Let’s step up for the EPA

In addition to protecting our clean air and water, part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s role is providing funds for clean-up of Superfund and brownfield sites.

A brownfield site is property complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. President Donald Trump’s proposed budget calls for EPA funding to be slashed by a 31 percent and cuts staff by 20 percent, or about 3,800 jobs. It cuts research, enforcement and clean up funds. Cuts to the EPA will also have ripple effects to labs and environmental consulting businesses throughout the country. Those jobs will be lost as well.

We have seen the devastation caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Not only has there been significant loss of property and lives, but cleanup and repairs will take weeks at minimum. We know floods mean a comingling of oils, chemicals, sewage and other runoff; and all of that is now part of the overall landscape and inside the homes of tens of thousands. Soil and water testing is part of the EPA. Will there be people to help? Will there be funding?

The temporary budget we are now operating under has been extended to Dec. 8, but our elected officials need to pass a new one soon. Urge them to support full funding for the EPA. While the agency hasn’t been perfect, we have seen many improvements in our environment since its inception in 1970. The EPA needs to be strengthened, not gutted!

Las Vegas

Guest columnist Rebekah May Stetson’s “Nevada’s natural resources at risk of being diminished” (Sept. 17, the Sun) initially attracted my interest, but I was quickly disappointed to read that one of her main desires for EPA regulations to remain intact was because her family wished to preserve wildlife for the purpose of hunting it down and killing it.

Nevada’s wildlife is also one of our resources that we should value and protect, rather than exploit and harm in the pursuit of sport.

I find it sad that not all of us value those species that are indigenous to our state and make Nevada what it is. Those who live here instead of New York City or Chicago do so because we love the outdoors and all that it offers, including the various species of animals that roam free in the wild; and we enjoy shooting them with our cameras rather than weapons. These animals also have families; and when an adult is killed, we can’t be sure that an orphan isn’t left behind trying to fend for itself, usually unsuccessfully.

With the current administration dismantling so many various protections affecting both the environment and animals, I hope others will let their legislators know that these protections are necessary and should remain in place. Our representatives want to know how their constituents feel so they can vote accordingly.

Las Vegas