Complete list of press releases

(Washington, DC – August 11, 2020) In communities across the country, from West Virginia to Texas to Wyoming, fossil fuels have supported economic prosperity for generations—but times are changing. In the last decade, coal power has fallen significantly as cheaper energy alternatives have become available, leading to job loss and economic decline in regions that have been dependent on the industry for decades. Experts worry that even more communities reliant on fossil fuels may suffer as the United States begins the transition to a clean economy.

“With one or two exceptions, federal economic development programs have not focused on coal, oil, and natural gas communities,” says Daniel Raimi, senior research associate at Resources for the Future and coauthor of the report. “But a move toward clean energy and away from fossil fuels will have major consequences for these local economies and workers. As a result, federal economic development efforts might need to step up to support new opportunities for the people and places who are negatively affected by a transition to a low-emissions economy.”

In a new report, researchers from Resources for the Future (RFF) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) examine which economic development policies and programs might be best suited to promote fairness for these workers and communities, ranging from job training initiatives to infrastructure projects. These, and other concepts, are embodied in the idea of a “just transition,” offering a path forward for regions that are disproportionately impacted by a move to clean energy.

This report, the first in a series from RFF and EDF, is designed to help policymakers assess strategies to address economic challenges associated with a shift away from fossil fuels. Many of these challenges are being brought to the forefront by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated job loss in the energy sector, especially in regions already struggling.

“This series can provide policymakers the insights they need to ensure that fossil fuel workers and communities have the necessary tools and support to thrive in a stronger and more equitable clean economy,” says Derek Walker, Vice President for US Climate at EDF. “The first report in this series will address a key challenge in this transition: ensuring that communities reliant on fossil fuels can successfully diversify their economies.”

In this report focused on federal economic development programs, the authors develop five big-picture insights into how these programs may inform just transition policies and programs going forward:

1. Federal intervention can play a positive role in local economic development, although available data suggests that the benefits so far have been limited. It is unclear whether larger programs would create more widespread benefits.

2. Coordination across government agencies and with local stakeholders is a vital part of an economic development program’s success.

3. Existing programs can be adjusted to support communities and workers in a just transition context, even if the original program was not designed for that purpose.

4. Federal economic development programs are modestly funded. The level of government spending on these programs would likely need to grow considerably to support changing communities.

5. Economic development policies will most likely need to be geographically targeted, tailored to local circumstances, and carried out in collaboration with local stakeholders. However, there is a risk that political considerations could steer funds away from the areas that need them most.

To learn more about these findings, read the report, “Economic Development Policies to Enable Fairness for Workers and Communities in Transition,” by Daniel Raimi (RFF), Wesley Look (RFF), Molly Robertson (RFF), and Jake Higdon (EDF). Read EDF’s summary blog on the first report here.

Future reports in the series will focus on programs that support investment in environmental remediation, infrastructure, workforce development, clean energy deployment, and public benefit programs.

 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) Recent reporting indicates that, this week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is poised to sign two rules that would eliminate and weaken key safeguards designed to reduce methane pollution from the oil and gas industry — moves that could result in an additional 5 million metric tons of methane pollution released into the atmosphere each year.

“Our federal methane safeguards have been in place since 2016, protecting Americans from unhealthy and climate-damaging pollution. The Trump administration’s decision to reverse course is deeply and fundamentally flawed,” said EDF lead attorney Peter Zalzal. “Eliminating these safeguards would ignore the overwhelming body of scientific evidence documenting the urgent need to reduce methane pollution. And it is also starkly at odds with the broad and diverse set of stakeholders — including some major oil and gas producing companies — that support retaining and strengthening methane safeguards.”

One rule that Trump’s EPA is expected to sign this week would likely totally eliminate federal regulation of heat-trapping methane emissions from oil and gas well sites nationwide. It would also remove standards for all air pollution from oil and gas transmission and storage facilities. This action would seek to prevent any future regulation of methane pollution from oil and gas facilities built before 2015.

