Simpson, Cole: Refocused EPA, Reduced Regulations
Washington, D.C. – This week, Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) convened a hearing with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to examine the Trump Administration’s agenda to deliver clean air, land, and water for all Americans - while restoring common sense, accountability, and cooperative federalism to agency policy. With a focus on responsible stewardship of natural resources and taxpayer dollars, lawmakers emphasized action to rein in Biden-era bureaucracy and unleash American jobs and energy.
Subcommittee Chairman Simpson said, “This Administration is taking a hard look at EPA’s funding priorities and regulatory overreach, which I believe is much needed. I want clean air and clean water just as much as anyone, but we must find an appropriate balance that also continues to promote economic growth and jobs here at home. Administrator Zeldin, I have been following your actions to reduce regulatory burdens, right-size the agency, and implement common-sense solutions to lower costs and increase American competitiveness.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Chairman Cole said, “Administrator Zeldin, I look forward to working together to reduce red tape, provide regulatory certainty, and improve environmental health while also protecting American jobs and lowering energy costs. As EPA Administrator, you play a key role in strengthening our national security by unleashing domestic energy production, and I look forward to discussing where resources can be applied for all these efforts in the full FY26 budget request.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
EPA Administrator Zeldin said, “We are fulfilling our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while powering the great American comeback and removing unnecessary barriers that have burdened American families and businesses for far too long. We hit the ground running, immediately upon President Trump’s inauguration, completing the largest wildfire cleanup in agency history in less than 30 days after the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires. We are taking bold steps to combat PFAS contamination and have advanced redevelopment at 21 Superfund sites across 13 states — delisting all, or parts of, four sites from the National Priorities List. We’ve also completed 25 State Implementation Plans, 16 of which were backlogged from the prior Administration.”
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
As the FY26 process advances, the House Appropriations Committee will continue working closely with the EPA to promote strong land and water resources, reduce regulatory burdens, and support economic growth for American communities.
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