EPA Likely Faces Major Budget Cuts Regardless Of Sequester Talks Outcome

摘要

EPA's budget could face major reductions regardless of whether lawmakers strike a deal to avoid billions of dollars in "sequestration" budget cuts set to take effect in January, sources say, because options being floated as alternatives to the sequestration would likely still result in massive cuts to non-discretionary spending, including EPA's funds. The outcome of the November presidential election is also unlikely to help EPA avert further budget cuts, sources add. If former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) wins the race, he has vowed to reduce discretionary federal spending down to pre-2008 levels, which could mean large cuts to EPA's existing budget. If President Obama wins a second term, lawmakers will likely have to agree on a package of funding cuts or let sequestration occur.