COLUMBUS (September 9, 2019)— Today, Audubon Great Lakes, Grange Insurance Audubon Center, and Columbus Audubon Society took Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) on a bird walk around the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Scioto Audubon Metro Park in Columbus, OH. Audubon thanked the Congressman for his support of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act, the Bird Safe Building Act, as well as the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act. Energy storage is a key technology needed to building an efficient, resilient, and reliable grid that can support a greater share of renewable energy, like wind and solar.

“Today was a great morning spent enjoying Ohio’s birds and natural beauty. As an Eagle Scout, the outdoors and nature have always had a special place in my heart. We must work to preserve our habitats, lands, and species so that future generations of Americans can enjoy them, and I’m grateful to have the Audubon Society as a partner in that effort, and I’m proud to be a cosponsor of its legislative priorities,” said Congressman Steve Stivers.

“Audubon applauds Congressman Stivers support for the Bird Safe Buildings Act, the GLRI Act and the BEST Act. The GLRI funding has been crucial to protect and restore important Ohio habitats on which both birds and people depend on,” said Marnie Urso, Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes. “Audubon’s analysis found that 314 species of birds are seriously threatened by climate change. By investing in conservation and energy storage technology, we can find solutions to utilize energy from clean and renewable sources, that will help give beloved species, like the Scarlet Tanagers, a fighting chance.”

“Through our premiere bird watching and educational opportunities, Grange Insurance Audubon Center provides a huge economic value to the Columbus area,” said Dawn Tabata, Executive Director of Grange Insurance Audubon Center. “As we celebrate our 10 year anniversary, we thank Congressman Stivers for coming to learn about the value our center provides to the area and for his support of conservation friendly legislation that will benefit both birds and people.”

“Places like Grange Insurance Audubon Center in the Scioto Audubon Metro Center are important for birds in Ohio and for the people right here in the heart of Columbus. I really appreciate Congressman Stivers taking the time to experience the benefits of conservation right here in our community,” added Bill Heck, Board Member of National Audubon Society.

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Contact: Marnie Urso, Policy Director, Audubon Great Lakes

216-246-7150

murso@audubon.org

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.