Secretary Jewell Highlights Importance of Renewable Energy on Public Land

WASHINGTON (October 31, 2013) – Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell spoke today at the National Press Club about conserving and protecting our national treasures and resources for future generations. In her comments, Secretary Jewell stressed the importance of approving renewable energy on public lands, in concurrence with President Obama’s Climate Action Plan.

The following is a statement from Julie Falkner, Defenders of Wildlife Senior Director of Renewable Energy:

“Our nation must support and invest in responsible renewable energy development in order to combat the threats to both humans and wildlife posed by global climate change.

“Successful renewable energy development is about more than megawatts. Responsible placement of renewable energy projects with an eye toward species and habitat protection is fundamental to promoting renewables and wildlife conservation, simultaneously. As the Secretary said, this is not an either/or situation.

“The Secretary’s commitment to effectively mitigating impacts on our public lands will be key to ensuring renewable energy is situated smart from the start. Working together we can guide our country toward the president’s 2020 energy goal in the most successful, wildlife and natural resource-friendly way possible.”

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Contact: Courtney Sexton, (202)-772-0523 csexton@defenders.org

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.