The House voted to boost money for recycling, toxic waste cleanup and state parks.
Anne GobiBOSTON - The state House of Representatives voted to restore $3.9 million to environmental programs Tuesday, providing more money for recycling, state parks and cleanup of hazardous waste.
The House voted 150-5 to add $3.912 million to the state environmental budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The full House is debating a budget approved by the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Rep. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, urged approval of the money, saying it is needed to help the state continue to lead in environmental programs.
Despite the restoration, the budget for environmental and recreation programs would still be cut by about $6.8 million from this year, according to an analysis by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in Boston. The new budget would be $158.3 million, down about 4 percent from this year.
Environmental advocates said the House vote was a major step in the right direction, but programs would still face some difficult reductions and layoffs.
"We have a long way to go before we get back to where we need to be," said Jennifer L. Ryan, legislative director for Mass Audubon.
The House voted to add $275,000 for recycling efforts, $1.4 million to the state Department of Environmental Protection, $150,000 to help protect endangered plants and animals, $700,000 for operating state parks, $527,000 for watershed management, $500,000 for the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, $300,000 for the state Department of Agricultural Resources and $60,000 for protecting rivers.
The House voted on the second day of its debate on $30.5 billion budget.
After the House approves its version of the budget, the state Senate will vote on a budget and a House-Senate compromise will be sent to Gov. Deval L. Patrick.
"Our next step is to take the fight to the Senate and make sure they understand the severity of the cuts," said Erik Balsbaugh, acting executive director of the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters.