PRESS RELEASE

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE ACTION FUND ENDORSES CONGRESSMAN NICK RAHALL IN HIS 2006 RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Washington D.C. --The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund today publicly announced its endorsement of Rep. Nick Rahall (D-3rd WV) in his bid to retain his seat in the House.

"Six years of the Bush administration has left the American people with the need for a strong voice for conservation in the House; one that refuses to be bullied by House Republican leadership. Rep. Rahall has proven time and time again that he is that voice and is willing to stand up for our natural heritage. He has been right there on the front lines fighting for our environment, from working to protect endangered species to fighting to stop drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and off our coasts. That is why we have named him one of only eight '2006 Wildlife Heroes' in the House," said Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.

Rep. Rahall has an 89 percent score in the Defenders Action Fund annual conservation report card. The report card measures the commitment of U.S. Senators and Representatives to wildlife and habitat conservation during each Congressional session. It reviews votes on key conservation issues, providing a clear assessment of how well members of Congress are doing to protect wildlife and wild lands for future generations. The report card is available at www.defendersactionfund.org.

"From voting to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to opposing attempts to gut the Endangered Species Act, Rep. Rahall has stood up to industry lobbyists and worked to protect our nation's wildlife treasures for future generations. His score on the report cards show his commitment to conservation," said Schlickeisen.

"Rep. Rahall's efforts were integral to including wildlife planning provisions in the transportation bill. Because of Rahall's tireless leadership, transportation planners must now consider the location of wildlife when planning new roads in sensitive areas. Now planners are encouraged to find more wildlife-friendly ways to improve existing roads and highways," added Schlickeisen. "It's because of Congressman Rahall's determination that this provision was included in the final transportation bill. We're grateful for his leadership and commitment to conservation."

To see a picture of Rep. Rahall receiving his Wildlife Hero Award please visit: http://defendersactionfund.org/newsroom/heroes.html.