Complete list of press releases

NEWS RELEASE

Contacts:
Media:
Mica Odom, 512.619.8453, modom@edf.org

Expert:
Scott Anderson, 512.699.1077, sanderson@edf.org

(Austin, Texas – January 12, 2011) The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is concerned about the situation in the Weyburn oilfield in eastern Saskatchewan. We are concerned first and foremost about any harm suffered by the Kerr family and believe that a thorough investigation is warranted. EDF is also concerned about what leakage of even a small amount of CO₂ could mean for the Weyburn Carbon Capture & Sequestration (CCS) project. To date, Weyburn has been a success story known all over the world for demonstrating that, under proper conditions, geologic sequestration of CO₂ can be an effective tool in the fight to avoid catastrophic climate change. At this point EDF has no reason to believe that Weyburn’s reputation will be affected, but clearly this incident is an important reminder that geologic sequestration is only appropriate for sites that are carefully selected, rigorously monitored, and operated in a way that minimizes risks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:
Jennifer Witherspoon, (415) 293.6067 (o), jwitherspoon@edf.org

(San Francisco–January 12, 2011) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) praised Governor Brown’s announcement today nominating Karen Ross as Secretary of the California Department of Food & Agriculture.

“Karen is an agricultural visionary,” said David Festa, vice president of EDF West Coast and the organization’s Land, Water and Wildlife program. “California’s working farms, ranches and forestlands are providing vital services that benefit our economy and have the potential to provide innovative conservation outcomes. Karen Ross is the perfect choice to lead on innovative public and private partnerships to benefit producers and the environment.”

Karen has demonstrated leadership and vision, most recently as chief of staff to USDA Secretary Vilsack, and prior to that as President of the California Winegrape Growers Association. She was the architect of the State Board of Food and Agriculture’s California Agricultural Vision process, which continues to generate ideas and actions designed to expand California’s position as a leaders in global food production and environmental stewardship.

“Karen Ross recognizes that California farmers can lead the world in demonstrating the most efficient and advanced production techniques, while conserving vital land and water resources on which food production depends,” said Eric Holst, managing director for EDF’s Center for Conservation Incentives. “Environmental Defense Fund looks forward to working with Karen Ross and her staff as she takes on this important responsibility.”

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. For more information, visit www.edf.org/california. Follow us on Twitter @EDF_CA and read our California Dream blog.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Tony Kreindler, 202-445-8108, akreindler@edf.org
Sharyn Stein, 202-572-3396, sstein@edf.org

(Washington, D.C. – January 12, 2011) The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. today denied the State of Texas’ third attempt to block the implementation of greenhouse gas pollution control measures for the largest sources of pollution. At stake in the current case is a narrow federal action to ensure the largest sources in Texas can obtain construction permits. Environmental Defense Fund released the following statement:

“Three strikes should mean ‘you’re out’ in this case. The state government in Texas has now filed three cases in the federal courts to block EPA’s greenhouse gas pollution reduction policies, and it has been rejected three times. If Texas put half the effort into carrying out greenhouse gas pollution control measures that it put into fighting them, EPA would not need to be involved. Plus, Texas businesses could then enjoy the same certainty that businesses in every other state will have.”

- Steve Cochran
Vice President for Climate and Air
Environmental Defense Fund

New Release

CONTACTS:
Sean Crowley, Environmental Defense Fund, 202.572.3331, scrowley@edf.org  
David J. Ringer, National Audubon Society, 601.642.7058, dringer@audubon.org  
Emily Guidry Schatzel, National Wildlife Federation, 225.253.9781, guidrye@nwf.org  
Steven Peyronnin, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, 225.413.6924, stevenp@crcl.org
John Lopez, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, 504.421.7348, johnlopez@pobox.com  
I Ling Matthews, The Nature Conservancy, 512.623.7245, imatthews@tnc.org  
Brentin Mock, Ocean Conservancy 504.616.9150, bmock@oceanconservancy.org  
Jeffrey Buchanan, Oxfam America, 202.471.3055, jbuchanan@oxfamamerica.org  

(Washington, DC–January 11) Eight non-profit groups today called on Congress to heed a key recommendation in the final report from the bipartisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. The recommendation is that “Congress should dedicate 80 percent of the Clean Water Act penalties to long-term restoration of the Gulf of Mexico” (see page 280 of report).

