Dear Representative,

Climate change is already impacting our communities, our health and safety and our natural resources. As one of your constituents, a wildlife enthusiast and an American concerned with the future of my country, I strongly urge you to ensure that the energy and climate change bill adequately addresses global warming and provides resources to safeguard our nation's wildlife and wild places from the impacts of climate change. Natural resources are the backbone of public health and the American economy. Healthy natural systems provide clean water, clean air and protect communities from catastrophic weather related disasters, ranging from hurricanes to floods to forest fires. Outdoor recreation, which is based on our nation's natural environment and includes hunting, fishing, camping, climbing, hiking, paddling, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and other activities, contributes a total of $730 billion annually to the economy, supporting 6.5 million jobs (1 of every 20 jobs in the U.S.), and stimulates 8% of all consumer spending, according to The Outdoor Foundation. The economic value of the natural environment is far higher when the vast range of ecosystem services is also included; conservative estimates tally these benefits at trillions of dollars annually. Given the grave threats posed by global warming, investing in our natural resources today will provide huge economic benefits for generations. Please support the natural resources safeguards in the energy and climate change bill. It is critically important that we develop a federal plan to protect or adapt natural resources, including vulnerable wildlife and plants, to the impacts of global warming and ocean acidification. Scientific centers within NOAA and USGS would help guide adaptation efforts and coordinate needed research. Safeguarding our natural resources from climate change will help keep our communities safe and protected. The need for funding for natural resources adaptation far exceeds what is allocated currently. At a minimum, 5 percent of the value of the total potential auction revenues is needed for natural resources adaptation. The process used to distribute this funding also needs to ensure that the revenues are dedicated to these purposes and cannot be misdirected elsewhere. Thank you for working to protect our communities and our natural resources from climate change. Sincerely,

[Your name here]