EDF analysis shows that 9.3 million people live within half a mile of one of the older wells that the Trump administration’s action would seek to leave forever unregulated by the EPA. The overwhelming majority of these people are groups who are much more susceptible to the health impacts of polluted air (children and adults over 65) or have historically borne an oversized burden of local air pollution (Black, Indigenous, people of color, and people living below the poverty line).

A second rule that Trump’s EPA is expected to sign would likely dramatically weaken the remaining standards, including by weakening requirements for lower-producing oil and natural gas wells to find and fix leaks.

BACKGROUND

Methane is more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the first two decades after its release. Because methane is so potent, and because we have solutions that reduce emissions, addressing methane is the fastest, most effective way to slow the rate of global warming now. Extensive, peer reviewed scientific study found the U.S. oil and gas industry emits over 13 million metric tons of methane pollution every year — 60% more than EPA estimates suggest.

In light of this scientific imperative and lack of federal protections, major oil and gas producing states such as Colorado and California have moved forward with standards to curb methane pollution. Pennsylvania, where reporting suggests the EPA administrator may sign these damaging rollbacks, is in the process of finalizing rules to address the more than one million tons of methane emissions the state’s oil and gas industry emits annually. New Mexico is also currently moving forward with rulemakings to address state methane pollution.

Shell, BP, and ExxonMobil support federal rules for methane and even asked EPA to extend them to existing sources. Producers such as Pioneer and Jonah Energy have also publicly voiced opposition to these rollbacks. As BP wrote, companies should realize federal rules keep methane pollution across the whole industry in check and “voluntary actions by several energy companies are not enough to solve the problem.”

Note: You are welcome to use the linked image of recent methane emissions from a facility in the Texas Eagle Ford basin. Please credit EDF.

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 7, 2020) Today, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) introduced an ambitious climate solutions bill that would significantly cut carbon pollution.

America’s Clean Future Fund Act would place a fee on carbon emissions and would give most of the revenue back to American individuals and families through an income-based rebate that protects lower-income households. The remaining revenue would be invested in climate mitigation and resilience strategies and assistance for communities and workers who are reliant on the fossil fuel industry. Importantly, the bill also includes a crucial climate backstop to help ensure that pollution reduction goals are met in a predictable and transparent manner.

“As we focus on protecting lives from COVID-19 and rebuilding our economy, we can’t lose sight of the comprehensive policy solutions needed to address climate change — an issue that deepens health and economic disparities across our country. This moment is underscoring the value of proactive, science-based policy, which is why we must continue to work toward ambitious legislation to address the climate crisis.

“EDF commends Senator Durbin’s leadership in introducing the America’s Clean Future Fund Act, a sound and thoughtful proposal that would give revenue back to households and invest in building more resilient and equitable communities. It’s important that lawmakers bring a range of ideas to the table on climate solutions.”

• Elizabeth Gore, EDF Senior Vice President, Political Affairs.

NEWS RELEASE

“Systemic racism and environmental injustice in this country has meant that power plants, incinerators, factories and other toxic facilities are often built next to Black and brown communities, leaving these communities to bear the brunt of air pollution and toxic exposure. EDF is proud to support the Climate Equity Act, a powerful piece of legislation introduced today by Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-NY-14) that seeks to dismantle these long standing environmental injustices by establishing a robust and much-needed framework for incorporating environmental justice and equity in government decision making, including increased transparency and meaningful stakeholder participation.

“The Climate Equity Act is the latest evidence of an increasing focus on environmental justice in Congress, especially on remedying the cumulative burden of pollution on communities of color. Just last week Senators Harris, Duckworth and Booker introduced the EJ for All Act in the Senate, an important bill originally introduced by Reps. McEachin and Grijalva in the House, that provides critical tools to help impacted communities. The bill provides a mechanism for these communities to meaningfully engage in government decision-making processes, and resources to help support a fair and just transition to a clean energy economy. Other recent Congressional efforts focusing on environmental justice include: Environmental justice provisions in the recent report from the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, the Environmental Justice Act of 2019 (introduced in the House by Congressman Ruiz and introduced in the Senate by Senator Booker), the EJ COVID-19 Act within the HEROES Act and the Economic Justice Act.”Thank you to the many environmental justice organizations and Congressional leaders driving these efforts. We are committed to working with you to ensure Congress passes ambitious environmental justice legislation that protects and benefits communities on the front lines of pollution and the climate crisis.