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) has introduced legislation, the Gulf Restoration Act (H.R. 56), that would require at least 80 percent of the civil and criminal penalties charged to BP under the Clean Water Act to be returned to the Gulf Coast for long-term economic and environmental recovery. U.S. Senators Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and David Vitter (R-La.) introduced similar legislation last year. However, the Landrieu and Vitter bills expired at the end of the lame duck session for the previous Congress last month.

“The oil spill commission recognizes that we cannot compound one tragedy with another,” said a joint statement by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Environmental Defense Fund, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Ocean Conservancy, Oxfam America, and The Nature Conservancy. “Absent congressional action, Clean Water Act fines automatically will be deposited into the federal treasury. Congress should invest Clean Water Act penalties in the aggressive and comprehensive restoration of the ecosystem, creating thousands of new jobs and providing significant benefits to the commercial fishing and tourism industries, among others, impacted by the spill damage to the ecosystem.”

A study by Oxford Economics estimated that the oil spill could affect tourism for three years at a cost of $22.7 billion in lost revenues. According to “A Study of the Economic Impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill,” completed by Greater New Orleans, Inc., in Louisiana alone, between 2011 and 2013, gross losses to the economy from lost fishing revenues may be between $285 million and $428 million, resulting in the loss of between 2,700 and 4,000 full time-equivalent jobs and lost employee earnings of between $68 million and $103 million.

The commission’s recommendation echoes a recent government report by Navy Secretary and former Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus. The report details the need for a long-term environmental restoration plan for the Gulf Coast to fulfill President Obama’s “commitment to the Gulf Coast that goes beyond responding to the crisis of the moment [including] multiple economic disasters and decades of environmental degradation that has led to disappearing wetlands and habitats.” The report recommended that the President urge Congress to “allow a significant amount of any civil penalties recovered under the Clean Water Act from the Deepwater Horizon spill to be deposited into a Gulf Coast Recovery Fund managed by a Gulf Coast Recovery Council.”

The fines for violations of the Clean Water Act alone will range from a maximum of between $1,100 and $4,300 for each of the 4.9 million barrels spilled, depending upon whether the responsible parties are found to have been grossly negligent for the Macondo well blowout. Thus far, estimates are that the total fines will be between $5 billion and $21 billion.

In addition, nearly eight out of 10 voters (78%) favor creation of a separate fund for the Gulf region and the Mississippi River Delta that includes fines for violating both the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act, according to a recent bipartisan poll. The poll also showed that nearly nine out of 10 voters (87%) in the five Gulf states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas agree that the environmental health of the Gulf Coast region affects their state’s economy very much or somewhat.

“Now President Obama should work with the new Congress to secure the long-term funding to fulfill his promise to restore the Gulf Coast and make it better than it was before the Gulf oil disaster,” the groups concluded. “The first critical step requires that the President and Congress work together to ensure that Gulf oil spill fines are dedicated to restoring the Gulf’s ecosystem.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Lori Sinsley, (415) 293.6097 (o), lsinsley@edf.org

(San Francisco–January 05, 2011) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) praised Governor Brown’s announcement today to reappoint Mary Nichols to lead the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and nominate John Laird as California’s Natural Resources Secretary.

“Gov. Brown is turning to proven leaders who know how to get things done,” said David Festa, vice president of EDF West Coast and the organization’s Land, Water and Wildlife program. “CARB chair Mary Nichols has earned tremendous respect for her work leading an internationally-acclaimed agency that protects public health, and Mr. Laird’s expertise on California natural resources and the state budget is unmatched.

“California will benefit from having continued access to Mary’s expertise on clean energy and clean air and her leadership in implementing landmark standards such as the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, AB 32, and the California clean cars program. John is well-known for his forward-thinking conservation policies—from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to increasing water conservation—and his deep knowledge of budgetary issues is an essential asset as the new Governor and his team tackle huge budget challenges.

