Supporters of EPA note that the Agency is responsible for only 0.06% of the U.S. national debt and 0.26% of the federal government’s budget, and argue that cutting environmental spending could make our economy worse by increasing medical costs if the Agency lacks the resources to enforce laws that protect public health.  Opponents argue that the EPA regulatory process has exploded, creating so much red tape for businesses that they are unable to hire workers and stimulate our economy. On December 9, 2011, ELI convened a seminar to examine the effect of EPA on the economy and jobs. Expert panelists discussed the economic ramifications of EPA’s regulations, whether regulations create or kill jobs, and recent legislative attempts to increase congressional oversight and restrain EPA action.