Proposed Budget Cuts Put Conservation and Public Lands at Risk
Federal funding for important conservation efforts, public lands, and the environment may soon be sharply reduced. On June 13, 2023, the House Appropriations Committee released a draft bill for the 2024 budget. This bill suggests cutting money from key agencies that protect America's natural resources. Environmental groups, outdoor businesses, and many citizens are worried about what these changes could mean for wildlife, public access to nature, and clean air and water.
Major Agencies Face Deep Funding Reductions
The draft bill calls for large funding cuts for several federal agencies that look after America's lands and environment. Here are some of the biggest changes:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Funding would be slashed by nearly 40 percent, cutting $4 billion from its current level.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Would receive 13 percent less money than last year.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Faces an 18 percent cut.
- National Park Service: Would see its budget reduced by 13 percent.
- Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): This important fund for buying public land and supporting recreation would lose 80 percent of its money, dropping from $900 million to just $180 million.
These reductions would affect everything from protecting endangered species and managing parks to keeping public lands open for hiking, hunting, and fishing.
Conservation Groups Warn of Serious Consequences
Environmental leaders say these cuts could reverse decades of progress. They are especially concerned about the future of wildlife, clean water, and the outdoor recreation economy.
Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, explained, “These cuts would be devastating for America’s public lands, waters, and wildlife. They would undermine decades of progress in conservation and threaten the outdoor recreation economy, which supports millions of jobs.”
Many conservationists fear that less funding will mean fewer resources to fight pollution, protect endangered animals, and keep public lands safe and accessible for everyone.
Outdoor Recreation Economy at Stake
The outdoor recreation industry is also speaking out against the proposed budget cuts. This industry includes activities like camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and skiing. In the United States, outdoor recreation creates about $862 billion in economic activity each year and supports millions of jobs.
Jessica Wahl Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, said, “Public lands are the backbone of our industry. Slashing funding for their management and protection puts jobs and local economies at risk.”
Many small businesses and local communities rely on visitors to parks, forests, and wildlife areas. Less money for these lands could mean fewer visitors and less income for people who depend on outdoor tourism.
Policy Changes Could Limit Environmental Protection
Besides cutting budgets, the bill also includes policy riders. These are extra rules added to the budget that could block certain government actions. Some of these riders would:
- Stop the Biden administration from using funds for its 30x30 conservation initiative, which aims to protect 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
- Limit new rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major cause of climate change.
What Happens Next?
The House Appropriations Committee will discuss and possibly change the draft bill in the coming weeks. Conservation groups are urging lawmakers to reject the cuts and instead invest more in caring for America’s natural treasures.
The future of the bill is not certain. While the House is proposing these big cuts, the Senate is likely to push for more money for conservation and public lands. The final budget for 2024 will depend on negotiations between the House and Senate.
Why This Matters to Everyday Americans
For millions of Americans, public lands are more than just places on a map. They are spots where families camp together, hunters and anglers enjoy the outdoors, and wildlife is protected for everyone to see and enjoy.
- Clean air and water are at risk if agencies like the EPA cannot do their jobs.
- Wildlife habitats could be lost if there isn’t enough funding to protect endangered species.
- Outdoor recreation opportunities could shrink, hurting local economies and reducing options for healthy activities.
Looking Ahead
As the budget battle continues, many Americans are watching closely to see if Congress will choose to protect the nation’s public lands and natural resources. Conservation groups, outdoor businesses, and people who love the outdoors are asking lawmakers to keep investing in the stewardship of America’s land, water, and wildlife—for today and for future generations.