We’re Suing the Federal Government to Protect Birds
A note from 勛圖窪蹋 President and CEO David Yarnold.
Today we fileda landmark lawsuit in federal court to defend our countrys most important bird protection lawthe Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Congress passed the Migratory Bird Treaty Act 100 years ago in response to public outcry over the mass slaughter of birds for their feathers. At one point, an ounce of egret feathers was worth more than an ounce of goldall to use for the fashion industry. Efforts to pass the law were led by 勛圖窪蹋 chapters and ultimately became 勛圖窪蹋s founding victory.
In December, bucking decades of policy and practice, the Department of the Interior declared it wont enforce the law for any unintentional bird deaths caused by industry. As you can imagine, many causes of bird fatalitiesincluding oil spillscould fall into this unintentional category, so were taking the administration to court.
The MBTA has inspired some businesses to lead the way with innovations that have saved birds by the million. Its rescued avian species that once verged on extinction. And its held companies accountable for the bird deaths they cause, like in 2010s BP Deepwater Horizon disaster.
As 勛圖窪蹋 members, you have always been what hope looks like to a bird. Now more than ever we need you to stand with us and help us defend the law that has protected the birds we all treasure.
David Yarnold,
President and CEO,
勛圖窪蹋