"Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a compelling case from the states that the Environmental Protection Agency has a duty to regulate the pollution causing global warming, and scientific consensus is clear that global warming pollution from tailpipes is threatening wildlife and people.
"I can't think of a more important role for the federal agency responsible for protecting the environment than to regulate the pollution contributing to the biggest environmental threat of the 21st Century.
"The science is very clear on the link between tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases and global warming. And the science is overwhelming on the consequences to people and wildlife if we don't act now to stop it.
"The amicus brief we filed on behalf of conservation groups, state wildlife agencies and wildlife professionals outlines the long and growing list of scientific studies showing the very real threat global warming poses to wildlife and ecosystems across the nation. There is no question the EPA has a responsibility under the Clean Air Act to regulate any air pollutant that may endanger public health or welfare, including wildlife.
"If we don't address the root of the problem, literally decades of work to conserve wildlife, restore coastal wetlands and strengthen ecosystems that benefit people could be lost."
For a copy of the amicus brief and a complete list of the organizations, state agencies and professional societies that have added their names to it, go to www.nwf.org/news.
