The president also increased spending for earth-monitoring satellites, which are important for collecting information about global warming, including data on things like soil moisture content and ice packs.
The budget boost comes after several years of cuts in funding that the National Academy of Sciences had warned would make the US unprepared for "collecting vital information about global warming ." National Aeronautics and Space Administration sciences chief Alan Stern told the Associated Press:
"Think of NASA's blue logo as turning a little bit greener. We are amping up our emphasis on Earth sciences."
Green energy programs – conservation and renewables – fared less well in Bush's budget proposal, points out an online story from National Public Radio.
"Despite the president's more aggressive statements on fighting climate change, his budget request would reduce funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy – such as wind, solar, etc. The president gets much of that reduction by slashing funding – from $280 million to $60 million – for low-income households to 'weatherize' their homes with new windows, better insulation, and other efforts."
Many congressional Democrats, as well as community activists, are not happy.
