Complete list of press releases

(ST. PETERSBURG, FL – July 12, 2021) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today released the first video in a four-part series entitled “Keeping Florida, Florida” to showcase the urgency of Florida’s climate crisis and the opportunity state and federal leaders have to build long-term resilience for the state’s communities, economy and ecosystems. EDF will release the series in four installments, each featuring different regions of the state and unique perspectives from local leaders discussing on-the-ground climate impacts and highlighting solutions that address these risks.

The first video highlights the risk sea level rise presents to Miami-Dade County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed Back Bay Study, which would rely on traditional, hardened infrastructure, including a seawall, to protect the region. Experts featured in the video, along with many others across the state, raise concerns that this approach will not adequately address flood risk while detrimentally impacting the region’s environment, economy and culture. Instead, these experts are proposing natural and nature-based solutions, such as oyster reefs and mangroves, that can build long-term flood resilience while “keeping Florida Florida.”   

“Hundreds of billions of dollars in assets are at risk from climate change in Florida, and sea level rise is already impacting people’s lives,” said Dawn Shirreffs, Environmental Defense Fund’s Florida director. “The Army Corps’ project proposed for Miami-Dade outlines the challenges in balancing flood protection, protecting natural assets and preserving community character. The good news is we can address flood risk and safeguard our environment and economy if we have the political will to innovate.”

Local residents, businesses and environmental organizations agree that taking a blended approach is critical to safeguarding our ecosystems, the character of our unique coastlines and the economies that rely on them. 

“We can make Miami an example for the rest of the country of how to do these projects, how to react to sea level rise and make our communities more resilient, while also improving the environment, our way of life and our economy,” said Rachel Silverstein, executive director and waterkeeper, Miami Waterkeeper.

Future videos in the series will feature related issues and people from Collier County, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay.   

Watch the first video in the Keeping Florida, Florida series here, and learn how to provide public comment on the Miami Back Bay Study at LetsTackleClimateChangeFlorida.com.

(Washington, D.C. – July 7, 2021) Environmental Defense Fund and 11 other public interest groups have filed comments with the Environmental Protection Agency detailing the reasons why the agency should rescind an unlawful Trump-era action that sought to undermine states’ long-standing authority to protect people from the unhealthy pollution from cars, passenger trucks and SUVs.

“Strong clean car standards will save lives, create American jobs, and protect our climate. California is poised to continue its long tradition of leading the country in the advancement of those protective standards with its next generation standards that are expected to eliminate tailpipe pollution from new motor vehicles sold in the state by 2035,”said EDF senior attorney Alice Henderson. “The Trump administration unlawfully tried to block California and other states from using their authority under the Clean Air Act. We urge EPA to swiftly restore full clean car authority to the states so they can continue to lead the way in the fight against motor vehicle pollution.”

The Clean Air Act directs EPA to grant California a waiver of federal preemption to set more protective standards for vehicular air pollution. It also allows other states to adopt California’s standards. These state authorities have been in place for more than half a century.

In 2013, EPA granted a waiver for California’s greenhouse gas and zero-emission vehicle standards. Then in 2019, the Trump Administration took the unprecedented and unlawful step of revoking that waiver. EPA is now proposing to reverse the Trump action, to reinstate the waiver for California’s greenhouse gas and zero-emission vehicle standards and to ensure other states can adopt those California standards.

EDF and its allies filed formal comments with EPA strongly supporting EPA’s proposal, arguing that the Trump administration actions were “arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law.” The Center for Biological Diversity, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Communities for a Better Environment, Conservation Law Foundation, Earthjustice, Environment America, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, Public Citizen, Sierra Club and Union of Concerned Scientists joined EDF in the filing. You can read the full comments here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Reps. Judy Chu and Jimmy Panetta introduced legislation this week which would help empower communities to withstand and adapt to climate change. The bill would also advance important environmental justice goals. The Climate Resiliency Service Act of 2021 — the companion bill to Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto’s Senate legislation — would amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a climate resiliency service corps. The civil society program would engage and empower workers to carry out national service projects that improve community adaptation, mitigation, preparedness and recovery from natural disasters and other climate impacts.

