You have a unique opportunity to stand strongly opposed to this attack. Regional.

By Renee McVay

EDF Schneider fellow Scott Roycroft co-authored this post

California’s gas utilities have had their share of problems in recent years – so improvements in environmental impacts, operations, and safety are important to track.

In 2014, the California legislature passed a law to require utility companies to publicly disclose data on gas leaks and emissions while working to actually cut those emissions.  Now, three years later, utility reporting has been standardized, an emissions trend has emerged, and the results are significant.

Graphic 1: A depiction of the volume of methane emissions from California utilities between 2015 and 2016. Emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout are shown as a separate category.

According to the emissions data, from 2015 to 2016, both Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) have shown a reduction in their total annual emissions of leaked and vented gas.  PG&E was in front, with an 11% reduction of natural gas methane emissions, while SoCalGas — the nation’s largest utility — reduced its emissions by 3%. Together – the reduction in emissions from these two utilities is equal to nearly 700,000 metric tons of CO2e on a 20 year basis.

Even with the reductions though, there is still much room for improvement. Overall, if you exclude emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout, natural gas utilities across California emitted about 6.2 billion cubic feet of methane — enough to provide natural gas to over 165,000 homes in California for the year. This is gas that customers paid for but is never delivered – also referred to as Lost and Unaccounted for Gas. The top three sources of emissions are customer meter leaks, distribution pipeline leaks, and distribution station leaks. Together, these three sources comprise 73% of total statewide utility emissions – and each have solutions to reduce their pollution.

Graphic 2: A depiction of the source categories of methane emissions from California utilities in 2016. Note: emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout are not included in this analysis.

A red flag on Grade 3 pipeline leaks

About a quarter of the state’s natural gas emissions from utility systems come from distribution pipelines – and more than half of pipeline leaks are what companies classify as “Grade 3” leaks.  Reason being: since Grade 3 leaks are technically non-hazardous, until now companies have not been required to repair them, regardless of size.

Leak Age (in years) Less than 5 5-10 10-20 20+ Total Leaks 18,333 2,279 468 51

 

Looking at discovery dates for Grade 3 leaks shows just how long companies often take to repair these leaks; according to the data some of these leaks were discovered in the late 1980’s and still have not been repaired. Although some utilities have implied they are committed to repairing these older leaks, real and sustained action is needed to ensure continued abatement of all Grade 3 leaks – action which is required in the state’s new leakage abatement program.

Leak information can be correlated to pipeline materials

Public utility companies keep detailed records of leaks they discover, including date of discovery, geographic location, pipeline material, and pipeline pressure. With the new reporting by utilities, the public has access to information on how leakage correlates to pipe material (for example, older cast iron pipes are more leak prone than newer plastic pipes) and other qualities.

New technologies find greater number of gas leaks

The data also reveals that some technologies are more effective than others at finding a greater number of gas leaks. PG&E uses advanced leak detection technology to locate a large number of Grade 3 leaks, whereas other utilities do not. This partially explains why PG&E is registering more leaks on its system today than in prior years and also likely part of why they may be experiencing larger emission reductions than others. According to recent analyses, leak discovery is expected to increase in coming years as these technologies are more widely adopted.

What can be learned from California’s leak data

Requiring companies to report gas leaks has been instrumental in increasing transparency and sheds valuable insights on the tools and practices that can deliver the biggest emission reductions. And it helps utility customers and consumer advocates learn more about the gas that customers pay for but is emitted into the atmosphere.

As a result of this data, in June 2017 the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) started requiring companies to begin the implementation of 26 best practices for reducing emissions – including targeting and scheduling Grade 3 leaks for repair. Once these practices are fully implemented, utilities are expected to reduce methane emissions by 40% by the year 2030.

It’s clear that better leak reporting is a critical part of reducing natural gas emissions. By requiring companies to disclose leak data California is once again demonstrating what climate change leadership looks like and setting a powerful example that other states can follow.

 

EDF Schneider fellow Scott Roycroft co-authored this post California’s gas utilities have had their share of problems in recent years – so improvements in environmental impacts, operations, and safety are important to track. In 2014, the California legislature passed a law to require utility companies to publicly disclose data on gas leaks and emissions while […]

The post California’s new methane leakage requirements for gas utilities are already delivering benefits appeared first on Energy Exchange.

