WASHINGTON– The following statement was issued by Addie Haughey (@addietime), Associate Director of Government Relations for Ocean Conservancy, on the House of Representatives’ proposed budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

“In the proposed budget for NOAA released today, the House of Representatives clearly took a more thoughtful approach than the Trump White House to funding this important agency by supporting key coastal and ocean programs like Sea Grant, Ocean Exploration, and National Estuarine Research Reserves. Unfortunately, the House retains some of the more egregious cuts from the Trump budget.

“The House recommends a $700 million cut to NOAA, undercutting vitally important work of our nation’s premier ocean agency. It has proposed a 50% slash to the Coastal Management Grants that empower coastal states to protect the invaluable ocean resources in their backyards, have a say in how federal agencies manage the ocean right of their shores, and keep communities safe from ocean and weather hazards.

“Other cuts would hamper work in ocean research labs that are tackling key issues like the impact of ocean acidification on oysters, and reduce NOAA’s basic functions – from its ability to support safe navigation on the ocean to oil spill response and marine debris cleanup.

“Ocean Conservancy urges the Senate to prioritize the millions of Americans that depend on NOAA’s services every day and fully fund this agency’s important work.”

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Addie Haughey is available for interviews upon request.

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.