National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Larry Schweiger testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on the urgent need to pass comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation that includes large-scale dedicated funding to safeguard wildlife and natural resources from the harmful effects of climate change. 

 

In his testimony, Schweiger praised Senators Kerry and Boxer for their efforts to address the current and projected impacts of climate change in the Senate Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733).

 

"As goes America's wildlife, so goes America. The health of wildlife and natural ecosystems is closely linked with the health of the economy, human health and safety, and quality of life," said Schweiger.

 

"Congress must enact legislation that offers Americans a better way to power our future and a better way to protect the planet. We must address carbon pollution and the growing threats to our natural world. We cannot do one without the other, or we will fail to meet our moral obligations to the generations that will follow us."

 

Schweiger added that the S.1733 provides long-term dedicated funding for a "strategic approach to natural resources adaptation" and will be an economic boon.
 

The hearing was the second in a series on the bill. Scientists, business leaders and the President of the Quinault Indian Nation joined Schweiger in testifying before the committee.