Top 2021 Policy Wins for Birds and People

In this issue: Build Back Better Act Advances, EPA Halts Yazoo Pumps Project, Efforts Continue to Protect Seabirds Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our [web version](. [National Audubon Society]( ADVISORY December 2021 [Greater Sage-Grouse performs a courtship display on a lek at sunset.]( [Top Policy Wins for Birds and People in 2021]( This year was uniquely challenging, but Audubon and our supporters achieved some incredible victories to support both birds and people. Together, we have restored protections in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, defended our coastlines against illegal sand mining, advocated for restoration projects to help Gulf Coast birds that are still recovering from the oil spill 11 years ago, reinstated conservation plans for Greater Sage-Grouse, and much more, in addition to significant climate victories (see “Climate Corner” below). [Read on for the full list]( Greater Sage-Grouse. [Mountain Bluebird perched on a bush.]( [U.S. House Passes Build Back Better Act]( The Build Back Better Act would be the most significant climate legislation ever to pass in the U.S. Now under consideration in the Senate, it would make coastal communities more resilient, address drought in the West, accelerate deployment of clean energy and vehicles, and incentivize natural climate solutions. It would also prohibit drilling in the Arctic Refuge. [Read more and take action]( Mountain Bluebird. [Pectoral Sandpiper in water, ruffling feathers.]( [Destructive Yazoo Pumps Project Stopped to Protect Mississippi Wetlands]( Great news: Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency restored Clean Water Act protections to wetlands along the Mississippi River that provide important habitat for millions of migratory birds while also supporting alternative flood control measures for the region. [Read more]( Pectoral Sandpiper. [Atlantic Puffin with a bill full of fish.]( [Long-Awaited Fisheries Bills Advance After Rough Year for Seabirds]( From heat waves to stormy weather and limited food, climate change has posed many challenges for seabirds and their chicks this year. Two bills moving through Congress would help seabird populations rebound by protecting their primary food source—forage fish. [Read more and take action]( Atlantic Puffin. News from the Flyways - [Alaska: New Film Understory Highlights the Tongass National Forest (Watch Video & Take Action)]( - [Colorado: Water Milestones for Birds & People]( - [Delaware River Watershed: Infrastructure Bill will Boost Funding for On-the-Ground Conservation]( - [Florida: 12,000-acre Everglades Restoration Project Complete]( - [Great Lakes: Infrastructure Bill Includes Unprecedented Funding for Freshwater Ecosystem]( - [Indiana: New Audubon on Campus Chapter Rallies Around Climate Action]( - [Minnesota: U.S. Bank Stadium Must Be Made Safe for Birds (Star Tribune op-ed)]( - [Nebraska: Audubon Awarded $175k to Enhance & Restore Pollinator Habitat]( - [Nevada: Grant Funding Supports Shorebird Monitoring in Lahontan Wetlands]( - [New Mexico: Leveraging Geographic Information Systems For Collaboration Around Isleta Reach]( - [North Carolina: Budget Includes Historic Investments in Conservation, Flood Resilience]( - [South Carolina: Federal Official’s Visit to Sullivan’s Island Highlights Value of Coastal Habitat]( - [Washington: 2022 Legislative Priorities Include Climate & Clean Energy, Coastal Conservation, & Protecting the Shrub-steppe]( - [Western Water: Amid Drought Crisis, Audubon Protects Rivers, Lakes, & Bird Habitat]( [(en español)]( Impact Updates [Saltmarsh Sparrow]( [Climate Corner]( The Audubon network helped secure important victories in 2021 to build a more sustainable climate future. This year, the U.S. Senate passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act and Audubon released a scientific report proving that what’s good for birds is also good for climate change mitigation. A bipartisan bill in North Carolina set aggressive clean energy goals, and in Alaska, oil and gas leases were halted in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the North Slope. We look forward to continued efforts to help advance legislation at the state and federal level that supports climate action and natural solutions. [Read more about these and other climate victories in Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut and Massachusetts]( Saltmarsh Sparrow. [Prothonotary Warbler, beak open in song.] Your Actions at Work This year, more than 170,000 Audubon members like YOU made over 1,085,000 contacts with decision-makers, supporting good conservation initiatives and fighting back against environmental threats. In the last month alone, we’ve enjoyed sending out “good news updates” about the House passing the Build Back Better Act, the EPA reinstating its veto of the destructive Yazoo Pumps, and new protections for the forage fish that Pacific Coast seabirds rely on. Thank you for your continued efforts on behalf of our birds and the places they need. We look forward to working with you in 2022! Prothonotary Warbler. Photos from top: Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies (2); Adam Stunkel/Audubon Photography Awards; Walker Golder/Audubon; Jesse Gordon/Audubon Photography Awards (left); Richard Rigterink/Audubon Photography Awards (right) [Join the Audubon Action Network]( Join our Action Network to receive periodic action alerts that connect you with decision makers when your voice matters the most. 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