Pro-green group rallies post-election

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- The 2012 U.S. elections mark an opportunity for national leaders to unite around environmental issues, the National Wildlife Federation said.

U.S. President Barack Obama won a second term in office Tuesday and the National Wildlife Federation noted that pro-environmental senators were elected in states like Montana, Florida and Maine.

"These elections have opened a window of opportunity to realign the politics of the environment," said NWF President Larry Schweiger. "Looking ahead, the question is whether Democrats and Republicans will work together to address the conservation issues facing America."

Environmental issues took a back seat to broader economic issues in the 2012 campaign cycle. Schweiger said the devastation from Hurricane Sandy, a late-season storm that bettered the U.S. East Coast, should be a reminder of the dangers of ignoring environmental and climate issues.

"Along with the extreme droughts and wildfires of the past summer, Sandy has not only increased the urgency of tackling climate change, but also thrust the environment back into the spotlight," Schweiger said.