Complete list of press releases

(NEW YORK, NY) – New information from the U.S. EPA suggests the agency may roll back vital safeguards that keep many oil and gas producers from discharging hazardous wastewater into rivers and streams. Oil and gas development generates 900 billion gallons of salty, chemical-filled wastewater a year. Companies traditionally dispose of this wastewater deep underground to prevent contamination, but new economic hurdles are causing the industry and some states to consider riskier, unproven disposal practices. 

“The U.S. oil and gas industry is awash in a sea of wastewater. And the science does not yet exist to say it’s clean enough to release into rivers and streams or to use for crop irrigation and other public purposes. Suggesting otherwise is reckless and the latest example of Trump’s EPA putting the economic interests of industry ahead of the health and safety of our communities and the farmland that produces our food.”

• Mark Brownstein, Senior Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund

BACKGROUND
Oil and gas wastewater is poorly characterized. It can contain thousands of chemicals, including some that are toxic to humans and animals. Approved detection methods can spot only a tiny fraction of these chemicals. EDF is working with scientists, regulators, and operators to develop a better understanding of wastewater to improve the way it is stored, transported, treated, and disposed of to reduce its environmental impact. 

(WASHINGTON – May 15, 2019) The CEOs of 13 U.S. and Global Fortune 500 companies or their subsidiaries, in collaboration with four leading environmental groups, today issued a call for action on climate change, including an economy-wide carbon pricing policy to meet the climate challenge at the lowest possible cost. 
 

This new initiative, known as The CEO Climate Dialogue (The CEO Dialogue), urges the President and Congress to put in place a long-term federal policy as soon as possible, in accordance with a set of six Guiding Principles for climate legislation. The group aims to build bipartisan support for climate policies that will increase regulatory and business certainty, reduce climate risk, and spur investment and innovation needed to meet science-based emissions reduction targets.

 

Companies involved in The CEO Dialogue include BASF, BP, Citi, Dominion Energy, Dow, DTE Energy, DuPont, Exelon, Ford Motor Company, LafargeHolcim, PG&E, Shell, and Unilever. With input from four leading environmental groups – the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and World Resources Institute – the group is committed to working with lawmakers to explore various policies designed to address carbon pricing.

 

The CEO Dialogue advocates the following six principles to inform and accelerate federal climate legislation:

 

1. Significantly reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions so that the U.S. is demonstrably a leader on global efforts to effectively limit climate change. Specifically, U.S. policy should ensure the country is on a path to achieve economy-wide emissions reductions of 80% or more by 2050 with aggressive near- and mid-term emission reductions commensurate with this goal.

 

2. Effective: A key test of any climate policy is whether it will deliver timely emissions reductions across the economy and includes mechanisms that provide certainty that emission goals are met. The timeline for reductions must allow capital intensive industries to adjust in an economically rational manner. Policies must encourage investment and planning decisions consistent with the timeframes needed. Policies must focus on emissions reductions outcomes, not specific resources or technologies.

 

3. Market-based: An economy-wide price on carbon is the best way to use the power of the market to achieve carbon reduction goals, in a simple, coherent and efficient manner. We desire to do this at the least cost to the economy and households. Markets will also spur innovation and create and preserve quality jobs in a growing low-carbon economy.

 

4. Durable and Responsive: Well-designed and stable policies will deliver predictable results and increase public support over time, providing durability across time and political cycles. Policies should be adaptive over time in terms of pace and scope of reductions as our understanding of climate change, policy impact, and technological changes evolves.

 

5. Do no harm: Policies must support the competitiveness of the U.S. economy. Policies must address emissions leakage that can undermine climate objectives. Policies must also safeguard against negative impacts on biodiversity, land, and water.

 

6. Promote Equity: Unabated climate change is a major threat to the U.S. economy. Therefore, policies to address climate change, which may also entail some cost, must provide transparency and promote affordability while distributing costs and benefits in such a way that promotes equity. Policies must include mechanisms to invest in American workers, and in disadvantaged communities that have the least resources to manage the costs of climate change.

 

With these Guiding Principles, the CEO Dialogue will initiate constructive and ongoing discourse with members of Congress, focusing on the need for market-based policy solutions. 

