In a sweeping move that aligns with President Trump’s vision for a leaner federal government, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to slash the agency’s budget by a staggering 65% this year.
“We don’t want the extra money and we don’t need it,” declared Mr. Zeldin, a former Republican representative from New York, in a statement posted on X. The EPA operated on $63 billion last year, but Mr. Zeldin believes the agency can function effectively at just 35% of that cost.
The cuts represent a dramatic policy shift from the Biden administration, which had positioned the EPA as a central force in combating climate change through emissions regulations and renewable energy initiatives. Under Mr. Trump, who has dismissed green energy policies as “a scam,” the agency is charting a different course.
Mr. Zeldin is actively working to reclaim $20 million in green energy grants allocated by the previous administration to nongovernmental organizations. Additionally, he’s canceling more than 400 grants focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice — a move expected to save $2 billion.
“We won’t be funding left-wing, ideological pet projects like the past administration,” Mr. Zeldin stated firmly.
The cost-cutting measures extend beyond grant programs. The National Environmental Museum and Education Center, located near the White House, will be shuttered despite its mission to educate the public about environmental stewardship. Mr. Zeldin criticized the facility as being too small and expensive, claiming it was established “to praise environmental justice.”
The EPA is also attempting to recover $20 billion that President Biden reportedly transferred to Citibank before leaving office, intended for climate justice initiatives administered by nongovernmental organizations. An EPA official confirmed that more than $3 billion has already been distributed.
Further savings will come from terminating leases on “overwhelmingly empty” EPA buildings, eliminating $1 million in media subscriptions, and cutting $3 million in “unnecessary” travel expenses.
Environmental advocates argue these cuts could undermine the agency’s core mission, established in 1970, to ensure clean air, land and water for all Americans. Supporters of the reductions counter that the changes will eliminate waste without compromising essential environmental protections.
Mr. Zeldin promises more efficiency improvements ahead, including better technology, artificial intelligence integration and where “necessary,” staff reductions.
Read more: New EPA chief sets out to slash the agency’s budget by 65%
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Ann Wog, Managing Editor for Digital, at awog@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
