"The Federal government is in a time of severe budget constraints, but given that our States and Cities, too, are struggling with difficult budgetary challenges, the suggestion by the Administration that these inherently federal responsibilities can and will be taken up by State and local governments is fantasy, and places an unfair burden on these entities," said Rahall.

     For example, the Bush Administration proposes to allocate $148 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for federal land acquisition - a 43% cut from what Congress appropriated last year, and only 16% of the $900 million that annually flows into the fund from the enormous revenues generated by depletion of Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy resources. The State grant program would receive no new funding for grants that assist local communities create and maintain parks and open spaces for recreational opportunities – a prime example of how the budget proposes to abandon its partners.

     "Simply put, Land and Water Conservation Fund is one of the signature conservation programs in the world. The proposed funding level is woefully inadequate for protecting resources," stated Rahall.

     Forest Service programs that help to promote safety and job creation in rural America are also underfunded in this budget. Economic Action Programs, which enable rural communities and businesses that make use of forest resources to become more economically self-sufficient, were zeroed out.

     "If the Forest Service is to be a partner with its neighbors in rural America, it must be able to provide its share of the funding, but the President’s budget fails in this respect," declared Rahall.

     Another program that is in desperate need of sufficient funding is the habitat conservation planning aspect of the Endangered Species Act. This program ensures that economic development activities can proceed expeditiously. Developers, state agencies, private landowners, and others who plan and conduct development activities should be able to secure permits, approvals, and licenses in a timely manner. But insufficient funding has become an unnecessary hurdle that is slowing economic activity and adding to the cost of development.

     "This year, Congress is likely to consider amendments to the Endangered Species Act. But by not providing adequate funding to allow the Act to work, formulating and debating any fundamental changes to the law is akin to putting the cart before the horse," said Rahall.

     The Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) program, which addresses human health and safety needs in coal mining communities, is sold short. Meanwhile new problems are regularly being added to the inventory as conditions worsen at old mine sites and communities grow to the fringes of former mining lands.

     And the Administration’s budget shortchanges Indian tribes by slashing funding for Bureau of Indian Affairs school construction and facility repair by $119 million - perhaps the hardest hit item in the budget for all of Indian Country.

     Rahall said, "These negligent funding levels are leaving Indian children behind and undermining the success of tribal communities. Congress cannot stand idly by and let this Administration fail our first citizens."

     Rahall concluded, "I harbor no illusions about the availability of federal funding. The budget is severely constrained and funding needs are continuing to grow. However, our Nation’s natural resource treasures are in need of investment and the President’s spending priorities are clearly misdirected. I encourage the Subcommittee to consider taking a different approach and to make a greater investment in the most pressing needs of our nation’s lands, our precious natural resources, and our heritage."