 

Commentary from CEO Dialogue participants:

 

BASF

“Climate change and global warming are among the most pressing challenges of our time. BASF products enable energy efficiency and climate protection in a variety of sectors. We work continuously to further reduce emissions from our production and have set ourselves the goal of CO₂ neutral growth until 2030. Through the CEO Dialogue, we will engage with stakeholders and develop solutions to safeguard our planet.”

 

• Wayne T. Smith, Chairman & CEO, BASF Corporation

BP

“BP supports the Paris goals and has long advocated for a well-designed, economy-wide price on carbon to help deliver them. That’s why we are proud to be a part of the CEO Climate Dialogue, which will help inform the bipartisan discussions needed to enact effective carbon-pricing policy in the U.S. Only by working together – industry, government and society – can we solve the dual challenge of providing more energy with fewer emissions and move toward the low-carbon future we all seek.”

 

• Susan Dio, Chairman and President of BP America

Dominion Energy

“For more than a decade, Dominion Energy has embraced the opportunity to deliver cleaner, affordable and reliable energy. Our CO₂ emissions have declined by more than 50% and over 85% of our generation comes from low or no carbon sources. The CEO Climate Dialogue will work to build bipartisan solutions that promote innovation and achieve meaningful, economy-wide emission reductions while ensuring technological leadership and continued economic growth.”

 

• Thomas F. Farrell, Chairman, President & CEO

DTE Energy

“DTE is proud to be a part of the CEO Climate Dialogue. As we continue our journey toward an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2040 – and companies across our sector are on similar ambitious paths, we think it is important to join with our peers in other sectors and the environmental community to advocate for practical, economy-wide solutions to climate change.”

 

• Gerry Anderson, Chairman and CEO, DTE Energy

DuPont

“DuPont is pleased to be part of the CEO Climate Dialogue and support its guiding principles to accelerate the development of federal policy on climate change. At DuPont, our science and innovation is inextricably linked with sustainability practices that deliver specialized materials that contribute to a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. We believe strong, consistent policy measures and a cohesive regulatory environment are needed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and foster innovation, investment and economic growth.”

 

• Marc Doyle, CEO-Elect, DuPont

Exelon

“As the nation’s largest producer of clean energy, Exelon stands with our customers who demand swift action on climate change to protect our communities, our environment and the safety and reliability of our energy infrastructure. We have long-supported carbon pricing as the fastest, most economical way to both reduce emissions and encourage investment in new and existing clean power sources, so I am proud to join my peers in advocating for action through the CEO Climate Dialogue.”

 

• Chris Crane, President and CEO, Exelon

Ford
“Ford is deeply committed to reducing carbon emissions from our vehicles and facilities and believes that a comprehensive solution across all sectors is needed to address climate change. The CEO Climate Dialogue brings together a variety of voices from the business community to address climate policy issues urgently and in a universal way. We’re proud to be the first automaker to join the initiative as we invest more than $11 billion to put new, electrified vehicles on the road even faster.”

 

• Joe Hinrichs, President, Automotive, Ford

LafargeHolcim

“Tackling the challenge of climate change is no easy task, and as industry leaders, we have an opportunity to join forces to advocate for climate legislation. It is critical we begin to set durable and achievable goals that help safeguard the environment while reducing our carbon footprint.”

 

• Jamie Gentoso, CEO, US Cement

PG&E

“PG&E’s commitment to a clean energy future, and to helping California achieve its greenhouse-gas reduction goals, is as strong as ever. Effective climate policies start with a constructive dialogue among the full spectrum of stakeholders. We are proud to help lead that conversation.”

 

• Bill Johnson, CEO and President, PG&E Corporation

Shell

“We have long recognized the climate challenge and will continue to play our part in addressing it. That includes re-shaping our portfolio to produce lower carbon products and following up our emissions reductions aspirations with measurable targets – an industry first. Still, an effective carbon pricing policy, based on the guiding principles outlined by the CEO Climate Dialogue, is one of the strongest levers we can pull to foster innovation, inspire new technology and drive lower carbon consumer choices.”

