WASHINGTON (April 29, 2009) -- The House and Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution tonight. Following is a statement from Franz Matzner, acting legislative director for the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“This is the greenest, most forward-looking budget Congress has passed in a decade. Congress is forging a new, clean-energy future for our nation that will create jobs and jumpstart our economy.

“The budget will help restore scientific integrity to Washington by funding our long-neglected agencies to keep our drinking water safe and our air clean, and protect the health of people across the nation.  

“The 111^th Congress has laid the groundwork to move forward with President Obama’s top priorities, including a comprehensive clean energy and climate plan that will hold polluters accountable and end our nation’s dependence on dirty fuels. Coming on the heels of the historic economic recovery package, this budget will make long-term investments in renewable energy, safe drinking water and transportation, which will spur job creation and economic growth. This budget opens the door for a better, cleaner, and stronger future that will make America a global leader in the 21^st century.”