The National Wildlife Federation today announced the cancellation of the planned Presidential Forum on Energy and the Environment for Republican candidates that had been planned for October 8 on Franklin Pierce University’s Manchester campus.

“We deeply regret to announce that the forum has been canceled due to a lack of sufficient candidate participation,” said Andy Buchsbaum, vice president of conservation action at the National Wildlife Federation. “Protecting our air, land, water and wildlife for future generations are deeply held values in New Hampshire and across America. We’ll continue to press all candidates from all parties to put forward their plans to address America’s conservation challenges.”

Former U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) had agreed to moderate the forum. “Conservation issues are a crucial part of discussions about how we as a nation ensure a strong and vibrant economy and remain a great place to live.  I am confident that these issues, which are of great importance to New Hampshire citizens and our presidential candidates, will continue to be discussed throughout the remaining months leading up to the First-in-the-Nation Primary,” said Gregg. “With such a large field of candidates traveling to many places, attempting to get them to one location for a conversation about energy and environmental issues was a significant challenge to take on. I commend National Wildlife Federation, New Hampshire Audubon, and Franklin Pierce University for their efforts to raise the visibility of these issues and doing so in a responsible and thoughtful manner.”

“We want to thank Franklin Pierce University and its students and faculty who worked long and hard on the event. We also thank Sen. Judd Gregg for his leadership on this and so many other issues,” said Buchsbaum.