 

• Gretchen Watkins, President, Shell Oil Company

Unilever
“There is an urgent need for action on climate change, and no one person or company can solve it in isolation. It will require systemic change and cooperation from governments, companies and individuals. I am proud to join with U.S. business leaders from different sectors to support policy action, including carbon pricing.”

 

• Amanda Sourry, President of Unilever North America

 

Commentary from environmental organization partners:

 

C2ES

“The drive for climate solutions is building in Washington and boardrooms alike. It’s clear economy-wide carbon pricing policy is an essential component of a comprehensive, cost-effective climate strategy. Companies have been stepping up, reducing their emissions, tracking their supply chains, and improving efficiency. But they’re also sending a message to Congress they can’t do it alone. By seizing opportunities right now for bipartisan progress on near-term steps, Congress can make vital progress toward a durable and effective market-based solution.”

 

• Bob Perciasepe, President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)

Environmental Defense Fund

“The most underused tool for fighting climate change is corporate advocacy. Business voices matter to Congress, but the vast majority of companies have been missing from the climate policy debate — or even worse, have been lobbying against environmental progress. Together, the CEO Climate Dialogue companies are using their political influence to chart a new course for corporate sustainability leadership and drive down pollution across the economy.”

 

• Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund

The Nature Conservancy

“Climate change is in my view the biggest challenge we face. And time is not on our side—we are in the race of our lives. It is critical that all of us—citizens, government officials, business leaders, everyone—act now. I’m very encouraged to see these CEOs step up and push for decisive action now.”

 

• Mark Tercek, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy

World Resources Institute

“Demand for U.S. climate action is building. It is a welcome sign that these companies are coming forward with clear and strong principles for Congressional climate action. Such policies can benefit the economy as well as the planet. We need these companies and many others to make their voices heard.”

 

• Andrew Steer, President and CEO of World Resources Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WASHINGTON – May 14, 2019) Today Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO-01) along with Chairman Grijalva and Reps. Lujan, Lowenthal and Haaland, introduced legislation to protect the American people from oil and gas methane pollution.

The Methane Waste Prevention Act of 2019 would direct EPA to preserve critical methane protections that reduce methane from new and updated oil and gas facilities, and instructs the Department of the Interior to reinstate and then update complementary protections to reduce leaks, venting, and flaring of natural gas from public lands. The bill would also increase reporting requirements so taxpayers can more accurately know how much gas is lost from public lands, with the potential for further measures based on those findings.

"Cutting methane from the oil and gas industry is one of the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective things we can do to address the impacts of climate change that are happening all around us today. While the Trump Administration panders to the most poorly operated companies in the industry, Congresswoman DeGette and the other bill sponsors are demonstrating real leadership by prioritizing public health, taxpayers and a healthy climate."

· Matt Watson, Vice President, Energy, Environmental Defense Fund

BACKGROUND

This bill comes as the Trump EPA is rumored to be considering issuing a proposal to remove the direct regulation of methane from the agency's oil and gas rules. Such an action is directly at odds with an overwhelming body of scientific evidence and is likely designed to frustrate the agency's development of regulations for existing sources, which account for 90 percent of oil and gas sector emissions. The Methane Waste Prevention Act would block the implementation of this and an earlier proposed rollback of these standards by codifying the 2016 EPA methane rules.

The Methane Waste Prevention Act would also reinstate and initiate an update of rules finalized by the Bureau of Land Management in 2016 that reduce leaks, venting and flaring of natural gas from federal and tribal lands. These rules would replace the antiquated policies put in place by the Trump administration, which have failed to conserve taxpayer energy resources or keep methane pollutions on public lands in check.This bill also comes as a chorus of companies and states are moving ahead to cut this potent climate pollution. However, the actions of leading companies and states on their own won't be enough to reduce methane pollution to the degree required. A federal framework is essential to ensuring the entire industry is doing its part to mitigate damaging impacts to climate, communities and the environment.

The House Appropriations subcommittees for EPA-Interior and Energy and Water today released their funding bills for FY2020, proposing increased allocations year-over-year by 4% and 4.5% respectively. The bills counter a Trump administration budget that undermines critical environmental and public health programs.  

