Maine leaders raise concerns over proposed EPA funding cuts

AUGUSTA — With the federal budget deadline just days away, some Maine leaders are raising alarms about a congressional proposal that would cut funding for the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine recently released a report highlighting the potential impacts these cuts could have on the state.

“Maine communities, public health, the environment, our economy,” said Anya Fetcher, NRCM federal policy advocate, summarizing the stakes.

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s proposed budget calls for a $2.1 billion reduction in EPA funding and a nearly 25% decrease in the agency’s workforce.

Fetcher said the cuts could put Maine’s rivers, lakes, and air quality at risk.

“We definitely risk seeing our rivers and lakes being more polluted, with less fundin