Former Officials Warn of Unprecedented Rollback at US Environmental Agency

Former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials are raising alarms over what they describe as an unprecedented dismantling of the agency under the Trump administration, arguing that its capacity to protect public health and the environment is being systematically weakened. Speaking at a briefing organized by the Environmental Protection Network (EPN), ex-staff said proposed budget cuts and restructuring threaten core scientific, enforcement, and research functions.

While the administration initially sought a 55% reduction in the EPA’s $9 billion budget, Congress is now weighing competing proposals. The Senate has advanced a bipartisan plan calling for a modest 5% cut while preserving critical programs, including the Office of Research and Development and funding for states. In contrast, the House proposal would slash the agency’s budget by 23%, sharply reduce enforcement, eliminate thousands of jobs, and curtail state support for clean water and pollution control.

Critics warn that weakening the EPA would leave communities more vulnerable to toxic pollution, while supporters argue the changes reduce regulatory burdens.

30-12-2025