Administrator McCarthy Appears Before House Appropriations Subcommittee

Yesterday, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment to explain the Administration’s FY 16 EPA budget request of $8.592 billion.  McCarthy noted that the ‘big ticket’ item in this year’s request is work on climate change initiatives – and especially work on the Administration’s Clean Power Plan.  EPA expects the plan to be finalized this summer.  Another critical issue is the anticipated work revolving around the Waters of the U.S. determinations.  While the SRF funding levels were mentioned, they were not part of a sustained discussion.  McCarthy noted that the decision to increase the DWSRF funding request to $1.186 billion was based on demonstrated need.  HABs (harmful algal blooms) was also mentioned.  Ohio Republican David Joyce stressed the importance of the issue.  McCarthy agreed and noted that the Agency is looking at source water and water treatment issues and anticipates creating health advisory levels to provide better guidance to water systems.