Proposed EPA budget dedicates millions to chemical safety

WASHINGTON - The Obama Administration today proposed a budget of $10 billion for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This budget heeds the president’s call to streamline and find efficiencies in the agency’s operations while supporting the seven priority areas EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson outlined to guide EPA’s work.

The $10 billion Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget proposed yesterday by the Obama Administration includes nearly $100 million for chemical assessment and risk review, lead poisoning elimination and the reduction of exposure to mercury and asbestos, according to a press release.

According to the release, along with improving air quality, cleaning up communities and a number of other areas of concern, the budget will focus on chemical safety, with the goal of ensuring that no unreasonable risks are posed by new or existing chemicals.

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said: "The president's budget is focused on creating the conditions that help American families, communities and small businesses thrive. Clean air, clear water and green jobs are rebuilding the foundations for prosperity in communities across the country."

The budget comes after a number of EPA measures and proposed resolutions to increase chemical safety, including increased diligence under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the release added.

Click here to read the complete release.