Defenders of Wildlife heralds agreement that will advance energy and climate bill
Waxman-Markey legislation is important first step in securing much-needed dedicated funding for safeguarding natural ecosystems and wildlife from the impacts of global warming.
(05/15/2009) - WASHINGTON – Today House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey released a document summarizing an approach to allowance allocation that is key to advancing comprehensive energy and climate legislation before the Memorial Day recess. The following is a statement by Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife.“We’re pleased to see Congress is making progress, and history, in advancing a bill that will move America closer to increasing our energy security and tackling global warming and its impacts. The clean energy jobs plan from Chairman Waxman addresses energy policy and global warming pollution as two sides of the same coin. The plan will generate millions of clean energy jobs, break our dependence on oil, reduce carbon pollution and begin to address the devastating impacts of global warming on ecosystems, wildlife and the biodiversity that supports all life.
“Already global warming is impacting the air we breathe, the water we drink and the fisheries and crops that we eat. Fortunately, this bill includes critically important dedicated funding for projects and programs that reduce the impacts of global warming on wildlife and natural resources.
“Safeguarding America’s natural resources from climate change impacts goes hand-in-hand with bolstering our job market and economy. In fact, one out of every 20 jobs in the U.S. today is nature-related and outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, hunting and bird watching contribute $730 billion to the U.S. economy every year.
“That’s why key lawmakers, environmental groups, the sportsmen’s community, the Garden Club of America and hundreds of other voices at the national, regional and local level have called on Congress to safeguard our natural resources. Protecting our native species and resources from the impacts of global warming requires significant funding and planning. This legislation represents an important and promising step in the right direction. The bill dedicates one percent of revenues from a Cap and Trade system to domestic natural resource adaptation over the next 10 years and increases the allocation to four percent by 2027. Although we believe it will require greater dedicated funding to significantly reduce the harm that global warming already has, and will continue to cause our natural resources, this is an important start.
“We’re grateful for the leadership shown by Chairmen Waxman and Markey, and by other House champions including Representatives John Dingell, Nick Rahall, Raul Grijalva and Norm Dicks. While significantly more dedicated funding will ultimately be needed to address the impacts of global warming on our wildlife and natural resources, the bill is a promising development and we look forward to working with the House and Senate to ensure that Congress passes the strongest climate and energy bill possible – as soon as possible.”
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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. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.
Contact(s):
Erin McCallum, (202)772-3217
