WASHINGTON (May 21, 2008) - The Wilderness Society has hired David Moulton, former staff director and chief counsel of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, to serve as director of climate change policy and conservation funding. He started work this week.

The new position includes two responsibilities. One is to lead The Wilderness Society's efforts on climate change policy. "Protecting large and diverse landscapes is essential if humans, wildlife, and plants are to adapt to the dramatic changes that are already occurring," Moulton pointed out. "These lands help store carbon and mitigate global warming." In addition, he will oversee The Wilderness Society's long-standing mission of advocating adequate federal appropriations for conserving national forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands.

Moulton's first Capitol Hill job was with Senator Kennedy and the Joint Economic Committee in 1979. For the last 23 years, Moulton has served Congressman Edward Markey (D, MA) in an array of senior positions, including chief of staff , legislative director, and administrative assistant in the congressional office. He was also staff director and chief counsel of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance. Markey asked Moulton to set up and head the global warming panel in 2007. The Concord, Mass., native received a B.A. from Harvard University and earned a law degree from Georgetown before beginning his Washington career as an energy advocate for Ralph Nader's Congress Watch.

"The challenge of global warming is epic, and mankind is only beginning to perceive the role that preserving biodiversity will play in heading off catastrophic climate change," said Moulton. "The Wilderness Society is playing a leading role in educating Congress and the public about what is at stake, and I am proud to be joining such an effective and committed team."
  
"We are excited to have someone with such extensive congressional experience," said William H. Meadows, president of The Wilderness Society. "David's understanding of the legislative process will be an important asset as the conservation community seeks to help tackle the enormous challenge posed by climate change. He could have cashed in his resume for a lucrative position as a lobbyist, but fortunately, he decided to continue serving the public interest by devoting his energies to a nonprofit group."

The Wilderness Society's mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places.

Founded in January 1935 by Aldo Leopold, Bob Marshall, and six other visionaries, the organization has 400,000 members and supporters.