FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2015
Contact: Haley McKey, hmckey@defenders.org, 202-772-0247
Legislation will provide needed climate adaptation guidance
Washington –– Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-17) introduced the Safeguarding America’s Future and Environment (SAFE) Act in the Senate and House of Representatives today. The bill is designed to make American communities, wildlife and natural habitat more resilient to the increasingly destructive effects of climate change. The SAFE Act builds on existing federal initiatives to set forth a framework for federal, state and tribal coordination on natural resource adaptation planning. The resilience strategies outlined in the SAFE Act include restoring wetlands and riparian areas, managing wildfires and controlling invasive species in native habitat.
The following is a statement from Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark:
“Resilient forests help protect us from wildfires. Healthy rivers and streams provide us with safe, clean drinking water. Coastal wetlands act as a buffer when severe storms strike, saving millions of dollars in damages. But we have to manage these habitats so they can adapt to and withstand the effects of global warming.
“The SAFE Act recognizes this crisis and provides a roadmap to ensure that our natural resources are conserved for future generations. And it addresses the threats global warming poses to our fish, wildlife and plants, which are often overlooked amid the climate change debate.
“Senator Whitehouse and Rep. Cartwright are showing real leadership on one of today’s most important issues. The introduction of the SAFE Act is a critical step forward in our effort to prepare for the impacts of climate change in the United States. And it recognizes the inherent value of our wildlife and natural lands for our communities. Congress should approve this bill and invest in a brighter future for our nation, its people and its wildlife.”
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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 1.2 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 www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @defendersnews.
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.
