[X]Blame the Budgeting: Mention that it's legally needed for security compliance, and hint at needing more money or regional assistance for fast progress since the EPA had to divert funding for security and expertise. This hints that the blame is on Congress and not on you, which endears you a little to the Administration but angers some Republicans. Not much, though. You're not significant enough.
[X]Blame the PATRIOT Act: A conventional approach that blames the PATRIOT Act and the tightening of national security. This might or might not salve things, but will almost certainly require you to make visible movements towards tightening said security.