FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristina Johnson
415.977.5619
New Legislation Would Help Wildlife Survive Global Warming
Bill Makes Polluters Pay to Repair Damage
Washington, D.C. - Today, Representatives Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) introduced legislation that for the first time in history would create a national strategy for protecting wildlife and habitat from the worst impacts of global warming. The Climate Change Safeguards for Natural Resources Conservation Act requires federal, state and tribal agencies to develop adaptation plans and work with local groups and private landowners to identify and safeguard vulnerable wildlife and habitats. The legislation complements the comprehensive draft energy and climate legislation proposed last month by Chairman Henry Waxman and Rep. Edward Markey.
Statement of Sierra Club Lands Director Athan Manuel:
For the first time in history, this bill would create a national strategy for helping wildlife survive global warming. Polluters should have to pay for the damage they do. This bill makes polluters pay to repair the damage they've done to our wildlife and natural heritage.
Passing this bill is our best chance at getting programs in place at a state, local and federal level that will help fish and wildlife adapt and survive global warming.
Climate change is already happening and with it will come extreme weather and the loss of food sources. It is our responsibility to ensure wildlife have the food, water and range they need to breed and survive.
Global warming threatens the natural resources America's $730 billion outdoor recreation economy and other industries depend on. Congress must act to secure these resources while stopping the root causes of climate change so that hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and other activities that bring families together remain part of our national character.
If we want America’s wildlife to survive global warming, we have to help them adapt to rising temperatures. If we act now, we can still pass on a wild legacy to future generations.