“In supporting these efforts, we also acknowledge that environmental organizations, including EDF, need to actively work to break down the systemic racism and other barriers harming Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). We understand we have a lot more work, both within our organization and externally in our priorities and partnerships, to bring sustained support to equity and justice efforts and to the many organizations on the front lines of the fight.”

• Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs

(WASHINGTON — August 5, 2020) Belize has announced another major milestone in its efforts to protect its marine resources and ocean ecosystems.

Signed by Belize’s minister of fisheries, forestry, environment and sustainable development, Omar Figueroa, a new statutory instrument authorizes the expansion of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve and protects an important reef ecosystem known as the Corona Reef or Cayman Crown, one of the best preserved reefs in the region.

The newly expanded Sapodilla Cayes reserve now totals an area covering more than 500 square miles, with a strictly protected area in Belize’s deep-sea totaling more than 350 square miles. Found south of the Sapodilla Cayes, the Corona Reef complex is considered one of the most underrepresented habitats in Belize’s marine protected areas system. Believed to be a biologically important hotspot, it serves as a habitat for deep-slope snapper and bottom-dwelling species, as well as a spawning aggregation site for various large predatory reef fish, including the endangered Nassau grouper, goliath grouper, tiger grouper, black grouper, cubera snapper, mutton snapper and various species of sharks. These reefs are adjacent to the deep waters off the Cayman Trench and also attract charismatic megafauna including whale sharks, blue marlin, sailfish, sperm whales and pilot whales.

With this expansion, the size of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve increases by seven times its existing size, encompassing a vast area of shallow coral reefs and deeper mesophotic reefs that descend into subsea canyons. The shallow reefs in the Corona area exhibit as much as 60% of live coral cover, equivalent to the healthiest reefs in the entire Caribbean. These vibrant reefs contain both threatened and endangered species of corals, along with previously undocumented reef types.

“There is consensus among partners in Belize involved in this effort that the Cayman Crown replenishment zone expansion holds exemplary benthic and pelagic habitats and associated biodiversity, and that protecting this area has the potential to help re-seed marine and coastal environments in Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, and in turn contribute to the livelihoods of local communities and economic sectors that depend on these coral reef systems,” said Nic Requena, Belize program manager, EDF Oceans.

The Corona Reef complex lies within Belize’s exclusive economic zone, and due to its proximity to neighboring countries, primarily Guatemala and Honduras, the reef complex faces a continuous threat of transboundary illegal fishing. This new protected status will allow for more effective law enforcement presence by Belize, with goals of halting IUU fishing and improving bilateral relations.  

“EDF has been working closely with Belize’s fisheries department, Belizean fishers and local partners, and has been instrumental in designating the Corona Reef complex under the national replenishment zone expansion. This is a major accomplishment for EDF, its partners and Belize as a country,” stated Beverly Wade, Belize fisheries administrator.

The expansion of Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve stems from a proposal approved by the government of Belize in April 2019 for the national expansion of marine protected areas in the country’s territorial waters, which binds Belize to tripling the area under its strictly protected waters and expanding its fisheries replenishment or no-take zones from 4.5% to 11.6%.

By honoring its pledge and expanding its strictly protected areas to nearly 12% of its waters, Belize is moving toward achieving some of its international commitments. This includes the Convention on Biological Diversity Aichi Target 11, which calls for conserving at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020.

Upon the announcement, Wade proudly stated that “the expansion of the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve shows Belize’s commitment to the conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef complex and the Mesoamerican Reef system. It also shows Belize’s commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of this important world heritage site, and its vital role in supporting local livelihoods and the national economy.”