“Fighting climate change, building resilience in our communities and creating jobs are all essential to America’s future,” said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs. “This bill will help advance real, practical solutions to climate impacts in communities around the country. Critically, it will bring resources to underserved, frontline communities that already face the worst impacts of climate change.”

“EDF thanks Reps. Chu and Panetta and Sen. Cortez Masto for their leadership in advancing solutions that create jobs, center equity and prepare our communities for the impacts of climate change.”

Background

Among other highlights, this legislation would:

● Establish an environmental justice task force involving local elected officials, educators, community leaders and others to help prioritize projects that benefit communities bearing a disproportionate burden of environmental, public health and broader social injustices.

● Create a Climate Careers Network, a coordinated effort with multiple federal agencies to establish a database of clean energy economy jobs, both for corps service members and the general public. The network would also connect labor organizations, employers, non-profits, higher education institutions and other organizations to clean energy job opportunities.

● Provide an opportunity for participating states to enhance their communication and coordination on climate-related emergencies and disasters with other states.

(Salem, OR – June 27, 2021) On Saturday, the Oregon legislature passed a clean electricity standard with one of the fastest timelines for eliminating power sector emissions in the country, requiring retail electricity companies and providers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 80% below baseline levels by 2030, 90% by 2035 and 100% by 2040. The standard’s ambitious timeline, focus on emissions reductions and enforceability make it a strong model for federal policy.

“Oregon’s clean electricity standard is a model for the kind of bold power sector policy we urgently need at the federal level,” said Pam Kiely, Associate Vice President for U.S. Climate at EDF. “Oregon’s focus on what matters for the climate crisis — swift, significant cuts in pollution over the next decade— should be the same focus for an enforceable, federal CES.”

“To fulfill President Biden’s promise to slash U.S. emissions by more than half by 2030, we have to go bold on policy that cuts power sector emissions by at least 80% by 2030, creates good-paying clean energy jobs and reduces harmful air pollution. States like Oregon and Colorado, as well as utilities and other power companies across the nation, are already paving the way with strong clean power goals — proving that a federal clean electricity standard is the achievable and impactful policy we need to get done in infrastructure legislation.”

Background on Oregon’s clean electricity standard:

• The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) determines each company or providers baseline emission level and calculates the required emissions reduction to meet the clean energy targets. By setting a target focused on emissions, rather than on ramping up a particular percentage of renewable energy, Oregon can ensure that pollution declines at the pace and scale necessary.
• Electric companies and providers are required to submit a clean energy plan to DEQ and the Public Utility Commission for meeting the clean energy targets, while making continual progress.
• If a retail electricity provider is out of compliance with the clean energy targets for more than 12 months as a result of unplanned emissions, they are required to submit a detailed plan on how they will return to compliance.

Other resources:

• CES letter to the Biden administration from 13 utilities.
• EDF spreadsheet summarizing ambitious 2030 utility decarbonization targets.

(WASHINGTON) With bipartisan support, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to restore EPA rules limiting oil and gas methane pollution from new wells, processing plants and other facilities across the country. The measure, which passed the Senate in April, now moves on to the President’s desk.

“Congress just delivered its first bipartisan win for the climate. Controlling methane is a winning proposition for all sides because it cuts pollution and reduces waste. This vote sends a clear message to EPA that Congress expects stronger limits on oil and gas methane pollution to assure important climate and clean air protections.”

• Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund

Once signed, the Congressional Review Act resolution (H.J.Res.34 / S.J.Res.14) will immediately reinstate provisions rescinded late last year by the previous administration and clear the way for additional safeguards promised by the White House in January for hundreds of thousands of new and existing wells. Facilities, built before 2015, are responsible for an overwhelming majority of industry’s methane pollution but aren’t subject to federal controls.

