How the climate bill relates to DU's policy work
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act that addresses climate change. Ducks Unlimited did not lobby for passage of that climate bill. Nor does Ducks Unlimited endorse the "cap and trade" component of the legislation. Also, we have not asked our members to call their representatives in Washington, D.C., to support it.
Over the last decade and more, DU has produced scientific documents that support similar programs that can be beneficial for waterfowl and their habitat. Like all broad reaching legislation, such programs exist in many different forms. The cap and trade provisions in the current American Clean Energy and Security Act, that is now headed for the Senate, is not in a form that we support or oppose. We are neutral on the legislation. Although some people have accused us of supporting cap and trade in the current proposed legislation, we have not.
As directed by the board of directors, DU has provided guidance to Congress on aspects of the bill that pertain to fish and wildlife habitat and carbon off-set programs. Our guidance pertains to waterfowl habitat, for example the wetlands for the Prairie Pothole region. This legislation does contain components that have direct benefits for North America’s waterfowl. Our participation in this is aimed at expanding wetlands restoration and protection programs (our mission).
DU's participation in the public policy arena (along with emphasis on science-based decisions and focus on priority areas) is one of the critical elements in achieving our mission. As we evaluate public policies, we should assess positions and outcomes against the backdrop of our mission:
Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.
Our goal in participating in this complex and politically charged dialogue is to be an advocate for waterfowl habitat and waterfowl hunters. We have engaged in the legislative process for years and we continue to be committed to engaging in public policy issues based on an objective of guiding development of these policies through the best available science.
I trust this discussion adds to our understanding of the issues and puts us all in a position to be an advocate for DU and for waterfowl habitat as we navigate this process.
–Randy Graves, Executive Vice President, Ducks Unlimited