Environmental Defense Praises Increased Funding For Conservation
Environmental Defense today praised Senate leaders for passing a budget amendment to increase farm conservation programs by $1.3 billion. The amendment was sponsored by senators Gordon Smith (R-OR), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Olympia Snowe (R-ME). These funds, along with another increase of $350 million for water quality programs agreed to early in the week, combine for a total increase of $1.65 billion, almost a doubling of this type of conservation spending.
“If Congress keeps these funds in its final budget, this increase could translate into hundreds of thousands of acres of restored wetlands, greater habitat for endangered species, and some real improvements in water quality,” said Environmental Defense senior attorney Tim Searchinger. “Senators Smith, Harkin, Leahy and Snowe deserve great credit.”
“This commitment is a step toward reform of federal farm programs that recognizes farmers can provide not only food and fiber, but clean water and wildlife habitat, and a barrier against urban sprawl,” said Searchinger.
This conservation funding increase is not included in the budget adopted earlier by the House of Representatives. “It will be critical for the senators to keep the pressure on to keep these funds in a final budget,” said Searchinger.
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Latest press releases
-
Navajo Nation takes significant action to cut methane, assert tribal sovereignty
September 19, 2024 -
Houston-area High School Students Selected as Winners in Environmental Defense Fund Video Contest
September 16, 2024 -
New Bill Would Help Congress Better Understand Legislation’s Climate Impacts
September 12, 2024 -
Hydrogen Blending in New York Gas Pipelines Undermines State Climate Goals
September 12, 2024 -
EDF files requests that the NC Utilities Commission reject Duke Energy’s current Carbon Plan and order rapid action to bring offshore wind online
September 10, 2024 -
New Water Institute Will Support Youth Leadership on Key Climate Challenges Affecting Borderland Communities
September 6, 2024