As sequester grounds federal researchers, conference organizers sing the blues

Originally posted by Emily Yehle on E&E Publishing

More than environmental programs, more than salaries, pensions, contracts or research, politicians love to cut government travel.

It's an easy target as lawmakers look to scale back government spending; since 2011, the White House has forced agencies to cut billions of dollars from their travel coffers. In a world of email, Skype and webinars, flying thousands of miles for face-to-face meetings seems like a luxury.

Now, as agencies pare down budgets under sequestration, travel again is on the cutting block.

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