“A federal budget reflects the values and priorities of Congress—and the needs of the American people. Today’s action is a strong statement that protecting and improving America’s health, environment, and climate must be among those priorities.

“We commend the committee members for their proposal to boost funding for key agencies and programs that keep American families and communities healthy and that contribute to solving climate change. For too many years, agencies such as EPA and the Department of Energy have been struggling under an administration determined fundamentally to undermine their missions. As our climate crisis grows more urgent, as pollution continues to plague children and the most vulnerable across the country, and as the Trump administration ignores its responsibility for environmental or public health stewardship, it is critical that we revitalize agencies that help address our most pressing issues. We can do so first by providing them with adequate resources to carry out their responsibilities. The House’s appropriation bills for EPA-Interior and Energy and Water are an important step in the right direction.

“Now, House leadership must stand firm in its support for these agencies, making clear when they reach conference with Senate leadership that agencies protecting people and the environment must be protected. The proposed increase in support is long overdue and should be part of any funding package put on the President’s desk for signature.”

• Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs

(Washington, D.C. – May 13, 2019) Today the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request by the oil industry and its allies to review Oregon’s landmark low-carbon fuel standard.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the Oregon Clean Fuels Program in September of last year. The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers and others asked the Supreme Court to review and reverse the decision, but today the High Court declined to hear the case.

“Oregon’s common sense clean fuels program provides cleaner, healthier air for Oregonians and is thoroughly anchored in law,” said attorney Sean Donahue of Donahue, Goldberg and Weaver, who represented Environmental Defense Fund in this matter. “All Oregonians can breathe easier with today’s Supreme Court order denying the oil industry petition attacking these vital clean air standards.”

The Oregon Clean Fuels Program provides economic incentives supporting the development and marketing of fuels that emit less climate pollution during their life cycle. Opponents argued that the policy violated the interstate commerce clause of the Constitution on the grounds that it impermissibly regulated out-of-state fuel production and favored certain Oregon biofuels over out-of-state fuel sources like oil and gas.

The Ninth Circuit rejected those arguments, ruling the policy is constitutional because it does not judge fuels based on their place of origin, only on their climate pollution, and that it regulates evenhandedly. EDF was a party to that case.

The case before the Supreme Court was American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers et al. v. Jane O’Keeffe et al., case number 18-881.

(Washington, D.C. – May 8, 2019) Today, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Ben Ray Lujan (D–NM–03) along with Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), introduced the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2019 to help reduce climate pollution and protect Americans from the threat of climate change.

The bill sponsors state the bill "would establish a federal Clean Energy Standard (CES), to put our nation on course to achieve net-zero emissions from the electric sector by midcentury to fight climate change. Under this plan, every company selling retail electricity would be asked to increase the amount of clean energy provided to its customers, with the recognition that different regions will be starting the clean energy transition at different benchmarks." ­­­­

Reducing climate pollution from electricity generation is critical to achieving our national climate change goals, and EDF applauds the lawmakers for adding a thoughtful proposal to the current climate policy discussion. The United States will also need dramatic reductions in climate pollution across other sectors of the economy, including transportation and industry."EDF looks forward to working with the authors and all Members of Congress to advance climate policy," said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund. "We hope this bill and any other serious proposals will encourage members on both sides of the aisle to provide the kind of leadership on climate change that America needs."

(Washington, D.C. - May 8, 2019) Electric vehicles have become rapidly more available to consumers while their costs have sharply declined, according to a new report – which also projects that those trends will continue and intensify in the future.

The report, Electric Vehicle Market Status, is by energy consulting firm MJ Bradley & Associates and was commissioned by Environmental Defense Fund. It draws on automakers’ own statements and other expert market analyses.

Among the reports findings:

• The actions of governments around the world, major international cities, and U.S. states that have adopted policies to reduce harmful pollution from the transportation sector are a key driver of the rapid market transformation for electric vehicles.
• Innovation and steep declines in the price of battery technology have helped to further accelerate the availability of electric vehicles and reduce their costs.

