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Washington: Global warming could force elk and mule deer from much of the western United States. Wild trout could disappear in lower Appalachian streams. Two-thirds of America's ducks may disappear.
A new US assessment of the threat to fish and wildlife habitat has hunters and anglers calling for action. Groups representing nine major hunting and fishing organisations plan to meet with the House committee chairman who hopes to write legislation to curtail greenhouse gases linked to global warming.
"These are the branches of the conservation movement from which I come," Democratic Representative John Dingell said in an interview. Dingell said the groups' concerns are very important in helping with a measure to address the problem. Dingell is an avid sportsman whose office is adorned with hunting and fishing trophies.
As the leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he has promised action on climate change. He also has issued a series of reports examining legislation that would cap carbon dioxide - a product of burning fossil fuels - and other greenhouse gases. The Senate is considering similar legislation.
The alarm sounded by hunting and fishing organisations is significant.
They "are a critical swing constituency in so many states", said Paul Bledsoe, a spokesman for the National Commission on Energy Policy. The bipartisan group argues for mandatory steps to reduce climate change pollution.
Alan Wentz of Ducks Unlimited Inc, one of the groups meeting with Dingell, noted that scientists are predicting that climate change "will significantly affect almost every aspect of our environment, including North America's wetlands and waterfowl". The others include Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, BAAS/ESPN Outdoors, Izaak Walton League of America, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
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