Audubon Advisory
February 22, 2010
Vol 2010 Issue 2

Attack on Clean Air Act Delayed but Still Looms   Yellow-billed Magpies could lose up to 75% of their range in the next 100 years if we do nothing to address climate change. Credit: Brian Sullivan   Last month, we told you about an effort by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski to roll back critical protections in the Clean Air Act. Working with her allies from oil and coal companies, Senator Murkowski introduced a resolution that would prevent meaningful action to reduce global warming pollution and let big polluters off the hook. Quick action by Audubon supporters and our allies helped us put the brakes on this threat to the Clean Air Act but Senator Murkowski still has plans to force a vote on this in March. At the same time, several opponents of comprehensive climate and energy legislation have also taken up Senator Murkowski's cause in the House, introducing a number of bills that would also strip away important Clean Air Act protections while handicapping the Obama Administration from moving forward with efforts to reduce pollution. These attacks on the Clean Air Act—a landmark environmental law with a proven 40 year track record—would put public health at risk and stall efforts to hold polluters accountable. But just as important, these attacks are part of a larger effort to stall comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation—legislation that is critically important. We need legislation that will reduce America's dangerous dependence on oil, cut global warming pollution, spur investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, boost our economy and create new jobs, and help us protect birds, habitat, and our environment. Audubon will continue to work hard to protect Clean Air Act, but this battle is just beginning. We're going to need your help to stop these attacks in the Senate and House. Keep your eyes on your inbox for an opportunity to participate in "72 Hours for Clean American Power" next week as we all call on the Senate for a strong climate bill.   Restoration of Louisiana's Coastal Wetlands Gains Presidential Support   Roseate Spoonbill Credit: Bill Stripling    Just like clockwork, every administration presents its budget to Congress early in the year, and President Obama released his fiscal year 2011 budget on February 1. What is unique about this particular budget is a first-ever request to fund coastal wetlands restoration in Louisiana, which significantly elevates this important and overdue work. The President's budget for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides $35.6 million for Gulf Coast restoration, including $19 million for wetlands construction projects and $16.6 million for wetlands pre-construction studies. The budget for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides $5 million for Gulf Coast restoration. Audubon staff in Washington, D.C. and Louisiana have been working closely with key administrative officials at all levels of government to secure a strong federal investment in Louisiana coastal wetlands restoration. Though the request is relatively small, it sets an important precedent and is a crucial first step toward saving and restoring one of our nation’s largest and most important wetland ecosystems. Audubon will continue working diligently to ensure that Congress authorizes the President’s requests and that, in time, federal investment in coastal Louisiana reaches a level on par with other large ecosystems like the Great Lakes and the Everglades. Find out more: Read the statement from Audubon's Legislative Director, Brian Moore.     This decision helps safeguard a continentally significant Important Bird Area that provides habitat for 74 bird species, including the American Golden-Plover. Credit: Milo Burcham    Victory in Alaska Earlier this month the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced its decision to reject a proposal by ConocoPhillips to construct a bridge and elevated pipeline over a major channel of the Colville River on Alaska’s North Slope. This decision helps safeguard a continentally significant Important Bird Area that provides habitat for 74 bird species and is particularly important for Spectacled Eider, Yellow-billed Loon, Brant, American Golden-Plover, and Stilt Sandpiper. The proposed project would have placed an unacceptable risk of a major oil spill in this spectacular habitat; during winter break-up the Colville River is subject to ice jams, which could breach an elevated oil pipeline. Find out more: Read the press release.   February Mystery Bird Congratulations to Hildegard B. of Russell, MA, who correctly identified last month's Pine Siskin (at left, photo courtesy of Steve Gillispie). Good luck with this month's challenge (below)—Olympian Feat! HINT: In honor of the Winter Olympics, this month we feature the Provincial Bird of British Columbia. The winner will receive a plush Audubon singing bird and will be chosen at random from all correct entries received (NAS employees can play but not win). One entry per person please! Please email us your entry, being sure the words "Mystery Bird" appear in the subject line. Deadline for entering is Sunday, March 7).