WASHINGTON (March 22, 2007) — In a notable victory for the environment, Congress yesterday restored essential funding to popular conservation programs deeply cut in the President’s FY 2008 budget request. The budget resolution released yesterday by the House Budget Committee under Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) provides $32.8 billion for protecting and restoring the environment. This renewed support for conservation effectively ends the downward spiral of investment in the environment allowed by recent Congresses, and represents an increase of $1.48 billion over FY 2007 levels and $2.6 billion more than President Bush requested in his budget earlier this year.

“With this budget, the House has provided a breath of fresh air to all of us who care about the environment,” said Sarah Neimeyer of The Wilderness Society. “This increase in funding represents a real commitment to reinvest in protecting the air, water, wildlife, and public places that we will care about. After years of deep cuts in conservation funding, it is a relief to see Congress taking this step.”

The House budget blueprint will restore funding for such popular programs as the Land and Water Conservation Fund, endangered species protection, National Wildlife Refuge System, and other critical land management and wildlife programs.