1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's proposed drastic cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) workforce and activities are highly concerning. Slashing the EPA's budget by 65% would severely undermine its ability to fulfill its vital mission of safeguarding public health and the environment. This would have far-reaching negative consequences for all Americans. The EPA plays a crucial role in enforcing landmark environmental laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. These regulations protect us from harmful air and water pollution that can lead to respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other serious health issues. Cutting funding and personnel would cripple the EPA's capacity to monitor compliance, conduct scientific research, and respond to environmental emergencies. Furthermore, studies have shown that the economic benefits of EPA regulations vastly outweigh the costs to industries. Every dollar invested in pollution control yields $30 in public health and environmental benefits. Dismantling these protections would impose staggering costs on society in the form of increased healthcare expenses, ecosystem damage, and loss of natural resources. The EPA's regulatory role is vital for addressing market failures where the free market fails to account for environmental externalities like air and water pollution. Corporations alone cannot be relied upon to prioritize public welfare over profits. A strong EPA is essential to safeguard our natural resources and quality of life for current and future generations. I urge you to reject these budget cuts and instead bolster the EPA's scientific capabilities and enforcement of environmental safeguards. Protecting our air, water, and public health should be a top priority. The costs of inaction will be exponentially higher in the long run.