POLITICO Energy Inside Trump’s plan to gut EPA’s budget
Jun 3, 2025
Alex Guillén, an energy reporter for POLITICO, discusses President Trump’s drastic 55% budget cut proposal for the EPA. He analyzes the political tensions within the Republican party as lawmakers express their concerns about the impacts on essential state programs. The conversation highlights potential job losses and the challenges of securing bipartisan support amid controversial funding cuts. Guillén also sheds light on potential reductions affecting the Energy Department and the Department of Interior, stressing the broader implications for environmental initiatives.
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Massive EPA Budget Cuts Proposed
- Trump administration proposes a 55% cut to EPA's budget, much steeper than previous 20-30% cuts.
- They plan to largely cut state grants that fund environmental cleanup and water projects.
EPA Funding Critical for States
- EPA funding supports all states for vital environmental work like wastewater cleanup.
- Losing this money means states face major cuts or must raise taxes, stressing nonpartisan programs.
Republican Pushback Against EPA Cuts
- Hill Republicans, including conservatives, find the drastic EPA cuts unrealistic.
- Many oppose slashing state grants that fund routine environmental programs, causing budget pushback.