“I’m confident that the legislature will agree that Ms. Nichols and Mr. Laird are the right leaders for these agencies,” Festa concluded. “We look forward to working with them and their staff to develop innovative solutions that rebuild our economy and protect the environment and public health.”

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. For more information, visit www.edf.org/california. Follow us on Twitter @EDF_CA and read our blog at http://blogs.edf.org/californiadream/.

Contact:
Tony Kreindler, 202-445-8108, akreindler@edf.org
Sharyn Stein, 202-572-3396, sstein@edf.org

(Washington, D.C. – December 23, 2010) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement agreement to establish national emission standards that will address the greenhouse gas pollution from new and existing fossil fuel power plants.

EPA will issue a draft of the standards by July 26, 2011, and then take final action by May 26, 2012. The settlement agreement is with: the states of New York, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; the District of Columbia; the City of New York; Environmental Defense Fund; Natural Resources Defense Council; and Sierra Club.

The settlement agreement provides for EPA action to address legal deficiencies identified in litigation commenced in 2006 by these parties when EPA refused to address greenhouse gas pollution in establishing national emission standards for power plants. EPA’s 2006 action was based on an interpretation of the Clean Air Act rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court.

EDF President Fred Krupp made the following statement:

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“Power plants are one of the largest sources of air pollution in America, but the solutions are at hand to create cleaner, healthier air while also building a stronger clean energy economy.

“EPA’s commitment to address the dangerous, climate-disrupting pollution from power plants through common sense national standards will provide important environmental protections and will create economic certainty for vibrant new investments. This is a step that will allow us to protect our children’s health and our prosperity.”

-Fred Krupp, Environmental Defense Fund President
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U.S. power plants are one of the single largest sources of airborne contaminants. They discharge more than 30 percent of all global warming pollution in America, about 40 percent of our toxic mercury, and almost two-thirds of our sulfur dioxide (which transforms into deadly fine particulate pollution and contributes to acid rain).

EPA also announced a settlement agreement to address pollution limits for refineries today; that proposal is due by next December, and final action is due in 2012.

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. See twitter.com/EnvDefenseFund; facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund

(San Francisco – December 22, 2010) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has promoted two of its senior California staff to help its national organization achieve its environmental advocacy goals.

Laura Harnish has assumed the newly created position of National Strategy Director for EDF’s Land, Water and Wildlife program and Wade Crowfoot has assumed the position of West Coast Regional Director.

“Environmental Defense Fund, in collaboration with a range of partners, has helped shape the environmental landscape on the West Coast, from clean air, energy and transportation to land, oceans and water conservation,” said David Festa, EDF’s vice president of West Coast operations. “These promotions leverage Laura and Wade’s policy and political expertise to achieve additional results as we tackle California’s and this country’s most pressing environmental issues.”

Ms. Harnish was formerly EDF’s West Coast Regional Director and Senior Director of Rivers and Deltas in EDF’s Land, Water and Wildlife program. In that role, she worked with environmental and agricultural allies to broker the landmark statewide water reform package of 2009 to protect and restore the San Francisco Bay Delta that provides water for 23 million Californians. She has also advanced a range of water conservation and “user-pays” policies in California. In her new position, Ms. Harnish will be responsible for facilitating the development of national strategy for the organization’s Land, Water and Wildlife program. She will work with scientists, economists and other experts across the country to develop innovative policies in this area.

Mr. Crowfoot, a former director of climate protection initiatives for the city and county of San Francisco, has served as EDF’s West Coast Political Director since joining the nonprofit group in July 2009. In that role, he worked with others leaders to direct the successful campaign to defeat last month’s Prop. 23 ballot initiative, which would have suspended California’s landmark clean energy and climate law (AB 32), which EDF cosponsored. He has also successfully worked with allies to advance policies for energy innovation and sustainable fishing.

