Media
National Audubon Society and Natural Resources Defense Council Endorse Initiative 1401 Campaign to Save Animals Facing Extinction
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
The Yes On I-1401 campaign is excited and honored to announce the endorsements of Audubon and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in the statewide initiative’s effort to save animals facing extinction. Audubon and the NRDC join the growing list of key supporters advocating for the passage of I-1401 this Fall, such as:
- The Humane Society of the United States
- 96 Elephants Campaign
- Philanthropist Paul G. Allen and Vulcan, Inc.
- The Sierra Club
- Woodland Park Zoo
- Seattle Aquarium
- Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
- Washington Conservation Voters
Please see a complete list of the growing movement of I-1401 key supporters at http://saveanimalsfacingextinction.org/endorsements/.
“We are pleased to add our voice to the overwhelming momentum to pass I-1401 this November,” said Gail Gatton, Executive Director of Audubon Washington. “Audubon was founded in 1905 on the premise that people didn’t want birds to go extinct due to fashion trends at the time. More than 100 years later, we still believe extinction isn’t an option – for birds and other wildlife. We enthusiastically endorse I-1401 so Washington can be a global leader in the fight to save animals currently facing extinction by providing much-needed protections for threatened and endangered species, like elephants and rhinoceroses.
National Audubon Society saves birds and their habitats throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action.
“Our endorsement of I-1401 is a no-brainer because this is an incredible opportunity for Washington voters to make a real difference in the global fight to preserve our natural resources,” said Elly Pepper of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “We have long been committed to supporting efforts to fight those who destroy our planet’s natural resources and threaten the existence of any species. We are looking forward to helping Washington lead the world in passing these critical protections for threatened and endangered species.”
Called “one of the nation’s most powerful environmental groups” by The New York Times, NRDC is the nation’s most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of more than two million members and online activists.
I-1401 is an opportunity for Washington voters to lead the nation and the world in the fight to save 10 key animal species facing extinction due to exploitation and rampant illegal poaching: elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks and rays are included.
“We are honored to have the support of such leaders as Audubon and the NRDC,” said Yes On I-1401 spokesperson Aaron Pickus. “As we build momentum toward Election Day, we look forward to working closely with Audubon and the NRDC to earn the support of Washington voters to lead the world in the global effort to protect animals like elephants and rhinoceroses from extinction.”