To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Environmental Protection Agency, Science and Technology for fiscal year 2024.
The introduction of HB 2188 reflects a significant shift in the approach to environmental funding by capping the budget allocated to the agency responsible for regulating environmental standards. If enacted, this bill could lead to decreased capacity for the EPA to carry out its scientific research and technological advancements, potentially affecting various environmental protection initiatives. The limitation may hinder the agency’s ability to address pressing issues such as climate change, water quality, and air pollution control.
House Bill 2188 aims to impose a limitation on the available funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifically concerning the Science and Technology budget for the fiscal year 2024. The bill states that the total amount authorized to be appropriated or otherwise available for these purposes may not exceed $717,723,000. This measure is part of a broader push to control government spending and ensure that federal agencies operate within budgetary constraints.
Discussions surrounding this bill highlight ideological divides concerning environmental policy and federal spending. Proponents argue that reducing funding for the EPA is essential to promote fiscal responsibility and limit government overreach into industry regulations. However, opponents raise concerns that such a funding cap could compromise public health and environmental safety by undermining the EPA’s role in enforcing laws designed to protect the environment. Advocacy groups have expressed strong objections, emphasizing the potential negative ramifications on environmental regulations and the well-being of various ecosystems.