EDF Schneider fellow Scott Roycroft co-authored this post California’s gas utilities have had their share of problems in recent years – so improvements in environmental impacts, operations, and safety are important to track. In 2014, the California legislature passed a law to require utility companies to publicly disclose data on gas leaks and emissions while […]

By Renee McVay

EDF Schneider fellow Scott Roycroft co-authored this post

California’s gas utilities have had their share of problems in recent years – so improvements in environmental impacts, operations, and safety are important to track.

In 2014, the California legislature passed a law to require utility companies to publicly disclose data on gas leaks and emissions while working to actually cut those emissions.  Now, three years later, utility reporting has been standardized, an emissions trend has emerged, and the results are significant.

Graphic 1: A depiction of the volume of methane emissions from California utilities between 2015 and 2016. Emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout are shown as a separate category.

According to the emissions data, from 2015 to 2016, both Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) have shown a reduction in their total annual emissions of leaked and vented gas.  PG&E was in front, with an 11% reduction of natural gas methane emissions, while SoCalGas — the nation’s largest utility — reduced its emissions by 3%. Together – the reduction in emissions from these two utilities is equal to nearly 700,000 metric tons of CO2e on a 20 year basis.

Even with the reductions though, there is still much room for improvement. Overall, if you exclude emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout, natural gas utilities across California emitted about 6.2 billion cubic feet of methane — enough to provide natural gas to over 165,000 homes in California for the year. This is gas that customers paid for but is never delivered – also referred to as Lost and Unaccounted for Gas. The top three sources of emissions are customer meter leaks, distribution pipeline leaks, and distribution station leaks. Together, these three sources comprise 73% of total statewide utility emissions – and each have solutions to reduce their pollution.

Graphic 2: A depiction of the source categories of methane emissions from California utilities in 2016. Note: emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout are not included in this analysis.

A red flag on Grade 3 pipeline leaks

About a quarter of the state’s natural gas emissions from utility systems come from distribution pipelines – and more than half of pipeline leaks are what companies classify as “Grade 3” leaks.  Reason being: since Grade 3 leaks are technically non-hazardous, until now companies have not been required to repair them, regardless of size.

Leak Age (in years) Less than 5 5-10 10-20 20+ Total Leaks 18,333 2,279 468 51

 

Looking at discovery dates for Grade 3 leaks shows just how long companies often take to repair these leaks; according to the data some of these leaks were discovered in the late 1980’s and still have not been repaired. Although some utilities have implied they are committed to repairing these older leaks, real and sustained action is needed to ensure continued abatement of all Grade 3 leaks – action which is required in the state’s new leakage abatement program.

Leak information can be correlated to pipeline materials

Public utility companies keep detailed records of leaks they discover, including date of discovery, geographic location, pipeline material, and pipeline pressure. With the new reporting by utilities, the public has access to information on how leakage correlates to pipe material (for example, older cast iron pipes are more leak prone than newer plastic pipes) and other qualities.

New technologies find greater number of gas leaks

The data also reveals that some technologies are more effective than others at finding a greater number of gas leaks. PG&E uses advanced leak detection technology to locate a large number of Grade 3 leaks, whereas other utilities do not. This partially explains why PG&E is registering more leaks on its system today than in prior years and also likely part of why they may be experiencing larger emission reductions than others. According to recent analyses, leak discovery is expected to increase in coming years as these technologies are more widely adopted.

What can be learned from California’s leak data

Requiring companies to report gas leaks has been instrumental in increasing transparency and sheds valuable insights on the tools and practices that can deliver the biggest emission reductions. And it helps utility customers and consumer advocates learn more about the gas that customers pay for but is emitted into the atmosphere.

As a result of this data, in June 2017 the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) started requiring companies to begin the implementation of 26 best practices for reducing emissions – including targeting and scheduling Grade 3 leaks for repair. Once these practices are fully implemented, utilities are expected to reduce methane emissions by 40% by the year 2030.

It’s clear that better leak reporting is a critical part of reducing natural gas emissions. By requiring companies to disclose leak data California is once again demonstrating what climate change leadership looks like and setting a powerful example that other states can follow.

 

By Renee McVay

EDF Schneider fellow Scott Roycroft co-authored this post

California’s gas utilities have had their share of problems in recent years – so improvements in environmental impacts, operations, and safety are important to track.

In 2014, the California legislature passed a law to require utility companies to publicly disclose data on gas leaks and emissions while working to actually cut those emissions.  Now, three years later, utility reporting has been standardized, an emissions trend has emerged, and the results are significant.

