WASHINGTON—The Senate is scheduled to mark up its version of the 2018 Farm Bill tomorrow. The National Wildlife Federation praised the conservation provisions of the current version of the bill. Aviva Glaser, NWF’s agriculture policy director said:

“There’s a lot to like and little to dislike in the current draft of the Senate Farm Bill. We’re particularly pleased the bill maintains funding for the conservation title and increases funding for easements and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The bill also contains a number of policy changes that would benefit the nation’s soil, water, and wildlife.”

“While there are a few places the bill could be further improved, overall the conservation title is strong and the bill is free from attacks to bedrock environmental laws—unlike the House bill. We encourage the committee to oppose all amendments that would weaken the conservation provisions of the bill, especially the damaging amendments that have been proposed on wetlands, forestry, and wildlife. The committee should support amendments to improve conservation provisions, such as increasing funding for wildlife habitat on working lands and making Sodsaver apply nationally. 

“The farm bill is the single largest source of funding for wildlife conservation on private lands and we would be pleased if the final bill looked much like the Senate’s current draft.” 

Resources:
The National Wildlife Federation’s 2018 Farm Bill Platform