Budget plan boosts chem security funding, mixed bag for EPA chemical and pesticide programs

摘要

The White House has proposed significant increases in funding for the Department of Homeland Security's chemical security program, but called for cuts to EPA's endocrine disrupter screening program and for Superfund enforcement efforts. President Bush's final budget plan for fiscal year (FY) 2009, released Feb. 5, would give DHS 63 million to implement federal chemical security rules, a 13 million increase over Congress's FY 2008 appropriation. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff told reporters the increase shows the administration is serious about tightening security at the nation's chemical facilities. The DHS chief also urged companies and industries covered by the rules to cooperate closely with the agency to ensure they are a success.