Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org, 804-519-8449
Washington, DC— In the midst of the first human-driven mass extinction with over 1 million species at risk of disappearing forever, the Trump administration has finalized a rule stripping critical protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This reckless move is the latest in a slew of efforts by the Trump administration to gut vital safeguards for wildlife.
In response to the announcement, Kirin Kennedy, Deputy Legislative Director at the Sierra Club released the following statement:
“In the face of the interwoven extinction and climate crises, this is exactly the wrong move. Two-thirds of North America’s birds are imperiled by climate change. More than three billion birds have vanished since 1970. We need more protections, not less.
“The Migratory Bird Treaty Act has been monumental in reducing impacts to birds from damaging industrial activities in their habitats. This rollback paves the way for destructive industries to be let off-the-hook when their actions result in the deaths of migratory birds. The results will be tragic for imperiled birds and for all who welcome the sight and songs of these amazing migrants each year.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.