THE BUSH BUDGET
SACRIFICING TOMORROW FOR TODAY
In early February, President Bush submitted his budget for 2006 to Congress and the American people. As in past years, the president has used his budget to shortchange key conservation programs both through funding cuts and budgetary gimmicks, jeopardizing our wildlife and public lands. Below is Defenders' analysis of several key conservation programs and how the president's cuts will undermine the conservation legacy we leave to our children.
Overall Environment and Natural Resources Funding
The president's budget would cut funding for natural resources and the environment by more than 11% below 2005 and 12% below the amount needed to keep up with inflation.
Most of the federal funding for environmental protection and resource conservation falls within the environment and natural resources budget category. The total that the president has allocated for this important line item is $28.6 billion, just over 1% of the massive $2.5 trillion federal budget. This represents a cut of $3.6 billion, or 11.2 percent, below 2005 funding levels. Moreover, to keep up with inflation or current services as estimated by President Bush's own Office of Management and Budget, the number for 2006 would have to be $32.5 billion. The president's budget falls $3.9 billion, or 12 percent, below that mark, meaning that at a time when conservation programs are already severely under funded, the president has proposed what amounts to a 12 percent cut in terms of real dollars. Appropriated dollars for natural resources and the environment would be cut by $3.3 billion or 10.4 percent.
To read more about the proposed budget go here Budget Facts 2005
Read the related Press Release, BUSH BUDGET THREATENS AMERICA'S ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY
Related Press Release
Defenders of Wildlife - Give your Support
Feb 2005 Reports
Last updated on February 24, 2005