The Conservation Political Action Committee is endorsing Dan Besse.

The  group said that the Democratic lieutenant governor candidate has a long record of advocating for protection of North Carolina's environmental resources and public health.

They cited Besse's work protecting coastal resources, promoting clean water and air and addressing climate change as reasons for the endorsement.

"I'm deeply honored to receive Conservation PAC's first endorsement of 2008," Besse said. "Our water, air and land are under increasing stress from both new development and climate change. Smart planning and environmental conservation are absolutely necessary to protect our people's health and our economic future."

Besse released his "Water Resources Plan for North Carolina in the 21st Century" earlier this week in response to drought management and competing water demands.