Vote for the Environment

As the first nationwide election of the new century approaches, we have an opportunity to raise the consciousness of our elected leaders about the need to protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitat. Polls show that the American public supports strong action to save wilderness, protect wildlife, and keep our air and water clean. When voters are given the opportunity, they often translate those poll numbers into concrete action. In 1998, 84 percent of local and state open-space-funding proposals passed, making more than $8 billion available to protect land from development. Last year, an off year for elections, 90 percent of local funding initiatives passed, committing an additional $1.8 billion to open-space protection. 

The U.S. House of Representatives has responded to the country's mood with at least one bill: In May it passed the Conservation and Reinvestment Act, or CARA, which would provide $3 billion a year to protect land, water, and wildlife. A June 2000 poll showed that three out of four voters want this kind of dedicated funding source for conservation. CARA is now pending in the Senate. 

The public also overwhelmingly supports President Clinton's efforts to protect 43 million acres of roadless national forest. Both Republican and Democratic pollsters have found that more than 70 percent of Americans, of all ages and political persuasions, support the roadless policy, even if it affects jobs. More than 1 million citizens submitted favorable comments on Clinton's proposal this past summer--87 percent of all comments received. 

The numbers do not get more compelling than this.

As November 7 approaches, candidates for public office are asking you and other voters for your support. You have the opportunity to ask for something in return: a commitment to birds, other wildlife, and their habitat. Find out the views of the candidates on these and other environmental issues. One place to start is with "Face Off." You can also visit our web site (www.audubon.org) and click on "Conservation and Action." 

Other special interests certainly aren't shy about letting candidates know their position on issues and their desire for legislators to vote a particular way. Those of us who care about the environment have a responsibility to make our positions known as well. But to do that, we must educate ourselves about the issues and find out where the candidates stand. A knowledgeable and committed electorate is a powerful force.

The beginning of the last century exploded with progress on environmental issues. The conservation movement was born, and President Theodore Roosevelt, its most visible champion, established many of our national parks, wildlife refuges, and monuments. Let us work to elect leaders for the new century who share a similar commitment to conservation.