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During a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) questioned EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson with respect to the agency’s proposed $8.973 billion budget request for Fiscal Year 2012.  Specifically, Congressman Latta questioned the projected $947 million cuts in revolving loan funds to states that are trying to comply with federal water regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act—funds the Fifth Congressional District relies on. 

“EPA wants to cut critical water infrastructure funding in exchange for climate change funding; an issue Congress has deemed outside the boundaries of the EPA. Currently the budget allocates $252.8 million to address climate change, which is about a $56 million increase from the levels enacted in Fiscal Year 2010.  It’s clear the agency is willing to put at risk human health in order to fulfill a dying political agenda – climate change,” said Congressman Latta.

The need in Ohio is substantial; with an estimated over $21 billion need to adequately address Ohio’s water infrastructure needs.