WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and Ed Markey (D-MA) have introduced the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA), H.R. 1187, which would protect as permanent wilderness the dwindling wildlands across five states of the Northern Rocky Mountains, one of America’s greatest natural treasures.

Carole has advocated for NREPA since the measure was first introduced in 1992. "The large scale of NREPA is essential, first, because an ecosystem doesn't recognize state lines, and second, because NREPA will protect one of the largest areas in America in which carbon is made and stored,” she explained.  “A large carbon sink has both monetary and environmental value in mitigating climate change.”

Also co-sponsoring the legislation are Reps. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY).

NREPA has received bipartisan co-sponsorship in Congress and broad support from environmental and business groups who recognize the value of preserving the region's natural beauty. In the 111th Congress, the Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a legislative hearing on NREPA (H.R. 980 in the 111th Congress).

To read more please visit Rep. Maloney's site and Alliance for the Wild Rockies.

Watch Carole's message urging the public's participation in calling for clean energy solutions, here.