For Immediate Release

Defenders of Wildlife recently obtained a copy of Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s “Top 10 Priorities” for his department and today released an analysis of them. While the priorities purport to foster responsive, progressive government to protect our land, air, water and wildlife, all ten are entirely disconnected from the Department of the Interior’s actions to date.

Here is a comparison of the dichotomy between the Department's actions and its stated priorities.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“Secretary Zinke has repeatedly attacked our nation’s wildlife and most precious wild lands since his appointment. Americans take pride in our natural heritage, and laws like the Endangered Species Act that protect wildlife, habitat and vital natural resources. We will not quietly stand by while the interests of industry are prioritized above our national commitment to protect and preserve our environment.”

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

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