To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Environmental Protection Agency, State and Tribal Assistance Grants, Environmental Information Exchange Network for fiscal year 2024.
Impact
The passage of HB 2198 would create immediate financial challenges for state and tribal agencies that depend on grants from the EPA for various environmental projects. Without these funds, critical programs that aim to address pollution, improve water quality, and support infrastructural projects focused on sustainability could be severely compromised. The bill's enactment reflects broader budgetary policies and priorities within fiscal governance, potentially leading to decreased responsiveness to local environmental needs.
Summary
House Bill 2198 seeks to impose a funding limitation on the Environmental Protection Agency for the fiscal year 2024, specifically targeting State and Tribal Assistance Grants and the Environmental Information Exchange Network. The bill's primary goal is to restrict the financial resources available for these programs to a total of zero dollars. This proposal signals a significant shift in how federal money could be allocated towards environmental initiatives, particularly affecting state and tribal programs reliant on federal assistance.
Contention
The bill is likely to face opposition from not only environmental groups but also from local governments and tribal authorities who rely on these funds. Critics may argue that the bill undermines vital environmental protections and diminishes efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices. The limitations proposed in HB 2198 could lead to a deterioration in local environmental health, sparking debates about the adequacy of current federal environmental policies while advocating for the importance of funding at the state and local levels.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Programs and Management, Geographic Program for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Environmental Protection Agency, Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Environmental Protection Agency, Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System for fiscal year 2024.