WASHINGTON (December 6, 2007) - “Today’s vote, which will increase the use of renewable energy and begin to address global warming by raising fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, represents a historic and much-needed shift in energy policy for America. We congratulate Rep. Pelosi and the House leadership for their tireless work to pass this important bill and urge the Senate to do the same.

Although we celebrate the passage of the bill, we are disappointed that it lacks the key provisions advocated by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall to protect western lands from the rush to open them to oil and gas development without proper environmental review and safeguards. We also are grateful to Rep. Rahall for his leadership on these issues, and we will continue to work with our congressional allies and the many supporters of these reforms throughout the west to ensure that our natural resources are protected as the nation develops energy sources.”

Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society is a nonprofit advocacy organization that works to protect America’s wilderness and wildlife. With the help of more than 310,000 members and supporters, The Wilderness Society seeks to ensure that future generations will enjoy the clean air and water, wildlife, natural beauty, opportunities for recreation and spiritual renewal provided by protected forests, rivers, deserts, and mountains.