U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, recently conducted a hearing to discuss the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 with Administrator Lee Zeldin.
During her opening statement, Senator Capito commended Administrator Zeldin for his efforts in refocusing the EPA on its primary mission and reversing previous federal overreach. She emphasized that these changes are beneficial for both West Virginia and the nation.
Capito stated, “Welcome to Administrator Zeldin, it is good to see you again. I understand you’ve had several hearings over the past few days, so I know you’ve been busy. I believe you are doing an excellent job in implementing your vision to return the EPA to its core mission of protecting our country’s air, our land, and water, while eliminating wasteful spending.”
She further praised Zeldin’s actions against regulatory overreach from prior administrations: “To start, I applaud your aggressive efforts to undo the previous administration’s regulatory overreach. Your leadership will put us on the path to energy dominance with sound environmental procedures.”
The senator also highlighted President Trump’s contributions towards prioritizing West Virginia by announcing a PFAS strategy and granting authority for carbon dioxide sequestration permits in the state.
Capito noted improvements within EPA operations: “Several weeks ago, the EPA announced that it would move more than 130 experts to assist with reviews of new chemicals and pesticides.” She underscored how crucial addressing this process is for maintaining competitiveness globally.
The discussion moved onto budget matters as Capito expressed appreciation towards Zeldin’s fiscal responsibility: “This leads us to why we are here today, the EPA’s budget. I first want to thank the Administrator for acting on his pledge to prioritize being a good steward of tax-payer dollars.”
One significant change was highlighted regarding grant accountability under the Inflation Reduction Act: “EPA has restored accountability… For example… canceled a $50 million grant made to Climate Justice Alliance… found explicitly engaged in pro-Hamas activities.”
However, Capito voiced concerns about potential impacts on bipartisan programs if certain cuts were enacted within this proposed budget: “For example… reduce funding for Brownfields program includes an 89% cut Clean Water Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.”
She concluded by expressing hopefulness about collaboration ensuring sufficient resources remain available supporting vital water systems across America.
“I look forward building future Mr.Administrator next several years,” said Capito during closing remarks.