Background

The original EPA methane regulations were adopted in 2016. In its waning days, the Trump administration rushed to repeal the policy – despite opposition from the oil and gas industry itself – in a move that failed to consider the impact on human health and the environment.

Along with strong backing by health, environmental and local community groups, a broad array of oil and gas companies – from smaller independent producers to multinational oil majors – and trade associations support passage of the methane CRA resolution (full list here).

Once enacted, the methane CRA will clear the path to advance ambitious methane rules by immediately restoring methane standards for new oil and gas sources put in place in 2016. The new source standards for midstream facilities that are restored by the CRA will cut over 300,000 metric tons of methane and 8,500 metric tons of VOC next year alone.

Methane is responsible for at least a quarter of current global warming. The oil and gas sector emits roughly 16 million metric tons of methane annually, resulting in the same near-term climate impact as 350 coal-fired power plants. Recent peer-reviewed science underscores that curbing these emissions is essential for limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius.

Under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act, restoration of methane regulation would legally obligate EPA and clear the way for the agency to enact standards for the nation’s existing oil and gas infrastructure, which is responsible for 75% of industry’s methane pollution problem.

(WASHINGTON, DC) “The Senate’s passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act is an important step toward improving the integrity of agricultural carbon credits and making it easier for farmers to participate in and benefit from carbon markets.

“Agricultural carbon markets are developing quickly, creating opportunities for producers to generate revenue from reducing emissions or sequestering carbon. But without any defined guardrails for high-quality credits, it can be risky for them to participate in markets and hard to determine whether credits represent net positive climate impacts.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture is perfectly positioned to define science-based best practices for measuring, reporting and verifying agricultural carbon credits, and to certify third-party verifiers who can help farmers validate and sell credits. 

“USDA must also proactively ensure Black farmers and farmers of color have equitable access to participate in and generate revenue from agricultural carbon markets. And while carbon markets can drive pollution reductions at national and global scales, Congress, state and municipal governments must also pass and enforce strong protections for local air and water quality.

“Environmental Defense Fund thanks Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Mike Braun (R-IN) for championing this bill for two years and all of the co-sponsors for supporting agricultural climate solutions. EDF hopes to see swift bipartisan action to pass this bill in the House.”

• Elizabeth Gore, senior vice president, Political Affairs

Read this blog post for additional information about the Growing Climate Solutions Act.

A study by Ricardo and Environmental Defense Fund for the P4G Getting to Zero Coalition Partnership finds that South Africa holds an untapped opportunity to supply the global shipping industry with zero carbon fuels. The production of green hydrogen-derived fuels can help to meet decarbonization targets and act as a catalyst for the country’s economy – opening new export markets, supporting an equitable transition, and creating the jobs of the future. The study explores the economic and environmental potential for the implementation of zero carbon shipping fuels through the shipping sector of South Africa.

International maritime transport is on the verge of an energy revolution. Within this decade, the shipping industry must start to replace traditional heavy bunker fuel with new zero carbon shipping fuels generated from renewable energy to meet decarbonization targets. South Africa has vast renewable energy sources, and the country has committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“Our study shows that South Africa has an abundance of renewable energy potential. It is enough to supply the country’s domestic electrical demand as well as the production of zero carbon fuels to supply commercial vessels refueling in its international ports. The adoption of zero carbon propulsion technologies at South Africa’s ports could attract investment of between 122 and 175 billion Rand in onshore infrastructure by 2030. All that is needed to unlock this investment is the right policy incentives set at the International Maritime Organization,” says Aoife O’Leary, Director, International Climate, Environmental Defense Fund.

The report finds that South Africa’s geographical location and economic development make it particularly well suited to distribute zero carbon fuels for the South African shipping sector, and export to international markets.

