More than 60 environmental and other organizations from across the country are urging Congress to increase funding for research into a disease that is killing bats in the eastern United States.
The latest effort to help stop the spread of so-called "white nose syndrome" is being spearheaded by the Richmond-based Center for Biological Diversity.
The Center’s Mollie Matteson says the disease could threaten some bat species with extinction.
Some experts say the loss of bat populations could increase pesticide use to control insects.
Earlier this month members of Congress from 13 states asked the Obama administration for emergency funding for research into white nose syndrome.