Yes to a budget. No to polluters' riders.

By Michael Kelly, Director of Online Communications Finally! After nearly four years without a budget from the Senate, our Senators are working on, and debating, a budget. Of course, it won't be easy. This is the Senate, after all. Watch the debate live in CSPAN, here Polluters and their allies are attempting to slip back-door "riders" or amendments onto the budget that would weaken or defund programs that are essential to the health of our environment, our communities, and our families. This is all being done without a hearing and little chance for public debate. It's a terrible way to decide environmental policy, but that's exactly what defenders of the status quo want. Instead of using passing a commonsense budget that recognizes that a healthy environment means a healthy economy, we'll likely see an amendment that will prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from ever protecting communities impacted by toxic coal ash (That would be nearly all of us). Instead of supporting a budget that ends massive subsidies for oil and gas companies (some of the most profitable companies in history), we expect a "rider" that will keep EPA from protecting the drinking water sources for nearly 117 million Americans. Instead of a budget that recognizes that climate change is a real  threat, we'll get an amendment that will try to halt our nation's efforts to fight global warming by reducing carbon emissions from power plants. Who, exactly, are our Senators representing? There is massive public support to do something about climate change. Polls consistently show that Americans put a priority on protecting our drinking water and increasing safeguards for our environment, our communities, and our families. President Obama has promised, and delivered, action. So, why won't our Senators? If you think it's past time for the Senate to pass a responsible, commonsense budget that creates a path for us to fight climate change, protect our water, and strengthen our economy, join us. Send a message to your Senators today.