“South Africa has the opportunity feed into the growing global demand for decarbonized materials, products and services by offering bunkering capability for zero carbon fuels to vessels of all types. With access to busy shipping routes, abundant renewable energy potential, and experience handling these and other fuels, South Africa is in a great position to produce the shipping fuels of the future, access a growing global market, and thus catalyze a new low carbon economy,” says Olivia Carpenter-Lomax, future energy specialist and project lead, Ricardo.

“It is easy to make a generalization that many developing countries are positioned to gain from a future hydrogen economy and hydrogen derived fuel use in shipping. This report goes into the important specifics of that opportunity for South Africa and finds not just why this is necessary, but the numerous reasons to be optimistic and seek to accelerate progress towards this future,” says Tristan Smith, Reader in Energy and Shipping, University College London.

Several zero carbon fuels can potentially be used in shipping. The abundance of renewable energy resource in South Africa means that shipping fuels can be derived from renewable electricity generation.

“The report identifies hydrogen and ammonia as the most suitable options for large commercial vessels while South Africa’s small domestic vessels can be supplied through direct electrification using onboard batteries and motors. Shipping’s demand for zero carbon fuels could provide a constant long-term revenue stream, which is an attractive feature for investment,” says Ingrid Sidenvall Jegou, Project Director, Global Maritime Forum.

The adoption of zero carbon shipping fuels depends on global market requirements. In order for a successful adoption of zero carbon shipping fuels, South Africa should look globally. Vessels adopting zero carbon fuels bunkering in various ports around the world must have the opportunity to refuel along their journey.

“The transition to a zero emission future is for and about people. Achieving an inclusive, globally scalable transition requires a systems-oriented, transparent approach. This requires standards to be set by the maritime industry to encourage the zero carbon transition not only for vessels but for global ports. South Africa can be a part of driving international standards as an important player in the international shipping sector and as a pioneer in zero carbon fuels,” says Margi Van Gogh, Head of Supply Chain & Transport, The World Economic Forum.

Adopting zero carbon shipping fuels has significant benefits and synergies for South Africa far beyond the shipping sector and is in line with South Africa’s commitment to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

Zero carbon fuels may also be used in wider industries such as fertilizer and steel production and could act as a catalyst to achieving South Africa’s overall carbon commitments. There is the potential to create a wide range of jobs within the supply chains of zero carbon fuels, which can support South Africa’s just and equitable transition as jobs in coal mining and coal-based electricity generation decrease.

The report highlights the ports of Saldanha Bay, Ngqura (Coega) and Richards Bay as great examples of how South African can capitalize on a zero carbon fuel transition due to established shipping routes and significant port export hubs.

“Zero carbon shipping presents South Africa with the opportunity to usher in “a new economy in a new global reality”, to quote President Ramaphosa in our national Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. For this, the SBIDZ supports this research in its efforts to stimulate solutions and investment into a global megatrend that is becoming the agenda of our time. It will require sustainable capital investment into new technologies, new vessel designs, new landside infrastructure and a shake-up of the services and logistics sub-sectors. This is exactly the work the SBIDZ is vested in as a catalyst for economic growth and transformation, and the unique potential of the Port of Saldanha Bay as the first Freeport in South Africa,” says Kaashifah Beukes, Chief Executive Officer, Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone.

Download the full report here: South Africa: fueling the future of shipping - South Africa’s role in the transformation of global shipping through green hydrogen-derived fuels.

ABOUT THE GETTING TO ZERO COALITION

The Getting to Zero Coalition, a partnership between the Global Maritime Forum, Friends of Ocean Action and World Economic Forum, is a community of ambitious stakeholders from across the maritime, energy, infrastructure and financial sectors, and supported by key governments, IGOs and other stakeholders, who are committed to the decarbonization of shipping. The ambition of the Getting to Zero Coalition is to have commercially viable zero emission vessels operating along deep-sea trade routes by 2030, supported by the necessary infrastructure for scalable net zero-carbon energy sources including production, distribution, storage, and bunkering.

