Statement on the U.S. Senate's Approval of Funding for the Restoration of the Everglades
Statement of Rodger Schlickeisen, Defenders of Wildlife President
(09/25/2000) - The funding approval of $1.4 billion to begin the restoration of the Everglades as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 in the Senate today represents historic victories for the Everglades, wildlife, and the citizens of our nation. Restoration of the Everglades has gained broad bipartisan support in Congress, with conservationists, the government of Florida, and agriculture, homebuilding, and utility interests in Florida. The broad support for and the successful passage of this provision in the Senate is due to the diligent work of Senators Robert Smith, Connie Mack, Bob Graham and Max Baucus. I also commend the Council on Environmental Quality, the Department of the Interior, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency for their commitment to work with Congressional representatives implementing this historic legislative provision.The Florida Everglades is one of our nation's and nature’s crown jewels. For generations, tourists from the U.S. and around the world have come to see this unique place and the wildlife that depend upon it. The Everglades is home to more than 300 bird species, 11,000 species of plants, and numerous species of fish and marine mammals like the endangered Florida manatee. The Everglades also provides some of the last remaining habitat for 68 federally listed threatened or endangered species, including the American crocodile and the Florida panther.
But, the Everglades is dying. Years of draining its wetlands and encroachment by an ever-increasing Florida population have taken a toll on the now-endangered ecosystem. Water, the most fundamental resource in the Everglades, has been diverted and rerouted out to sea, away from the plants and animals that need it.
Despite these problems, restoration of the Everglades is within sight. Last year, the Army Corps of Engineers released an ambitious and historic blueprint for restoring this troubled treasure. The U.S. Senate has now approved a historic commitment to restoring Florida’s River of Grass - and the unimaginable is now possible.
Unfortunately, the House has not even begun action on legislation to restore the Everglades. Since that is the case, I call on members of the House of Representatives to approve funding for Everglades restoration. It is critical that legislation to authorize funding for the restoration of the Everglades be signed into law before the 106th Congress adjourns. Our nation’s nature legacy to future generations depends on you.
Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation’s most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 400,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues.
Contact(s):
Cat Lazaroff, (202) 772-3270
