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Statement from Ann Hayden on CA Gov. Gavin Newsom's emergency drought declarations and $5.1 billion to address drought and related water challenges.

The densely populated coastal regions of New York and New Jersey face serious flood threats as climate change, increased storm frequency and rising sea levels exacerbate vulnerability. Without action, 2.9 million people and $2.1 trillion in assets in New York City and Newark, NJ, alone are at risk of flooding by 2070. The U.S. Army …

Spring is in full swing across the U.S. – flowers are blooming, pollen is blowing – and this means that the 2021 heat wave, hurricane, and wildfire seasons are just around the corner. After the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season produced a record number of named storms and record-breaking wildfires ravaged the Western U.S., vulnerable communities …

Nature-based solutions are sometimes the most cost-effective flood mitigation options at our disposal.

As 75% of Texas faces drought, two bills in the state Legislature can advance more sustainable and equitable management of vital water resources. The post As Texas drought worsens, two bills can advance sustainable, equitable groundwater management first appeared on Growing Returns.

Statement by Ann Hayden of EDF on drought proclamation by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

February’s energy crisis did something no Texas politician has done in decades: It brought Texans together to demand our leaders in Austin fix the flawed energy system that failed so miserably, caused nearly $300 billion in damage and killed more than 200 Texans. Unfortunately, fossil fuel interests and their willing allies in the Texas Legislature …

As North Carolina continues to recover from a string of flooding and storm disasters, legislative leaders have recognized the opportunity for the state to not just recover from recent storms but to rebuild better before the next disaster. This week, Environmental Defense Fund released a white paper [PDF] recommending four specific policy actions that would …

It’s a daunting time to be working on water in California. The Sierra snowpack measurement came in today at 59% of average statewide, making this the second dry winter in a row. The drought conditions led state and federal officials to announce last week painful water cuts for farmers and for municipal water systems that …

Researchers found that counties with higher soil organic matter are associated with greater yields, lower yield losses and lower rates of crop insurance payouts under drought conditions. The post Study shows healthy soils protect corn yields and lower crop insurance payouts first appeared on Growing Returns.

Here are three key takeaways from how the Hays Trinity district is proactively managing groundwater to protect its long-term viability and landowners’ rights to groundwater. The post 3 lessons from a Texas groundwater district on managing during drought first appeared on Growing Returns.

By Colin Leyden and John Hall The aftermath of the storm we just endured will linger a lot longer than the average Texas winter. At least 80 people died. Millions of families lost power and water service as broad swaths of our critical infrastructure froze up. Families, businesses and cities are still tallying the damage,

By proactively investing in natural infrastructure and conservation priorities, Congress can begin to build protections for the coastal ecosystems that help protect communities, while creating jobs and reducing the costs of future disasters. The post 3 actions Congress can take now to build more resilient coasts first appeared on Growing Returns.

1. Our first priority must be to help Texas families Millions in Texas were without power and drinkable water for days on end, and families across the state are still working to find food and assess the damage from burst pipes. Helping them must be our first priority. 2. Climate change means all of our …

Oil refineries, petrochemical plants and other unprepared industrial facilities in Texas released 3.5 million of pounds of extra pollution into the air.

We’re past the midpoint of the Texas legislative session and the bill filing deadline is behind us. Because the legislature only meets for five months every other year, there’s a lot to accomplish in a short span. Now, as things pick up steam we’ll see which bills move forward and which don’t. A bill needs …

Yesterday kicked off the official start of the “Climate Protection Plan” rulemaking in Oregon, a process that is likely to answer whether Oregon will follow through on meeting its strong commitments to climate action. The stakes for this critical rulemaking are high: Oregon had one of its most destructive wildfire seasons on record last year …

EDF research shows climate costs will climb in major sectors of the state's economy without urgent action to curb pollution and build resilience

EDF press statement on U.S. House passage of Water Resources Development Act reauthorization for 2020.

A broad coalition of Alaska snow sports athletes in partnership with EDF Alaska, released statewide messaging urging Alaska’s leaders to take a strong stand on climate change.

National Academy of Sciences grant to EDF will support mapping of at-risk facilities and efforts to mitigate pollution through natural infrastructure.

Several well understood and scientifically established factors have contributed to the volume and intensity of this year’s wildfires

The message is stark: Climate change poses serious risks that, if ignored, will undermine the financial system’s ability to support the American economy.

Flooding caused by these wetter, more intense storms is devastating lives and costing billions. Is there a way out?

The devastation we're seeing is largely a consequence of climate pollution produced by burning fossil fuels.