ABOUT P4G
P4G – Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 - is a global delivery mechanism pioneering green partnerships to build sustainable and resilient economies. P4G mobilizes a global ecosystem of 12 partner countries and 5 organizational partners to unlock opportunities for more than 50 partnerships working in five SDG areas: food and agriculture, water, energy, cities and circular economy.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL MARITIME FORUM
The Global Maritime Forum is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to shaping the future of global seaborne trade to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human wellbeing.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF OCEAN ACTION
Friends of Ocean Action is a unique group of over 55 global leaders from business, international organizations, civil society, science and academia who are fast-tracking scalable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the ocean. It is hosted by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the World Resources Institute.

ABOUT THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND
Environmental Defense Fund Europe is an affiliate of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a leading international non-profit organization that creates transformative solutions to the most serious environmental problems. Since 1967, EDF has used science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to bring a new voice for practical solutions.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON ENERGY INSTITUTE
University College London Energy Institute Shipping Group aims to accelerate shipping transition to an equitable, globally sustainable energy system through world-class shipping research, education and policy support. The group specializes in multi- disciplinary research anchored in data analytics and advanced modelling of the maritime sector.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PORTS AND HARBORS
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) was formed in 1955 and over the last sixty years has grown into a global alliance representing over 180 members ports and 140 port related businesses in 90 countries. The principal aim of IAPH revolves around promotion of the interests of Ports worldwide, building strong member relationships and sharing best practices among our members.

ABOUT RICARDO
At Ricardo, our vision is to create a world where everyone can live sustainably: breathing clean air, using clean energy, travelling sustainably, accessing clean water and conserving resources. Adopting zero carbon shipping fuels would bring the world closer to these ideals. Since the 1950s, Ricardo has worked to deliver improvements in air quality and pioneered the use of renewable energy technologies. We are currently working on the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, helping countries to realize their plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This week Environmental Defense Fund announced a two million dollar ad campaign calling on Congress to “Go Bold” by passing an American Jobs Plan that boosts the economy, promotes American industry, cleans the air and water and addresses the threat of climate change. New ads launched this week are part of a series that will run in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, Florida, Iowa, Michigan and the District of Columbia through the end of August. The videos will also be complemented by social media cards and banners showing the benefits of clean energy and other infrastructure investments to everyday Americans, including quotes from in-state leaders.

“What Congress does over the next few weeks will determine if we are serious about rebuilding our economy, making the air and water cleaner for our kids and dealing with the threat of climate change. America wins when we go bold and take on the biggest challenges,” said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs at EDF. “We can create millions of jobs, out-compete Europe and China and leave a safer world for our kids — but only if Congress goes big.”

EDF supports the American Jobs Plan proposed by President Biden, which includes significant investments to move the US to cleaner buses, trucks, cars and electric power. A strong American Jobs Plan will limit pollution from power plants, address environmental injustice, assist in fostering a just transition for fossil fuel workers and help the US regain international leadership in manufacturing.

These ads are part of EDF’s ongoing Power Up, America campaign, which includes events, grassroots activities, digital activism and other programs to promote the American Jobs Plan and related legislative and administrative proposals.

“The Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff will help position the American solar energy industry to be competitive in the global marketplace. The bill establishes tax credits to incentivize the manufacturing and production of solar energy technology in the United States. And that expansion of clean and renewable energy production will create jobs, help revitalize American manufacturing, and play a major role in our fight to combat the climate crisis.

“We thank Senator Ossoff, along with Senators Raphael Warnock, Michael Bennet, and Debbie Stabenow, who co-sponsored the bill, for their climate leadership at this pivotal time.”

• Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs

(WASHINGTON) Ruling on a case brought by Environmental Defense Fund, the second highest court in the U.S. today struck down the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) approval of a 66-mile natural gas pipeline in Illinois and Missouri. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today vacated FERC’s approval of the Spire STL Pipeline, finding that the agency did not sufficiently analyze whether the pipeline was in fact needed. 

“FERC’s role as the guardian of the public interest demands more than green-lighting a project based on the thin pretext of a single contract with the developer’s own affiliate,” said EDF Senior Director and Lead Counsel Natalie Karas.

In carrying out its statutory duty under the Natural Gas Act, the court held that FERC must determine whether a pipeline is in the public interest before approving the project. In the case of Spire STL, the agency failed to engage in a rigorous determination of need, basing its approval solely on a contract between Spire STL and its affiliated company, gas utility Spire Missouri.

The court held that FERC’s decision was arbitrary and capricious, stating in its decision that:

Under the circumstances presented in this case – with flat demand as conceded by all parties, no Commission finding that a new pipeline would reduce costs, and a single precedent agreement between affiliates – we agree with EDF that the Commission’s approach did not reflect reasoned and principled decisionmaking.

The decision sends the case back to FERC in order to address the deficiencies in its orders.  

“FERC’s failure to perform its statutory duties leads to a host of negative consequences for local communities, ratepayers, and the environment,” Karas said. “People in the region, including EDF members, continue to experience direct harm to their land that is in the pathway of the pipeline. Meanwhile, ratepayers are being asked to pay for the new infrastructure for decades to come.”

More rigorous oversight by FERC of affiliate contracts, in which one arm of a company signs a contract with another, could prevent the imposition of unnecessary costs on utility customers and lock-in of greenhouse gas pollution over the 50-year life of new pipelines. EDF has asked FERC to apply more stringent review of all new infrastructure in its pending proceeding to address the way it approves new pipelines.

FERC issued its initial approval for the Spire STL project in August 2018. EDF sought rehearing of that decision, which FERC denied. FERC allowed Spire STL to complete construction and begin operating the pipeline despite serious legal concerns. EDF filed a legal challenge to FERC’s approval of the Spire STL project in January 2020.

EDF filed its initial brief last June, with support from amici American Antitrust Institute and Former Assistant Secretary of Energy Sue Tierney, arguing that FERC needs to do more to assess need under the Natural Gas Act. In October, EDF filed a reply brief, rebutting FERC’s attempt to defend its approval. The Court held oral argument on March 8, 2020.

(PHOENIZ, AZ - June 22, 2021) Environmental Defense Fund, Business for Water Stewardship and the National Audubon Society today announced that corporations and foundations have committed the funding to close an $8 million funding gap required to complete a landmark water conservation project with the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) and the state of Arizona.

The announcement marks the completion of one of the largest multi-sector collaborative drought response efforts ever achieved. To date, a combination of Arizona state, philanthropic, and corporate funding has provided over $38 million to secure 150,000 acre-feet of conservation (nearly 49 billion gallons of water) to help shore up Lake Mead through the CRIT system conservation project.

Funding was provided by leading corporations spanning many sectors. Companies and brands include: Intel Corp.; Google; Microsoft; Procter & Gamble; Reformation; Keurig Dr Pepper; Ecolab; Cascade; Cox; The Coca-Cola Foundation; Silk; Target; Brochu Walker; and Swire Coca-Cola, USA. The corporate funding is joined by private philanthropic funds, led by the Walton Family Foundation and Water Funder Initiative, with additional contributions from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Arizona Community Foundation.

“How we use, manage, and value water will dictate our future,” said Todd Reeve, CEO of Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Co-Founder of Business for Water Stewardship. “Today is a major milestone made possible by collective impact. We’re redefining how businesses work collaboratively with tribes, community and policy stakeholders, philanthropy, and nonprofit partners to advance solutions that ensure that the people, economies, and ecosystems along the Colorado River have enough clean water to flourish.”

