RISING ENERGY PRICES MAY ADD TO EPA SPENDING WOES IN FISCAL YEAR 2007

EPA says its fixed costs are expected to increase in fiscal year 2007, particularly in light of skyrocketing energy prices, raising questions over whether agency program offices may have to shoulder a greater burden if Congress approves deep funding cuts proposed by the Bush administration. In written correspondence to Sen. James Jeffords (I-VT), ranking member on the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, EPA says oil and natural gas prices will add to the agency's budget woes in FY07. "Utility...