STOP FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill

I urge you to oppose the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This legislation is a direct attack on our nation’s ability to combat climate change, protect wildlife, and safeguard the natural resources future generations depend on, and harms government employees. The bill guts funding for the EPA, eliminates environmental justice programs, and cripples enforcement of the very safeguards designed to keep our air and water clean. It is loaded with dozens of policy riders that strip the EPA’s authority to enforce the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and essential laws governing hazardous waste and pesticides. These provisions would directly endanger the safety of our drinking water, leaving communities—especially rural and low-income areas—more vulnerable to contamination from industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and toxic chemicals. It blocks fuel efficiency regulations—forcing consumers to pay more at the pump—and undermines cornerstone protections like the Endangered Species Act. It promotes fossil fuel development over responsible stewardship, prevents regulation of toxic lead on wildlife refuges and federal lands, and substitutes political agendas for scientific decision-making on imperiled species. Beyond environmental harm, this bill poses significant economic risks. Dirty air and polluted water lead to higher public health costs, more missed workdays, and heavier burdens on already strained healthcare systems. Degraded ecosystems threaten industries that rely on clean water and healthy habitats—fisheries, outdoor recreation, and tourism—costing billions in lost revenue and local jobs. In short, this bill sacrifices long-term economic stability for short-term polluter profits. If all that was not enough, this bill harms government employees. Section 243 and 244 would prohibit taxpayer dollars for any type of gender-affirming care for transgender people. This would include programs like Medicaid. Democrats should not and cannot abandon the well-being of LGBTQ+ constituents. The biodiversity crisis and climate crisis are inseparable. As species disappear and ecosystems collapse, our ability to mitigate climate impacts and protect public health is eroded. At a time when we need bold action to restore natural systems and cut emissions, this bill does the opposite—it caters to polluters and threatens irreplaceable resources. Please reject this dangerous appropriations bill. Stand with science, with your constituents, employees that serve the government well, and with future generations by voting NO.