National Wildlife Federation Tells Congress to Stop Playing with America’s Food and Energy Security
Washington, DC (June 16, 2011) – Today, the House voted to slash over $1 billion in conservation and renewable energy funding for programs that help farmers, ranchers, ranchers, and foresters across the country to protect soil, conserve water, enhance wildlife habitat, and help America meet its growing energy demands. The conservation programs that were cut directly benefit sportsmen and rural economies through the creation of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
“We are deeply disappointed with the outcome of this vote,” said Aviva Glaser, agriculture policy coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation. “Congress is trying to balance the budget on the backs of farmers by gutting conservation and renewable energy programs. These budget cuts are shortsighted and put our food and energy security as risk, which will only end up costing us more money in the long run.”
The National Wildlife Federation is particularly appalled with an amendment by Rep. Scalise (R-LA) that would prevent the USDA from implementing their climate change adaptation policy. With massive wildfires, flooding, and droughts around the country, lawmakers cannot afford to ignore the impact climate change is having across America. Farmers need Congress’s help now more than ever to adapt to extreme weather events due to climate change. Americans needs relief, not reckless cuts and campaign slogans.