Other key findings include:

More models of electric vehicles will soon be available to American consumers.

The report details the billions of dollars automakers are investing in developing electric vehicles and concludes that “[b]etween 2019 and 2022, the number of battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models available to U.S. consumers will increase from 55 to 81. The range of vehicle types available will also increase to include sport utility vehicles (SUV), cross-overs, and pick-up trucks.”

Cost declines have been – and will continue to be – dramatic.

“The cost of battery packs has fallen dramatically, from approximately $1,000/kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2010 to approximately $176/kWh in 2018. Most analysts project that battery pack prices will continue to fall, reaching $100/kWh around 2025 and $62-72/kWh by 2030. These projections have been endorsed by auto manufacturers.”

Electric Vehicles will soon reach price-parity with gasoline vehicles.

“There is general industry consensus that EVs will reach price parity with ICE vehicles (based on total cost of ownership without considering any tax incentives) when battery pack prices fall below $100/kWh. While some industry experts believe this could happen as early as 2021, most believe it will happen around 2025.”

The report comes as Colorado is considering adopting state Zero Emission Vehicle standards, which would ensure manufactures provide Colorado consumers with zero emitting vehicles to choose from when purchasing a new car or truck. Colorado’s Zero Emission Vehicle standards would help build on the state’s recent landmark legislation to adopt science-based goals to reduce climate pollution.

Moving forward with Zero Emission Vehicle standards will help secure important emission reductions from Colorado’s transportation sector – which will also save Colorado consumers money at the gas pump. Colorado also recently passed legislation extending the state’s Zero Emission Vehicle tax incentives through 2025, which – combined with dramatic battery cost declines and the fact that most Coloradans finance new vehicle purchases – will help to accelerate the cost savings Coloradans experience when buying a new battery electric vehicle.

The state Air Quality Control Commission will decide this Friday whether to schedule a Zero Emission Vehicle rule for formal consideration in mid-August.

You can read the full MJ Bradley & Associates report here.

(Washington, D.C. – May 7, 2019) The Trump administration has revealed that it wants to deny the state of New York’s request for help with pollution that blows across its borders – a decision that could leave millions of people at risk from smog.

New York submitted a petition to EPA in March of 2018 for help under the Good Neighbor provisions of the Clean Air Act. Tonight EPA announced that it is proposing to deny that petition.

“Denying this petition flouts EPA’s duty to protect New Yorkers, and all Americans in downwind states from the unhealthy pollution that invades their airspace,” said EDF senior attorney Graham McCahan. “EDF is deeply concerned about the harm this will cause to New Yorkers’ health, and we plan to vigorously oppose EPA’s proposal.”

The Clean Air Act obligates EPA to safeguard downwind states against smog-forming pollution from coal-fired power plants in upwind states. Those obligations are described in what is commonly called the Good Neighbor provisions of the Clean Air Act.

States that are working to reduce smog are often undermined by the dirtier air that blows across their borders from coal plants in upwind states. That dangerous smokestack pollution is harmful to the health of families and communities in the downwind states, as well as those who live in the shadows of the coal plants.

Smog is linked to premature deaths, hospitalizations, asthma attacks and long-term lung damage.

New York asked EPA to find that emissions from a group of hundreds of sources in nine states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia) are significantly interfering with the state’s ability to meet our national health-based smog standards. EPA is now proposing to refuse that request.

EPA will now accept public comment through July 15 on its proposal to refuse New York’s petition. A public hearing is planned for June 11 in Washington, D.C.

Trump’s EPA has also denied requests from Maryland and Delaware for help with dangerous border-crossing pollution. Both states have gone to court over those decisions. EDF is part of a coalition of health, environmental and community groups that has joined that lawsuit in support of the states.

(RALEIGH – May 7, 2019) A report from the United Nations on dramatic acceleration of species extinction threatening human well-being highlights the need to put fisheries reforms in place that will allow for sustainable seafood production and resilient ecosystems. 

The new report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) raises the threat of extinction for one million species around the world and is believed to be the most comprehensive assessment of its kind ever assembled. It includes alarming analysis on the health of global marine ecosystems, including that a third of fisheries are presently overfished and that more than 33 percent of marine mammal species are threatened with extinction.

