In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget, approved by Congress, appropriated $300 million dollars to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program. This program, which has significant bipartisan support, has been effective in preventing invasive species and harmful algae blooms from spreading in order to protect the freshwater ecosystem.
With the new administration comes new administrators across the federal government. President Trump’s pick for EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, was confirmed by the Senate in February. Pruitt is widely known for his history of opposing the EPA’s mission and actively working against the agency as Oklahoma Attorney General. Trump’s proposed budget includes steep cuts to the EPA, which would slash the $300 million Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding down to just $10 million.
On March 10, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) tweeted his opposition to this funding cut, urging Pruitt to fully fund the protection of the Great Lakes. However, Portman was one of the 52 senators who voted to confirm Pruitt as EPA administrator.
Portman was asking for this. He could have done something to prevent endangering the Great Lakes by voting against Pruitt’s confirmation. It’s been clear all along that protecting the environment is not a priority of Pruitt’s.
But nonetheless, Portman’s loyalty to his party and the Trump administration outweighed his loyalty to the best interests of his constituents. Portman claims he opposes this dangerous budget cut, yet he’s passed on opportunities to help stop this and other harmful actions. This is just another example that proves our senator lacks the backbone to represent all Ohioans.
Alex Jackson is a freshman studying strategic communications at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. How do you feel about Portman's vote to approve Pruitt? Let Alex know by tweeting him @alexjackson716.
