Media Contacts
Cat Lazaroff
Communications Director
(202)
772-3270
Not a journalist but need help? Contact our Member Services
team:
1-800-385-9712
Sign up for our Press List
Get Defenders Headlines
Get the latest wildlife conservation news and information... right when we post it online.
For Immediate Release
House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee assures vital protection for wildlife and habitat with new funding
Bill continues outstanding leadership in response to global warming
The following is a statement from Defenders of Wildlife President Rodger Schlickeisen in response to the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee mark up of the FY 2010 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill:
“Chairman Norm Dicks (D-WA) and the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee today continued their outstanding leadership in laying the groundwork for a three-pronged federal response to global warming's impact on our wild lands and wildlife – one that builds a foundation of sound science, calls for a national strategy to coordinate the massive effort needed, and provides the funding that will make it possible. Comprehensive climate change legislation, sponsored by Reps. Waxman (D-Calif.) and Markey (D-Mass.) and soon to be debated by the House, reflects these three critical elements, including taking important additional steps toward establishing a long-term funding stream.
“The Interior appropriations bill fully funds President Obama’s request for an unprecedented level of funding to help the natural resource management agencies begin critically needed work to monitor wildlife and their habitats and take conservation actions on the ground, including $80 million that will be divided between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and State fish and wildlife agencies. The Subcommittee also continues the ground-breaking effort begun two years ago when it established the new USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center, providing $15 million for the coming year. The Center now has the potential to become the scientific hub for data on wildlife and adaptation that it was intended to be. Finally, the bill continues the direction the Subcommittee gave last year for development of a national strategy that will be necessary for an effective response to the overwhelming threat posed by global warming.
“Congressman Dicks and the Subcommittee also are to be commended for their efforts to rebuild conservation programs decimated for years under the prior administration. The bill doubles the President’s requested increase for the National Wildlife Refuge System, the backbone of our nation’s efforts to protect fish, wildlife, plants and their habitat, and also provides important increases for endangered species, migratory birds, national forests and the National System of Public Lands. Restoring the integrity of these programs is crucial in the battle against climate change.
“Congressman Dicks and his Subcommittee have been undisputed leaders in responding to the dire threat that global warming poses for our remaining wild lands and wildlife. They have created a solid foundation and set the right standard as Congress and the administration work together to craft comprehensive climate change legislation that safeguards wildlife and habitat.”
Learn more about federal funding for wildlife.
###
Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come.
