Trout Unlimited (TU) Sees American Power Act as a Positive Step Toward Passing Climate Legislation

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Contact:
Erin Mooney
703-284-9408
emooney@tu.org [1]
 
Trout Unlimited (TU) Sees American Power Act as a Positive Step Toward Passing Climate Legislation

New bill would help trout and salmon adapt to climate impacts.

Arlington, Va.-- Trout Unlimited (TU) is pleased that Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Lieberman (I-CT) today introduced comprehensive clean energy and climate change legislation. The bill requires significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and provides an effective blueprint for the investment of funds to help safeguard America's lands, waters and fish and wildlife from the impacts of climate change.

"Trout and salmon need cold, clean water, and climate change presents a grave threat to coldwater fisheries across the country.  The impacts we're seeing now will only get worse," said Steve Moyer, Vice President for Government Affairs for Trout Unlimited. "This bill seeks to get at the heart of the problem by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also providing guidance and resources to fish and wildlife managers to help trout and salmon and their ecosystems adapt to climate impacts."

The American Power Act requires a 17 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050.  It provides a solid blueprint for fish and wildlife adaptation efforts and allocates some funding towards investments in natural resources protections.  TU staff is reviewing the details of the bill and will offer further detailed comments to the senators in the coming days.

"We are pleased that Senators Kerry and Lieberman, with the help of Senator Graham, have provided a solid blueprint for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting natural resources from the impacts of climate change," said Moyer.  "Hunting and fishing opportunities across the country, as well as decades of conservation successes, are at risk because of the serious threats posed by climate change.  This bill is an important step towards protecting our fish, wildlife, and ecosystems and the millions of hunters and fishermen that value them."

Trout Unlimited is the nation's largest coldwater conservation organization, with 140,000 members dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring North America's trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds.