For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost
November 15, 2007(323) 951-9620

Emeryville, CA – As the State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources today convenes an emergency oversight hearing in Emeryville to review the response to the Nov. 7 oil spill in the San Francisco Bay, representatives of Audubon California called for state and federal agencies to take the lead on investigating the cause of the disaster, ensuring proper recovery measures and implementing appropriate policy changes.

“The broad implications of this disaster for the San Francisco Bay call for a massive response from federal and state agencies,” said Glenn Olson, executive director of Audubon California. “Given the importance of the Bay not just environmentally, but economically as well, this is an opportunity for federal and state agencies to show their commitment to making things right.”

Olson added: “Local agencies and nonprofits have done amazing things in response to this spill, but it will not be enough moving forward. We need the full weight of government action.”

The San Francisco Bay has been designated an Important Bird Area of Global Significance by Audubon California. It was given this high designation because it hosts well over a million birds annually and remains home to a major portion of California’s remaining salt marshes. San Francisco Bay is host to the largest shorebird concentration in the West during the winter months.

Olson expressed concern that initial reports show that the initial response to the spill was slow and lacking the coordination needed to minimize the impact of the disaster.

“Right now, it looks like the scope of the disaster was made worse by a flat footed response and a lack of adequate preparation for this type of a spill in one of our busiest seaports,” Olson said. “This must change now. The restoration of the Bay needs the full attention of our state and federal officials.”

About Audubon California

Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.