Our Drinking Water is Under Threat
The Trump Administration’s proposed budget is nothing short of a disaster for millions of people who rely on clean rivers and streams for their drinking water, health, jobs, and quality of life. By cutting crucial funding to programs that support water infrastructure and science, this budget would jeopardize the safety and accessibility of our water. For communities across the region, including Headwaters to the Ohio and beyond, these cuts would put us at increased risk of pollution and deteriorating water quality.
The Long-Term Cost of Inaction
The proposed budget cuts would significantly harm the work done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect communities by updating drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The reduction of $2.46 billion in funding for the EPA’s programs would leave vulnerable communities without the resources needed to upgrade their outdated systems. Ignoring the water challenges now will only increase costs in the future, making it harder to fix issues when they escalate. Instead of saving taxpayers money, these cuts will make our water infrastructure more expensive to repair down the road.
The Impact on Communities Across the Region
These cuts are not just budgetary adjustments; they are direct attacks on our health and safety. A $1.006 billion cut to programs aimed at helping states meet clean water goals would further hinder our ability to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean water. Communities already struggling with pollution and poor water quality will be hit hardest, and the ripple effect of these cuts will be felt by everyone—especially those in underserved communities.
Environmental Protection on the Line
One of the most alarming proposed cuts is the $235 million reduction in research and development funding for the EPA. This funding supports vital scientific research to protect community health and better understand the threats to our water quality. Without this funding, efforts to improve water quality and mitigate future pollution risks will be stalled, leaving communities more vulnerable to environmental hazards.
Communities Most Affected Need Our Help
The proposed $100 million cut to EPA initiatives addressing pollution in communities facing disproportionate environmental harm is particularly concerning. Many communities already deal with severe water pollution, making it critical for Congress to fund initiatives that address these problems. By cutting funding, we are not only putting public health at risk, but we are also undermining efforts to combat the environmental injustices that many communities face.
The Power of Collective Action
It’s up to us to ensure that clean water remains a priority. Congress needs to hear from you—your voice is essential in making sure they understand the importance of protecting our rivers, streams, and drinking water. We must demand that they reject these harmful budget cuts and continue to invest in the programs that have delivered tangible results in communities across the country.
Your Action Can Make a Difference
Join us in standing up for clean water and health by contacting your members of Congress today. Let them know that you oppose these budget cuts and support continued funding for clean water programs. Use your voice to protect the communities that need it most and ensure everyone has access to safe drinking water.
Help us safeguard clean water for today and future generations. Speak up, get involved, and encourage others to take action. We all deserve clean, safe water, and together, we can make sure our voices are heard in Washington.
Protecting Clean Water is Everyone’s Responsibility
It’s never been more important to stand together and fight for our water. If we don’t take action now, we could lose the critical programs that protect our drinking water and our environment. Let’s work together to ensure our communities are not left behind in this crucial fight for clean water.