Graphic 1: A depiction of the volume of methane emissions from California utilities between 2015 and 2016. Emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout are shown as a separate category.

According to the emissions data, from 2015 to 2016, both Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) have shown a reduction in their total annual emissions of leaked and vented gas.  PG&E was in front, with an 11% reduction of natural gas methane emissions, while SoCalGas — the nation’s largest utility — reduced its emissions by 3%. Together – the reduction in emissions from these two utilities is equal to nearly 700,000 metric tons of CO2e on a 20 year basis.

Even with the reductions though, there is still much room for improvement. Overall, if you exclude emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout, natural gas utilities across California emitted about 6.2 billion cubic feet of methane — enough to provide natural gas to over 165,000 homes in California for the year. This is gas that customers paid for but is never delivered – also referred to as Lost and Unaccounted for Gas. The top three sources of emissions are customer meter leaks, distribution pipeline leaks, and distribution station leaks. Together, these three sources comprise 73% of total statewide utility emissions – and each have solutions to reduce their pollution.

Graphic 2: A depiction of the source categories of methane emissions from California utilities in 2016. Note: emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout are not included in this analysis.

A red flag on Grade 3 pipeline leaks

About a quarter of the state’s natural gas emissions from utility systems come from distribution pipelines – and more than half of pipeline leaks are what companies classify as “Grade 3” leaks.  Reason being: since Grade 3 leaks are technically non-hazardous, until now companies have not been required to repair them, regardless of size.

Leak Age (in years) Less than 5 5-10 10-20 20+ Total Leaks 18,333 2,279 468 51

 

Looking at discovery dates for Grade 3 leaks shows just how long companies often take to repair these leaks; according to the data some of these leaks were discovered in the late 1980’s and still have not been repaired. Although some utilities have implied they are committed to repairing these older leaks, real and sustained action is needed to ensure continued abatement of all Grade 3 leaks – action which is required in the state’s new leakage abatement program.

Leak information can be correlated to pipeline materials

Public utility companies keep detailed records of leaks they discover, including date of discovery, geographic location, pipeline material, and pipeline pressure. With the new reporting by utilities, the public has access to information on how leakage correlates to pipe material (for example, older cast iron pipes are more leak prone than newer plastic pipes) and other qualities.

New technologies find greater number of gas leaks

The data also reveals that some technologies are more effective than others at finding a greater number of gas leaks. PG&E uses advanced leak detection technology to locate a large number of Grade 3 leaks, whereas other utilities do not. This partially explains why PG&E is registering more leaks on its system today than in prior years and also likely part of why they may be experiencing larger emission reductions than others. According to recent analyses, leak discovery is expected to increase in coming years as these technologies are more widely adopted.

What can be learned from California’s leak data

Requiring companies to report gas leaks has been instrumental in increasing transparency and sheds valuable insights on the tools and practices that can deliver the biggest emission reductions. And it helps utility customers and consumer advocates learn more about the gas that customers pay for but is emitted into the atmosphere.

As a result of this data, in June 2017 the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) started requiring companies to begin the implementation of 26 best practices for reducing emissions – including targeting and scheduling Grade 3 leaks for repair. Once these practices are fully implemented, utilities are expected to reduce methane emissions by 40% by the year 2030.

It’s clear that better leak reporting is a critical part of reducing natural gas emissions. By requiring companies to disclose leak data California is once again demonstrating what climate change leadership looks like and setting a powerful example that other states can follow.

 

By Renee McVay

EDF Schneider fellow Scott Roycroft co-authored this post

California’s gas utilities have had their share of problems in recent years – so improvements in environmental impacts, operations, and safety are important to track.

In 2014, the California legislature passed a law to require utility companies to publicly disclose data on gas leaks and emissions while working to actually cut those emissions.  Now, three years later, utility reporting has been standardized, an emissions trend has emerged, and the results are significant.

Graphic 1: A depiction of the volume of methane emissions from California utilities between 2015 and 2016. Emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout are shown as a separate category.

According to the emissions data, from 2015 to 2016, both Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) have shown a reduction in their total annual emissions of leaked and vented gas.  PG&E was in front, with an 11% reduction of natural gas methane emissions, while SoCalGas — the nation’s largest utility — reduced its emissions by 3%. Together – the reduction in emissions from these two utilities is equal to nearly 700,000 metric tons of CO2e on a 20 year basis.

