President Obama recently recommended a reallocation of federal funds at the request of the Interior Department to aid water and land conservation, as well as implement more offshore drilling oversight.
Reportedly, the Obama administration requested $12 billion for the 2012 fiscal year budget to give to agencies money to fund projects for groups such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Reportedly, the president wants to give the LWCF $900 million, the maximum allowed annually under cap restrictions, to increase conservation measures.
"The President's budget makes tough choices," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "But, it does so responsibly, because for America to be at its best and win the future, we need lands that are healthy, waters that are clean, and a broad range of energy sources that can help power our economy."
Despite setting aside extra funds for these groups, the EPA's budget next year would decrease by 12.6 percent, according to the New York Times. The paper said cuts to the organization would shrink the number of grants for state and local water projects in 2012.
