Audubon Senior Director of Government Relations Mike Daulton released the following statement in response to an announcement by Majority Leader Harry Reid that Senate Democratic leaders would again postpone their effort to enact serious climate legislation.
"The Senate's inaction on climate policy is truly disappointing. It is appalling that hope for a comprehensive national energy plan is evaporating even amid an environmental catastrophe fueled by our destructive oil addiction. It has never been more urgent or important for our country to demand a clean energy future and an aggressive climate change policy.
"Unfortunately, big polluters and their obstructionist allies in the Senate have once again stood in the way of real progress by preventing action on comprehensive energy legislation.
"The failure of the Senate to act means that we will continue to spend $1 billion a day to buy oil from foreign suppliers--many hostile to our way of life. China -- not America -- will continue to lead in wind and solar energy innovation and enjoy the economic gains that could have provided much-needed American jobs.
"We cannot, and will not, give up. We urge the Senate to use every available opportunity to advance a meaningful climate policy that will cut our dependence on oil, reduce pollution, create American jobs, and protect our environment.
"We urge all Americans to let the Senate know that the time for meaningful energy reform is now and that their tolerance for obstruction and inaction is at an end."
To interview Mike Daulton about this issue, contact Justin Tatham jtatham@audubon.org 202-861-2242 x3044