Even with the reductions though, there is still much room for improvement. Overall, if you exclude emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout, natural gas utilities across California emitted about 6.2 billion cubic feet of methane — enough to provide natural gas to over 165,000 homes in California for the year. This is gas that customers paid for but is never delivered – also referred to as Lost and Unaccounted for Gas. The top three sources of emissions are customer meter leaks, distribution pipeline leaks, and distribution station leaks. Together, these three sources comprise 73% of total statewide utility emissions – and each have solutions to reduce their pollution.

Graphic 2: A depiction of the source categories of methane emissions from California utilities in 2016. Note: emissions from the Aliso Canyon blowout are not included in this analysis.

A red flag on Grade 3 pipeline leaks

About a quarter of the state’s natural gas emissions from utility systems come from distribution pipelines – and more than half of pipeline leaks are what companies classify as “Grade 3” leaks.  Reason being: since Grade 3 leaks are technically non-hazardous, until now companies have not been required to repair them, regardless of size.

Leak Age (in years) Less than 5 5-10 10-20 20+ Total Leaks 18,333 2,279 468 51

 

Looking at discovery dates for Grade 3 leaks shows just how long companies often take to repair these leaks; according to the data some of these leaks were discovered in the late 1980’s and still have not been repaired. Although some utilities have implied they are committed to repairing these older leaks, real and sustained action is needed to ensure continued abatement of all Grade 3 leaks – action which is required in the state’s new leakage abatement program.

Leak information can be correlated to pipeline materials

Public utility companies keep detailed records of leaks they discover, including date of discovery, geographic location, pipeline material, and pipeline pressure. With the new reporting by utilities, the public has access to information on how leakage correlates to pipe material (for example, older cast iron pipes are more leak prone than newer plastic pipes) and other qualities.

New technologies find greater number of gas leaks

The data also reveals that some technologies are more effective than others at finding a greater number of gas leaks. PG&E uses advanced leak detection technology to locate a large number of Grade 3 leaks, whereas other utilities do not. This partially explains why PG&E is registering more leaks on its system today than in prior years and also likely part of why they may be experiencing larger emission reductions than others. According to recent analyses, leak discovery is expected to increase in coming years as these technologies are more widely adopted.

What can be learned from California’s leak data

Requiring companies to report gas leaks has been instrumental in increasing transparency and sheds valuable insights on the tools and practices that can deliver the biggest emission reductions. And it helps utility customers and consumer advocates learn more about the gas that customers pay for but is emitted into the atmosphere.

As a result of this data, in June 2017 the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) started requiring companies to begin the implementation of 26 best practices for reducing emissions – including targeting and scheduling Grade 3 leaks for repair. Once these practices are fully implemented, utilities are expected to reduce methane emissions by 40% by the year 2030.

It’s clear that better leak reporting is a critical part of reducing natural gas emissions. By requiring companies to disclose leak data California is once again demonstrating what climate change leadership looks like and setting a powerful example that other states can follow.

 

The peregrine falcon is renowned for its ability to reach diving speeds up to 200 mph. It’s also known for having one of the longest migrations in North America, reaching up to 15,000 miles.

The post How the fastest American raptor nearly nosedived into extinction first appeared on Growing Returns.

By Michael Bean

“Peregrine” comes from the Latin word for traveler, an apt name for this raptor species. Peregrine falcons are limited only by extreme heat, extreme cold, or exceptionally high elevations. (Photo credit: Beth Fishkind)

The peregrine falcon is renowned for its ability to reach diving speeds up to 200 mph. It’s also known for having one of the longest migrations in North America, reaching up to 15,000 miles.

Peregrine falcons are one of the most widespread birds in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. This extensive range is what made the American peregrine’s dive into near-extinction so worrying.

The peregrine’s swift descent

Historically, there were estimated to be approximately 4,000 breeding pairs of peregrines in the United States. Despite its eminent speed and strength, the population reached alarmingly low numbers in the 1970s when the bird completely disappeared from the eastern U.S. and only 300 breeding pairs remained throughout the rest of the country.

The same effects of widespread DDT application on thinning egg shells were seen in bald eagle and brown pelican populations. (Photo Credit: John Carrel)

A key factor in the peregrine’s population decline was the severe impacts associated with the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in the 1940s and several decades after. The chemical made its way into the food chain and, as top predators, peregrine falcons absorbed large amounts of DDT from their prey.