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. For more information, visit www.edf.org/california. Follow us on Twitter @EDF_CA and read our blog at http://blogs.edf.org/californiadream/.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Jennifer Pitt, 720.841.5366-c, jpitt@edf.org
Sean Crowley, 202-550-6524, scrowley@edf.org

(Mexico City—December 20, 2010) A bi-national pact announced today to allow Mexico to store a portion of its annual allocation from the Colorado River—up to 260,000 acre-feet over three years—in the largest U.S. reservoir—Lake Mead—sets the stage for progress on environmental issues in ongoing talks between the two countries, according to Environmental Defense Fund.

“As Lake Mead water levels continue to drop, a bi-national agreement to store water there that Mexico can’t use—until it repairs the damage from last April’s earthquake to its irrigation systems—is the logical solution for both countries,” said Jennifer Pitt, director of EDF’s Colorado River Project. “Secretary Salazar’s announcement today proves that diplomacy deployed to create additional flexibility on the Colorado River has great potential. It can improve water supply reliability for water users in our country and Mexico, and protect our invaluable environmental resources.”

The water level of Lake Mead—located on the Colorado River about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas—has been dropping steadily for the last decade due to drought and now is nearing the elevation—presently at 1082 feet above sea level or 39% of capacity—that will trigger shortages in Arizona and Nevada.

This U.S.-Mexico accord, known as Minute 318, follows two previous deals between the two countries:

1. Under the terms of Minute 317, the United States and Mexico are exploring how to improve Colorado River management, including: water supply management in dry times, bi-national conservation and desalination projects, and the delivery of water for environmental flows in the Colorado River delta.

2. Under the terms of Minute 316, the United States and Mexico agreed to dedicate water to the largest wetland in the Colorado River delta—the Cienega de Santa Clara—during pilot operation of the Yuma Desalting Plant in Arizona. The treated water is intended for inclusion in water deliveries to Mexico, and preserving the like amount of water in Lake Mead.

“For the first time in decades, the United States and Mexico are working productively towards mutually beneficial changes on the Colorado River,” Pitt concluded. “Given dire predictions of drought in this region, today’s agreement is a critical step in building the mutual trust and confidence we need to craft additional agreements that deliver a more sustainable water supply for our communities and for the environment.”

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. See twitter.com/EnvDefenseFund; facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund; Edf.org/restorationandresilience.

NEWS RELEASE 

Contact:
Jennifer Andreassen, 202-572-3387, jandreassen@edf.org

(Washington – Dec. 17, 2010) A historic agreement will help small island states in the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Island regions, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change, make a giant leap in clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and begin work on adaptation to the effects of climate change.

These small island developing states (SIDS) are expected to suffer disproportionately from impacts of global warming, including rising sea levels and increased weather-related disasters, but they’re also extremely dependent on fossil fuels – a majority of these countries spend more than 30 percent of their foreign exchange earnings on fossil fuels.

“Small island developing countries suffer the double blow of being gravely affected by the effects of climate change and hamstrung by costly, inefficient sources of energy,” said Jennifer Haverkamp, Environmental Defense Fund’s managing director for international climate policy and negotiations.

“This agreement has tremendous significance for these islands’ very survival, as it will help them with adapting to the effects of climate change, while also transitioning to a low-carbon economy,” added Haverkamp. “And by themselves reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, they will set a powerful example for the rest of the world.”

The agreement was signed on Dec. 8 by the Alliance of Small Island States, the government of Denmark, the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program during the U.N. climate negotiations in Cancún. Known as “SIDS DOCK”, it is designed to give these island nations easier access to the financing, technology, technical assistance and participation in the global carbon market they need to transition to a low-carbon economy.

SIDS DOCK is designed to connect the island nations to the European Union and U.S. carbon markets, which have an estimated value of $100-400 billion annually in avoided greenhouse gas emissions trading. Denmark’s pledge of $14.5 million – part of their Copenhagen pledge of “fast start” climate financing – will provide the initial administrative support for the trust fund established in the agreement.

