Former Virginia Sen. John Warner Honored For Conservation Leadership

The National Wildlife Federation has honored former Sen. John Warner of Virginia with the National Conservation Achievement Award for his extraordinary environmental leadership in the political and nonprofit sectors, naming him "Conservationist of the Year" at its annual awards banquet.

 

A leader and fighter for the public interest for the better part of a half century of his public and professional life, Warner continues as a vocal champion of global climate action and a trailblazer for new initiatives to increase America's energy independence. Since leaving the Senate early this year, Warner has worked with the Pew Environment Group to bring together state and municipal governments, the Administration, and military, security and climate experts to explore new strategies to address global climate change, strengthen our national security, increase our energy independence, and preserve our nation's natural resources.

 

"Senator Warner was and is a statesman and a true leader on the issues facing our planet now and in the years ahead," said National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Larry Schweiger. "He was always ahead of the curve during his five terms as a U.S. Senator, and he still leads the fight today. Each advancement in the effort to curb global warming owes something to his leadership and vision."

 

As Conservationist of the Year, Senator Warner joins the ranks of previous winners Vice President Al Gore, Lady Bird Johnson, and President Jimmy Carter.

 

Warner was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978, and served in the U.S. Senate until January 2009. He holds the distinction of being the second-longest serving U.S. Senator and the longest serving Republican Senator in the state's history.

Throughout his senate career, Warner supported many legislative initiatives to enhance and preserve the outdoors for future generations. Arguably one of the most revered and respected Republicans to ever serve in Congress, Senator Warner has channeled his passion for the outdoors into a public career spent steering the earth toward a cleaner, more stable future.