SEATTLE, Wash. (July 13, 2016)—Today, Audubon Washington, steward of bird conservation in the Evergreen State, formally announced its support for Initiative 732, a carbon tax measure appearing on the ballot this November. Audubon Washington, the state office of the National Audubon Society, works across the state to conserve natural ecosystems and build healthy communities for people, birds and other wildlife.

“Climate change is a threat to birds and people, and a carbon tax is a proven solution to reduce greenhouse gases,” said Gail Gatton, executive director for Audubon Washington. “Not only will passing I-732 help reduce carbon pollution, but it will encourage clean sources of energy and secure a sustainable and prosperous future for our state. I-732 is the best option available today to protect birds from this threat, and we can't afford to stand on the sidelines."

Audubon Washington will be asking its 21,000 members to take actions in support of the ballot initiative between now and the November 8 election.

In 2014, Audubon released its Birds and Climate Change Report, which details the threat that climate change poses to birds in the United States. More than half of America’s bird species are threatened or endangered by climate change, including 189 species found in the state of Washington.

The report details how rising temperatures influence the range of 588 North American bird species, and found that 314 of those were threatened or endangered by climate change. In Washington state, 189 species of birds are at risk. Birds have specific sets of environmental requirements governed by climate and, during the past 50 years, more than 60 percent of wintering North American bird species have shifted their winter ranges northward.

Audubon Washington’s recent work to protect birds and wildlife across Washington has included working with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to gather data on songbird species, instilling in young adults the importance of conservation through the Tenacious Roots Program, and working with the chapter network to restore habitat and build species resiliency, such as a chapter installing nest boxes for climate-threatened Barn Owls.

Gatton added, “We look forward to continuing our advocacy on behalf of people and birds, and educating all Washingtonians on the ways—big and small—they can preserve the environment we all cherish.”

To learn more about Audubon Washington’s efforts in support of Initiative 732, please visit http://wa.audubon.org/732.

To learn more about Audubon Washington’s work, please visit http://wa.audubon.org.

Established in 1981, Audubon Washington works statewide with its 25 independent chapters and 21,000 members on the conservation of the sagebrush shrub steppe ecosystem in Eastern Washington, protection of coastal estuaries, and actions that address climate change, the number one threat to birds today. Through the Seward Park Audubon Center, we provide science, nature and environmental education programs for youth and families.

Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, ngonzalez@audubon.org, (212) 979-3068

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