WASHINGTON (March 28, 2017) – President Trump signed a sweeping executive order today that removes key Obama administration protections for our air, lands, water and wildlife. Today’s order calls for dismantling many of the Obama administration’s efforts to combat climate change.
Statement from Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO, Jamie Rappaport Clark:
“Climate change is the single greatest global threat we face, and it’s already happening, right now. It has vast implications for our health, our communities and our lands and wildlife.
“This executive order only serves polluters who would prefer to operate without regard for our natural heritage or future generations. It does not serve the clear majority of American people who want our children to inherit a healthy planet. It does not serve thousands of communities that depend on rivers and streams for clean, safe drinking water. And it absolutely does not serve our nation’s wildlife, which must fight for survival against habitat damage and pollution in a rapidly changing climate.
“Under the Obama administration, we made strides to reduce emissions and create strategies to prepare for and reduce the impacts of climate change. But with this latest executive order, President Trump could turn back the clock on almost all of that – all but guaranteeing that we will face more climate disasters and be less able to cope with them.
“President Trump’s actions mark a dismal beginning for an administration that promised to ‘Make America Great Again’.”
Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating 75 years of protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.2 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 defenders.org/newsroom and follow us on Twitter @Defenders.
