The following is a statement from Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife, in response to the successful passage of the Energy Independence Act by the House of Representatives. The bill, H.R. 3221, passed on a 241-172 vote.

"The House has taken an important and historic step toward tackling the threat of global warming, not only for people but for wildlife as well. The bill includes an important nationwide 15 percent Renewable Electricity Standard which will reduce consumers' energy bills by a total of $10 billion a year. Defenders of Wildlife is particularly pleased by the inclusion of provisions to help wildlife adapt to global warming.

"The House was very forward thinking in including new safeguards for wildlife in the Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act section of the bill. The Wildlife Survival Act will provide a national, science-based strategy to help as many species of native wildlife as possible survive and adapt to the rapid habitat changes caused by global warming. By acting now, the House has given us hope that our children will continue to experience and enjoy a wide variety and abundance of native wild animals and plants, in spite of a changing world.

"By including the Global Warming Wildlife Survival Act in the energy bill, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) have provided the prospect of a much brighter future for our nation's treasured wildlife.

"Defenders of Wildlife looks forward to working with Congress on comprehensive global warming legislation, and to ensuring that our wildlife will have the chance to navigate the significant threats posed by climate change."

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 900,000 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.

Rodger Schlickeisen

Last Updated ( Monday, 06 August 2007 )