President Trump released his proposed federal budget today that drastically cuts funding to vital wildlife agencies and programs, including endangered species recovery, wildlife trafficking prevention and the National Wildlife Refuge System. It comes on the heels of the president’s infrastructure proposal, also released today, that would bulldoze environmental laws on behalf of corporate developers looking to profit at the expense of wildlife, public health and American taxpayers.
Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark issued the following statement:
“Today, President Trump is doubling down on destroying our natural heritage. Trump’s shortsighted budget is an unmitigated disaster for wildlife. It starves agencies of their ability to enforce environmental safeguards, protect our wildlife and manage America’s cherished public lands, while continuing to propose billions for his destructive border wall. This budget should be dead on arrival in Congress. We call on Congressional appropriators to reject this proposal and approve a budget that protects wildlife and their habitat and fully funds vital environmental and wildlife management agencies.”
Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating 75 years of protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit defenders.org/newsroom and follow us on Twitter @Defenders.
