Complete list of press releases
Environmental Defense Fund Praises Appointment of Dave White by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
March 25, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Katharine Burnham, (202) 415-5742, kburnham@edf.org(Washington, DC-March 25, 2009) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s new choice to spearhead conservation efforts at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) comes at the perfect time for land conservation programs, according to Environmental Defense Fund.
“In his years with NRCS, Dave White has demonstrated that he knows how to work with farmers and ranchers to apply farm bill conservation programs on the ground in a way that achieves important conservation objectives,” said Sara Hopper, agricultural policy director for Environmental Defense Fund. “As NRCS begins to implement new conservation initiatives included in the 2008 farm bill, his extensive experience and his creative approach will be critical to ensuring these initiatives are successful in producing positive results for the environment.”
The 2008 farm bill authorized a new Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) to leverage conservation program dollars with other resources to support cooperative projects that help agricultural producers effectively address local, state, or regional conservation priorities. Environmental Defense Fund championed the creation of the CCPI and is thrilled to be able to work with Mr. White on the implementation of this and other improvements the farm bill made to conservation programs administered by NRCS.
“There is much work to be done in order to ensure we get the most out of the conservation provisions of the 2008 farm bill,” continued Hopper. “Dave White has the skills and approach needed to make sure conservation programs are applied effectively across the country, and we look forward to working with him.”
State Senate Majority Leader Urged to Deliver MTA Rescue Plan to Stop 23 Percent Fare Hike
March 23, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Mary Barber, 646-209-9469-c, mbarber@edf.orgSean Crowley, 202-550-6524-c, scrowley@edf.org(“Our transit system is the lifeblood of our region and the force that keeps our people mobile, our economy strong, and our air clean,” said Mary Barber, managing director of Living Cities for Environmental Defense Fund in written testimony delivered during an MTA Finance Committee hearing. “The system is in financial trouble and decisions need to be made now to secure its health and vitality for the millions of people who rely on it every day.“This defining moment has called for heroes to defend our transit system. Thankfully, there have been many. There are the hundreds and thousands of riders and commuters who have signed postcards, written letters, signed petitions and phoned their elected officials urging them to make the tough decisions to keep our transit system safe and reliable. Richard Ravitch and his commission are heroes for proposing a fair and balanced long-term plan to fund the system by asking all who benefit—riders, businesses and motorists—to contribute to its well-being.“And now it”s“We call on Majority Leader Smith to join the parade of heroes and make the hard choices and support a transit rescue plan that supports holding fares in check and continuing to rebuild the system for a better tomorrow.And we look to the governor to bring all parties together and find a solution to this crisis now, not when it”s too late.”Environmental Defense Fund Praises Obama Administration
March 18, 2009“We are very pleased that the Administration heard our call, and we want to thank them for their leadership on this issue. This is an important first step, and we look forward to working with the administration and Congress as the details are ironed out,” said Amanda Leland, National Policy Director of EDF”s Oceans Program.
The rapid maturation of ocean power technologies depends upon deployment of demonstration and commercial projects in nearshore areas in the
EDF”s leadership and joint principles document was highlighted by Steve Kopf of Pacific Energy Ventures LLC in testimony at the hearing. Kopf, a project developer and a key participant in the EDF process, said that the “principles clearly demonstrate a consensus to develop ocean renewable energy, but in a way that respects the environment and proactively plans for the growth of the industry” and noted that “the power of the coalition is that it unites a diverse group of stakeholders into a common vision of how we can do this right.” He asked the committee to “adopt these principles as the framework for whatever action it takes” in this area.