The following is a statement from Dr. Douglas Rader, Chief Ocean Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund:

“This report should serve as a warning siren to all those responsible for oceans management. The findings are alarming and the threats are real. We know that if nothing changes, by 2030 more than 80 percent of global fisheries will be in serious trouble. Global climate change is only accelerating the severity of the problem, including a projected decline in potential harvest for nearly half of the world’s fish stocks.

“The good news is that new science is showing us that the tools we’re using to reform fisheries around the world can help reverse some of these alarming trends. Sustainable fishing reforms can both prevent dramatic declines in fishing populations and help to make the ocean, and all who depend on it, more resilient to climate change.

“With the right fishing reforms in place, and if we can limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius the ocean can produce nearly a third more fish than exists today by 2100, rather than a nearly 20 percent decline if we do nothing.

“Healthy fisheries can also play a critical role in preventing the decline in other marine wildlife. New research has shown that fixing the way we manage fishing can reduce and even reverse the loss of 50 percent of rare and threatened species, including sea turtles and marine mammals like dolphins and whales.

“The IPBES is right, we must move faster to adopt these reforms, and if we do, the benefits will not only prevent disaster, but can help foster a better future.

(EL CENTRO, CA – May 7, 2019) The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) approved an easement today that will allow construction to begin on a 3,770-acre Species Conservation Habitat project on the Salton Sea, the largest lake in California.

“EDF commends the Imperial Irrigation District and state of California for finalizing the terms of an easement agreement to allow the species conservation habitat project to move forward. This much-needed project at the southern end of the Salton Sea will control toxic dust while providing critical habitat for migratory birds.

“The easement approval by IID marks a major breakthrough in implementing the long-delayed Salton Sea Management Plan. We are hopeful that this important step forward will enable IID and the state to work collaboratively to complete other projects identified in the mangement plan. It is time to get to work. The communities living near and the wildlife dependent upon the Salton Sea can wait no longer for shovels to hit the ground.”

• Pablo Garza, California Political Director, Ecosystems, Environmental Defense Fund

(Washington, D.C. – May 6, 2019) A federal court declared today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency failed to fulfill its “long-overdue nondiscretionary duties” under the Clean Air Act to reduce air pollution from landfills, and ordered the agency to address the problem by this fall.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued the order today in a lawsuit filed by EDF and a coalition of eight states led by California.

“Today the court ordered EPA to stop dragging its feet on reducing harmful air pollution from landfills,” said EDF attorney Rachel Fullmer. “These crucial clean air safeguards will now be fully implemented nationwide, reducing climate-changing methane and hazardous air pollutants that harm millions of people.”

Landfills are the nation’s third-largest source of climate-destabilizing methane pollution. They also emit other hazardous pollutants like benzene, which causes cancer, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which lead to the formation of smog.

EPA set emission guidelines for municipal solid waste landfills in 2016, but the Trump administration has refused to implement these clean air standards.

Today’s court decision states “[t]here is no denying EPA’s clear failure to meet its nondiscretionary duties” under the Clean Air Act. (Decision, page 9)

The court required EPA to finalize state plans to reduce landfill pollution no later than September 6 of this year, and to finalize a federal plan no later than November 6 for states that did not submit plans. EPA must also provide the court with status reports every 90 days.

EPA tried to argue for an unprecedented theory of “standing” in the case. The agency claimed that EDF and the states should not have standing to argue the case under the landmark climate decision in Massachusetts v. EPA because we did not sufficiently demonstrate that harms from climate pollution were caused by EPA’s failure to address landfill pollution. The court emphatically rejected that argument.

(SACRAMENTO, CA – May 2, 2019) The Department of Water Resources took formal steps today to withdraw proposed permits for the two-tunnel WaterFix project and begin a renewed environmental review and planning process for a smaller, single-tunnel project through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The actions follow Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement earlier this year of plans to pursue a smaller, one-tunnel project.

