INDIANA (September 23, 2020) – U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) is working to empower farmers, rural communities, and young people across the political spectrum in the fight against our changing climate. Yesterday, he joined Audubon Great Lakes in partnership with the American Conservation Coalition, the Indiana Federation of College Republicans and young leaders from across the Hoosier state for a conversation on bipartisan climate solutions that are good for the economy, birds and people.

Climate enthusiasts from across the state streamed into the hour-long virtual event, “Common-Sense Climate Solutions: A Virtual Conversation with Indiana Senator Mike Braun.”

“A new generation of young conservative leaders from across our state have demonstrated that they are passionate about addressing this issue,” said Senator Braun. “It is our responsibility to develop bipartisan climate solutions which help protect our environment without threatening America’s working families, businesses, and farmers.”

The event took place just days after an independent statewide poll was released, showing that protecting the environment is a priority for Hoosiers, on par with economic growth. The poll was commissioned independently by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and conducted by Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute.

During the event, Senator Braun answered questions from participants and addressed his work to bring together farmers, conservationists and industry to ensure our nation’s farms and forests are part of the climate solution.

Senator Braun recently introduced the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which would help the agriculture and forestry industries naturally remove carbon from the atmosphere to create a cleaner future for wildlife and people. He is the co-founder of the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus -- and a bird enthusiast -- working to find bipartisan solutions to climate change in the US Senate.  

“From the Red-headed Woodpecker to the Field Sparrow, Indiana birds are more vulnerable than ever to rising temperatures and climate-related events like flooding, droughts and extreme weather,” said Kristin Murphy, government affairs associate for Audubon Great Lakes, a regional office of Audubon. “We support Senator Braun’s continued efforts to protect the birds and people that reside in the Hoosier State.”

“Senator Braun has shown incredible leadership on natural solutions, a key piece of the puzzle in fighting climate change,” said Quill Robinson, vice president of government affairs for the American Conservation Coalition. “ACC is proud to partner with the Senator on this event to highlight the importance of this issue area.”

“You shouldn’t have to choose between being a conservative and supporting climate-smart policies,” said Drake Abramson, chairman of the Indiana Federation of College Republicans. “On behalf of young Republican voters, I am proud to support Senator Braun’s leadership towards climate solutions that are a win-win for the future of Indiana, the Republican Party and our planet.”

About Audubon Great Lakes
Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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.

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Media Contact: Emily Osborne, emily.osborne@audubon.org, 414-841-5273