Complete list of press releases

“Today’s California Chamber appeal is an unfortunate but expected step in their continued litigation over cap and trade. California voters and many state businesses understand the importance of the program – and California courts have consistently ruled it as valid.  Sadly, the California Chamber sees neither of these as a reason to stop their repeated attacks on AB 32. Ultimately, we are optimistic the courts will once again uphold this successful program.”

-Timothy O’Connor, Director, California Climate Initiative, Environmental Defense Fund

 

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Joaquin McPeek, jmcpeek@edf.org, 916-492-7173 

“The foundation of California’s global leadership on climate change, AB 32 is an extremely popular set of policies that are delivering environmental and economic benefits and inspiring other states and nations to take similar action. Its cornerstone is the world’s most comprehensive limit on climate pollution, which will expand next year to include pollution from transportation fuels. We are committed to moving forward with this law that has already put California in a strong position to expand climate action beyond 2020.

Together, organizations and individuals across California have successfully defended AB 32 against continual legal, legislative, and ballot box attacks – we must not turn back now. Compromising the law’s statewide pollution limit would not only tarnish California’s reputation as a national and global climate leader, it would jeopardize the environmental progress, innovation, and quality of life for which our state is known.”

• Derek Walker, Associate Vice President, US Climate and Energy Program, Environmental Defense Fund

(Albany, NY – February 20, 2014) In an historic decision that will serve as a nationwide model, the New York State Public Service Commission today unanimously approved an Order requiring Con Edison to implement state-of-the-art measures to plan for and protect its electric, gas, and steam systems from the effects of climate change.  Today’s decision, which was issued in the context of Con Edison’s petition for changes to its rates, also orders the continuation of the Storm Hardening and Resiliency Collaborative.

The rate case was initially filed January 25, 2013 and called for a $2.4 billion spending increase, which included $1 billion in storm hardening in response to damage caused by Superstorm Sandy and other extreme weather events. The Storm Hardening and Resiliency Collaborative, which took place simultaneously with the rate case litigation, was created by the rate case parties to develop innovative resiliency measures and to address how the proposed $1 billion in storm hardening funds should be invested.  The Order will confirm Con Edison’s voluntary commitment to conduct a Climate Change Vulnerability Study this year, which will provide important guidance on how the utility can best prepare for rising sea levels, more intense storms, heat waves, and other potential effects of a changing climate. 

A coalition of NGOs and academic centers—the Columbia Law School Center for Climate Change Law, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and the Pace Energy and Climate Center (Pace)—were full parties in the rate case and active participants in the Collaborative.  In the rate case, the coalition presented scientific testimony on climate change, expert technical testimony on rate designs that support electric vehicle charging, advocated for deploying more distributed generation and microgrids, and cross examined Con Edison’s witnesses on the Company’s planning and storm preparation efforts. 

The Collaborative consists of four working groups addressing: (1) storm hardening design standards, (2) alternative resiliency strategies, (3) natural gas system resiliency, and (4) risk assessment/cost benefit analysis.  Through the Collaborative, Con Edison and the parties agreed on an interim design standard to protect critical infrastructure from future floods.  In addition, the “alternative resiliency strategies” working group is tasked with identifying alternative response strategies designed to make the grid more efficient and resilient.  Such alternative strategies include critical peak pricing to reduce load during heat events, creating rate options for customers that will encourage smart charging of electric vehicles, and empowering customers to make smarter, lower-carbon energy-use decisions. The Collaborative will also identify areas where high-efficiency cogeneration systems and microgrids could be placed to reduce system load, isolate outages, and provide refuges of power “islands.” The working groups will also explore ways to utilize energy storage, and increase demand response projects. The order will include a call for Con Edison and other parties to embark on a study to quantify low-risk methane leaks in order to prioritize and accelerate their repair.  In accordance with the Order, the work of the collaborative will continue through at least 2014. 

Environmental Defense Fund Attorney Elizabeth Stein said that “continuing the Storm Hardening and Resiliency Collaborative paves the way toward a resilient 21st century electric and gas system that provides the clean, reliable, affordable energy New Yorkers need. We look forward to collaborating with Con Edison and stakeholders in New York City and Westchester on this exciting opportunity to increase the flexibility of the energy system, while reducing its climate pollution impact.”

“Electric-drive vehicles are an important part of our clean energy future and this settlement recognizes the important role of Consolidated Edison and other utilities in setting rates that encourage the smart charging of electric vehicles,” said Luke Tonachel, Director of Vehicles and Fuels at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “We look forward to working with the company and the PSC on new solutions that modernize the grid and deliver the benefits of clean, electric transportation to consumers.”