EDF’s Requena added: “We applaud Belize’s long-standing commitment to protecting its ocean ecosystems. Our small nation has taken giant steps to ensure long-term viability of its marine resources, fishing and tourism industries — underscoring the importance of creating more resilient ocean habitats, particularly as the country is faced with the impacts of climate change. As a Belizean, I am very proud of what our government and civil society has achieved to protect our oceans for future generations.”

(WASHINGTON — July 30, 2020) The first landmark study using next-generation technology to comprehensively examine contaminants in oysters in Myanmar reveals alarming findings: the widespread presence of human bacterial pathogens and human-derived microdebris materials, including plastics, kerosene, paint, talc and milk supplement powders. 

The study — led by scientists from the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with Environmental Defense Fund, Cornell University and the University of Queensland — was conducted in the eastern Andaman Sea through partnerships with local researchers in Myanmar in the densely populated but still rural Tanintharyi region. The study concludes that coastal urbanization and lack of sewage treatment increases contamination in seafood and can cause potential health risks to humans, even large distances from pollution sources.

The area covered by the study spanned nine coral reefs off Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, situated roughly 40 miles from Myeik, a city with a population of over 250,000 people. The study examined contaminants in seawater and in oysters using next-generation DNA sequencing to reveal 5,459 potential human pathogens belonging to 87 species of bacteria. More than half of these pathogens are considered detrimental to human health. In addition, the scientists used infrared spectroscopy to examine individual microdebris particles found in the oysters. Of the 1,225 individual microdebris particles examined, 78 different types of contaminant materials were found.

“While 48% of the microparticles were microplastics — a finding representative across numerous ocean ecosystems — many other particles were not plastic and originated from a variety of human-derived materials that are constituents of fuels, paints and cosmetics,” said senior author Dr. Joleah Lamb, assistant professor at UC Irvine. “We were particularly surprised to find three different brands of milk powder formula, which comprised 14% of the microdebris contaminants,” she added.

Both types of contaminants — pathogens and microparticles — reflect the pervasive presence of sewage and runoff from human and animal sources. The implications for other coastal regions are significant, since coastal marine environments worldwide are being increasingly subjected to reduced water quality from urbanization that could be leading to the contamination of important fishery species on a global scale.

Implications for human health are also significant. Oysters in this region and elsewhere are part of the local diet and typically consumed raw and whole. The contaminants found in this study indicate that even the Mergui Archipelago in largely rural Myanmar has significant and widespread pollution from runoff of agricultural and human waste that can affect downstream food sources over a wide area far from urban centers.

Today more than half of seafood exports by value originate in developing countries, raising more general concerns about local food safety and food security worldwide. 

“It’s important to keep in mind that much of our seafood is imported from overseas, from places that may be contaminated, emphasizing the importance of both adequate testing and improvements to coastal water quality worldwide,” states lead author, UC Irvine’s Dr. Raechel Littman.

Apart from human bacterial pathogens, the predominance of microplastics and other types of microparticles present in seafood could have implications for both the environment and human health.

“Scientists are only beginning to explore the human health consequences from consuming microplastics,” states Lamb.

Many plastic particles can carry toxins, such as persistent organic pollutants, or POPs, like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and bisphenol A (BPA), that subsequently enter the ocean and marine food webs, and can eventually be transferred to people through food. Therefore, the uptake of microplastics in the marine environment could have far-reaching consequences for human consumption of seafood and can be an emerging risk to public health globally.

Also concerning is that over half of the microdebris contaminants detected in the Myanmar oyster tissues were composed of non-polymer materials that can be harmful to human health if ingested, such as kerosene, saponin and talc. Moreover, the prominence of milk supplement detected suggests a direct fecal-oral link between human waste and sewage making its way back into the food chain, thereby elevating the risk of contamination or disease transmission.

