Audubon to Be Special Guest to French President Emmanuel Macron Joint Session of Congress

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) announced Julie Hill-Gabriel, vice president for water conservation at National Audubon Society, will be his special guest for the joint session of Congress addressed by French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled for Wednesday, April 25:

Julie Hill-Gabriel coordinates National Audubon’s water strategy, which is a key conservation element of Audubon’s strategic plan focusing on climate change, coastal conservation, working lands and bird friendly communities. Julie coordinates a team of science and policy staff across the U.S., focusing on water issues and restoration in the Everglades, Great Lakes, Delaware River, Upper Mississippi River and the Colorado River.

Prior to this role, Julie served as Audubon Florida’s deputy director and policy director, where she coordinated science, advocacy and education around Everglades restoration, including the importance of Everglades restoration as an adaptation measure to sea level rise and climate change. As an attorney, Julie also oversees Audubon’s legal participation in cases relating to its water conservation mission.

“As the United States became the only country ceasing participation from the Paris Agreement on climate change, Julie Hill-Gabriel along with many environmental groups in Florida became the voice for those passionate about protecting our environment,” U.S. Rep. Darren Soto said. “Julie’s work is an inspirational reminder of the work we have left to do to tackle the climate crisis. I am honored to bring her as my guest for this historic event, and together, send a message to President Macron that American citizens stand ready to combat climate change."

“It’s an honor to join Rep. Soto in welcoming President Macron. Climate change is the most important conservation issue of our time,” said Julie Hill-Gabriel. “I’m pleased so see that climate change is part of the conversation during President Macron’s visit—it will take leadership across all parties and nations if we are going to make any progress on lowering our carbon emissions.”

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more how to help at www.audubon.organd follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.

To schedule interviews with either U.S. Rep. Soto, please contact: Oriana Pina, Oriana.Pina@mail.house.gov.

To schedule interviews with Julie Hill-Gabriel, please contact Sean Cooley, scooley@audubon.org or 850-296-2883.

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