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JUNE 21, 2001

Environmentalists and Democrats are criticizing President Bush's proposed budget for environmental programs, arguing he is shifting around funds to hide cuts in important areas.

In particular, Bush and Secretary of Interior Gale Norton are pushing a $900 million investment in the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Norton says this will allow states and tribes to come up with creative environmental programs.

But Democrats say her proposal goes beyond Congressional intent of the fund. The Bush administration cannot simply cut endangered species programs and expect the LWCF to take its place, they say.

Of the $900 million investment, $10 million would go to Indian Country.

Bush is in Alabama today to push the fund.

Get the Story:
Conservation Program Reductions Draw Fire (The Washington Post 6/21)

Relevant Links:
The Land and Water Conservation Fund, US Fish and Wildlife - http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/LWCF
Norton's Land and Water Conservation Fund - http://www.doi.gov/news/states

Related Stories:
Norton pushes tribal conservation fund (5/4)
Norton hit on environment, budget (4/25)
Norton has budget hearing today (4/24)