“This study in important in its global implications. There is strong evidence of transferability of the findings from Myanmar to other seafood sources around the world,” says Dr. Douglas Rader, chief scientist for the EDF Oceans program and collaborator on this study. “These findings highlight both the risks of coastal urbanization and the importance of adequate wastewater and stormwater management. It also shows clearly the need for better science related to the potential impacts of these contaminants, and the need for better testing programs so that seafood consumers can rely on its wholesomeness,” he added. 

NEWS RELEASE

A new poll from Morning Consult, commissioned by Environmental Defense Fund, reveals that in the midst of hurricane season, more than 65% of Americans think addressing climate change is an important priority for the nation. It found support for action is strong regardless of party or education level.

The survey also showed increased concern about the impact of hurricanes amidst the COVID pandemic, which has complicated evacuation plans and strained state budgets. The increase is particularly high in Southeastern coastal states, some of which are expected to see strong rains from Tropical Storm Isaias, and among Black and Latinos/Latinas in the United States.

The poll also found:

• 55% of Black Americans and 49% of Latinos/Latinas say they are more worried about hurricane season this year than past years, as the pandemic rages.
• 50% of respondents in Gulf and Atlantic coastal states (TX, LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MD) are more worried, as are 59% of Floridians.
• Climate change is a major concern regardless of education level. 70% of those holding college degrees and 63% of those without one rated it as an important or top priority;
• Climate change is a high priority issue for 66% those living in Southeastern coastal states and 71% of Floridians.

“With the pandemic complicating evacuation options and government budgets already stretched, Americans are concerned about extreme weather powered by climate change. They’re worried about a ‘triple whammy’ of COVID, climate change, and catastrophic storms.” said Derek Walker, Vice President, U.S. Climate at EDF. “We have to face these big challenges if we’re going to protect American families and our economy. It’s time to stop ignoring scientists on both the disease and our climate, and do what needs to be done.”

The survey was conducted online from July 30-August 1, 2020 of 2,200 adults.

(Washington, D.C. – August 3, 2020) Today, EDF and other health and environmental organizations filed comments forcefully denouncing a recent proposal by EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler that would attack clean air protections by ignoring or downplaying their benefits.

Wheeler’s proposal, which was issued on June 11, would impose harmful and burdensome regulatory requirements restricting how EPA evaluates the benefits and costs of major Clean Air Act protections such as health-protective standards for soot and smog pollution, limits on industrial sources of hazardous air pollution like benzene and mercury, and safeguards against chemical disasters.

“Administrator Wheeler’s proposal is a backdoor attack on our nation’s clear air laws,” said Ben Levitan, senior attorney at Environmental Defense Fund. “For nearly fifty years, the Clean Air Act has delivered dramatic reductions in air pollution — saving lives, improving public health, and enhancing the quality of life in communities across America. Now, during a global health crisis, the Trump administration wants to cook the books in an attempt to justify its destructive rollbacks. We will spare no effort in opposing this flatly unlawful and deeply harmful proposal.”

In detailed legal and technical comments, EDF and its allies point out that the proposal suffers from fatal legal flaws and “is riddled with arbitrary and burdensome requirements that threaten to make it more difficult for EPA to develop and justify clean air protections.”

If finalized, the proposal would create higher evidentiary hurdles for benefits than for costs and limit and distort EPA’s consideration of public health studies. Like Wheeler’s separate censored science plan, the proposal could also prevent EPA from considering the best available science when making decisions about health and environmental protections.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Clean Air Task Force, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Environmental Protection Network, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Union of Concerned Scientists joined EDF on the comments. EDF also submitted a community letter signed by 15 public health, environmental justice, racial justice, and environmental organizations opposing Wheeler’s proposal. EPA has indicated that it intends to issue a final rule this fall.

(AUSTIN, TX) In an online hearing tomorrow, the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) will consider changes to flaring data collection and flaring exceptions. At the same time the commission plans to vote and approve operator petitions for long-term exemptions — wells that have already been flaring for at least 180 days. Since the beginning of the shale boom in Texas, the RRC has never denied a permit to flare and continually issued bulk flaring exemptions at commission hearings.

