Environment Hearing: The Fiscal Year 2027 Environmental Protection Agency Budget

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on April 29, 2026, to review the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) fiscal year 2027 budget request. Administrator Lee Zelden testified, highlighting the administration's focus on regulatory reform, cooperative federalism, and prioritizing core EPA programs while proposing a significant budget reduction compared to prior years. The proposed budget includes approximately $2.5 billion for environmental management, $750 million in grants for states and tribes, $500 million for science and technology, and $290 million for Superfund site cleanup. Members debated the impact of these cuts, particularly the proposed 90% reduction in state revolving funds critical for water infrastructure projects, and the elimination of categorical grants to states. The hearing also covered EPA's deregulatory actions, including repealing the 2009 greenhouse gas endangerment finding and easing permitting processes to support domestic manufacturing and energy production. Several members expressed concern about the potential public health and environmental consequences of these rollbacks and budget cuts, while others praised the EPA's efforts to balance environmental protection with economic growth. Discussions included enforcement actions, chemical safety, advanced recycling technologies, and the agency's role in addressing cross-border water pollution issues. The hearing featured extensive questioning on EPA's regulatory priorities, budget allocations, and ongoing initiatives to streamline permitting and support American industry.