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Climate Change Will Seriously Impact Human Health, But Research Lacking, Peer-Reviewed Report Concludes
March 18, 2009Contact:Jennifer Andreassen, 202-572-3387, jandreassen@edf.orgJohn Balbus, 202-572-3316, jbalbus@edf.org
“The lack of attention from the Federal government on the health risks of climate change to U.S. populations is needlessly putting multitudes at risk,” warns the report, “U.S. Funding is Insufficient to Address the Human Health Impacts of and Public Health Responses to Climate Variability and Change,” published in Environmental Health Perspectives.The report is co-authored by the same authors who wrote the Climate Change and Human Health chapter in the July 2008 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report: “Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems,” including Environmental Defense Fund”s Chief Health Scientist Dr. John Balbus. Dr. Balbus also is a member of the National Academy of Science Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, theGlobal warming is expected to worsen many health problems, including heat-related mortality, diarrheal diseases, and diseases associated with exposure to ozone and allergens from the air. Health effects are also likely to result from altered air, water, agriculture, and ecosystems processes, according to the report.Despite these facts, federal funding of health research related to climate change is estimated to be less than $3 million per year. The report concludes that more than $200 million is needed annually to sponsor “robust intra- and extramural programs” in federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Funding research in climate change and health research “that is directly linked to protective action at the local level is a wise investment, consistent with the goals of restoring economic stability, justice and environmental quality, and reducing health care costs,” according to the report.The inadequate level of U.S. funding, the report states, “appears to be due to the low priority placed on identifying and managing the health risks of climate change by Congress and the Federal government.” The report also concludes that reporting of the research funding needs more transparency and clarity.NY Senate Proposal "Gives Drivers a Free Pass," Advocacy Group Says
March 17, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Mary Barber, 646-209-9469-c, mbarber@edf.orgSean Crowley, 202-572-3331, scrowley@edf.org
(“No lasting solution can give drivers a free pass while businesses and transit riders suffer,” said Mary Barber, managing director of Living Cities for Environmental Defense Fund. “Any real solution must address transit’s true financial needs, must not burden next year’s transit rider with this year’s problem, and must be fair. We hope the Senate’s next proposal is a lasting solution.”
Environmental Protections Must be Upheld as Mining Expands
March 12, 2009For Release: March 12, 2009Contacts:Geoff Gisler (attorney) or Kathleen Sullivan (communications), SELC, 919-967-1450 or ksullivan@selcnc.org
Sam Pearsall, EDF, 919-881-2938, spearsall@edf.org, or Dave McNaught, 919-881-2921, dmcnaught@edf.org
Molly Diggins, NC Sierra Club, 919-833-8467 or molly.diggins@sierraclub.org
Jim Stephenson, N.C. Coastal Federation, 252-393-8185
“This permit challenge asks whether PCS”s mine expansion has to comply with the laws protecting the environment, fisheries and public health,” said Geoff Gisler, attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center. “The long-term economic and environmental health of easternIn April 2008, after delaying the permit process for several years by pushing for illegal mining in public waters and pursuing court proceedings, PCS Phosphate—a subsidiary of Potash Corp of Saskatchewan, Inc.—applied for a permit to destroy approximately 4,000 acres of wetlands and almost five miles of streams along the Pamlico River and upriver from the Pamlico Sound, an area about two-thirds the size of Ocracoke Island. By permitting the mine expansion in January 2009, the state authorized this massive destruction.A pre-existing permit authorizes ongoing mining by PCS Phosphate until December 2017. The company has identified about 70,000 acres of land in the area that contain economically recoverable phosphate ore.“A win-win alternative must be found that will protectAccording to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the“Expanding the existing mine into sensitive wetlands threatens immediate and long-term harm to these ecosystems and natural resources,” said Pat Carstensen, chair of the NC Chapter, Sierra Club.The most immediate impacts would be felt in adjacent waters. According to records from the last 11 years, the section of theBecause of these impacts, both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recommended denial of PCS Phosphate”s proposed mine expansion. The National Marine Fisheries Service and the South Atlantic Marine Fisheries Commission have also publicly declared that the mine expansion would do long-term damage to fisheries in this estuary system.In addition to providing habitat, natural wetlands improve water quality, buffer hurricanes and storms, and act as freshwater reservoirs when water is scarce. These benefits are ever more vital forIn filing today”s challenge in state administrative court the Southern Environmental Law Center represents Environmental Defense Fund, North Carolina Coastal Federation, Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, and North Carolina Sierra Club. The suit is filed against the North Carolina Division of Water Quality.###
