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EPA chief defends deep cuts, reorganization and ‘‘Powering the Great American Comeback’’ plan
Summary
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment that President Trump's FY2026 budget would significantly cut agency spending and reshape priorities, while members from both parties pressed him on the effects of staffing, program terminations and legal risks.
Administrator Lee Zeldin defended President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget request and a broad reorganization plan before the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s environment subcommittee, saying the administration will reduce what it calls ‘‘unnecessary’’ spending and focus EPA on core statutory duties.
Zeldin told Chairman Griffith the administration’s priorities fall under five pillars of a plan he called “Powering the Great American Comeback,” listing ‘‘clean air, land and water for all Americans,’’ ‘‘unleash energy dominance,’’ ‘‘advance cooperative federalism and permitting reform,’’ ‘‘make America the AI capital of the world,’’ and ‘‘bring back American auto jobs.’’ He said the proposals include shifts intended to reduce regulatory costs and speed permitting.
“The Trump EPA chooses both. We want to protect the environment and grow the economy,” Zeldin said in his opening statement. He added the proposed FY2026 budget would ‘‘demand maximum efficiency’’…
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