Congress passes spending bills that invest in conservation
U.S. Congress approved three fiscal year 2026 spending bills: Interior and Environment; Commerce, Justice and Science; and Energy and Water.
Media Contacts
-
Jill Schwartz
Marketing and Communications Director, North America Policy
The Nature Conservancy
Email: jill.schwartz@tnc.org
On January 15, the United States Congress approved three fiscal year 2026 spending bills: Interior and Environment; Commerce, Justice and Science; and Energy and Water. As a result of these bills, funding for many federal government conservation programs will remain the same or increase. In some cases, funding will decrease. In response to this news, The Nature Conservancy issued the following statement from Managing Director of North America Policy and Government Relations Kameran Onley.
“Investing in nature is one of the most effective and forward-looking investments the United States can make. Nature is core to the American way of life. It supports our health, economy, security and well-being.
“We are grateful that the bills passed and received bipartisan support. We recognize that Congress is facing difficult choices in a tough budget environment. Its decision to fund many conservation programs at current, and in some cases, higher levels is welcome news. We are disappointed in the cuts to some important conservation and climate programs. However, compared to other proposals that would have made much broader and deeper cuts, the final bills are a much more constructive outcome.
“This vote is proof that conserving nature is common ground, not a partisan issue. When we continue to bring people together, from all walks of life, around the benefits nature provides, we strengthen our ability to solve some of our planet’s most pressing challenges.
“We also are pleased to see that these bills include clear provisions that reflect Congress’s constitutional authority over the use of public funds. Restoring accountability is essential, particularly after a year marked by attempts to scale back or eliminate conservation and climate programs and agencies.
“TNC is committed to continuing to work with Congress and the administration to create and implement policies and programs that help safeguard the nation’s land, air, water and wildlife, as well as maintain America’s global leadership. It is crucial we do so on behalf of all people.”
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.
More Policy News
New Clean Water Act Rule Could Weaken Laws and Protections for U.S. Waters
Now is not the time to weaken the laws that protect our waters. Instead, the U.S. needs to redouble its efforts to protect wetlands, streams and other bodies of water.
UN Ocean Conference triggers wave of conservation commitments and High Seas Treaty ratifications
Following the conclusion of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, TNC's delegation lead and Global Ocean Director Dr. Lizzie McLeod shared her thoughts on the week's outcome.
The Nature Conservancy’s Statement on the U.S. President’s Proposed Budget
TNC's response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. Congress must make bipartisan choices that improve the health of our natural world, economy and communities.