The funding directly supports the CRIT and their comprehensive system conservation project developed as part of the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) negotiations that included Arizona and six other states that rely on water supply from the Colorado River. The project will help shore up declining water levels in Lake Mead, which has fallen to 36% of capacity, the lowest levels since it was filled in 1935, and help delay and reduce  future water shortages that would impact Arizona, Nevada, California, and Mexico. As a result of dry conditions, Arizona is expected to have to reduce its take of water from Lake Mead by 512,000 acre-feet (nearly 167 billion gallons) in 2022.

“The importance of the DCP cannot be overstated as drought conditions persist,” said Amelia Flores, Chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. “CRIT is proud to play a key role in mitigating water shortfalls facing Arizona. We are able to do so by careful conservation that benefits Arizona while protecting our water rights. The partnerships and alliances that have been forged across all levels of government as well as corporate and non-profit entities demonstrate the level of commitment needed to solve this crisis.”

“Through our water positive commitment, Microsoft is focused on improving water conditions for people, nature, and society in water-stressed locations around the world,” said Paul Fleming, Microsoft Global Water Program Manager. “We’ve supported the CRIT project because of its tangible benefits to the community and because it has helped to coalesce and scale the activities of individual entities into a collective action framework. By aligning state government, tribal government, the non-profit and philanthropic communities, and the private sector, the CRIT project provides an example of how we can work together to steward a resource that sustains us all.”

“P&G is continually looking for innovative solutions to protect water for people and nature. We recognize millions of people, hundreds of species and thousands of miles of land rely on theColorado River to thrive each day,” said Shannon Quinn, P&G Global Water Stewardship Leader. ”Being a part of the CRIT project gives P&G the opportunity to collaborate with partners that make a positive impact and build a more resilient future for the states and Tribal Nations that rely on this precious resource.”

“The stakes couldn’t have been higher for this work, but together with the Colorado River Indian Tribes, philanthropic and private sector support, we were able to find solutions that work for nature and people together,” said Ted Kowalski, Director of the Walton Family Foundation’s Colorado River Initiative. “This needs to be the way of the future. There is obviously still a tremendous amount of work to be done across the Colorado River Basin, and no one sector or group meets this challenge on their own. The only way to meet the challenges of climate change and water is through collaboration.”

This week, members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded the 76th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, and agreed to start considering measures that would directly address shipping’s carbon emissions and support the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels. The proposal for a carbon price from the Marshall Islands and the Solomon Islands will be taken forward at the IMO intersessional meeting in October. The integral issue of how to account for the lifecycle of alternative fuels for shipping, which has been delayed for too long at the IMO, will be tackled in September. In addition, the IMO states agreed to suspend discussions of a counter-productive proposal on R&D support which would only use up valuable IMO resources. 

“There is a lot to look forward from the IMO to in the months to come, although the lack of ambition on short term measures and on black carbon means that the impact of future measures must be even bolder and implemented quicker to reduce maritime shipping emissions at the scale needed. The world must meet the temperature goals set by the Paris Agreement in order to prevent a climate catastrophe. The IMO meetings later this year are a great and timely opportunity for the Member States to step up and bring concrete, ambitious solutions to reduce the shipping industry’s climate impacts.” 

• Aoife O’Leary, Director, International Climate, Environmental Defense Fund.

 (Washington, D.C.- June 17, 2021) In the aftermath of the most active hurricane season ever recorded in 2020, America’s coastal communities remain increasingly vulnerable from climate threats including stronger storms and sea level rise. Today, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced bipartisan legislation that would fund solutions that build resilience for communities and ecosystems across our country’s coasts, including through natural and nature-based infrastructure.The Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act would direct funding to the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund from revenue generated by offshore wind production, and would expand restoration funding for the Mississippi River Delta and the Gulf Coast by increasing the share of offshore oil and gas revenues and eliminating the revenue sharing cap under the 2006 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act.

