Conserving flora and fauna

Plants have always been considered second-class conservation citizens when compared to animals, but they may be gaining some respect. Last year the House filed a bill, HR 3221 which was intended to assist wildlife populations and their habitats in adapting to and surviving the effects of global warming. Unfortunately, it was business as usual regarding plants. Wildlife was defined as “any species of wild, free-ranging fauna, including fish and other aquatic species.”  A number of organizations, including the Wild Flower Society,  protested, and in the Senate version of the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 (S.3060 formerly S.2191) plants were placed on equal footing with animals. 

The Climate Security Act has yet to be voted on in the United State Senate. Although a majority of Senators were in favor of setting a date for the vote, the Senate was not able to garner enough votes to overcome the threat of filibuster during June 2008.  The bill will again be considered during the next session of congress.