EPA funding a necessity

By Francine Hutton, Las Vegas

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 | 2 a.m.

When Congress turns its attention to the budget, we need to be aware of the impact of some of the proposed curtailments. It is easy to say, “cut spending,” but much harder to be responsible about what will be cut. As a taxpayer and senior citizen, I don’t enjoy paying taxes, but I also know that, as a citizen, I need to think not only about myself, but everyone. I am especially concerned about the youths of our nation and how thoughtless budget reductions may impact them for decades to come.

Cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency are particularly troublesome. One vital area is clean water. Grants to help states monitor water systems could be decreased by one-third. This means that pollution, such as lead in older water infrastructures, might not be identified until it is too late. According to Protect Clean Water, Nevada, 89 percent or more of Nevada’s waterways are vulnerable to pollution. Clean water is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Our representatives need to hear from us as to the importance of the EPA’s role in protecting our water supplies and sources. We owe it to future generations.