Pace Energy and Climate Center Staff Attorney Andrea Cerbin said this Collaborative “will be a vital tool in producing a grid more inclusive of distributed generation and other demand-side measures that will create a more dynamic and resilient grid. This will be a first step towards building a utility of the future, capable of integrating distributed resources and adapting to future extreme weather events.”

Columbia Center for Climate Change Law Director Professor Michael Gerrard said, “The Con Ed settlement serves as a model for how public utility commissions across the country should require the companies they regulate to ensure that essential services are still provided in the face of future climate change. We are extremely pleased with Con Ed’s receptivity to considering recent scientific projections rather than basing its investments on historical events.  We look forward to continued collaboration with Con Ed on the Climate Change Vulnerability Study.”

Professor Gerrard added, “Heat waves drive up the demand and lower the supply of electricity, creating a potentially dangerous situation for the very old, the very young, and other vulnerable populations; in hot weather, brownouts that shut down air conditioning can be lethal. The Con Edison study will for the first time focus on this peril and determine how to protect against it.”

In addition to the Collaborative, the Company has agreed in the rate case settlement to pursue measures other than traditional “poles and wires” to meet expected load growth and maintain reliability. Such “non-wires” alternatives are a tremendous step away from traditional utility models by the Company to engage smarter 21^st Century demand-side measures to meet the needs of its customers. One such project will take place in Brownsville, Brooklyn and will save rate payers money while creating a more resilient and efficient grid. Some of the demand-side measures the Company could use to meet demand growth are targeted energy efficiency, clean distributed generation, demand response, as well as pricing signals to users, and distributed energy resources.

About the Con Edison Rate Case:

Initially filed in January of 2013, the case reached a successful settlement in December of 2013. The full text of the Joint Proposal (settlement document) can be found here. The settlement included a three year rate plan for steam and gas and a two year rate plan for electric.

(Washington, D.C. – February 20, 2014) America’s ability to limit a particularly dangerous type of air pollution will be under scrutiny today in an appeals court.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will hear oral arguments about national standards for particulate pollution – better known as soot.

“Soot causes serious heart and lung diseases, including heart attacks, asthma attacks, and even premature death,” said Dr. Elena Craft, a health scientist at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), which is a party in the case. “America’s leading public health and medical societies agree that soot pollution is cutting short Americans’ lives. We need to move forward with common sense solutions that reduce soot levels, so we can protect our families and communities.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized clean air standards for particulate pollution in December of 2012. The standards strengthen annual limits for particulate pollution, in line with a compelling body of the scientific evidence demonstrating that a previous standard was not sufficient to protect public health.   

EPA’s standards also include important monitoring provisions to ensure all communities across America benefit from these important health protections.

Opponents of the new standards sued. The standards themselves and the monitoring provisions are both being challenged in court.

Supporters of the health-based standards, including the American Lung Association, Earthjustice and EDF, are defending the need to limit soot.

“EPA’s standards for particulate pollution are based on rigorous science and are firmly grounded in the law,” said EDF attorney Peter Zalzal. “We believe today’s argument will provide strong reasons for upholding these vital, health-based Clean Air Act protections.”

A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court will hear arguments in the case today. Judges Tatel, Brown, and Kavanaugh are on the panel.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Keith Gaby, 202-572-3336, kgaby@edf.org
Sharyn Stein, 202-572-3396, sstein@edf.org 

(Washington, D.C. — February 18, 2014) President Obama will chart a bold path forward for our nation to adopt a second generation of fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for America’s heavy-duty trucks today.

The new standards will improve on the progress America has already made through greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards, the first round of which were adopted jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“We applaud President Obama’s vision for a new generation of cleaner freight trucks based on advanced technologies. A new generation of more efficient diesel freight trucks will cut climate pollution, reduce our oil consumption, and provide considerable fuel cost savings for America’s businesses and families,” said Vickie Patton, EDF General Counsel.

Representatives from the nation’s leading engine and trailer manufacturers and fleets are expected to join the President today in affirming a commitment to bold policy action.   

“The cleaner cars and freight trucks that are being made in America today show that when our nation works together we can achieve lasting progress for our economy and our environment,” said Patton. “Environmental Defense Fund stands ready today to work with President Obama, freight truck and trailer manufacturers, and fleet owners on smart policies to advance the cleaner diesel freight trucks of tomorrow.” 

Climate pollution from our nation’s long and short-haul freight trucks is projected to increase by more than 130 million tons between now and 2040–the largest increase in carbon dioxide emissions from any single end-use, according to the Energy Information Administration. By deploying smart, made-in-America solutions, however, we can reduce this pollution and strengthen our global competitiveness.  

