Washington, DC - In his continued strong opposition to government subsidies and tax breaks for big oil companies, Congressman Edolphus Towns, 10th District, New York, voted in support of H.R. 6 "The Clean Energy Act of 2007."  In response, Larry Schweiger, President of the National Wildlife Federation wrote the following letter in support of the legislation:

The Honorable Edolphus Towns
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Towns:

On behalf of our four million members and supporters, and our network of affiliates and the hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts they represent throughout America, the National Wildlife Federation wants to thank you for voting for H.R.6, the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, which will eliminate billions of dollars of subsidies and tax breaks for big oil companies and use that money in a new fund to promote clean, renewable energy.

Creation of such a fund and elimination of these subsidies is an important step in the right direction as Congress begins to confront the single biggest threat to the future of wildlife - global warming. 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide pollution, the largest global warming pollutant, is directly linked to our dependence on oil.  Just this month the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act because its habitat is melting away due to global warming.  The majority of the world's coral reefs could be lost this century if ocean temperatures continue to rise, and cold-water fish such as salmon and trout could disappear from many rivers and streams. 

Thank you once again for supporting H.R.6.  Passage of H.R.6 will help preserve our quality of life today, and is the first step to begin meeting our moral responsibility to confront global warming to protect our children's future. We look forward to working with you to ensure that these funds are put to the best possible use in the effort to reduce global warming pollution, including finding ways to directly help consumers improve the energy efficiency of their homes, cars and appliances.

Sincerely,

Larry Schweiger
President & CEO
National Wildlife Federation

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