FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressman Mark Udall Recognized for Endangered Species Leadership

Colorado and National Conservation Communities Present Stewardship Award

The Colorado and national conservation communities this week honored Congressman Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) for his leadership in defending endangered species, the Endangered Species Act, and Colorado’s natural heritage.

The Colorado and national conservation communities this week honored Congressman Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) for his leadership in defending endangered species, the Endangered Species Act, and Colorado’s natural heritage.

"I am pleased to receive this award,” said Congressman Udall.  “Protecting endangered species is important, not just for their sakes but for ours as well.”

Congressman Udall was among those who stood strong in defense of the Endangered Species Act over the past several weeks as the legislative fight over Congressman Richard Pombo’s “Gut the Endangered Species Act” bill wound its way through the House of Representatives.  Congressman Udall has been a longtime champion of the Act and other critical conservation efforts.  The Pombo bill, approved by the House in a narrow 36 vote margin, would severely weaken the Act.

Congressman Udall added:  “Of course we can improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act.  For example, I support strengthening recovery plans and improving programs for providing incentives for landowners and other private parties to help with recovering species.  But the Pombo bill would have weakened the essential protections for endangered species while, according to the Bush Administration itself it 'may generate new litigation and further divert agency resources from conservation purposes.'  Moreover, according to the nonpartisan budget watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense, it is 'rife with loopholes and vague wording that have the potential to cost taxpayers billions of dollars...’  It did not deserve to pass."

The Endangered Species Act enjoys broad and sustained national popularity.  A recent Decision Research poll, for instance, found that 86% of American voters support the Act.  The Act has enjoyed considerable success in Colorado, helping to recover the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and other wildlife, as well as preventing the extinction of Colorado natives like the greenback cutthroat trout, the black-footed ferret, and the Ute ladies’-tresses orchid.  The Endangered Species Act has played a central role in Colorado’s lynx recovery program as well.

“Congressman Udall has been a tremendous steward of the Endangered Species Act, our many endangered plants and wildlife, and of Colorado’s natural heritage,” said Jacob Smith, Director of Center for Native Ecosystems.  “The Congressman stands out as one of Colorado’s most energetic and committed conservation leaders.”

The award was presented on behalf of Center for Native Ecosystems, High Country Citizens’ Alliance, Sierra Club, Wilderness Workshop, Western Resource Advocates, San Juan Citizens Alliance, The Wilderness Society, Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, Colorado Environmental Coalition, Colorado Wild, Sinapu, Colorado Mountain Club, Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project, Rocky Mountain Recreation Initiative, the Endangered Species Coalition, Earthjustice, Center for Biological Diversity, National Environmental Trust, Natural Resources Defense Council, and National Wildlife Federation.

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