Washington, DC – Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) received an “A” from the American Wilderness Coalition (AWC). The AWC is a non-profit, independent wilderness advocacy organization that analyzes congressional votes on important wilderness and public lands issues. This is their first annual report card called the “Wild Card.”

“America’s wilderness areas and public lands must be protected for the sake of the continent’s unique plant and animal habitat and for future generations of Americans,” said Rep. Woolsey. “We cannot consider these treasures of natural beauty as special reserves for the mining, oil and gas industry. The answer to America’s energy needs is conservation and the use of renewable energy; not a reliance on dirty, exhaustible fossil fuels.”

As the Ranking Member of the Energy Subcommittee, Rep. Woolsey is a leader in preserving the environment for California’s 6th District and the nation. Rep. Woolsey increased renewable energy research by $177 million in the energy bill passed by the House and secured funding for alternative energy and fuel efficient transportation in the district. To preserve California’s delicate chaparral ecosystem, Rep. Woolsey secured funding to find a cure for Sudden Oak Death. Rep. Woolsey continues to preserve California’s world famous coastline by fighting to stop the Bush Administration from opening oil and gas exploration off our coast.

“Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey is a true wilderness leader and she has consistently lent her voice and her vote to support America’s wilderness areas and public lands,” said Melyssa Watson, Chair of the American Wilderness Coalition. “Her ‘A’ proves that Congresswoman Woolsey not only shares the environmental concerns of the people she represents, she also fights for them.”

The American Wilderness Coalition researched and analyzed specific wilderness related votes and co-sponsorships of key wilderness legislation from the 106th and 107th sessions of Congress. Each Member of Congress was given a grade based on his or her positions to protect America’s public lands and wilderness areas. House Members were graded according to their support of such legislation to protect the Utah Wilderness, funding and developing National Monuments, and drilling in the Arctic Refuge just to name a few.

“Only by breaking our dependence on exhaustible fuel sources and by continuing to fight the oil and gas special interests, can we provide a prosperous and secure future for our children,” said Rep. Woolsey.

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