“America’s coasts are the front lines of climate change, threatening the safety of communities, the health of entire ecosystems and the strength of our economy. Stronger hurricanes and sea level rise pose grave threats requiring proactive investments to build resilience along our coasts. We are pleased to see this bipartisan legislation begin to fill an immense need to help coastal communities prepare for the climate threats that are already here and worsening. We need to act now, before the next disaster, to reduce these risks and invest in solutions that build healthy, thriving coasts for all communities. Not only will these investments reduce risks to people and property, but they will also reduce the cost of future disasters. Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy, representing two coastal states, know all too well what’s at stake from storms and sea level rise, and we stand ready to work with them and others to move this important legislation forward.”

• Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund

Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the Save Our Future Act today, which would assess a fee on carbon dioxide and criteria air pollutants, cutting harmful pollution throughout the economy and delivering investments that will strengthen the health, resilience, and economic well-being of communities across the country.

The bill would give a significant portion of the fee revenue to the American people, especially lower- and middle-income households, via an income-based rebate program. The revenue would also provide much-needed support both for the communities facing the worst climate and air pollution impacts, which tend to be low-income communities and communities of color, and communities and workers impacted by the transition to a clean economy.

The fee would rise, if necessary, to ensure emission reduction goals are met. The bill also aims to help address harmful air pollutants from major sources in or near communities that are facing disproportionate pollution burdens.

“The Save Our Future Act would help us cut harmful climate and other air pollution, provide critical support to families and communities, and create good quality jobs.

“We look forward to helping advance this bill in partnership with the sponsors and other allies, particularly environmental justice advocates and community leaders who are closest to the problems and best equipped to lead in designing the solutions.

“We thank Senators Whitehouse and Schatz for their steadfast climate leadership, especially at this critical moment.”

• Elizabeth Gore, EDF Senior Vice President for Political Affairs

Several of the nation’s leading climate action advocacy groups have drawn a “green line” on developing infrastructure legislation, insisting that any package includes ambitious plans to tackle the climate crisis, improve environmental justice, and invest in clean energy and jobs in that sector.

In a June 16 letter to every member of Congress, 11 organizations representing millions of members wrote: “…on behalf of our collective 15 million members across the country to make clear that to meet this critical moment, any infrastructure package(s) or legislative action on the American Jobs Plan must prioritize bold, ambitious, and swift measures to tackle the climate crisis and address longstanding environmental injustices.”

President Biden’s campaign for president made strong commitments to tie together rebuilding our economy with environmental justice, clean energy investments, and ambitious goals for tackling the climate crisis. His proposal was the most aggressive climate change action plan of any presidential candidate in history. Based on those promises, progressive voters turned out in record numbers to help him win the election.

“Our groups cannot support policies that continue to allow increases in the pollution that drives climate change or increases economic and environmental inequity for communities of color, indigenous, and low-wealth communities. We must put this country firmly on track toward the 100% net zero carbon economy with good quality jobs that the President has committed to; the very same goal that scientists tell us is necessary to meet within the decade,” the letter says.

Tackling the climate crisis and investing in clean energy are priorities that enjoy strong bipartisan support from the American people. With the science sending clear warnings that ambitious action is needed now to avert the worst impacts of climate change, this is not the time to settle for an infrastructure package that fails to meet the moment.

The letter was signed by the following leaders: Mitchell Bernard, President & Chief Counsel, Natural Resources Defense Council; Michael Brune, Executive Director, Sierra Club; Johanna Chao Kreilick, President, Union of Concerned Scientists; Abbie Dillen, President, Earthjustice; Gene Karpinski, President, League of Conservation Voters; Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund; Collin O’Mara, President & CEO, National Wildlife Federation; John Podesta, Founder & Chair of the Board of Directors, Center for American Progress; Elena Rios, President & CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association; Peggy Shepard, Co-Founder & Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice; Tom Steyer, Founder, NextGen America.

To view the entire letter, click here.