About Southern EnvironmentalThe Southern Environmental Law Center uses the power of the law to protect the health and environment of the Southeast (AboutSierra Club is the nation”s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization with over 17,000 members inAboutThe Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, founded in 1981, is a grassroots environmental organization representing greater than 2000 members and a licensed member of Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc. Our mission is to enhance and protect theAboutThe North Carolina Coastal Federation (NCCF) is the state”s only non-profit organization focused exclusively onprotecting and restoring the coast ofAbout Environmental Defense FundA leading national nonprofit organization, Environmental Defense Fund represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org."Complete Streets" Bill Introduced to Help Americans Save on Transportation Costs, Cut Congestion
March 12, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Sean Crowley, 202-572-3331, scrowley@edf.orgDan Cronin, 202-572-3354, dcronin@edf.org(A complete street takes into account all users of the street — not just those in cars — and is a safe corridor for people traveling by foot, bicycle, transit, and car. More than 80 jurisdictions nationwide already have adopted complete streets policies though legislation, internal agency policies and design manuals, including“The Complete Streets Act of 2009” directs state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organization”s (MPOs) to adopt complete streets policies on future federally funded transportation projects within two years.“Senator Harkin and Congresswoman Matsui understand that unless we change how we build our roads, we will face an endless cycle of rising transportation costs, increased congestion, and more pedestrian and cycling accidents,” said Michael Replogle, a Department of Transportation (DOT) adviser and Transportation Director at Environmental Defense Fund. “In today”s economy, every community wants more safe transportation options that are less expensive and our state transportation departments must adjust accordingly.”Complete streets also help the pocketbook. The average American who lives in an area that”s walkable and has transit spends only 9% of their income on transportation, while a person living in an area that requires driving spends more than 25%. In addition, complete streets are cost effective because when cities and towns build streets correctly the first time, they reduce congestion, pollution, and local contributions to the global warming problem by providing several travel options.Environmental Group Supports Bipartisan Transportation Bill to Cut Greenhouse Gas Pollution
March 12, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:(Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) introduced The Clean, Low-Emission, Affordable, New Transportation Efficiency Act (CLEAN-TEA) last night. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-OH) introduced CLEAN-TEA (H.R. 1329) in the House last week.The bill proposes to take 10 percent of the revenue from a future cap-and-trade climate program and use it to fund a Low Greenhouse Gas Transportation Fund. The fund would finance planning and implementation of environmentally friendly transportation projects to cut congestion and increase travel options. For many years, transportation has been the second largest and among the fastest-growing contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in“We salute these congressional leaders for understanding that — unless we link our efforts to protect the climate with efforts to cut congestion — we will not solve either problem,” said Michael Replogle, a Department of Transportation (DOT) adviser and Transportation Director at EDF. “This legislation reverses a long-term trend of transportation policies that encouraged growth in greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation should contribute proportionately to other sectors in solving the climate change crisis.”The Low Greenhouse Gas Transportation Fund created by the bill would provide money to state, regional, and local governments, favoring investments in programs that produce higher per capita emission reductions. Potential projects that could be funded include transit, passenger and freight rail, biking and pedestrian improvements, vanpools, smart traffic management and congestion pricing, and land use changes to make communities more walkable.The Promise of a Low-Carbon Revolution Comes to Life in Upcoming Special on the Discovery Channel
March 9, 2009(
“The time is now for bold action on climate,” said
Based on the companion book (The New York Times bestseller Earth: The Sequel, available in paperback as of today at http://earththesequel.com), the Discovery show details the tremendous strides being made across the nation to solve the energy crisis and curb carbon emissions through new technologies. From an Alaskan frontiersman who keeps his ice hotel frozen all summer long with the energy of hot springs to start-ups harnessing hydro-power from New York”s East River and solar power in New Mexico”s high desert, the show chronicles dazzling ingenuity and possibility.
To view a trailer of the Discovery show or order a copy of the paperback, visit http://earththesequel.com. Media can also view the full show prior to Wednesday at http://press.discovery.com.
