"A TREMENDOUS VICTORY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT"
DEMOCRATS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE

Statement of Rodger Schlickeisen, President, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

"Tuesday's election results are a tremendous victory for the environment and for all Americans who care about protecting our natural heritage for future generations. Americans clearly want new leadership in Washington, one less beholden to special interests. And nowhere is that more important than when it comes to shaping Americas environmental policy. For too long, anti-environmental members of Congress have bowed to the wishes of special interests and put forth legislation that wreaks havoc with our wildlife, national parks, refuges and environmental laws in general. Today voters repudiated the corruption and favoritism that has fueled that legislative bias, hopefully paving the way for a new direction in the House of Representatives.

"The election results will also hopefully lead to greater oversight of the Bush administration regarding environmental and conservation issues. For the past six years during which the administration has used its regulatory powers to weaken many key environmental laws, the Congress has turned a blind eye to harmful abuse after abuse. Hopefully, the new House leadership will shine the public spotlight on the administration's perverse use of its regulatory powers.

"Americans want a forward-thinking environmental policy, one that embraces new clean energy solutions to meet our energy needs. It is now up to our leaders to embrace that message and chart a course forward for our country. With the right combination of leadership and foresight, we can once again lead the world on these important issues.

"The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund spent more than $1.6 million on election-related activity in this election cycle, and focused especially on shifting the control of the house to leaders who understand the value of protecting our natural heritage.  In all, the Action Fund conducted direct voter contact campaigns in 26 separate House districts.  The main focus of the Action Fund was the race against Rep. Richard Pombo, whom it regards as the single most anti-environmental member of Congress.   The other 25 races emphasized work against incumbent republicans who had supported Pombo’s extremist agenda, including especially his effort to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act. "

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The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm.