PORTLAND (WGME) — Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree says the agency responsible for protecting the environment is doing the opposite.

The GOP’s 2026 federal budget plan proposes cutting the Environmental Protection Agency by 55 percent.

Among the cuts are grants states use to run their environmental programs.

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Pingree says moves like this could come with devastating consequences and urged officials to reconsider.

“In three years, the U.S. has experienced 73 weather- and climate-related disasters, each causing over $1 billion in damages,” Pingree said. “This is an average cost of $157 billion a year. You’ve seen firsthand what an existential threat climate change is to our future.”

Pingree also claimed slashing the EPA’s budget by 55 percent would leave the U.S. with little to no environmental protections and give polluters a virtual free pass.