WASHINGTON, D.C. — Voters swept a wave of conservation candidates into office Tuesday, increasing the chances for Congress to make progress on a range of issues critical to America’s wildlife, public lands, and outdoor recreation economy. The National Wildlife Federation urged Congress and the White House to work together in the wake of the 2018 midterm election on recovering America’s wildlife, natural infrastructure, and other common-sense, bipartisan solutions.

Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, issued the following statement:

“From the sportsmen who campaigned for Sen. Martin Heinrich and Sen. Joe Manchin to the diverse coalition working to support conservation in Georgia and renewable energy in Nevada, voters demonstrated strong support for numerous candidates who are committed to American conservation values. While some pro-conservation officials lost last night, there will be significantly more elected officials who champion the environment working in the Halls of Congress and State Capitols come January. 

“We need solutions as big as the problems we face. With scientists warning of a growing wildlife crisis and worsening climate impacts, Congress now has an opportunity to make progress where we all can agree: recovering America’s at-risk wildlife, investing in natural infrastructure that improves community resilience, and advancing wildlife-friendly clean energy. With the government divided, Congress and the White House should seize this opportunity to set aside partisan gamesmanship and work toward these common-sense conservation goals.”