2.6% Of Continuing Resolution Cuts Consist Of EPA Municipal Clean Water Programs

[hatrack]

WASHINGTON, DC, April 12, 2011 (ENS) - Conservationists are angered and disappointed by the deal struck between Congress and the Obama administration to authorize the federal budget for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year. Protection for clean water, for wild lands, and for endangered wolves will be lost if the continuing budget resolution is enacted as it now stands.

Congress will vote this week on the resolution that keeps the federal government in business through September.

Water quality programs under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency account for about 2.6 percent of cuts to the federal budget under the continuing resolution. "The latest agreement between Congressional leaders and President Obama decimates water protections," said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of the nonprofit Food and Water Watch. The budget agreement for the six month fiscal year 2011 Continuing Resolution announced yesterday includes a $997 million cut to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds as compared to FY2010, and a $797 million cut as compared to the President's FY2011 request, Hauter explained.

"The ability of the Environmental Protection Agency to help municipalities deliver clean water to U.S. citizens has been seriously threatened with cuts to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, the mechanism by which the federal government dispenses funds for the upkeep of our tap water and sewerage systems," Hauter said.

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http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2011/2011-04-12-03.html