The scientific evidence indicating that climate is changing because of human-caused release of global warming pollution is already conclusive, and even stronger evidence is announced every week. Those of us who are close to the land, and spend time among wildlife in wild places, see much of this evidence first hand. We see lower snow packs, earlier runoffs, increased occurrence and frequency of wildfires, and spreading mountain pine beetle and exotic weed infestations. These changes are associated with impacts to fish, wildlife, stream flows, irrigation and our western way of life.

We urge Congress and other leaders to take immediate steps to curtail green house gas emissions and to develop more conservative, responsible energy policies that include alternative and renewable sources of energy, and more efficient ways of using energy that reduces the amount of fossil fuels that are burned. Even with immediate, yet important, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, changes will continue over at least the short-term with resulting negative impacts on fish, wildlife and wild places. Therefore, we also urge Congress to include in legislation designed to address the causes of climate change, funding that is specifically dedicated to help states protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat through the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.

PRESS RELEASE: Tuesday, February 20, 2007

"Montana Lawmakers Urged to Address Global Warming
with Clean Energy and Carbon Capture"