High concentrations of a metabolite in DDT prevented normal calcium production in birds, which led to thin eggshells that cracked when the birds tried to incubate their eggs. As a result, populations fell dramatically.

Acting just in time

The two subspecies of peregrine falcons – the American peregrine falcon and the Arctic peregrine falcon – were first listed as endangered under the predecessor to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969, and then listed again under the ESA once the law was established in 1973.

The ESA and the federal ban on DDT allowed the peregrine falcon to complete its long journey to…
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EDF founders Art Cooley, Charlie Wurster and Dennis Puleston. Learn more about how EDF got started >> 

In the year before the ESA was signed into law by President Nixon, the federal government banned the use of DDT, a hard-earned legal victory led by EDF founders Art Cooley, Charlie Wurster and Dennis Puleston.

There were additional efforts at the state level as well.

Wisconsin was at the forefront of re-establishing peregrine falcon populations, banning the use of DDT in the state in 1970, two years before the federal government.

The combination of the ESA becoming law, the federal ban on DDT, and states stepping up together marked a life-saving turning point for many endangered bird species. But the success story wasn’t finished just yet.

How the peregrine rebounded

Re-establishing peregrine populations in such an expansive area called for new techniques.

Peregrine falcons from various sources were used as breeding stock. Chicks were hatched and raised in captivity and then gradually released into the wild. (Photo credit: Eric Kilby)

The Peregrine Recovery Plan, prepared in 1979, aimed to re-establish nesting populations through captive breeding and release programs. One of the most extensive efforts was to recover the eastern population through programs initiated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and later led by The Peregrine Fund.

Thanks to these reintroduction programs, in addition to large-scale protection of nesting sites, peregrine falcon populations started rising in 1980. The combination of state and federal support for peregrine programs allowed the falcon to complete its long journey to recovery and created a model for future conservation efforts.

Within two decades of the ESA’s establishment, the peregrine falcon population was successfully recovered and re-established. The Arctic peregrine falcon was successfully delisted in 1994 and the American peregrine falcon in 1999.

Today, peregrine falcons prosper all over the United States.

Michael Bean started working at EDF in 1977 directing wildlife conservation policy initiatives. In 2009, Michael joined the U.S. Department of the Interior as counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and later as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary. Today, Michael is back as an advisor to EDF.

Related:

How our nation’s symbol soared back from the brink >>

Dear Congress, protect the integrity of the ESA >>

From 15 birds to flagship status: An American conservation movement takes flight >>

The Endangered Species Act has brought countless species back from the brink. Now, all of that could be at risk. C4.

The Endangered Species Act has brought countless species back from the brink. Now, all of that could be at risk. C4.

The Endangered Species Act has brought countless species back from the brink. Now, all of that could be at risk. C4.

The Endangered Species Act has brought countless species back from the brink. Now, all of that could be at risk. C4.

The Endangered Species Act has brought countless species back from the brink. Now, all of that could be at risk. C4.

The Endangered Species Act has brought countless species back from the brink. Now, all of that could be at risk. C4.

Black lung disease has burdened coal miners and mining communities for generations. By the late 1960s, improvements in medicine, mining conditions, and federal regulation had led to greater coal worker protection and a subsequent decline in cases of black lung disease. However, in the last two decades, doctors have noticed an alarming trend: black lung […]

By Ryan O'Connell

Black lung disease has burdened coal miners and mining communities for generations. By the late 1960s, improvements in medicine, mining conditions, and federal regulation had led to greater coal worker protection and a subsequent decline in cases of black lung disease. However, in the last two decades, doctors have noticed an alarming trend: black lung disease is on the rise, especially among young miners.

In this episode of our podcast, we spoke with Dr. Edward Petsonk, a pulmonologist and professor at West Virginia University, about his 20 years of research on black lung disease. He unraveled how the disease develops and explained how changes in mining practices may be responsible for its uptick in recent years. Dr. Petsonk also shared the effects that this illness has on miners, their families, and mining communities across the country.

Want more? Subscribe to us on iTunes or Google Play, or check out Podbean to listen via desktop!

By David Festa

After many years of working to protect the environment, I have come to believe in two big ideas: community and civility.

The first seems simple, but is profound nonetheless: From a tiny frog to a giant grizzly, from a family farmer to the residents of our largest cities, all of us are in this together. We all rely upon the benefits that nature provides to prosper.

