Kerry-Lieberman bill a welcome step forward in addressing climate change

Defenders of Wildlife expresses concerns about offshore oil provisions

Summary:

• The need to advance comprehensive climate & energy legislation is more urgent than ever, particularly in light of the ongoing Gulf oil disaster.
• The inclusion of wildlife adaptation measures by Sens. Kerry and Lieberman demonstrates an understanding that climate change is already having a profound effect on wildlife and natural resources across the country.
• Offshore oil and gas drilling is risky, dirty and dangerous, and should not be promoted in a bill intended to move America to a clean energy future.

WASHINGTON (May 12, 2010) – The following is a statement from Rodger Schlickeisen, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife:

“Global climate change is one of the biggest threats to our wildlife and natural resources. We’re pleased that Senators Kerry and Lieberman are working hard to pass climate legislation that addresses not only the causes of climate change but also the impacts already being seen on the ground. And anyone watching the expanding oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico can see that we need to move away from dirty fossil fuels as quickly as possible.

“Unfortunately, we can’t go backwards to move forwards. Legislation that promotes offshore drilling is not the answer to achieving American energy security and reducing global warming pollution. We are disappointed that the bill includes provisions that promote offshore oil drilling and therefore cannot support the bill in its current state.  However, we will seek to work with the bill’s sponsors and other Senators to address our concerns so that the comprehensive climate change legislation our nation urgently needs can move forward.”

Read more about the American Power Act.

Learn more about what Defenders is doing to stop global warming.

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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.

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