EPA funding critical to nation

By Jane Ashe, Las Vegas

Saturday, June 24, 2017 | 2 a.m.

The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to cut its budget by a third.

The cuts will result in about 5,000 fewer EPA staff to keep our air and water clean. Most companies are only interested in increasing their profits, not providing a healthy environment. Do you remember the smog warnings in California, pollution in Love Canal and, recently, drinking water problems in Flint, Mich.?

These past tragedies can reoccur without a vigorous EPA to work with industry and communities to keep our environment clean and business viable.

Do you wonder about the large percentage of children with autism? Perhaps neurotoxic pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos. which are sprayed on many of our fruits and vegetables are part of the cause. They can affect the developing fetus as well as young children. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has rejected the scientific conclusions based on years of research that show significant harm to children, including diminished cognitive ability.

Call your representatives and tell them why it is important to have a strong and fully funded EPA.