The spending deal that is set to hand the oil industry a major victory by allowing unfettered exports of U.S. crude for the first time in 40 years also is delivering some major wins for environmentalists who fought that policy.
The gains include an extension of renewable energy tax breaks, new life for a 50-year-old conservation program and allowing spending on a Green Climate Fund that aims to help developing countries deal with the effects of climate change. Republicans also agreed to stand down from some riders meant to block some of the Obama administration's environmental regulations.
"This agreement contains important wins for the environment," said Rhea Suh, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, in a statement. "As a result, the public will be healthier and the U.S. will continue making progress on climate change."
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.