Cleaner Cars Protect Human Health, Save Families Money at the Pump
March 5, 2009(Washington — March 5, 2009) Environmental Defense Fund Chief Health Scientist Dr. John Balbus will testify at a key federal hearing today that immediate action to reduce global warming pollution is necessary to protect the health of millions of Californians.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is holding the hearing to receive expert testimony as it reconsiders the Bush Administration”s controversial denial of a waiver for California”s Clean Car program.The program, which has been adopted in 13 additional states across the country, would significantly cut global warming pollution from motor vehicles. California and the 13 states need EPA to grant the waiver under the Clean Air Act before they can implement the clean car programFormer EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied California”s request for the waiver in March 2008, despite the unanimous recommendation of EPA”s career staff that it should be approved. Prior to that denial, EPA had granted more than 50 waiver requests over the past thirty years. On January 26th, President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum directing EPA to reconsider the decision.Dr. Balbus will testify today that, global warming “is a clear and present danger to Californians who are at risk of severe drought, dangerous heat waves, rising sea levels, more wildfires and worsening smog pollution. Reducing greenhouse gases today is essential to begin addressing the serious health effects of the climate crisis for millions of Californians.”Dr. Balbus” full testimony is available at: http://edf.org/documents/9328_balbus-testimony-california-waiver.pdf.The program will also cut costs at the pump. Derek Walker, director of EDF"s California Climate Initiative, said, “California”s clean car program relies on today”s technologies to cut global warming pollution and save California”s families money at the gas pump. California found that low-income households would save about $300 a year from cleaner vehicles that emit less pollution and use less fuel.”BackgroundCars are a Major Source of Global Warming PollutionCars and light trucks are one of America”s largest sources of global warming pollution, and the fastest growing. Cars and light trucks account for nearly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions in California and about 16 percent of U.S. global warming pollution.California and Bipartisan States Have Led the WayIn a 2002 landmark law, California enacted the nation”s first ever binding limits on global warming pollution from passenger vehicles. Thirteen states across the country have adopted California”s standards and are awaiting favorable EPA action to enforce the greenhouse gas emission limitations, including: Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. States such as Colorado, Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, and Utah are considering adoption of the Clean Cars program. Collectively, motor vehicles in these states comprise about forty percent of the U.S. market.A Flexible Program to Cut Heat-Trapping Gases From Passenger VehiclesCalifornia”s program provides for a flexible fleetwide average to achieve the standards, which were scheduled to take effect for new passenger vehicles beginning in model year 2009. The program is projected to cut emissions from new vehicles 30 percent by 2016. The standards can be readily achieved through available engine technologies, cleaner fuels and mitigation of air conditioning emissions.Progress Obstructed by the Bush Administration.California requested a preemption waiver under the Clean Air Act in 2005. But the Bush administration”s EPA denied the request. Under federal law, EPA shall grant California”s request to administer more protective motor vehicle emission standards unless EPA affirmatively finds that the state does not need the standards to meet compelling and extraordinary conditions. EPA denied California”s request in 2008, the first time in over thirty years EPA has issued a denial despite reviewing and granting more than 50 waiver requests from California.Governor Schwarzenegger Asks President Obama to Take Corrective ActionCalifornia”s Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger formally asked President Barack Obama to “immediately reconsider” the Bush administration”s 2008 denial of California”s Clean Cars program to cut global warming pollution. In a January 21, 2009 letter calling the denial by the Bush administration”s EPA “fundamentally flawed,” Governor Schwarzenegger said approving California”s landmark program “will not only reduce these emissions, but will also save drivers money and reduce our nation”s dependence on imported oil.”Fuel Cost Savings for Low Income HouseholdsCalifornia found that low-income households driving a clean vehicle would reduce gasoline consumption by about 100 gallons annually and would save about $360 in fuel costs alone in 2020, assuming a gas price of $3.67 a gallon. The net savings for low income households are projected to be $300 a year when the annualized costs are included.In summary, global climate change poses a clear and present danger to the health of Californians, who are at risk of severe drought, dangerous heat waves, rising sea levels, more frequent wildfires and worsening smog pollution. Because of these health related impacts alone, California has compelling and extraordinary conditions that justify the adoption of its Motor vehicle GHG standards. Reducing greenhouse gases today is essential to begin addressing the serious health effects of the climate crisis for millions of Californians. Environmental Defense Fund urges EPA to immediately and finally grant California”s request for a preemption waiver.In Midst of Drought, New Report Makes Hard-hitting Recommendations for State Action on Groundwater
