EPA Inspector General Warns Budget Cuts Would Hurt Discretionary Work

摘要

EPA Inspector General (IG) Arthur Elkins is warning that cuts to the agency's budget in fiscal year 2012 could hamper the IG's ability to pursue discretionary work evaluating agency policies and other issues, because limited funds would have to be spent on congressionally mandated investigations and audits of fraud, waste and abuse. In an exclusive Feb. 8 interview with Inside EPA at agency headquarters, Elkins highlighted budget concerns as just one of several key issues for the Office of Inspector General, an independent entity within EPA. Elkins, who became IG June 25, touted the IG's valuable role investigating, auditing, and evaluating the agency to improve programs and cut costs; stressed the value of the IG's independence; and offered support for efforts to boost IGs' powers.