“By allowing countries to dock into established trading systems and tap investment streams from developed world emitters working to make their own carbon reduction targets, this agreement really is a pioneering model for what the planet, as a whole, is going to have to do,” Haverkamp said.

SIDS DOCK will help the island nations transition to sustainable, low-emission energy technologies by aiming to increase energy efficiency by 25 percent (2005 baseline), generate a minimum 50 percent of electric power from renewable sources, and generate a 20-30 percent decrease in conventional transportation fuel use by 2033.

News Release

(Charleston, SC – December 17, 2010)  Continuing its efforts to reduce port-related air emissions, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has completed the first truck survey in the Southeast and is collaborating on a regional program aimed at helping truck owners replace the oldest trucks.

The truck survey, which was compiled by Wilbur Smith Associates, represents the first comprehensive look at trucks serving a major port in the region.

The survey examined fleet age and trip frequency for trucks working in the Port of Charleston, with emphasis on quantifying the population of the oldest trucks – those with engine model years 1993 and older.

The survey revealed that a relatively small number of trucks – the true local drayage fleet – do most of the work in the port.

Of the nearly 13,000 individual trucks that visited the port’s terminals during a 12-month period, 20 percent of the trucks moved about 90 percent of the cargo. Of the trucks that visited the port at least 52 times a year, about 10 percent (or 262 trucks) were pre-1994 model year trucks.

To reduce emissions and assist truck drivers in replacing their pre-1994 trucks with newer, more efficient rigs, the SCSPA is collaborating with the Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT) and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) on a program that would cover ports across the region.

“Both the Coalition for Responsible Transportation and the Environmental Defense Fund have had great success working with ports on truck programs that make economic and environmental sense for our industry,” said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. “We’ve been pleased to collaborate with them and we look forward to formulating a voluntary, regional approach.”

The multi-dimensional program, which could be implemented as soon as next year through a mix of public and private funding, could involve one or more of the following elements:

• A “scrapping” incentive for truck owners to replace their pre-1994 trucks.
• Low-interest loans or leases on new trucks.
• Retrofits to further reduce emissions from diesel engines.

The right kind of truck replacement program is good for the environment and for the truck owner as well. Newer trucks increase the owner’s productivity and profitability by reducing maintenance and fuel consumption.

Importantly, the program would help make upgraded equipment attainable and financially viable for all truck owners, both companies and independent owner-operators.

“Local truckers are a vital component of the maritime transportation industry,” said Newsome. “It is essential that we have a healthy, profitable local drayage fleet. This program will provide a means to upgrade equipment, cut operating costs, while realizing environmental benefits for the Charleston area.”

“Trucking represents an essential part of commerce,” said James Jack, executive director of CRT, a national coalition of leading cargo owners, trucking companies, ocean carriers and clean truck manufacturers. “Our goal is to engage stakeholders from the public and the private sector to work together to reduce diesel pollution at our ports. The Port of Charleston demonstrated its leadership early on in the process and will be instrumental to the program’s overall success.”

“Collaboration among groups creates solutions that mean real strides in reducing pollutants in our communities,” said Dr. Elena Craft of EDF, a national environmental non-profit that partners with business, governments and communities to find practical environmental solutions. “The SCSPA’s efforts are encouraging, and we look forward to working with the Port of Charleston on this endeavor.”

The truck program will continue the SCSPA’s successful collaboration with the local transportation industry on environmental projects. In two Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant rounds, the SCSPA developed more than $5.2 million in programs to cut emissions and fuel consumption. These projects installed cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines in port equipment (such as cranes and harbor craft) and helped trucking companies and owner-operators upgrade more than 110 trucks, improving fuel utilization while reducing air emissions.

The SCSPA’s “Pledge for Growth” environmental program has been recognized for its environmental leadership by numerous organizations from within and outside the industry, including the EPA, the American Association of Port Authorities, Inbound Logistics magazine and the Maritime Association of South Carolina.

The truck survey is available online.

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About the South Carolina State Ports Authority

The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at nearly $45 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and $44.8 billion in economic activity each year. For more information, visit www.scspa.com.

