WASHINGTON – Defenders of Wildlife joined a media event today with Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and other Senate champions in advance of an expected vote on a budget resolution that could allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Statement from Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO, Jamie Rappaport Clark:
"We stand with champions in the Senate in opposing this underhanded budget scam to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling. It is unnecessary and simply wrong to destroy an incomparable wilderness that serves as our nation’s most important polar bear nursery, provides essential habitat for the world-renowned Porcupine caribou herd and supports more than 200 species of migratory birds. Enough is enough. All Americans have a stake in protecting this vital refuge. Opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling won’t balance the budget, but it will break the trust of the American people who object to a greedy few robbing us of our irreplaceable natural heritage."
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.
