problematic when you consider the EPA initiatives that have had direct implications on environmental related health issues.

The GOP has been forward in their intentions, but the actions against the EPA could have an even greater impact. Continued criticisms of EPA budgets could lead to further cuts and repeated reduction of resources.

A common talking point when taking a glance at this subject is that EPA restrictions cost businesses large amounts o f revenue generation. Businesses leaders are high outspoken on the potential impact these pollution rules can have on the income generated by their companies, with the primary issue in discussion being the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from their factories, plants, and refineries.

The lawmakers of the GOP believe that if businesses have more lax emissions standards, they will see both stimulated job growth, and revenue. GOP lawmen have even gone as far as to question whether emissions produced by American businesses are even in relation to the pollution of the environment as well, and have introduced the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. This bill, passed in the House of Representatives, but fortunately a failure at the Senate level, could be a sign of future things to come, as it would appear the GOP, and without doubt the large corporations under discussion care much more about their profits than that of the health issues facing a restriction of EPA power.

Allowing these companies to have an unlimited emission of greenhouse gas, and forcing the EPA into more "lax" regulations, would certainly lead to an increase in pollution and smog throughout the country. Even a small rise in smog and pollution could lead to numerous health issues like leukemia, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Another EPA supported initiative involves the removal of asbestos. Older buildings and structures are cleared of asbestos and supported by the EPA each year. Asbestos cancer, also known as mesothelioma, is a dangerous disease caused by asbestos exposure, and given the bleak outlook of the disease; asbestos removal helps to keep citizens safe from major health risks that can be associated with mesothelioma. With the possibility of future cuts to EPA resources, programs like this could be in jeopardy.

With the trend of cuts and consistent criticism of their initiatives, a continued attack on the EPA could hold grave consequences. Looking at the risks for the future, it's more important now, than ever, to continue expanding awareness of all the positive programs the EPA is involved with.