As the new home of ConnPIRG's environmental work, Environment Connecticut can be contacted regarding this news release.
We applaud Connecticut's
five congressional representatives for supporting the Inslee amendment to the
Interior Appropriations bill that would have blocked President Bush's destructive
plan to eliminate protections for 58.5 million acres of pristine forests. Their
vote is an important stand against President Bush's efforts to turn these last
remaining wild forests over to corporate special interests that want to log
our public lands for short-term private profit.
These forests, which include
266,000 acres in New England, include critical habitat for over 1,500 endangered
and threatened plants and animals, provide clean air and water to millions,
and stand as a critical bulwark against the fires that have swept the American
West. Our representative's unified vote for our forests was also a much-needed
stand for fiscal responsibility. With the Bush administration projecting a $455
billion deficit, America cannot afford further subsidies to the corporate interests
who want to clear cut our last wild forests.
With their votes, Reps.
DeLauro, Johnson, Larson, Shays and Simmons stood with the more than two million
Americans, including more than 18,000 in Connecticut who submitted official
comments to support protection of these forests.
Connecticut's congressional
representatives sent the clear message that it is time for President Bush to
stop lining the coffers of their campaign contributors from the timber, mining,
and oil companies and start respecting the overwhelming public support for leaving
a natural legacy for the next generation.