That’s not what we hear from some politicians who parrot discredited talking points that claim environmental protection kills jobs and cripples the economy.

The truth is that a thriving economy and high quality of life are inextricably linked to, and dependent upon, a healthy environment. We neglect – or worse, punish – the natural world at our peril.

We can't have a thriving economy without thriving ecosystems, @davidfesta via…
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Healthy environment, prosperous economy

Losing the coastal marshes of Louisiana, for example, doesn’t just mean wiping out the rich bayou ecosystem, where great blue herons, alligators and bobcats live among the towering cypresses. It means shrinking the vital nurseries of shrimp, oysters and fish that contribute to a seafood industry worth billions of dollars. It also means losing valuable natural buffers that protect major cities like New Orleans from extreme weather — and also shield the refineries and other massive facilities of same industry that caused much of the loss.

Similar tales of the interdependence between humans and the environment can be found all across the country. Reducing the amount of nutrients that flow into creeks and rivers in America’s heartland by improving farming practices and restoring wetlands is a boon to wildlife. At the same time, it also lessens the enormous economic toll from removing harmful nitrates from drinking water.

In the parched American West, better management of water basins not only restores vanishing ecosystems, with its rich diversity of aquatic and avian life. It also helps water managers cope better with shortages and surpluses, ensuring that cities, farms and local communities don’t run dry.

These examples, and many more, show how protecting ecosystems is essential to economic and human prosperity. And such protection becomes even more crucial in today’s changing climate, which is bringing rising seas, more intense heat waves, more extreme storms, more severe floods and droughts.

Because of this new and growing threat, we need a second big idea: a return to civility.

Collaborative conservation

My colleague Miriam Horn wrote a book, Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman – which is now a documentary that will air on Discovery Channel Aug. 31 – that chronicles the approach we must take to ensure our natural resources continue to sustain life and allow us to thrive.

• In the northern Rockies, rancher Dusty Crary has wrangled an improbable band of longtime enemies – cattlemen, fisherman, federal land managers, outfitters, hikers, hunters, “greenies” – to gain federal protection of the sprawling ranches, untamed wilderness and iconic wildlife they all love. At a recent screening of the film in Bozeman, Montana, he encouraged others to listen to opposing viewpoints and find the common ground – the 80 percent we can all agree upon.
• On the Kansas prairie, fifth-generation farmer Justin Knopf is working with university scientists, companies and nonprofits to revolutionize industrial scale agriculture to rebuild the fertility, biodiversity and resilience of his soil.
• And on the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, commercial fisherman Wayne Werner isn’t just saying no to regulations. He’s engaging federal regulators and environmental organizations to bring back red snapper, which will help supply local restaurants with a favorite dish and keep his buddies’ businesses afloat.

The documentary is an inspirational reminder of what we can accomplish when we avoid finger pointing and divisive rhetoric and come together to solve seemingly intractable problems.

Managing our economy and our ecosystems is unavoidably an exercise in trade-offs involving issues of culture, values, economics and equity across groups and generations.

It’s easy to foment division and then hope those divisions create an opportunity for the winner to take all. The problem is, there is no winner takes all when it comes to the environment because we’re all in this together.

The heroes of Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman realize this, and they give me hope. Getting to compromise is hard. But it is the only way forward. Our future depends on it.

Related: 

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Like most Americans, our hearts are with our neighbors in Texas and Louisiana who are experiencing the impacts of Hurricane Harvey. The current focus is on rescue efforts, and we hope that everyone remains safe during this time. In Louisiana, we know all too well the toll that a storm can take on a place and its citizens. Twelve years ago today, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf coast. Watching Hurricane Harvey unfold brings back memories all too familiar to those ...

Read The Full Story

The post Hurricane Harvey and Katrina Anniversary Remind Us of Urgent Need for Coastal Restoration appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.

Like most Americans, our hearts are with our neighbors in Texas and Louisiana who are experiencing the impacts of Hurricane Harvey. The current focus is on rescue efforts, and we hope that everyone remains safe during this time. In Louisiana, we know all too well the toll that a storm can take on a place and its citizens. Twelve years ago today, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf coast. Watching Hurricane Harvey unfold brings back memories all too familiar to those ...

Read The Full Story

The post Hurricane Harvey and Katrina Anniversary Remind Us of Urgent Need for Coastal Restoration appeared first on Restore the Mississippi River Delta.