Whitman: Proposed EPA Budget Enhances State Partnerships

Washington, D.C. — President George W. Bush's proposed $7.3 billion 2002 EPA budget reflects a commitment to "build partnerships" with states, says U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Christie Whitman. The proposed budget provides $3.3 billion in grants for states, tribes and other EPA partners to develop innovative environmental protection programs. This includes $25 million in state grants to strengthen enforcement efforts. While Whitman praises the budget as an increase in EPA funding, critics say that the budget represents a $499 million reduction in EPA funding from enacted 2001 levels.