March 5, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Marbury, Environmental Defense Fund, 512.691.3430Media Contact: Laura Williamson, Environmental Defense Fund, 512.691.3447-w or 512.828.1690-c or lwilliamson@edf.org(AUSTIN, TX – Mar. 5, 2009) An ongoing and disastrous statewide drought paves the way for a new report released today from Environmental Defense Fund. Down to the Last Drop dissects current flaws and inefficiencies with Texas” current groundwater management process and makes hard-hitting recommendations for state action.“Groundwater is the lifeblood of Texas” future,” said Laura Marbury, Texas Water Projects Director for Environmental Defense Fund and co-author of the report, “Now that many parts of the state are in a drought of record, Texans are finally starting to wake up to the limitations of the resource.”According to State Comptroller Susan Combs” recent report on Texas” water resources, groundwater provides almost 60 percent of all fresh water available in the state, but that is decreasing due to groundwater pumping in excess of its ability to replenish itself.“Our state”s groundwater resources face many pressures today,” Marbury said. “Not only is Texas” population expected to double over the next 50 years, but a variety of interests are lining up to get a straw into the dwindling groundwater pool. If we don”t strengthen our groundwater system to handle increasing pressures, we could completely devastate the resource.”Down to the Last Drop highlights three issues that Texas” groundwater resources face: the connection between groundwater and surface water and the lack of consideration this receives in current management; flaws in the current Groundwater Management Area process, which sets goals for how healthy our groundwater resources should be in the future; and opportunities to modernize the groundwater management process.One recommendation found in the report concerns regionalizing groundwater management in parts of the state experiencing significant groundwater development pressures. Often covered by a hodge-podge of single-county groundwater districts, areas such as east of I-35 overlying the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer would benefit from a consistent, predictable and sustainable management framework. The economic and environmental benefits from consolidating into regional entities, similar to the Edwards Aquifer Authority, far surpass single-county management.The report”s section on the Groundwater Management Area process, which was initiated by legislation in 2005, is one of the first detailed reports on this process that offers concrete direction for improving it.“We must ensure our aquifers are effectively managed so that they remain viable into the future,” Marbury said.Co-authors of the report include Laura Marbury and Mary Kelly, Senior Counsel of the Center for Rivers and Deltas at Environmental Defense Fund.An electronic copy of the report is available http://www.edf.org/documents/9326_2009_TX_Groundwater_Report.pdf.President Praised for Decision to Reverse Endangered Species Rule
March 3, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Katharine Burnham, 202-415-5742, kburnham@edf.orgMichael Bean, 202-423-9119, mbean@edf.org(March 3, 2009-Washington, DC) “Today’s action by the president to restore scientific oversight of federal agencies in order to protect endangered wildlife is another example of President Obama righting environmental wrongs created by his predecessor. It is also another indication that science is once again respected within the White House.“The President’s decision fits squarely within his authority to direct federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS) on all projects that may affect endangered species, a practice customary in previous administrations. With this action Mr. Obama has restored the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NMFS to their rightful authority as scientific advisers to federal agencies and has signaled that the Endangered Species Act, like many of the plants and animals it protects, is on its way to recovery.”Obama Nominee for DOT Under Secretary of Policy Called "Outstanding Choice" by DOT Adviser
March 2, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:(Congressman Blumenauer’s 10-year “National Plan to Reinvest in America” envisions a transition from the current federal gas tax revenue system of transportation financing to road-use fees (based on vehicle miles traveled), revenue generated from selling carbon credits, and other new funding sources. Collectively, these revenue sources could raise much of the $100 billion a year that may be needed to fix and improve transportation infrastructure over the next decade, more than double the current funding level provided by federal gas tax revenues, which continue to decline as people drive less and use more fuel efficient vehicles.The Blumenauer plan explores a 10-year strategy for transportation infrastructure funding, which reflects the growing consensus that the“Congressman Blumenauer understands that the old way of funding our transportation infrastructure is a dead end in the new economy,” said“Key elements of this plan — such as road-use fees, a carbon cap, and carbon auctions generating revenues that can be dedicated in part to transportation — can help finance a shift to cleaner infrastructure and expanded travel choices for Americans who are stuck in traffic without any alternatives to driving,” added Replogle. “It is crucial that new revenue measures send appropriate incentives to travelers and system managers to make wise stewardship and consumer choices.”“However, a key factor determining whether transportation contributes to cutting greenhouse gases will be how revenue is spent, not just how it’s raised,” Replogle concluded. “We look forward to working with Congressman Blumenauer and other congressional leaders to make sure we are raising and spending revenue on transportation in ways that maximize opportunities to cut both congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.”
