FY2026 EPA Secures $8.82 Billion, Preserving Clean Water and Air Programs
March 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Granted Research Team · Editorial policy
The Environmental Protection Agency will receive $8.82 billion in FY2026 under the bipartisan spending package Congress passed in January — preserving the agency's core clean water, drinking water, and air quality programs that the White House had targeted for significant reductions.
The allocation protects state water infrastructure programs, retains Energy Star funding, and notably increases state and Tribal assistance grants, according to the spending bill analysis published by Eos.
What Survived the Chopping Block
EPA's budget holds particular significance for organizations that depend on federal environmental funding. State revolving fund programs for clean water and drinking water infrastructure — which flow through to local governments, utilities, and nonprofits — remain intact. The Energy Star program, which the administration had proposed eliminating, continues with full funding.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins emphasized that the package "will improve water infrastructure" and "spur scientific research necessary to maintain U.S. competitiveness."
The Broader Science Funding Picture
EPA's preservation is part of a sweeping rejection of proposed science cuts. DOE's Office of Science secured $8.4 billion. NOAA received $6.17 billion, including $1.46 billion for the National Weather Service. The U.S. Forest Service was allocated $6.13 billion, with half directed toward wildfire prevention. NIST received $1.85 billion, including funding for CO2 removal research.
Collectively, the appropriations package rejects the administration's proposed 22.6 percent cut to non-defense discretionary spending.
What Environmental Grant Seekers Should Know
Organizations pursuing EPA grants for water infrastructure, Brownfields cleanup, environmental justice, and Tribal environmental programs should expect solicitations to proceed on normal timelines. State and Tribal assistance grant increases may create new opportunities for local governments and community organizations that have not previously accessed these funds.
Environmental nonprofits and municipalities tracking EPA funding can search current opportunities through Granted. Detailed analysis of environmental funding trends is available on the Granted blog.