6.25.2012

Bad news for birds...

"In a move attacked by bird conservation groups as 'one of the most regressive wildlife appropriations' ever, crucial conservation programs were slashed by 50% of FY 2012 funding levels in a funding bill approved by the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee for Fiscal Year 2013. The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) – a major source of funding for conservation programs that benefit migratory birds – was also cut in half."

Link: Keep reading at the American Bird Conservancy

In a press release on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations website, Chairman Hal Rogers (Republican from Kentucky) said:

"This bill cuts spending on programs by more than a billion dollars, and prevents the EPA and other federal bureaucracies from stepping out of their lane and stifling our economic recovery. At the same time, it funds programs that are necessary and important to the American people, including the maintenance of national parks, wildfire fighting and prevention efforts, and the stewardship of the nation's vast natural resources and federal lands."

I guess birds just aren't that important for Americans who support these particular politicians and their anti-science, anti-environment, and anti-wildlife agenda.

Link: Statement from The Nature Conservancy

Link: Statement from The Grand Canyon Trust

Link: World Wildlife Fund Comments

Link: Press Release from AGC of America

Link: Press Release from NRDC