Companies Across U.S. Poised For Growth Under Cap On Carbon
February 27, 2009(Philadelphia, PA-February 27, 2009) Environmental Defense Fund today released a groundbreaking online map that identifies and profiles more than 1,200 companies in key manufacturing states poised to grow their business and create new jobs when Congress passes a cap on global warming pollution.
The interactive map, online at LessCarbonMoreJobs.org, was released at the first meeting of Vice President Joe Biden’s task force on middle class jobs in Philadelphia. It highlights hundreds of companies and communities in coal country, the rust belt and other manufacturing regions poised to benefit from demand for clean energy technologies created by a cap on carbon.
Vice President Biden hosted EDF President Fred Krupp and a range of experts to highlight new ways to increase renewable energy jobs and improve America’s energy efficiency. Krupp said EDF’s map shows that a carbon cap will create new markets and new customers for companies in the supply chain for low-carbon energy technologies and services.
“Our nation is rich with a skilled and dedicated workforce waiting for the economic opportunity that comes with a cap on carbon, especially in the current economy,” said Krupp. “A cap creates customers for U.S. manufacturers, and new customers mean new jobs. If there was ever a time we needed new customers at home and abroad, that time is now.”
LessCarbonMoreJobs.org identifies the locations, products, and services as well as select case studies and worker profiles for companies in 12 states: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Hampshire, Arkansas, Tennessee, Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, Virginia and Florida.
Jackie Roberts, Director of Sustainable Technologies for EDF, spearheaded the research behind the website. “These maps tell the story of how a cap can fuel economic growth in the heartland while reducing America’s global warming pollution,” Roberts said. “There is a manufacturing boom ready to happen, and a cap will help ignite that spark.”
LessCarbonMoreJobs.org allows visitors to search by state, Congressional district and media market to find companies manufacturing windmill components, shipping solar panel equipment and installing energy efficient building materials. The site also provides business details and contact information for companies in each profiled state.
Among the business leaders highlighted is Jeff Metts, owner and president of Dowding Industries, a Michigan-based manufacturer of large-scale machinery and parts that is hiring laid-off auto workers to build wind turbine components.
“This business is growing exponentially,” Metts said. “I don’t come here as the owner of a company that last year employed 250 people, I come here excited about being the owner of a company that will create hundreds of jobs for our community and the possibility of thousands of jobs for our state in this new energy market. We’ve tapped into a workforce eager to apply their skills from previous jobs to our new ventures, and the result has been incredible. We’re ready to do much more.”
Abe Breehey, Director of Legislative Affairs for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, said, “The demand for climate solutions will create job opportunities across the economy. We can put American ingenuity and skills to work to reduce emissions, with all the necessary labor and materials to make it happen. With the right market signals, we can turn the jobs union members do everyday into the environmental solutions our nation needs to meet this enormous challenge.”
Bill Keith, president of the St. John, Indiana-based Sunrise Solar, Inc., echoed Breehey’s comments.
“We’re producing solar-powered attic fans, trying to keep up with a demand that’s skyrocketing,” Keith said. “We saw a market for energy efficient products and technologies that help consumers reduce their energy consumption, and we’ve been greeted with overwhelming support and demand. But we know there’s much more to do. We are hoping that Congress finally puts the economy on a path to embrace these technologies. My operation is ready to grow, and I know others companies like mine are ready too.”