WASHINGTON, D.C. –(ENEWSPF)–February 2, 2015. Today, the Obama Administration released a new budget proposal for FY2016 that includes:
Increases in funding to the Environmental Protection Agency to support climate change initiatives and the implementation of the Clean Power Plan.
Increases in funding to the Department of the Interior to permit new renewable energy leases on federal land.
A permanent extension of the Production Tax Credit for wind energy.
Support for an initiative to get one million kids to National Parks every year.
More than $7 billion in investments to support clean energy technology.
Investments in climate and drought resilience programs at home and abroad, including support for the Green Climate Fund, the National Flood Insurance Program, and NOAA coastal resilience grants.
Billions to support the health and livelihoods of coalfield workers and communities.
Funding for the Centennial Initiative, an effort to revitalize National Parks and public lands.
Slashing $4 billion in long-standing tax giveaways to oil companies.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“Budgets are a statement of priorities, and this budget clearly shows that President Obama is making action on the climate crisis a top goal of his administration over the next year.
This proposal recognizes the obligation we have to act on climate and the opportunity that arises as we do. The investments the President has proposed stand to support and create tens of thousands of American wind and solar jobs, help states slash climate-disrupting carbon pollution, ensure workers throughout Appalachia can have a smooth transition to new opportunities, and prepare communities at home and abroad for rising seas, droughts, and storms that threaten millions worldwide. The President has also taken aim at one of the roots of the problem by calling for an end to the billions in tax giveaways the biggest polluters making the biggest profits rake in every year. To add to the array of broadly supported, popular proposals, we are also thrilled to applaud a new commitment to connect one million children every year across America with their public lands.
If we are serious about protecting and supporting our communities, our families, and our economy, this is the budget we need.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
Source: www.sierraclub.org
Related Article:
Remarks by President Obama on the FY2016 Budget, Feb. 2, 2015
