Although the overall budget at the Environmental Protection Agency would fall from $9.4 billion to $8.9 billion under President Barack Obama's proposal, EPA's Science & Technology account would see a 1.5% increase over its final 2012 budget to $807 million...In its budget overview, EPA highlighted several efforts it wants to boost. Topping the list are $8.0 million to study hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of shale rock for natural gas; $4.1 million for research into the design of more environmentally friendly chemicals; and $3.3 million for climate change science. The agency would also like to create a $2-million Center for Innovative Estuarine Approaches that would study ways to "ensure the sustainability" of coastal watersheds and estuaries.
At the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which would see a 3% decrease overall, the Administration once again shows it's a big fan of competitive agricultural research. Like last year, the request includes a 23% increase in competitive research...
