House Spending Bill Weighted with Anti-Conservation and Climate Stoking Rhetoric
Sunlight glows orange due to smoke from wildfires in California in 2020
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Public lands, equitable access and climate funds at risk in House version of Interior spending bill.
A House Rules Committee today cleared a weighty appropriations package for the Department of the Interior that carries more than 130 amendments attacking public lands, climate related job investments and inclusive management and public access in our nation’s great outdoors. The legislation would provide the Interior Department—which oversees recreation, multiple uses, wildlife habitat and energy development on 75% of the nation’s public lands—just $14.3 billion, $677 million less than current levels. The spending bill hurtles toward a full and final vote by the House tomorrow.
The Wilderness Society issued the following statement from Miranda Badgett, government relations representative for conservation funding:
“Nature is disappearing and communities are suffering floods, fire, and searing drought. Yet today, House Republicans advanced a spending bill that guts funding for conservation, climate change and public lands, is rife with bigoted language, cuts vital climate-related jobs, and thwarts equitable access to parks and Tribal co-stewardship of public lands.
“The ideological extremists who drive us ever closer to a government shutdown are the same congressional members who think our public lands are for the sole benefit of fossil fuel industries. This bill is offensive to anyone who wants a clean future and healthy environment.”
Contact: Kate Mackay, Principal Communications Director - Landscape Connectivity, 602-571-2603
