Senator Kip Bateman (R-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset) penned the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposal to cut the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s annual budget by 23% in 2019:

“I am deeply concerned about the federal budget proposal to reduce Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding by $2.5 billion. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, the EPA has played a profound role in safeguarding public health and protecting our nation’s precious natural resources. As New Jersey Senator and proud protector of the environment, I am committed to ensuring that the public and environmental safety of the Garden State remains a priority.”

“Despite these concerns, I remain optimistic with the additional funding proposed to be invested in stormwater and wastewater infrastructure.  One could argue that the Jersey Shore is our state’s greatest environmental asset. Preserving its water quality, as well as the continued cleanup of the Delaware and Raritan rivers, will make New Jersey a safer and more fun environment for all.  Working together with my Congressional colleagues on both side of the aisle, I look forward to ensuring such critical funds will be spent wisely here in our backyard.”

“Prioritizing conservation should not be a Democrat or Republican issue. Protecting America’s vast land, air, water, and wildlife resources is bipartisan and pragmatic public policy. President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency. President Theodore Roosevelt established national parks, forests, and monuments comprising of over 230 million acres. Even President Ronald Reagan recycled resources in his own backyard, hand building a fence surrounding his family home with old telephone phones. New Jersey was dubbed the ‘Garden State’ in 1876 and I will work hard to make certain our state’s environment remains clean and safe for generations to come.”