and another weird surprise https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/02/trumps-budget-plan-includes-5-million-for-radon-in-public-housing.html

Strange contradiction, but not surprising.

Many of the same career bureaucrats have been driving the President's EPA budget proposal since the previous Administration. Being unregulated (voluntary), Radon just gets in the way of the bean counters at EPA and OMB. EPA's Voluntary Radon Program is the ultimate oxymoron because they are known for their regulatory approach to pollutants and polluters. There is no public outcry for them to spend MORE on radon, so its a safe play. Thank goodness AARST continues to work the Appropriations process to make sure that radon continues to be funded through EPA. But how long before they outflank us and get it removed for good? Without MORE outcry from the public, Congress, or the media, we will ultimately see the funding go away.

Which brings us to the HUD funding. This is a direct result of the Oregonian stories on public housing and the outcry by ~dozen US Senators. While $5,000,000 isn't enough to fix the problem, its enough to ease some of the pressure on Secretary Carson. If the pressure doesn't continue, that proposal may die through the appropriations process or live for a year and get lost next time. This is exactly why AARST encourages everyone to get involved and stay involved. The squeaky wheel gets the grease which is how the HUD funding came about and exactly why radon keeps getting the ax at EPA.

Make phone calls, write letters, help fund the AARST Policy efforts, or some of each. We have made significant gains over the last 8-9 years so we either keep pushing the boulder over the Hill or watch it come tumbling back down on us. That time is upon us now. :strong:

The radon program has been redlined in every budget for as long as I can remember. The dedication of a small, but mighty, group of advocates is the reason we still have funding through the State Indoor Radon Grant to enable the important work of our state partners. We'll keep fighting the good fight to make sure this funding remains in place, but we need your help to keep our policy efforts funded. Write a check to AARST for policy work, become involved with your state chapter, meet with your federal and state legislators about the importance of common sense radon policy - do your part to help save lives by preventing radon-induced lung cancer.