The Trump administration has proposed an 11 percent decrease in funding for the Interior Department.
If approved by Congress, the Interior Department would receive $11.7 billion for fiscal year 2018. That’s more than the president had originally outlined in an earlier budget draft, but still would be a hit to department funding.
One of the areas that would be scaled back is public land acquisitions. Budget drafters described the program as a lower priority than using the money to maintain existing parks and refuges. The National Park Service would also feel the squeeze, along with Fish and Wildlife.
In a press release, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke says he worked with the President to find areas where cuts could take place. The budget has drawn criticism from conservation groups that see the belt tightening as unnecessary and damaging.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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