News Release

Contacts:
Eric Holst, managing dir., EDF Ctr. for Conservation Incentives 916.203.5911, eholst@edf.org
Jennifer Witherspoon, EDF communications director, (415) 378-1985 or jwitherspoon@edf.org

(Sacramento–December 16, 2010) Environmental Defense Fund praised the California Agricultural Vision (Ag Vision) issued by the State Board of Food and Agriculture today.

“Environmental Defense Fund applauds California Board of Food and Agriculture Secretary Kawamura and California Board of Food and Agriculture President Al Montna for their leadership in developing and implementing Ag Vision,” said Eric Holst, managing director for EDF’s Center for Conservation Incentives. “We look forward to helping implement Ag Vision over the next several years.”

The Ag Vision recommendations reflect a consensus among representatives from California farmers and ranchers as well as environmental, labor, food access and nutritional communities on ways to ensure a strategy for sustainable food and agriculture in California in light of a growing list of challenges facing agriculture, from regulation and water supplies to urbanization and climate change.

“Agriculture is among California’s most important industries: a vital engine for job growth and environmental stewardship, concluded Holst. “There are many opportunities to work with farmers and ranchers to create a sustainable food and agricultural economy in California, while conserving our natural resources.”

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The Center for Conservation Incentives (CCI) is an Environmental Defense Fund initiative which works to develop and expand landowner incentives for the conservation of natural resources and rare plants and animals. The focus of the Center for Conservation Incentives is on working farms, ranches, non-industrial forestlands and private lands. Following the work of Eric Holst and CCI in California at Twitter.com/EricHolst

Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. Twitter: Twitter.com/EDF_CA. Blog: http://blogs.edf.org/californiadream/. Website: www.edf.org/california. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund.

(Sacramento, CA – December 16, 2010) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) praised the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for adopting an innovative program today that will cap and reduce global warming pollution, while growing the state’s clean energy economy. 

“California is turbo charging its already fast-growing clean energy economy by creating incentives and a market for pollution reducing technologies,” said Fred Krupp, president of EDF. “The state is leading a new industrial revolution that will give U.S. companies an edge over foreign competitors in a global market opportunity valued at $2.3 trillion.”

The regulation CARB approved is a vital component of its clean energy plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, as required by The Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). The trading program will create a firm limit on pollution that covers 80 percent of the state’s emissions, including those from the utility, large industry, natural gas and transportation fuels sectors.

A recent Field Poll found that 64 percent of Californians favor cap-and-trade and that nearly 75 percent believe the state can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, while creating jobs and economic prosperity. This finding follows the overwhelming general election defeat of Proposition 23 that affirmed Californians’ desire to implement AB 32 without delay. The “No on Prop 23” campaign generated more votes than any other initiative in the country and showed continued support for taking action to fight climate change, even in tough economic times.

The regulations are designed to minimize risks of economic harm and job loss. By putting a price on carbon, investors and businesses get the certainty they need to invest in new technologies. A recent study from Next 10 concluded that job growth from cap-and-trade will range from around 65,000 to almost 625,000 jobs by 2020, depending on the program’s design.

“The next great economy will be in energy technology, presenting huge opportunities for investments, manufacturing and jobs,” said Derek Walker, director of the California Climate Initiative at Environmental Defense Fund. “California is leading America’s charge to fight climate change by capping pollution and starting a domestic clean tech revolution that’ll help us more effectively compete against China, India and Europe.”

Cap-and-trade is a proven, effective mechanism for cutting pollution quickly at the lowest cost, a particularly important consideration given the economic downturn. In the 1990s, a cap-and-trade program that was added to the Clean Air Act achieved full compliance in reducing sulfur dioxide emissions—which cause acid rain—at a third of the cost forecast by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The final regulations will be available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. For more information, visit www.edf.org/california. Follow us on Twitter @EDF_CA and read our blog at http://blogs.edf.org/californiadream/.

