Senate Negotiations Cut Stimulus Spending on Environmental Programs

During this weekend’s negotiations over President Obama’s stimulus plan, Senators made some cuts in proposed government spending, and many of them are from environmental programs. Here’s what the Senate cut from the bill:

$1 billion from Energy Loan Guarantees -

This program is meant to provide loans to alternative and renewable energy projects.

$3.5 billion from Federal Buildings Greening -

This program is meant to reduce the environmental impact of the government’s buildings by instituting measures like putting in more efficient light bulbs and heating and cooling systems. The amount was originally $7 billion. Some states are already implementing programs like this.

$100 million from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration -

This funding is to go toward federal scientific research, and was at $427 million under the original bill.

$300 million Federal Hybrid Vehicles -

Originally $600 million, this program is meant to boost the fleet of hybrid vehicles in the government.

$25 million from Fish and Wildlife -

This program is meant to help wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and conservation areas.

$200 million from Superfund -

This program, originally billed at $800 million, is intended for the EPA to clean up superfund sites.

$90 million from State & Private Wildlife Fire Management -

Originally $850 million, this program is to provide rehabilitation for forested lands.

Were these necessary cuts? To see a full list of how much the Senate cut from all the spending programs, go here.

See also:
Obama to Critics of Economic Stimulus Package: Are You Serious?
Economic Stimulus Package: Will Obama Push Smart Grid?

Watch:

Obama Articulates Case for Stimulus Package in First Press Conference

Image: MashGet at Flickr under a Creative Commons License

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