What a monumental summer for wildlands! Already, the House of Representatives has passed historic climate and energy legislation that will help address global warming. Next stop is the Senate where an uphill battle awaits later this season.

As polluters spend millions on disinformation, we want to stress that this opportunity to pass global warming and clean energy legislation is one we may not see for many years to come. Yet, the science says we cannot wait that long.

In addition to helping advance climate legislation, one of the best ways you can help wildlands this summer is to ask the Senate to increase funding for the government conservation programs that the Bush Administration drastically slashed. Take action here.

Thank you for all you do for wildlands – this summer and beyond. Your actions do make a difference!

Thanks, too, to everyone who was able to participate in our matching gift campaign, which helped us raise more than $156,000 to fuel our efforts to address critical challenges, like the climate work ahead.

We are very grateful for all you do for wilderness!

Best wishes,

Kathy Kilmer
The Wilderness Society

Take Action

Under the Bush Administration, funding for public lands was cut so drastically that the nation's land agencies suffered greatly. Beautiful wildlife refuges had to close their doors, important climate research needs went begging, year after year, and the U.S. Forest Service had to cut back programs for wildlife and research. Finally the House has passed an appropriations bill that would start to turn the tide, with increased funding for all our public lands. Now the Senate is about to vote on this important bill.

Inside Story

Is Renewable Energy Headed in the Right Direction?

Unlike conventional energy production, we don't have to raze mountaintops or drill into our national wildlife refuges to access energy provided by the sun. But not all solar energy projects are created equal.

Solar projects will feed our clean-energy future, but we want to make sure they are located in places where they do minimal harm to wildlife and wildlands. The Wilderness Society has taken the lead on developing principles for the siting of solar and other renewable energy, and earlier this month, the Bureau of Land Management released its first maps of Solar Energy Study Areas in six key states: Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Read here to find out if they're headed in the right direction.

In the News

Saving One of America's Most Vulnerable Birds

A scientific report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service takes an important step toward saving one of America's most vulnerable birds by reaffirming its status as a threatened species. Read more.