Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and several co-sponsors introduced the Climate Change Safeguards for Natural Resources Conservation Act today. The co-sponsors were Reps. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), Norman Dicks (D-Wash.), John Dingell (D-Mich.), George Miller (D-Calif.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Lois Capps (D-Calif.), Rush Holt (D-N.J.) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.).

The following statement is from Susan Holmes, senior legislative representative for Earthjustice.

“The Climate Change Safeguards for Natural Resources Conservation Act will ensure that the wildlife that we care about will receive dedicated funding to help them to adapt to the challenges that they face from global warming.

“Scientists warn that global warming could threaten one-third of the world’s plant and vertebrate animal species with extinction by 2050. In order to protect our nation’s wildlife and the habitat that they depend on, it will be critical that we reserve at least 5% of the total allowance value being generated under any cap and trade program.

“From the polar bear in Alaska to the pika in California to the green sea turtle off the coasts of Florida, plants and animals are at risk from the effects of global warming. This legislation also creates an important framework to gather and share vital scientific research, and coordinate wildlife and habitat management planning across all federal and state agencies responsible for safeguarding our most vulnerable species faced with a warming world. This legislation will help managers take the necessary steps to ensure that our most precious wildlife are with us for generations to come.”