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EPA administrator defends FY2027 budget and deregulatory agenda at Senate EPW hearing
Summary
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee the agency's FY2027 budget will prioritize streamlined permitting, faster chemical reviews, and a narrower federal role on waters and energy rules, while senators pressed him on rollbacks, grant cancellations, PFAS cleanup and community impacts.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the agency's FY2027 budget request and recent policy changes at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on May 13, saying his team is focused on “a leaner, more efficient, and accountable EPA” that supports both public health and domestic energy production.
Addressing the committee, Zeldin said the administration has rescinded the 2009 endangerment finding, repealed the 2024 mercury and air toxics standards, proposed a clarified definition of Waters of the United States and prioritized faster reviews of new chemicals. “This budget proposal captures significant efficiencies and a return focus on what Congress has directed us to do,” he said.
Chairman Capito opened the hearing by praising actions that he said reduced regulatory burdens and by urging sustained funding for state drinking-water and clean-water revolving funds, which he described as critical for small and rural communities to replace aging pipes and update treatment systems.
Zeldin cited agency steps on high-profile contamination and infrastructure issues, including efforts to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis and actions to reduce lead in drinking water. He also highlighted internal changes intended to clear a backlog of new chemical notices, saying EPA completed 58 PMN (premanufacture notice) reviews in the first three months of the year and expects to review more new chemicals in 2026 than in any prior year.
Committee members from both parties pressed Zeldin on multiple fronts. Several Democrats challenged the legal basis and public-health implications of rescinding the endangerment finding and rolling back vehicle and air-pollution standards; Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse warned the agency's cost calculations undervalue health benefits. Republicans focused on grid reliability, permitting reform and perceived inefficiencies or conflicts in programs such as the Solar for All implementation and certain IRA-funded grants.
On grant cancellations, Zeldin told the committee EPA reviewed awards on an individualized basis and agreed to provide documentation to senators who requested it. On new-chemicals reviews, he pointed to a March 2025 Congressional appropriation for IT upgrades and to increased staff as drivers of faster processing.
Zeldin repeatedly framed agency actions as returning decision-making to congressional intent and to states. "We are committed to supporting more baseload power sources in this country to meet this moment and unleash energy dominance," he said, while also asserting the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment.
The committee set deadlines for written questions and witness responses (questions due 5:00 p.m. May 13; responses due 5:00 p.m. May 27). The hearing produced no formal votes.
Ending note: Senators requested follow-up materials on several topics, including documentation of grant reviews, status updates on WIFIA loans and the RMP public information page; Zeldin agreed to provide additional information and to continue consultations with members.
