In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Americans are suffering greatly. We need to stand by them and ensure they are protected—and the EPA is a crucial component of their recovery, putting local emergency personnel on the ground at the chemical plant explosion in Texas, securing clean drinking water for disaster victims, and monitoring air quality to ensure that resulting chemical spills and pollution releases aren't putting people in danger.
Yet President Trump has proposed cutting EPA's budget by 30% - more than any other federal department or agency – which would handcuff the EPA protecting Americans when they need it most. We can't let this proposal become law—disaster victims deserve better.
Tell Congress to protect EPA's ability to respond to disasters, and reject any budget cuts to this critical agency.
Dear [Decision Maker],
I am writing today in strong opposition to any cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget. This crucial agency, tasked with ensuring all Americans have access to air that is safe to breathe and water that is clean to drink, is already operating with limited funds.
And right now, Americans need to the EPA more than ever. As the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma rebuild their lives, they need the EPA’s expert analysis and support. Cutting EPA’s funding will only prevent them from protecting vulnerable citizens from the aftermath of disasters—including everything from ensuring clean drinking water for families to monitoring the dangerous chemical plant explosion we saw in Texas. We simply cannot allow this to happen.
Americans want a strong EPA. A Reuters/Ipsos opinion survey released in mid-January highlighted that more than 4 out of 5 Americans want EPA's authority preserved or strengthened under the Trump Administration. Yet the Administration's current proposal cuts the EPA budget significantly, taking aim at its ability to monitor air quality (slashing that budget by 30%), supervise public water systems (cut by 30%) and inform communities about toxic pollution (cut by nearly 40%).
Please fight to protect the health and safety of your constituents. Oppose these senseless attacks on the Environmental Protection Agency. Our communities are counting on your leadership.
[Your comments here]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