“It’s critical that we address water supply and environmental needs in the Delta. Improved conveyance — if designed, operated and governed in the right way — is almost certainly part of the solution. Pausing to take a fresh look at what the best answer is for California’s communities, farms and the environment is a smart move at this time.”

• Maurice Hall, Associate VP, Ecosystems – Water, Environmental Defense Fund
   

NEWS RELEASE

"Today, the House reminded the world that Americans know the urgency of solving the climate crisis. This vote shows a commitment to solving one of the biggest challenges facing the planet.

"Climate change is an urgent threat to our health, our economy, and our national security. It is long past time for bold action to move the United States to 100% clean energy. The best science tells us that by 2050 we must stop polluting the climate – that is, adding no more emissions than we can remove.

"Now that the House has made this important statement, it is time for all those who share the goal of a safer future to work together to develop solutions. The strongest, most durable proposals will have bipartisan support and use the power of our whole economy to reduce pollution. We look forward to joining with members of both parties to work towards that goal."

(Denver, CO – May 2, 2019) The Colorado General Assembly took a historic step to protect all Coloradans from dangerous climate pollution late last night with the final passage of House Bill 19-1261.

The legislation passed the Colorado Senate by a vote of 18-to-16 yesterday. The Colorado House of Representatives had passed the measure by an overwhelming 41-to-23 vote on April 16. Then at about 10:30 Mountain Time last night the House concurred with Senate amendments. The bill now goes to Governor Jared Polis for signature.

“At the time when it’s more critical than ever for states to step up, the Colorado legislature has hit the mark – true leadership on climate means securing science-based reductions in climate pollution,” said EDF senior director of climate regulatory strategy Pam Kiely. “Climate change is an urgent threat to Colorado, and this legislation will help us protect public health and our environment while also positioning Colorado families to capture the economic benefits of a clean energy economy.”

House Bill 19-1261 establishes rigorous Colorado climate pollution reduction goals anchored in science and provides for the development of cost-effective solutions to achieve these pollution cuts. It was passed by the General Assembly under the leadership of House Speaker KC Becker, Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, Representative Dominique Jackson, Senator Faith Winter and Senator Angela Williams.

Colorado faces severe threats from climate change, including intensifying and more frequent wildfires, worsening summer smog that causes asthma attacks and other serious health problems, catastrophic flooding, and prolonged drought that threatens our farmers and our national and state parks.

The common sense measure just passed by the General Assembly provides for Colorado to cut climate pollution by at least 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 (relative to 2005 pollution levels). It directs the Air Quality Commission to take cost-effective action to achieve these reductions and to protect the health and well-being of all Coloradans from climate pollution.

Colorado has a strong foundation to achieve these vital climate pollution reduction goals:

• Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest power provider, committed to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon pollution by 2030 and to eliminate all carbon pollution from its power generation for Colorado by 2050.

• The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment recently adopted clean car standards that will save Coloradans hundreds of dollars at the gas pump annually and reduce dangerous climate and smog pollution.

• The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment has also required Colorado’s oil and gas industry to achieve reductions in dangerous methane pollution. Those reductions will also reduce the unnecessary waste of Colorado’s oil and gas resources. Under new legislation the department will work to modernize these important pollution limits to protect public health and the environment based on advances in technologies and common sense clean air solutions.

(DENVER, CO – May 3, 2019) The Colorado Legislature approved a bill today for a measure to legalize sports betting and dedicate a 10% tax on net profits to protect and conserve our state’s water. The measure will go to voters for approval this fall.

The bill enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support, clearing the House in a 58-6 vote and the Senate in a 27-8 vote. Environmental Defense Fund was a key member of a large, diverse coalition of supporters of the bill, including the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Municipal League, Colorado River District, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver Water, Conservation Colorado and Western Resource Advocates.

Colorado is one of several states considering a sports betting tax since a Supreme Court decision last year gave states such authority.

“Colorado leaders are making a safe bet to ensure a more resilient future for our thriving communities, agriculture, businesses, recreation and wildlife. We are hopeful voters will recognize the urgent need to protect our most precious resource, water, and that this measure will be a slam dunk at the ballot box this fall.”

• Brian Jackson, Senior Manager, Western Water, Environmental Defense Fund