Senate Sets Aside May 11 as Endangered Species Day

Statement by Rodger Schlickeisen, President of Defenders of Wildlife

(5/11/2006) - Washington D.C. – “Today, conservation organizations across the country, including Defenders of Wildlife, and a multitude of Americans are celebrating Endangered Species Day. We are grateful to Senator Feinstein of California who led the Senate in passing a resolution to declare May 11th Endangered Species Day. 

“The Senate passed the resolution unanimously, recognizing the importance of being good stewards of our nation’s endangered plants and animals so that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy America’s rich and diverse wildlife.

“Our national commitment to conserve and recover endangered plants and animals has been a model for nations around the globe. From the recovery of our national symbol, the bald eagle, to the return of wolves to Yellowstone, Americans have made great strides in the recovery of our nation’s treasured wildlife. 

“Unfortunately, the Endangered Species Act, which has made these successes possible, is itself endangered, due mainly to the efforts of House Resources Committee chairman Rep. Richard Pombo. He has been tireless in his attempts to weaken the Endangered Species Act on behalf of special interests. While he succeeded in ramming his bill to dismantle the Endangered Species Act through the House, the Senate has taken a more careful approach to considering changes to this landmark law. 

“As we celebrate Endangered Species Day, it is important to remember that the issue of preserving the dwindling numbers of animals and plants and a strong Endangered Species Act go hand-in-hand. On behalf of Defenders of Wildlife, I applaud Sen. Feinstein and her colleagues for recognizing the importance of conserving endangered wildlife and wild places.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 490,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues.

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Contact(s):

Cindy Hoffman, (202) 772-3255
William Lutz, (202) 772-0269