EPA reportedly eliminates program helping cities deal with global warming

Desdemona Despair

By Arturo Garcia
8 April 2017

(Snopes) –  On 7 April 2017, reports appeared that the Environmental Protection Agency will  shut down a program helping cities and states prepare for the effects of climate change.

The move was allegedly spurred by a 31 percent cut in the agency’s funding by President Donald Trump’s administration. The program, which was administrated by the EPA Office of Policy, will be absorbed into the duties of the agency’s regional offices. Three of the office’s employees will be “reassigned” as part of the move.

We contacted both EPA headquarters and the Office of Policy seeking comment but have yet to hear back. The agency’s website states:

The Office of Policy provides cross-agency leadership and coordination on climate change adaptation. Its goal is to build and strengthen the adaptive capacity of the EPA’s Programs and Regions, and their partners in states, tribes, and local communities. The Office of Policy is leading a Cross-EPA Work Group on Climate Change Adaptation that has developed and is now implementing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the agency and 17 Implementation Plans prepared by the National Environmental Program Offices, all 10 Regional Offices, and National Support Offices.

Bloomberg BNA, which published the story, quoted an unidentified agency official who said many regional offices already carry out the work being done by the program. The official said: “The expertise that exists regarding this is still part of our arsenal of knowledge.” [more]

EPA Reportedly Eliminates Program Helping Cities Deal With Climate Change