Nature Conservancy Issues Statement on President Trump FY 2020 Budget Proposal

ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 11 -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following statement by Lynn Scarlett, vice president of public policy and government relations, on President Trump's fiscal 2020 budget proposal:

The budget calls for sweeping cuts to key conservation, scientific and management priorities critical to the protection of our natural resources.

"The administration has again put forth a budget proposal that would undermine the conservation of our natural world. Like his previous proposals, the president's budget would deliver major cuts to funding and staff needed to protect lands and waters, study environmental threats, reduce risks to communities from extreme weather events and improve public health.

"Year after year, record temperatures, severe storms and catastrophic wildfires remind us that our environment is changing fast. Conserving natural resources, combatting climate change, investing in science and supporting community resilience are priorities that demand increased investments.

"Ultimately, Congress holds the power of the purse. Thankfully, as was demonstrated over the past year, lawmakers have repeatedly found common ground on conservation, and we hope this commitment continues as Congress writes the next federal budget."