NEWS RELEASE

Expert Contact:
Colin Meehan, 512.691.3416, cmeehan@edf.org

Media Contacts:
Mica Odom, 512.691.8453, modom@edf.org
Matt Smelser, 202.572.3272, msmelser@edf.org

(Austin – December 16, 2010) Today the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) published a proposed rule for a new non-wind renewable portfolio standard (RPS). The proposed rule drastically reduces the target set by the Texas Legislature in 2005 of 500 MW by the year 2015. The new target for 2015 is now 30 MW. This reduction is equivalent to a decrease from enough renewable energy to power 250,000 homes (500 MW) to enough energy to power 15,000 homes (30 MW).

“After years of dragging their feet in responding to the Legislature’s 2005 target, the PUC has decided to send a message to renewable energy companies to invest elsewhere,” said Colin Meehan, Renewable Energy Specialist for Environmental Defense Fund.

The PUC has not only ignored the will of the 79th Legislature, but the five years of work by staff and stakeholders who analyzed the costs and benefits of the 500 MW target. The commissioners will have 180 days to make a decision on the proposed rule.

“Time is running out to capitalize on the job creation and investment potential that a new clean energy economy promises,” said Jim Marston, National Energy Program Director and Texas Regional Director for Environmental Defense Fund. “Texas is too big a player to rely on a handful of municipally-owned utilities outside the PUC’s control to attract clean energy businesses,” added Marston.

If the Legislature does not provide clarity on its 2005 mandate or pass any new renewable energy incentives or mandates during the 2011 Session, this 30 MW target by 2015 could become Texas’ de facto policy on non-wind renewable energy development. “If this proposal becomes policy, it will be clear to solar and other renewable energy companies across the globe that Texas is clearly not open for business,” added Meehan. 

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. See twitter.com/EnvDefenseFund; facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund; http://blogs.edf.org/texasenergyexchange/

News Release

BDCP experts:
Ann Hayden, senior water resource analyst, EDF, (415) 293-6086 or ahayden@edf.org
Gary Bobker, program director, The Bay Institute (415) 272-6616 or bobker@bay.org
Kim Delfino, CA program director, Defenders of Wildlife (916) 313-5800 x109 or kdelfino@defenders.org
Barry Nelson, senior water policy analyst, NRDC (415) 875-6100 or bnelson@nrdc.org

Media contacts:
Jennifer Witherspoon, CA communications director, EDF (415) 293-6067 or jwitherspoon@edf.org
Serena Ingre, senior press secretary, NRDC, (415) 875-6155 or (703) 296-0702-c, singre@nrdc.org
Kati Schmidt, Communications Manager, The Bay Institute, (415) 203-5419-c or kati@bay.org

(San Francisco–December 15, 2010) The long-awaited BDCP transition documents from federal and California state agencies to rescue species from the brink of extinction and improve water management in California’s endangered San Francisco Bay-Delta was released today. Four leading conservation groups found the transition documents to be deeply flawed, incomplete, and disappointing.

“There is too much at stake in the future of California’s water supply and the health of the largest estuary on the West Coast to ignore the major scientific and analytic gaps in this plan,” said Ann Hayden, a senior water resource analyst at Environmental Defense Fund and member of the BDCP Steering Committee. “We and many others from different perspectives have invested too many years at the table trying to make this plan work to settle for a draft that lacks fundamental environmental safeguards and so much more.”

“This plan is not ready for primetime,” said Gary Bobker, Program Director at the Bay Institute. “Whether it’s the quality of the analysis, or paying attention to the best available scientific information, or facing up to some hard policy choices about the future, the plan simply does not pass the laugh test.”

Four years in the making, the draft calls for changes in Delta pumping and infrastructure that would increase the amount of water diverted from the already water-deprived Bay-Delta ecosystem. It contradicts the State’s own finding – expressed in the State Water Resources Control Board flow determinations in August 2010 – that there is overwhelming scientific evidence that the health of the Bay-Delta’s endangered species and habitats require more freshwater flow to San Francisco Bay. It also contradicts the State’s own policy – expressed in a package of water reform legislation signed in Nov. 2009 – that water users should cut their dependence on the Bay-Delta and secure alternative water supply sources.

