The Nature Conservancy Commends Obama Appointments for Strong Environmental Leadership

ARLINGTON, VA— December 16, 2008—Today's announcement of the selection of Steven Chu, Carol Browner, Lisa Jackson and Nancy Sutley for leading roles in the next Administration's energy and environment team sends a strong signal that the U.S. will be moving forward aggressively on energy efficiency, technology innovation, and cap and trade legislation to address climate change. As a science-based organization, The Nature Conservancy is encouraged to see science expertise and deep experience reflected in the highest levels of energy, climate and environmental policy leadership.

“Nancy Sutley is a good friend of The Nature Conservancy in California, and a strong selection to head the Obama administration’s Center for Environmental Quality,” said Robert Bendick, director of U.S. government relations at The Nature Conservancy. “She understands and respects our biodiversity mission and the importance of conservation both in urban and rural settings.”

“The appointments of Carol Browner and Steven Chu send a strong signal to industry and environmental groups working toward energy efficiency and cap and trade legislation that the Obama administration wants effective solutions early on,” according to Bendick. “Ms. Browner’s experience at the Environmental Protection Agency, and with programs at the state and local level, will allow her to be a strong voice from the first day.

“Steven Chu is an exciting affirmation of the role that science must play in guiding energy policy.”

The Nature Conservancy eagerly anticipates working with the entire energy and environment team, our colleagues in the business and environmental communities and Congress to quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our natural world while creating green jobs and a greener economy.

“There was a strong sense in Poznan that the world is now waiting for the U.S. to take action on climate change. Next year will be one of intense and rapidly evolving negotiations, both here in the U.S. and internationally,” said Eric Haxthausen, the Conservancy’s director of U.S. climate policy. “We look forward to working with the deeply experienced and well-prepared team the President-elect has announced.”

The Nature Conservancy is an active member of U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a coalition of 26 corporations and 6 non-profit environmental and conservation organizations working together to pass meaningful climate legislation. USCAP has issued a landmark set of principles and recommendations to underscore the urgent need for a policy framework on climate change.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.