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NEW YORK – “People are rising up to demand action on ����APP change and racial equity. And birds are telling us there is no time to lose: more than two-thirds of North American birds are threatened with extinction because of ����APP change. We need bold, equitable, and durable action on ����APP. That’s why ����APP’s 1.9 million members are helping to lead this movement. Rural and urban, progressive and conservative, Black college students and white grandparents all agree that everyone regardless of race or ethnicity should have access to clean air and water and feel safe and welcome in the outdoors.

“Now that the votes have been counted, it’s important that the rule of law is respected and the peaceful transition of power proceeds as it has since the founding of our nation. The tone of this election season put a spotlight on the deep divisions in our nation. ����APP members are deeply troubled by the racist, sexist and homophobic rhetoric present in some campaigns. These divisions make it even harder to address ����APP change and to protect the places both birds and people need to thrive. But ����APP members know there is a better way forward—one that lifts up all people and creates a healthier, more resilient world.

“We have a long history as community builders, and because we are local everywhere, our membership reflects America. Our membership is 53 percent progressive and 47 percent moderate/conservative, and we have members in nearly every county in the United States. 

“In a recent survey of our membership, we found that:

• Nearly every ����APP member (97%) agrees that “every American, regardless of race or color, should have equal access to clean air and clean water.” That belief is shared by 98% of progressive ����APP members and 96% of moderates and conservatives—a deeply held value across political lines.
   
• More than 95% of all ����APP members—including 9 in 10 moderate and conservative members—report concern about the following issues:
  • Destruction of habitat for birds and other wildlife;
  • Air and water pollution;
  • Attacks on bedrock environmental laws;
  • Oil drilling and mining on protected public lands.
     
• 75% of all ����APP members, including a majority of moderate and conservative members, rank ����APP change as one of their top three concerns among all issues facing America today—and 82% of ����APP members (including 61% of moderates and conservatives) are personally “very concerned” about growing impacts of ����APP change.

“Our membership demonstrates strong support across the political spectrum for action on environmental, ����APP, and community priorities.

“We need durable solutions with support across political lines—and our members are ready to raise their voices. Environmental concerns are no place for partisan divisions.

“����APP is resolute in our ambition for inclusivity, our commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization, and our determination to address the disproportionate impact ����APP change and air and water pollution have on marginalized communities.

“To that end, we will advocate for a more resilient and inclusive economy with more green jobs, for cleaner air, and stronger communities that protect birds, conserve water, restore wetlands, and reduce emissions.

“We look forward to working with elected officials to achieve this vision.”

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About ����APP

The ����APP protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. ����APP works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give ����APP an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, ����APP believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Media Contact: Matt Smelser, matt.smelser@audubon.org, (512) 739-9635