“The commission itself has said they want to reduce flaring; industry, investors and mineral rights owners have called for less flaring. And yet tomorrow the commission will issue 30 new long-term exemptions to allow more flaring. The commission needs a strong goal, defined interim targets, and a robust commitment to data with accountability to bring routine flaring to an end.”

• Colin Leyden, Director, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs

BACKGROUND

Operators in Texas have sent a trillion cubic feet of natural gas up in smoke since 2013, enough to meet the yearly needs of every home in Texas three times over.

Recent data collected in the Permian basin found 11% of flares surveyed were either malfunctioning — only partially burning the gas — and 5% were completely unlit, venting uncombusted methane straight into the atmosphere. Although the pandemic and economic crisis slowed down flaring this spring, emerging satellite data is showing flaring is on the rebound, with June volume up 50% from May.

(Washington, D.C. – July 30, 2020) Today EDF and a broad coalition of health and environmental NGOs, states, power companies and clean energy associations forcefully rebutted the Trump administration’s attempts to defend the rollback of the Clean Power Plan in reply briefs filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. EDF and allies asked the court to strike down the Trump EPA’s July 2019 rule repealing the Clean Power Plan and replacing it with the cynically misnamed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule, and to order the agency to  fulfill its statutory obligation to establish meaningful protections against climate- and health-harming pollution from existing power plants.The reply brief filed today by EDF and other health and environmental NGOs states:

“The newest version of the agency’s argument [for repealing the Clean Power Plan] is inconsistent, unclear, and unpersuasive…. EPA’s defense of the toothless ACE rule is meritless…. EPA’s brief confirms that the agency disregarded the central statutory objective of emission reduction, and offers no satisfactory answer to record evidence that ACE will actually increase emissions in many states.”

Finalized in 2015, the Clean Power Plan established America’s only nationwide limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants — the nation’s largest industrial source of climate- destabilizing pollution. Last summer, the Trump administration decided to scrap the Clean Power Plan and replace it with the ACE rule, which will lead to no meaningful reduction in dangerous climate pollution — and is projected to lead to increases in harmful soot- and smog-forming pollution at nearly one in five of the nation’s coal-fired power plants. This pollution increase would harm communities of color and low-income communities who already bear the burden of a disproportionate amount of air pollution in their neighborhoods. 

As the reply brief filed today explains, the administration had no persuasive defense for this attack on a vital climate and clean air safeguard.  

Thirteen other health and environmental NGOs, twenty-three states and eight local governments, nine power companies, and several clean energy trade associations are also suing EPA over the ACE rule. A diverse array of experts and organizations have also filed amicus briefs forcefully opposing the rollback of the Clean Power Plan. That group includes five of the nation’s most prominent health and medical associations, the Institute for Policy Integrity at NYU Law School, seven leading experts in administrative law, one of the authors of the Clean Air Act, organizations dedicated to the conservation of national parks, a group of leading climate scientists and economists, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Oral argument in the case has not yet been scheduled. 

You can view all of the legal documents in this case on our website.

Foregoing $3 Billion Bond a Huge Missed Opportunity for New York’s Environment and Economy

EDF statement from Natalie Snider, Senior Director, Coastal Resilience

(NEW YORK, NY - July 30, 2020) Gov. Cuomo’s office announced today that it would not move forward to place the Restore the Mother Nature Bond Act on the November ballot for voters to consider. Had it moved forward and secured the approval of voters, the measure would have approved a $3 billion bond to fund a suite of solutions to build climate resilience and benefit New York’s economy and workers, including flood risk reduction, natural infrastructure, open-space land conservation, climate change mitigation, clean energy projects and water quality improvements.   

“The decision to not move forward with the Restore the Mother Nature Bond Act is not only disappointing, but it’s also a huge missed opportunity for the people, environment and economy of New York during this crisis. This measure would have had a significant, multi-generational impact in making New York’s communities more equitable and resilient to climate change, while also creating jobs and boosting the economy. This stimulus is desperately needed to address the impact of COVID-19 and to protect people from future impacts from climate change – particularly in environmental justice communities that would have received 35% of Bond Act funding.  

