Since Donald Trump and the Republican Party have come into power, they’ve pushed for many policy changes without regard to their negative effects on the country. Now there’s a Republican movement to abolish the country’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The party wants to pass a bill that will get rid of the main governmental organization that has taken charge on climate action. Not only will this movement have negative effects on the United States, it will also have enormous environmental repercussions on a global scale.
Why Republicans Want to Abolish the EPA
Donald Trump already has intentions to cut down the EPA’s budget. The administration has already banned EPA staff from using official social media accounts or speaking to journalists without permission. But one Republican member in the House of Representatives wants to compromise the EPA even more. The Huffington Post received an email revealing Matt Gaetz’s proposition to create a bill that will completely abolish the EPA. He has already written to several fellow politicians asking for support.
According to Gaetz, “the American people are drowning in rules and regulations promulgated by unelected bureaucrats and the Environmental Protection Agency has become an extraordinary offender.” He believes that states and local governments are competent enough “to responsibly regulate the environmental assets within their jurisdictions”. Gaetz also blames the EPA for closing down small business and creating unemployed Americans because of the costs the EPA charges for compliance. For Gaetz, the only “sensible solution” is to take away the EPA’s legislative power and abolish the “abusive and costly agency” completely.
Why the EPA Should Not Be Abolished
Despite Gaetz’s negative outlook towards the EPA, it was created with only good intentions in mind. The EPA was established on December 2, 1970 by Republican President Richard Nixon. The agency was created because of the growing concern with environmental pollution. Its intention was to work towards “a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.” The EPA was established as a hub for federal research, monitoring, setting standards and enforcing activities that ensure environmental protection. The current mission of the EPA “is to protect human health and the environment.”
The EPA not only protects the environment but all parts of society as well – communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments. The agency develops and enforces regulations that set national environmental standards. They also assist companies that fall short of the requirements. In addition, the EPA also studies environmental issues, sponsors partnerships for green initiatives, teaches people about the environment, and gives out grants to non-profits, educational institutions and programs to help achieve their mission. The EPA has come a long way but unfortunately, Gaetz does not see eye to eye with President Nixon’s good intentions towards the environment and the American people.
If approved, Gaetz’s proposed bill will have the EPA abolished by December 31, 2018. To help prevent the bill’s approval, citizens must take charge and make it clear to the government that the country needs the EPA. Citizens need to make their voices heard and show the government that the proposed bill is contentious, and that it will likely cause more harm than good for the country. The country needs a governing body that stands up for the well-being of humans and the environment.
Without the EPA, the environmental future of the United States is uncertain. During this time of climate uncertainty, government agencies such as the EPA play a vital role in climate action. The abolishment of the agency will not only put the country at risk, but also negatively affect global environmental efforts.