WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O’Mara welcomed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call in an opinion piece out today for an infrastructure plan that addresses climate change, invests in resilience and sustainability, promotes economic growth, and safeguards wildlife and our natural resources for future generations:

“From endless potholes, failing bridges, and aging transit systems to leaking pipes, electrical outages, and tainted drinking water, all Americans are paying the price for decades of underinvestment in our nation’s infrastructure. There is a better way forward that increases wages, reduces pollution, and improves resilience — and we're grateful Sen. Schumer laid out a path in his thoughtful column.

“A forward-looking infrastructure package can simultaneously tackle several of our nation’s greatest challenges — creating well-paying manufacturing and construction jobs, acting on climate, making communities more resilient to extreme weather and megafires, lifting up disadvantaged communities, improving public health outcomes, and addressing the wildlife crisis. We’ve talked as a nation about the need for infrastructure investments for more than a half century — it’s time for a little less conversation and a little more action. We are proud to stand with leaders like Sen. Schumer who are focused on building for tomorrow.”