“While we regret this setback, EDF is proud to have stood with a broad coalition of 125 other organizations ready to highlight how investments in the environment, such as natural infrastructure, could benefit New York’s communities and economy. The need to make New York more resilient to extreme weather, to provide clean water, air and access to nature, while also creating jobs and economic opportunity has not gone away – and will only increase with climate change.

“In deciding not to move forward with the Bond Act, the governor’s office rested its decision on the state of the economy, the bottom of which has fallen out across the country with 1.43 million unemployment claims filed last week and gross domestic product falling an astonishing 9.5% in the second quarter of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an important reminder that Congress and the Trump administration need to do more to support state and local governments while investing in our nation’s infrastructure and jobs.

“We look forward to building on this coalition to find new avenues to make wise investments in a more resilient, equitable and prosperous future for all New Yorkers. We will look to take up the Bond Act again in 2021 with the governor and the New York State Legislature”

• Natalie Snider, Senior Director, Coastal Resilience, Environmental Defense Fund
• Background: New York just took a huge step toward funding lasting climate resilience 

(DENVER) On Wednesday, the Denver District Court dismissed a lawsuit by the Weld County Board of County Commissioners challenging oil and gas methane and air pollution rules that were adopted unanimously by Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission in November 2019.

 “This decision is an important victory for our health and climate. Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission unanimously adopted the 2019 methane rules as a cost-effective and common sense approach to reducing methane and air pollution from oil and gas sources across the state. Colorado must continue to innovate and provide thoughtful, smart solutions that protect our air and climate.”

• Dan Grossman, Senior Director of State Advocacy, Environmental Defense Fund

“In the midst of a viral respiratory pandemic, this decision will help keep our air clean and provides a welcome sigh of relief. We simply cannot afford to step backwards when it comes to our air and climate.”

• Jake Williams, Executive Director, Healthy Air & Water Colorado

“As demonstrated during the rulemaking last fall, the regulations adopted by the state are technically and legally sound and will provide important protections for public health and the environment. We are pleased the court has dismissed this unprecedented challenge by a county to oil and gas regulations adopted by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission.”

• Tom Bloomfield, Partner at Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell, representing Environmental Defense Fund and Healthy Air & Water Colorado in the lawsuit

Additional background

In May, EDF and Healthy Air & Water Colorado filed to intervene in this attack on AQCC’s rules. A coalition of rural counties led by Garfield County has filed a similar lawsuit that is pending before the Denver District Court. EDF and HAWC have also filed a motion to intervene in that suit in order to defend the 2019 AQCC rules.

The 2019 AQCC methane and air pollution rules were supported by thirty-five local government entities including counties, municipalities, and public health departments from across the state as well as thousands of ordinary Coloradans. They include the following requirements:

• semiannual leak detection and repair for low-producing wells statewide,
• stronger tank controls for low-producing wells statewide,
• expansion of the “find and fix” program for malfunctioning controllers and valves known as “pneumatic” devices statewide,
• a groundbreaking performance based standard to reduce emissions across the transmission segment of the oil and gas supply chain, and
• the requirement that operators calculate and report all pollution, including methane emissions, to the state on an annual basis.

(HARRISBURG, Pa. – July 30, 2020) Today, along with a diverse, bipartisan group of 17 co-sponsors, Pennsylvania State Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa announced Senate Bill (S.B.) 15, the Energy Transition and Recovery Act, an effort that will instruct the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to enact a limit on carbon pollution from the power sector. The bill buttresses Gov. Tom Wolf’s climate strategy in calling for a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas pollution. With this bill, the legislature is following the governor’s lead in heeding the call of the 79% of Pennsylvanians who believe it’s time to zero out carbon pollution from power plants.

