SEEC Nature and Oceans Task Force Calls for Biodiversity Evaluation in First-Ever National Nature Assessment

Washington, D.C. – The House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Nature and Oceans Task Force Co-Chairs, Rep. Doris Matsui and Rep. Joe Neguse, with Task Force Member Rep. Jared Huffman led a letter to the White House to ensure that the first-ever National Nature Assessment incorporates the status and challenges of biodiversity loss within the United States. The 11 members of the Nature and Oceans Task Force called for a comprehensive National Nature Assessment that can catalyze long-overdue action to address America’s biodiversity crisis.

“The loss of species and the resultant biodiversity loss are serious problems on the global level and in the United States,” the Task Force wrote. “Many species are actively declining as they await protection. In fact, 23 have been proposed for delisting from the Endangered Species Act because they are likely extinct. Biodiversity loss presents a direct threat to the security, health, and well-being of the people of the U.S. by degrading valuable ecosystem services such as water filtration, coastal protection, and pollination. The loss of nature and biodiversity also disproportionately impacts communities of color, low-income communities, tribal communities, and others that have historically faced environmental injustice.

“The National Nature Assessment presents an important opportunity to better understand the status, trends, and challenges of U.S. biodiversity loss.”

Read the full letter here.