News for Immediate Release
April 22, 2008
Contact: Tim Zink, 202-654-4625, tzink@trcp.org

TRCP Marks Earth Day with Chairman Dingell

Conservation coalition applauds congressman's "unflagging dedication to America's hunters and anglers, and the fish and wildlife central to their pursuits"

WASHINGTON — In celebration of Earth Day 2008, Michigan Rep. John D. Dingell today addressed the Board of Directors of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, a coalition dedicated to guaranteeing all Americans a place to hunt and fish.

"Chairman Dingell has shown an unflagging dedication to America's hunters and anglers, and the fish and wildlife central to their pursuits," said TRCP Chairman James D. Range. "To have the opportunity to hear his views on the country's most pressing conservation needs is a rare treat."

Rep. Dingell, the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, pointed to several persistent challenges to our natural resources that require immediate and lasting attention from sportsmen. "Our national wetlands protections haven't been weaker in recent memory," Chairman Dingell noted, "and climate change poses a threat unlike any we've seen before."

"We need to stop acting like we own this world," Chairman Dingell said, "and realize that we're just borrowing it from those who will come after us."

"Earlier this month, Chairman Dingell showed real leadership when he helped roll out the Season's End report that documented, in many cases for the first time ever, the effects that climate change is having on fish and fowl," said TRCP President and CEO George Cooper. "Like so many sportsmen in the field, Rep. Dingell has seen just how big a threat climate change poses to species large and small and knows that now is the time to act to conserve the habitat on which they depend."

"Sportsmen were among the first conservationists in our history," said Rep. Dingell, Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. "They have been leaders in creating national forests and parks and have been instrumental in protecting our fish, wildlife and habitat. I encourage America's sportsmen to continue on this course."

"If you think about almost any piece of landmark legislation on natural resources that emerged from Congress in the last three decades, it's very likely that Chairman Dingell helped to shape it," said Range. "I know he's the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, but it's safe to say that he's the Chairman of Conservation, too."

Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing.