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Chesapeake cleanup funding at risk in federal budget battle
by Karl Blankenship
The Obama administration has proposed increases for many Chesapeake Bay programs in its 2012 budget, but the funding's fate is uncertain as Republicans in Congress are intent on slashing federal spending.
Although the administration's proposed spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 makes numerous cuts in environmental programs, it signaled that the Bay is still one of its priorities.
For instance, it called for spending $67 million for the EPA's Bay Program Office, or $17 million more than 2010 and $4 million more than the administration's request for the current year. That increase was proposed even as the administration called for cuts in other EPA programs, including a reduction in the state Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund to $1.55 billion, and cutting Great Lakes restoration efforts by $125 million, or 25 percent.
In addition, Obama's proposed budget would provide $33.7 million, an increase of $12.4 million over 2010 levels, for Department of Interior programs related to the Bay that are carried out by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Service and National Park Service.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Chesapeake Bay Office was slated for a $5 million increase over 2010 levels, to $7.2 million.
The president's budget would also increase funding for agricultural conservation programs nationwide from $2.88 billion in 2010 to $3.64 billion in 2012. Those programs provide incentives for farmers to reduce runoff and protect streams and other resources.
Several officials said the fact that the Bay fared well in the president's budget reflects the influence of Obama's 2009 Chesapeake Bay executive order, which elevated the administration's emphasis on the Bay.
Whether those priorities survive in the Congressional appropriations process remains to be seen. As the Bay Journal went to press, Congress still had not passed a spending plan for the current 2011 fiscal year and agencies were still working at 2010 budget levels.
A measure passed by the House in February would slash environmental spending, including a 30 percent cut to the EPA overall, and a 20 percent cut to its Bay Program Office from 2010 levels.
It would also block the EPA from implementing the Bay Total Maximum Daily Load cleanup plan, which the EPA finalized in December. However, the House proposal faced opposition in the Senate, and a veto threat from the president.
"The House proposal would make devastating cuts to clean water programs, while the administration's budget honors the federal commitment to achieve pollution reduction goals, and is an extraordinary commitment in these tough budget times," Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William C. Baker said in a statement.
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