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WASHINGTON – An agreement was reached to raise the nation’s debt limit ensuring the U.S. government can pay the existing debts already authorized by Congress. The final agreement, includes provisions that will limit spending on important conservation programs while speeding up the environmental review process on infrastructure projects, including energy development.  

The following is a statement from Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs, Լ����Ƶ:  

“While we are glad to see Congress and the President come together to avoid a default on the nation’s financial obligations, it is disappointing that it came stuffed with deals on policies that deserve fair and open debate.  

“We remain committed to defending longstanding environmental protections and programs that are critically important for birds and all people. As this deal aims to speed up the review of infrastructure projects, Congress must fully fund the agencies and programs that ensure we conserve and protect the lands, waters, and wildlife that we hold dear. The faster processes must still be inclusive and transparent, and not put project developers above the health and safety of communities and wildlife.”  

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The Լ����Ƶ protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Լ����Ƶ works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Լ����Ƶ an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Լ����Ƶ believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at  and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @audubonsociety.  

Media Contact: Matt Smelser, matt.smelser@audubon.org