PORTLAND (AP) – The proposed federal budget will threaten Maine’s environment by cutting funding for sewage plants, pollution prevention, land conservation and similar programs, a group of conservationists and municipal officials said Thursday.

The Bush administration’s budget request would cut environmental programs nationally by more than 10 percent in fiscal year 2006 and by 23 percent by 2010, according to the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

Members of the Natural Resources Council and other conservation groups, along with officials from Auburn and Old Orchard Beach, told a news conference that the proposed cuts would take a toll on land conservation efforts and put Maine’s air and water quality at risk.

“The reality is that federal policy-makers are shifting the costs of environmental protection to Maine’s state and local governments at a time when they can’t afford it,” said Matt Prindiville of the Natural Resources Council. “But Maine can’t afford not to protect its natural resources, which are central to our economy, health and way of life.”