Statement on the Passing of Senator Edward Kennedy

August 26, 2009

Ted Kennedy was fully committed to protecting this country’s natural treasures. He opposed efforts to allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, to build roads in roadless national forests, and to weaken the Endangered Species Act. He supported legislation establishing wilderness areas, restoring the Everglades, and preserving the peace and quiet in our national parks. His love of sailing went hand in hand with his deep appreciation of the wild open oceans and the creatures that spend their lives at sea. Senator Kennedy sailed against the wind and loved every minute he spent testing his intuition and skills in nature. We will miss him.

By William H. Meadows, President, The Wilderness Society