President Clinton has proposed a fiscal year 2000 EPA budget of $7.2 billion, up from $6.7 billion in 1999.
Included in the budget:
- $200 million for a new Clean Air Partnership Fund (an administrative initiative to help reduce global warming);
- $22.2 million to fight childhood asthma and $40.1 million on other chronic childhood afflictions (cancer, developmental disorders);
- $651 million for the Clean Water Action Plan, which restores rivers, lakes and coastal waters;
- $13.5 million for the Chemical-Right-to-Know program, designed to improve public access to pollution in their communities;
- $109 million for the Clean Air Partnership Fund, which focuses on reducing urban air toxics; and
- $1.5 million for Superfund.
The budget "is based on a simple truth that this administration has proven repeatedly over the last six years: Environmental protection and economic growth can go hand in hand," said EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner. "The president's new budget includes several innovative programs that bring together communities and businesses in creative ways to leverage resources that build healthier communities and healthier local economies."