Duncan Hunter urges deep EPA, OSHA cuts
San Diego Union Tribune
December 15, 1994
DERRICK DePLEDGE; Copley News Service

 
Rep. Duncan Hunter would slash funding for federal agencies that oversee environmental protection and workplace safety to "free up that heavy hand on free enterprise" and promote economic growth.

Appearing on the public television show "TechnoPolitics," taped for broadcast this weekend, the El Cajon Republican called for substantial cuts in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

"I think we're going to have to cut the budget of the EPA. I think we should cut 30 to 50 percent," Hunter said.

"Government is an industry unto itself. . . . Agencies work to build their kingdoms. And they build their kingdoms by defining new regulations for people to comply with and by enforcing those regulations.

"If you cut their resources, where they don't have a lot of spare time to go out and bother people . . . then by definition, you're going to free up that heavy hand on free enterprise and free people, and we're going to be a more productive country."

The EPA's budget for fiscal year 1995 is $7.2 billion. The agency's mission is to protect the environment and public health and it enforces air and water quality standards, among other things.

An EPA spokesman said yesterday the agency will not respond to threats of budget cuts unless specific reductions are proposed.

Hunter, who will chair a House National Security subcommittee on either acquisitions or military installations and facilities, also took aim at OSHA.

"I think 10 percent of OSHA performs a valuable function and keeps the workplace safe," he said, suggesting a 90 percent budget cut.

OSHA's budget this year is $312 million.

"Ninety percent of anything is everything," an OSHA spokeswoman said.

"TechnoPolitics" deals with the political aspects of science, technology and environmental issues. The series is not shown on San Diego 's KPBS, but will air Saturday afternoon in Washington .