“The State’s document represents a missed opportunity, said Barry Nelson, senior water policy analyst at Natural Resources Defense Council. “It doesn’t represent an agreement among the state agencies let alone among federal agencies, Congress or the California Legislature. It remains to be seen if this document will be relevant in 2011.”

The draft plan is intended to serve as the basis for a 50-year permit under the federal Endangered Species Act and state Natural Communities Conservation Planning Act for the operation of Delta export pumping projects. Unfortunately, it:

1. Fails to include either specific biological goals for the recovery of salmon and other endangered species against which success will be measured, or enforceable assurances that these goals will be achieved;
2. Proposes to construct a $12 billion-plus canal or tunnel to move water around the Delta without considering measures to aggressively conserve water or secure alternative sources of supply;
3. Ignores the scientific case for flow improvement and export pumping reductions in analyzing potential habitat restoration actions to support species recovery; and
4. One of the more controversial elements of the proposal would allow permits under state and federal environmental laws to be issued directly to agricultural and urban water districts that contract to receive water from the federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project, rather than only to the public agencies that operate those projects. These districts have made it clear that they will only implement a plan that increases the amount of water that is exported from the Delta, and have even threatened to withdraw unless they get these plans met.

“That’s like putting the fox in charge of the hen house,” said Ann Hayden of EDF. “The last thing the hens should be doing is negotiating with the fox over the conditions for opening the door of the hen house.”

Despite being criticized by several independent review panels for these shortcomings, the State has thus far failed to fix the flaws in the plan.

“Setting an unsustainable course for California’s water future at the 11th hour of the Schwarzenegger administration just doesn’t make sense,” said Kim Delfino, California State Director at Defenders of Wildlife. “We’ll need to work with the incoming Brown Administration to put the ‘conservation’ back in the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan and make real progress on a comprehensive solution to restore the largest estuary on the West Coast.”

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. Twitter: Twitter.com/EDF_CA. Blog: http://blogs.edf.org/waterfront . Website: www.edf.org/california. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 1.3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world’s natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Livingston, Montana, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org

The Bay Institute is a leader in protecting, restoring and inspiring conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed — from the Sierra to the sea. For nearly 30 years, The Bay Institute has been developing and leading model scientific research, habitat restoration, education and advocacy programs to preserve California’s most important natural resource. Learn more at http://www.bay.org/.

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.

NEWS RELEASE 

Contacts: Sean Crowley, 202-572-3331, scrowley@edf.org
Will McDow, 919-923-9387, wmcdow@edf.org  
Britt Lundgren, 202-572-3394, blundgren@edf.org  

(Washington, DC — December 15, 2010) Publicly available data on investments in biomass energy contradicts claims by the National Alliance of Forest Owners that the inclusion of biomass emissions in the EPA’s Clean Air Act greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting program hinders renewable energy development, according to forestry experts at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).

Using data from Forisk Consulting, EDF calculates that existing and announced wood bioenergy projects increased during the past year by nearly 35 percent—from 112 projects to 151 projects—across 11 southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. (Only data from the southern U.S. is publicly available for the past year). The total expected demand for wood biomass increased by 10 million green tons, a 76 percent hike in wood biomass demand across the region.

“The science clearly shows that not all sources of biomass are equal in terms of their climate change impacts,” said Will McDow, manager of EDF’s Southeast Center for Conservation Incentives, and a member of both the North Carolina Forestry Technical Advisory Committee and Forestry Council. “The industry has known that EPA was planning to include biogenic emissions in permitting requirements in some way since last spring, yet this fact clearly has not dampened investors’ enthusiasm for bioenergy in 2010.”

“The stakes are too high for EPA to rush to judgment in making biomass emission rules because these biomass plants will produce greenhouse gas emissions for 20 to 30 years,” concluded McDow. “EPA needs to take the time to get the accounting right for biomass emissions to spur the right investments and policies our nation needs to protect forest sector jobs and the natural resources we depend upon.”

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund and Twitter: http://twitter.com/EveryDayFactoid.