AMWA pushes back on potential EPA budget cuts DownloadLast week, AMWA joined a group of ten water sector organizations in writing to EPA Adminis...
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network
Download
Last week, AMWA joined a group of ten water sector organizations in writing to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to express concerns on proposed cuts to EPA’s budget.
President Trump previously made headlines for suggesting a 65 percent cut to EPA spending, with Administrator Zeldin reiterating his claims. These changes could come as part of the Administration’s plan to reduce federal spending through the Agency Reduction in Force and Reorganization Plan (ARRP).
Last week’s letter urged the administration to consider the impact of extreme budget cuts on water infrastructure and, in turn, public health, national security, and economic stability. The EPA operates key water infrastructure funding programs, including the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). These infrastructure support mechanisms comprise a significant portion of EPA’s topline budget, with the DW and CW SRFs making up about a third of the agency’s annual spending. In addition to concerns over direct cuts to these funds, a broad reduction in EPA resources could potentially hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of these programs in delivering funding for the maintenance and modernization of infrastructure.
The letter also highlighted other crucial services that EPA provides to the sector. “It is critical that EPA and the states have the capability to fully engage with our organizations in the development of regulatory requirements, share important research and methods for identifying contaminants, and collaborate on solving the many non-regulatory challenges facing our sector, including cybersecurity, affordability, and an aging workforce,” the letter stated. “Open and honest dialogue on implementation concerns, technical challenges, and communication are critical for the water sector to ensure both affordable and clean, safe water.”
Further details on the proposed cuts to EPA’s budget will be revealed in the coming months as the administration releases its budget request for the 2026 fiscal year.
In addition to supporting this letter, AMWA is continuing advocacy efforts in support of strong funding for EPA’s water infrastructure programs. Interested AMWA members can also write individually to their elected officials in support of EPA’s water infrastructure programs via AMWA’s Legislative Action Center.
Media
Taxonomy
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Consequences
- Environmental Conservator
- Environmental