A recent report by the Consumer Federation of America found that rigorous truck fuel efficiency standards could lower fuel consumption by almost 50 percent and yield a net household savings to consumers of more than $250 per year, rising to more than $400 per year by 2035.

Many companies already have developed and are bringing to market the solutions our nation needs to meet strong standards.

For example:

• Truck engine builder Cummins Inc. and truck manufacturer, Peterbilt Motors Co. partnered last year to build a truck that “averaged 9.9 miles a gallon in road tests last fall.” They did this through a suite of improvements, including capturing otherwise wasted thermal energy.  
• Smart Truck Systems, a supplier of aerodynamic products to the trucking industry, has a product that can cut fuel consumption from tractor-trailer combination trucks by more than 10 percent through advanced aerodynamics.

America also has the technology to power delivery trucks by advanced hybrid or fully electric systems.  

Contact:
Joaquin McPeek, 916-492-7173, jmcpeek@edf.org

“President Obama’s announcement recognizes the crucial role California’s farmers and ranchers play in meeting our needs for food, water and a healthy environment. The Golden State remains the epicenter of the country’s agricultural economy, but severe drought and extreme weather continue to threaten that prosperity.

“President Obama’s pledge acknowledges that, with the right resources, our farmers and ranchers can help feed a growing population while creating a more resilient environment.”

- David Festa, Vice President, West Coast & Ecosystems, Environmental Defense Fund

(Washington, DC—February 11, 2014) Today, the U.S. Senate Democratic Caucus confirmed Senator Mary Landrieu as chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. National and local conservation organizations committed to Mississippi River Delta restoration – Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana – issued the following statement:

“We are pleased to welcome Senator Mary Landrieu as the new chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Senator Landrieu has proven herself to be a champion for restoration of the Mississippi River Delta, as well as an effective legislator, notably demonstrated by her leadership in crafting and passing the bipartisan RESTORE Act which benefits the entire Gulf Coast. The law ensures that Clean Water Act fines from the 2010 BP Gulf oil disaster go back to the Gulf Coast states for restoration. This historic legislation would not have become law without Senator Landrieu’s tireless leadership and her ability to work across the aisle. In her new capacity as committee chairwoman, we look forward to a continued partnership to advance both funding and implementation of Mississippi River Delta restoration.”

(Washington, D.C. – February 6, 2014) A coalition of Latino activists joined more than a hundred other Americans today at a public hearing to support putting the first-ever national limits on carbon pollution from new power plants.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invited Americans to testify about their proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants. Carbon pollution causes climate change and is linked to serious health risks. Power plants are America’s single largest source carbon pollution, and right now there are no national limits on their emissions.

The activists from around the country told EPA that carbon pollution has disproportionate negative impacts on Latino communities.

Those testifying included: Mark Magaña of the National Latino Coalition on Climate Change and Green Latinos; Lucía Oliva Hennelly of Environmental Defense Fund, who read comments on behalf of Adrian Shelley of Air Alliance Houston; Martin Witchger of the League of Conservation Voters; Jackie Weidman of the Union of Concerned Scientists, who read comments on behalf of Nicole Hernandez Hammer of the Florida Center for Environmental Studies at Florida Atlantic University; Fernando Cazares of Voces Verdes; and Edwin Luevanos of Citizen Energy.

They detailed the particularly heavy burden that climate change will cause for Latinos.

“Although everyone in Harris County [Texas] could suffer from the effects of climate change, we can expect our low-income communities of color to suffer disproportionately,” said Lucía Oliva Hennelly in the testimony she delivered. “These communities are on the front lines of any potential sea level rise or major hurricanes, both exacerbated by climate change … In Houston, these are communities that are surrounded by our city’s petrochemical industry: refineries, chemical plants, tank farms, and the like … It should also be noted that these are lower-income residents, including many Latinos, who are less likely to have flood insurance.”

You can read that full testimony here [PDF].

You can find full copies of the following testimonies below:

Mark Magaña [PDF], National Latino Coalition on Climate Change and Green Latinos
Martin Witchger [PDF], League of Conservation Voters
Nicole Hernandez Hammer [PDF], Florida Center for Environmental Studies
Fernando Cazares [PDF], Voces Verdes
Edwin Luevanos [PDF], Citizen Energy

The participants are also available to talk to the media.

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(WASHINGTON, D.C. – 6 de febrero del 2014)  Una coalición de activistas latinos se  unió con mas de cien estadounidenses hoy en una audiencia pública a favor de los primeros límites para emisiones del carbono de nuevas centrales eléctricas.

