Reduction of Environmental Funding in Delaware

May 27, 2020

Over the last decade, there has been a steep reduction in the amount of environmental funding and staffing available at both federal and state levels. According to a new report by the Environmental Integrity Project, these budget cuts come at a most inopportune time considering the booming oil and gas industry, and the ever-increasing number of flagrant violators who continue to go unchecked.

Most States Have Reduced Environmental Agency Funding Over the Last Decade

According to the report, 30 states have reduced funding to their environmental agencies’ pollution control programs. These cuts were implemented despite the devastating impact of climate change and coastal flooding in several states. Forty states reduced the staffing levels at their environmental agencies, and 21 states eliminated at least 10 percent of their environmental workforce.

Delaware cut its environmental agency funding by 33 percent since 2008, earning a spot among the top five states with the largest percentage of cuts to operating budgets in the last decade. Additionally, it is reported that:

• Out of the 30 states that reduced funding, 16 did so by more than 20 percent.
• States eliminated more than 4,400 positions at environmental protection agencies.
• In some cases, environmental agency funding was slashed despite an increase in overall state spending.
• The reduction in spending for state pollution control programs cuts across party lines and has occurred in both notoriously democratic states, such as Delaware.
• Delaware was among the top 10 states with the largest percentage of cuts to environmental agency staff, which is a 21 percent decrease since 2008.

How Are Environmental Laws Being Implemented and Enforced?

Understaffing and underfunding has made it more difficult for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as state environmental agencies to implement and enforce environmental protection laws, such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Those who have been exposed to toxic materials or chemicals may be able to obtain compensation in an environmental toxic tort claim. To prove a toxic tort claim, a plaintiff must generally show that the substance he or she was exposed to is dangerous and caused harm. Available damages typically include medical expenses and monitoring, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially wrongful death damages in cases of toxic tort-related fatalities. For more information, it is best to contact a local environmental attorney that will explain environmental toxic torts, your legal rights, and options.

Wilmington Environment Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Victims Who Are Exposed to Toxins

If you were harmed by exposure to environmental pollutants, contact one of our knowledgeable Wilmington environment lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. We are dedicated to holding corporations accountable for their actions and obtaining maximum compensation for our clients. Complete our online form or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free case consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.