Senators Bingaman, Baucus and Whitehouse Champion Legislation to Address Climate Impacts on Wildlife and Natural Resources

Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Chair Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) today introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding wildlife and natural resources, and the essential goods and services they provide to every American, from the harmful effects of climate change. Co-sponsored by Senators Baucus (D-MT) and Whitehouse (D-RI), the “Natural Resources Climate Adaptation Act” provides a framework for protecting and restoring wildlife and natural resources from the existing and forecasted impacts of climate change. The bill calls for dedicated funding for these safeguards, which is expected to come from revenue generated by clean energy and climate legislation. “The support of these key senators, including the chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the chair of the Finance Committee, reflects the clear and present danger that global warming is presenting to our treasured lands, water and wildlife,” said David Moulton, Director of Climate Policy and Conservation Funding for The Wilderness Society. The “Natural Resources Climate Adaptation Act” would establish a national policy framework to begin addressing the impacts of climate change on natural resources and would require federal, state and tribal agencies to use the best available science to develop plans and work alongside local groups and private landowners to identify and safeguard vulnerable ecosystems...read more