<>La Agencia de Protección del Medio Ambiente de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) invitó a estadounidenses a dar testimonio sobre las normas de contaminación del carbono propuestas para nuevas centrales eléctricas.  La contaminación del carbono causa el cambio climático y está ligada a riesgos graves para la salud.  Las centrales eléctricas son el origen de la mayor contaminación de carbono en Estados Unidos y por el momento no hay límites nacionales en sus emisiones.

Los activistas de todo el pais le dijeron a la EPA que los problemas que sus comunidades enfrentan por el cambio climático tienen impactos negativos desproporcionados para las comunidades latinas.

Entre los que testificaron estaban: Mark Magaña de la Coalición Latina Nacional de Cambio Climático (NLCCC) y Green Latinos; Lucía Oliva Hennelly del Fondo de Defensa Medioambiental (EDF), quien leyó comentarios en representación de Adrian Shelley de Air Alliance Houston; Martin Witchger de la Liga de Votantes por la Conservación del Medio Ambiente (LCV); Jackie Weidman de Union of Concerned Scientists, quien leyó comentarios en representación de Nicole Hernandez Hammer del Centro para Estudios Medoambientales de Florida en La Universidad Florida Atlantic; Fernando Cazares de Voces Verdes; y Edwin Luevanos de Citizen Energy.

Los testificantes detallaron la carga particularmente pesada que el cambio climático representa para los latinos.

“Aunque todos en Harris County [Texas] podrán sufrir por los efectos del cambio climático, podemos anticipar que nuestras comunidades de color y bajos ingresos sufrirán de manera desproporcionada,” dijo Lucía Oliva Hennelly en el testimonio que leyó.  “Estas comunidades están en las primeras filas que recibirían el impacto de cualquier  posible subida del nivel del mar o huracanes mayores, ambos exacerbados por el cambio climático … En Houston, éstas son las comunidades que están rodeadas por la industria petroquímica de nuestra ciudad, como refinerías, plantas de químicos, patios de tanques, etc … Cabe mencionar que se trata de residentes de bajos ingresos, incluso muchos latinos, que probablemente no tienen seguro contra inundaciones.”

Este testimonio completo se puede leer aquí al hacer clic aquí [PDF]

Los siguientes testimonios completos se encuentran aquí:

Mark Magaña [PDF], Coalición Latina Nacional de Cambio Climático (NLCCC) y Green Latinos
Martin Witchger [PDF], Liga de Votantes por la Conservación del Medio Ambiente (LCV)
Nicole Hernandez Hammer, Centro para Estudios Medoambientales de Florida
Fernando Cazares, Voces Verdes
Edwin Luevanos, Citizen Energy

Los participantes también están disponibles para hablar con la prensa.

(Washington, D.C. – February 6, 2014) More than a hundred citizens attended a public hearing today to support putting the first-ever national limits on carbon pollution from new power plants. Among those testifying was Mandy Warner, Climate and Air Policy Specialist for Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).

Power plants are America’s single largest source of the pollution that causes climate change. Right now, there are no national limits on the amount of climate-destabilizing carbon pollution that power plants can emit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new standards that would, for the first time in our history, rein in the amount of pollution from new power plants. EPA held a public hearing in Washington, D.C. today about those proposed standards.

“America has a vast array of solutions to power our businesses and homes with lower emitting sources of energy,” said Warner in her testimony. “The proposed carbon pollution technology for new coal plants is being deployed around the world, and here in North America at plants in Canada, Mississippi, California, and at two plants in Texas.”

More than four million Americans have sent comments to EPA in support of the proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants. (You can submit comments to EPA through EDF’s website.) 

Ads in support of the proposed rule are now running online: 

                             

Climate change caused by carbon pollution is a risk to public health and safety, linked to increased asthma attacks, the spread of infectious diseases, and more extreme weather disasters.

“EPA’s proposed limits on carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants are essential to address climate change, to drive innovation in clean energy solutions, to ensure a steady flow of cost-effective and cleaner electricity to power our economy, and to protect the health and well-being of Americans,” said Warner in her testimony.

You can read Mandy Warner’s full testimony here.

(New Orleans, LA—February 5, 2014) Yesterday, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Chairman Garret Graves announced he will resign on February 17. A coalition of leading national and local conservation organizations that work on Mississippi River Delta restoration — Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana — issued the following response:

“The Mississippi River Delta Restoration Coalition extends our immense appreciation to Garret Graves for his tireless work to restore Louisiana’s coast. In the face of multiple hurricanes, tropical storms and the nation’s largest oil disaster, Graves overcame enormous challenges while maintaining ongoing focus to identify solutions that address our big-picture land loss crisis.  

