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Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund Recognizes Senator Cantwell As One of Twelve 'Wildlife Heroes'

Posted on: Thursday, 2 February 2006, 15:00 CST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is recognized as a "Wildlife Hero" by Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund for the leadership she showed this past year in protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and always supported conservation. Senator Cantwell has stayed true to her conservation values, according to Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund president Rodger Schlickeisen.

"We are pleased to recognize Sen. Cantwell with our Wildlife Hero award," stated Schlickeisen. "When the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was under attack, Cantwell exhibited exemplary leadership against attempts to open it up to drilling. Time and again, Sen. Cantwell has done what is necessary to protect the refuge. She continues to show her commitment to conservation year in and year out. She is a tireless champion and passionate leader on protecting the Arctic refuge from oil and gas drilling.

"When the Arctic drilling language was in the Senate's defense bill, Senator Cantwell led a successful filibuster that forced the Senate leadership to pull the drilling provision from the final bill," declared Schlickeisen. "Cantwell's courage and unfailing support of the refuge is unmatched in the Senate. She is among the stalwarts who are brave enough to put protection of the Arctic Refuge above partisan politics."

In conjunction with the awards, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund released its 2005 Conservation Report Card showing that Cantwell voted consistently to help wildlife this past year, a year which saw many attacks on our nation's wildlife heritage. She earned a score of 100 percent.

"Maria Cantwell is a true champion for conservation. This past year she consistently cast votes in favor of protecting wildlife and preserving our wild lands," said Schlickeisen.

The percentages in the Action Fund's 2005 Conservation Report Card are based on eight recorded votes cast during the first session of the 109th Congress. A full accounting of the grades earned by all members of Congress and a complete list of votes scored in the House and Senate, can be found at http://www.defendersactionfund.org/2005reportcard.pdf.

The selection of this year's 12 congressional heroes is based on how well the members demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the protection and conservation of America's imperiled wildlife and habitat during the previous year. Other members recognized include Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), Nick Rahall (D-WV), Tom Udall (D-NM), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), George Miller (D-CA), John Dingell (D-MI), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) and Jim Jeffords (I-VT).

"Throughout her senate career, Maria Cantwell has stood up to industry lobbyists and worked to protect our nation's wildlife treasures for future generations," concluded Schlickeisen.

Affiliated with Defenders of Wildlife, the Defenders Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization created to provide the wildlife conservation community with a stronger voice in the political process. For more information, see http://www.defendersactionfund.org/.

First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

CONTACT: William Lutz, +1-202-772-0269, or Deborah Bagocius,+1-202-772-0239, both of the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

Web site: http://www.defendersactionfund.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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