U.S. President’s Proposed Budget Falls Short When It Comes to Investing in Nature
Media Contacts
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Jill Schwartz
Director of Marketing and Communications, North America Policy
The Nature Conservancy
Email: jill.schwartz@tnc.org
On April 3, United States President Donald Trump released his administration’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. In response to this news, Kameran Onley, managing director of North American Policy and Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy, issued the following statement.
“The president’s proposed budget falls short when it comes to investing in nature. Our research shows that federal investments in nature deliver strong returns to people and the economy. For every dollar invested in nature-related government programs, there are significant benefits, like job creation, cleaner water, more productive farmland and increased resilience to climate impacts. Also, federal funding helps expand opportunities to provide clean, affordable and reliable energy as the demand for energy across the country skyrockets. These investments are not just good for conservation and the climate; they are good for communities across the country.
“People in America understand this. Nine in 10 Americans agree that protecting our land, air and water is a good use of taxpayer dollars, even in tight budget environments. They recognize that nature is foundational to public health, economic stability and long-term prosperity.
“Congress recognized this last year. In the bipartisan-supported fiscal year 2026 budget, lawmakers largely held steady on funding for key conservation programs and some clean energy programs, affirming that investments in nature and climate solutions are practical and broadly supported. We urge Congress to build on that progress by not approving the cuts related to nature and climate that are in the president’s budget or proposing similar cuts.
“We understand the difficult choices lawmakers face. The Nature Conservancy stands ready to work with Congress and the administration to ensure federal investments continue to reflect the priorities of Americans and deliver lasting benefits for nature, climate and communities nationwide.”
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.
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