“Graves has been an impassioned, effective leader in the fight to reconnect the Mississippi River to its wetlands to create a more sustainable future. Thanks to Graves’ leadership and unanimous legislative support, Louisiana has a Coastal Master Plan in place to deliver the suite of science-based solutions needed to address coastal restoration on a large scale. We wish Graves well in his future endeavors, and we hope he will keep fighting as an invaluable voice for our coast.

“We welcome Jerome Zeringue as new CPRA chairman and look forward to working with him and his team to implement the state’s master plan. The coastal land loss crisis is a battle we can win. With the state’s commitment to coastal restoration, and with diverse partnerships working to secure resources for the future, we look forward to building on Graves’ accomplishments and advancing coastal restoration projects at full speed.”

(Washington, D.C. – February 5, 2014) Dr. Elena Craft, Health Scientist for Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), testified today before the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

The Committee held a hearing titled, “Examining the Science of EPA Overreach: A Case Study in Texas.” Dr. Craft testified on the critical need for more protective health measures for Texans.   

“It is science that informs us that so many health benefits are available to the people of Texas. Technologies exist that make those benefits achievable and cost-effective. We need leadership and cooperation from our representatives and public officials in employing common sense solutions to ensure that Texas has a vibrant economy and a healthy environment,” said Dr. Craft in her testimony.

Texas officials have continuously resisted clean air protections proposed by EPA, leaving Texans with unhealthy levels of air pollution and more carbon emissions than any other state in the nation. EDF believes Texas officials should work with EPA to implement the Clean Air Act and provide the vital clean air protections that Texans need.

Download Dr. Craft’s full testimony here.

“United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has made an outstanding choice for his new Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change. Michael Bloomberg will be a great asset to the UN, and—even more importantly—he’ll be a great asset for cities around the world as they stand up to the threat of climate change.

 

“Mayor Bloomberg made reducing climate pollution in New York a priority from his earliest days in office, and greenhouse gases have dropped 19 percent citywide since 2005. His policies have made New York’s air the cleanest it has been in decades, and have sharply reduced dangerous pollutants like sulfur dioxide and soot. He championed efforts to get buildings to stop burning excessively dirty heating oils and switch to cleaner sources. And he has already shown environmental leadership on a larger stage, with his successful tenure as chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.

 

“In addition, Mayor Bloomberg watched Hurricane Sandy hit New York and presided over the long and difficult recovery. So he has seen first-hand the kind of damage that climate-related weather events can cause.

 

“The world needs great leaders if we hope to face up to the threat of climate change. We have such a leader in Mike Bloomberg. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”

                  - Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund

“Rep. Waxman’s accomplishments over a four decade career cannot be overstated. He has advanced environmental progress in this country and around the world. His leadership to guard and strengthen the Clean Air Act improved the air we breathe, reduced acid rain and protected the ozone layer. And with Rep. Markey in 2009, he successfully ushered his landmark climate change legislation through the House of Representatives and in doing so, moved our country closer to a clean energy future.  

“The American public is losing one of its greatest environmental champions in Congress. I thank Rep. Waxman for his immeasurable contributions to making our world a healthier, cleaner and safer place.”

     — Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund 

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Keith Gaby, 202-572-3336, kgaby@edf.org
Sharyn Stein, 202-572-3396, sstein@edf.org

“Tonight the President called for more urgent action to address the threat of climate change. I was pleased to see that he reiterated his commitment to the Climate Action Plan he announced in June.

“I was also thrilled to see former EDF Climate Corps fellow, Tyrone Davis, sitting with the First Lady. Inviting him to attend the speech honored his personal dedication and hard work. We are very proud of our EDF Climate Corps program which trains graduate students to find energy savings in corporations and public institutions.

“In addition to the groundbreaking Climate Action Plan, the Obama Administration has set cleaner standards for our cars and trucks, doubled down on its renewable energy goal and — most important — proposed the first-ever national limits on carbon pollution from power plants. We look forward now to action on methane, another powerful climate pollutant. As the President told the New Yorker magazine recently, methane pollution will be a ‘profound’ problem if not handled correctly. The President also proposed tonight to shift more vehicles to natural gas — but that would indeed cause profound problems for the climate unless his Administration takes action to curb methane releases from the natural gas industry.

“We plan to work with the President to implement his Climate Action Plan and encourage him to use every means at his disposal to address this looming crisis.”

• Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund