Adam Beitman, adam.beitman@sierraclub.org or 202-670-5585
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressional Republicans passed a FY19 Interior-EPA spending bill as part of an appropriations ‘minibus.’ The legislation threatens environmental and conservation programs across the board and includes a 42% cut to the endangered species listing program and $65 million cut from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. If agreed to by the Senate, the spending package would also continue the assault by Republican leadership on the EPA, slashing the EPA’s budget by at least $100 million.
In addition, Republican leaders stuffed the bill at the last minute with anti-environmental poison pill riders that further endanger our public health and the environment.
In Response Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce Released the Following Statement:
“House Republican Leadership and the Trump Administration are once again pushing significant budget cuts to the agencies that protect our environment and public health, while simultaneously using the process to attach dangerous anti-environmental poison pill riders to the bill.”
“This funding bill slashes EPA’s budget by at least $100 million to help pay for the GOP’s outrageous tax cuts to the wealthiest individuals and corporations in the country. This bill also has provisions that make it easier for polluters to spew more toxic pollution into our air, drinking water, and backyards while selling out cherished public lands, waters, and oceans. During floor debate, the House added anti-environmental policy riders to the package that include blocking protections against toxic methane pollution, blocking the use of the social cost of carbon in federal rulemakings, and restricting certain Endangered Species Act listings, among other anti-environmental attacks. We applaud the Members of the House that voted against this dirty budget and implore the Senate to reject it out of hand. ”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.