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The National Association of Clean Air Agencies (“NACAA”) submitted a December 5th letter to the Chairmen and ranking members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees in regards to the Omnibus Appropriation Bill for FY 2018.
NACAA’s funding recommendation addressed grant funding for state and local air pollution control agencies under Section 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act (contained in the State and Tribal Assistance Grant program in the United States Environmental Protection Agency [“EPA”] budget).
The U.S. House of Representatives Bill (“H.R. 3354”) and the Senate Recommendation differ. H.R. 3354 maintains FY 2017 funding levels for state and local air grants in 2018. The Senate Recommendation calls for an increase of $10 million for such programs. The additional $10 million would result in a total of $238.2 million.
In support of its recommendation for at a minimum maintaining FY 2017 funding, the organization states:
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Funding grants below FY 2017 would impede the ability of state/local air agencies to carry out delegated duties and sustain clean air gains
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Grant funding enables state and local air agencies to work with EPA (cooperative federalism) to implement and enforce the Clean Air Act
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Besides public health benefits, state and local air agency services benefits would include expedited permitting, streamlined operations and compliance assistance (contributing to economic development and administrative efficiencies)
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The same level of funding since 2000 has decreased purchasing power for agencies by nearly 17 percent due to inflation
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Federal support commensurate with the scope and complexity of these responsibilities for state and local agencies is necessary
NCAA describes itself as a national, non-partisan, non-profit association of state and local air pollution agencies in 41 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and 116 metropolitan areas.
A copy of the December 5th letter can be downloaded here.