Passage of the legislation will help ensure Pennsylvania’s power sector carbon pollution is eliminated by mid-century. Placing a declining limit on carbon pollution – and enabling a flexible, market-based framework for compliance such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI – will drive investments in economic development, infrastructure, renewable energy and energy efficiency that will prove especially meaningful to low-income communities where consumers could save money on electric bills. Importantly, this legislation makes smart investments to support workers and communities impacted by fossil fuel plant closures and Environmental Justice communities that have borne the devastating impacts of pollution for far too long. A recent analysis by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) indicates that participation in RGGI will result in a net increase of over 27,000 jobs and add $1.9 billion to the Gross State Product.

Pennsylvania is the third largest greenhouse gas polluting state and is home to the fifth dirtiest power sector in the nation. A declining limit on power sector carbon emissions is critical to achieving the climate goals laid out by Gov. Tom Wolf in his January 8, 2019 executive order.

“Today, with Senator Costa’s leadership, Pennsylvania continues its momentum for cutting climate pollution and showing it is ready to lead. Implementing a competitive, market-driven system of carbon limits for the power sector will set the Commonwealth on the road toward meeting Gov. Wolf’s achievable, and essential, climate goals while driving investment in Pennsylvania, including in impacted communities. As Pennsylvania maps its energy and climate future, we urge swift passage of this legislation which will help us achieve a carbon-free economy by mid-century.”

• Mandy Warner, Director of Climate and Clean Air Policy, Environmental Defense Fund

This week EDF joined Earthjustice, the Western Environmental Law Center, and organizations from the environmental justice, outdoor recreation, and conservation communities in challenging the Trump administration’s attack on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA is a cornerstone safeguard that Americans, especially communities of color, have depended on to be heard in decisions that have a profound impact on their communities, their health and their well-being.

Earlier this month the Trump administration finalized a rule to severely weaken NEPA protections, including by dramatically limiting how the federal government assesses the effects of its actions, what Americans can learn about the environmental and health impact of the federal government’s policies and major industrial projects, and how they can voice their concerns.

“For 50 years, NEPA has served as America’s bedrock environmental safeguard, ensuring that the federal government carefully considers the impacts of its actions and that communities have a voice in what gets built in their neighborhood. Today, EDF stands with a diverse coalition to challenge the Trump administration’s unlawful effort to dramatically curb the use of these protections by restricting community input and limiting the use of important assessments of the risks posed by industrial projects.”

• Rosalie Winn, Senior Attorney, Environmental Defense Fund

The press release from the full litigant coalition can be seen here: https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2020/nationwide-coalition-sues-to-defend-the-peoples-environmental-law

(Washington, D.C. - July 29, 2020) Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7575, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA 2020), a key piece of legislation that authorizes vital projects and priorities in the nation’s water infrastructure systems, including advancing natural infrastructure to reduce flood risk and boost community resilience.

“The U.S. House of Representatives just took a big step to make our nation’s waterways, infrastructure and communities more resilient in the face of extreme weather. By investing in bipartisan solutions, such as natural infrastructure, Congress is better protecting communities from flooding, while also creating jobs and restoring vital ecosystems.

“The reauthorization rightly focuses on increasing equity and improving engagement with local communities and tribes given that they too often bear the brunt of extreme weather.”

Other priorities included in this reauthorization are improvements to the New York New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Study to better assess impacts of sea level rise to the communities and infrastructure of this region and measures to enhance the resilience of the Louisiana coast and lower Mississippi River.

“Extreme weather and flooding are taking a greater toll on people across all corners of this country. This reauthorization reflects the real needs that exist to protect communities and infrastructure from our coasts to the heartland.”

Earlier in the year, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously advanced their version of WRDA 2020 out of committee. The Senate bill included funding for key flood and coastal resilience studies on the lower Mississippi River and Great Lakes in addition to tools designed to build resilience and capacity for clean water infrastructure and water quality protections for communities and ecosystems.

“Our country desperately needs these investments to strengthen our climate resilience across our nation’s waterways. We look forward to working with leaders in both chambers and parties in the months ahead to see that Congress moves this vital piece of legislation forward to the president.”