Environmental Champion David Obey to Retire from Congress

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Kelly Trout, 202-222-0722, [email protected]
Nick Berning, 202-222-0748, [email protected]

Environmental Champion David Obey to Retire from Congress

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman David Obey (D-Wisc.) announced this afternoon that he will not seek re-election this November and that he will retire after more than 41 years of service to Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district.

Friends of the Earth’s president, Erich Pica, had the following response:

“Over his 41-plus years of public service, Congressman Obey has been a steadfast champion of strong environmental protections. As chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Obey has used his power to safeguard public goods, protecting air, water and public lands from attacks by polluter lobbyists.

“Friends of the Earth particularly thanks the congressman for his outspoken opposition to wasteful taxpayer loan guarantees for nuclear reactors. Congressman Obey has fought long and hard to keep taxpayers off the hook for bailing out the failing nuclear industry. His leadership has helped sound the alarm about the dangers reactors pose to public health and safety.

“In addition, Congressman Obey has fought to protect workers and natural resources in the United States and around the world by opposing harmful trade agreements.”

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Friends of the Earth and our network of grassroots groups in 77 countries fight to create a more healthy, just world. Our current campaigns focus on clean energy and solutions to global warming, protecting people from toxic and new, potentially harmful technologies, and promoting smarter, low-pollution transportation alternatives.