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WASHINGTON – The following statement can be attributed to Marshall Johnson, Chief Conservation Officer for the Լ����Ƶ, in response to the White House’s of $1.7 billion in new funding for climate-smart agriculture and $145 million for the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) as part of $5 billion in funding for rural America: 

“When it comes to addressing the climate and biodiversity crises, the role of America’s rural small business owners, farmers, ranchers, and foresters cannot be overstated. These investments will help ensure a better future both for those who maintain our working lands and for the birds and other wildlife that play a key role in rural ecosystems. Increasing access to popular and over-subscribed voluntary conservation programs that protect the quality of the soil and groundwater, and ensuring that the agricultural community and rural businesses are able to tap the benefits from renewable energy investments are critically important. We welcome the announcement, and appreciate the administration’s continued investment in rural America.” 

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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 www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @audubonsociety.