Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed yet another stopgap measure to prevent a federal government shutdown, while lawmakers attempt to work out a deal on the federal budget. The current federal budget is loaded with provisions that slash funding for public health, clean air, endangered species and clean water. Some of the wholesale cuts include stripping the Obama Administration of its ability to act on climate change, cutting all funding for protecting salmon in the San Francisco Bay and support for the removal of the Klamath dams.

With the next deadline extended to April 8th, lawmakers will return to their districts.  No doubt greeted by constituents who understand what is at stake and hoping to protect their air, drinking water, and communities.