Terms of Use & Legal Disclosures

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BY ACCESSING AND USING ANY ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND WEBSITES YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS, HOWEVER, IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, DO NOT USE THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND WEBSITES. USE OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES YOUR BINDING AGREEMENT WITH ITS TERMS.

Welcome to the Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. Environmental Defense Fund is a non-profit tax-exempt charitable organization. Guided by science and economics, Environmental Defense Fund finds practical and lasting solutions to the most serious environmental problems. This website and all websites offered by Environmental Defense Fund are a service of Environmental Defense Fund and its subsidiaries, affiliates and partners worldwide (collectively “Environmental Defense Fund Website” or “Environmental Defense Fund Websites(s)” as appropriate), including, but not limited to, a typical website, sponsored content, tools, blogs, interactive site(s), or other materials or means of interaction and information made available by Environmental Defense Fund at no cost to you.

These Terms of Use and Legal Disclosures (collectively referred to as “Terms of Use”) describe the terms and conditions applicable to your access and use of any Environmental Defense Fund Website(s) worldwide. Environmental Defense Fund may revise these Terms of Use at any time and you agree that, by visiting, using or interacting with any Environmental Defense Fund Website, that you are bound by these Terms of Use and any changes to these Terms of Use from time to time. Environmental Defense Fund may also change or discontinue any Environmental Defense Fund Website(s) or any services and information available on any Environmental Defense Fund Website(s) at any time, and may also block or discontinue your use of this Website for any reason. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES. In exchange your access to, use of, interaction with the Environmental Defense Fund Website(s) and the Content we make available, you agree (a) to use every Environmental Defense Fund Website in accordance with the terms and conditions of these Terms of Use; (b) that all information you submit, if any, is truthful and accurate and that you are responsible for maintaining the accuracy of your information; (c) that you will not submit any personal information if you are under 13 years of age; and (d) you will not use any Environmental Defense Fund Website in a manner that violates any applicable law or regulation, to harass others, or to spread misinformation.

If you include any reference to any Environmental Defense Fund Website Content in any paper, article, presentation, or other communication of any kind, the appropriate citation format: “TITLE, Environmental Defense Fund, last accessed on DATE at LINK.” Citation to EDF materials in a document or communication may not be used to imply or constitute endorsement or approval by Environmental Defense Fund. 

Use of any Environmental Defense Fund Website Content by you does not constitutes an endorsement of you, your organization, your research, or your conclusions by Environmental Defense Fund.  You may not state or imply that Environmental Defense Fund has in any way endorsed or otherwise approved your use of Environmental Defense Fund Website content. 

USE OF MATERIALS AND INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND WEBSITES. The content on this Environmental Defense Fund Website includes, but is not limited to, text, data, graphics, images, photographs, illustrations, maps, trademarks, tradenames, service marks, logos, information, methodologies, processes, tools, advice, and other materials originally created by Environmental Defense Fund, contributed to and/or obtained from Environmental Defense Fund’s licensors and partners (collectively “Content”). Title to the Content on this Website remains with Environmental Defense Fund, its licensors and/or its partners. Environmental Defense Fund invites you to view, use and share a copy of the materials obtained from any Environmental Defense Fund Website for non-commercial purposes. For the avoidance doubt, this means you may use the Content to inform policy choices and plans by your organization, regardless of the type of business or organization it is, but you may not claim the Content as your own nor may you copy, sell, or otherwise distribute any Content in exchange for money or anything else of value. Except where you have been given express permission by us, you may not and you agree not to distribute, create derivative works from, transfer, sell, re-sell, or otherwise distribute any information, Content, or services obtained from any Environmental Defense Fund Website. You may not use or upload our Content into artificial intelligence tools or technologies such as large language models and generative AI. No graphics, photographs or other visual elements obtained through this Website may be used, copied, or distributed separate from the accompanying text without the prior express written consent EDF. You may not, without EDF’s written permission, copy or “mirror” any Content contained in this Environmental Defense Fund Website. You may not under any circumstances attempt to change, deface, prevent access to others, or otherwise damage any Environmental Defense Fund Website or the operation thereof.

LINKING TO ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND AND WEBSITES. We encourage sharing of our content with others and you may include links to Environmental Defense Fund Content and Websites but must adhere to the following: (i) the appearance, position and other aspects of the link may not be such as to alter, damage or dilute the Environmental Defense Fund's name(s) and trademarks or the goodwill associated with them, (ii) the appearance, position and other attributes of the link may not create the false appearance that you or your organization or entity are sponsored by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or otherwise associated with Environmental Defense Fund, and (iii) when a link you have posted is selected by a user, the link must display this Website on full-screen and not within a "frame" on the linking Website. Environmental Defense Fund reserves the right to revoke its consent to the link at any time and in its sole discretion. Use or misrepresentation of any of Environmental Defense Fund's logos, designs, images, photographs, slogans, trademarks or service marks in conjunction with the external links is not permitted and may further constitute violation of US and international laws, and Environmental Defense Fund reserves all rights thereunder.

JOINT PROJECTS. Environmental Defense Fund sometimes partners with third parties on joint projects that may result in content that is shared among the parties or owned by another party (“Joint Projects”). Content available through Joint Project may have additional terms and conditions or other policies about access and use of Joint Project websites and content. Your access to or use of any Joint Project materials is subject to the respective Joint Project policies. 

ALL CONTENT AVAILABLE ON ANY ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND WEBSITE IS INTENDED TO BE A GENERAL INFORMATION RESOURCE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OFFER NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BY WAY OF EXAMPLE AND NOT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NONINFRINGEMENT RELATING TO ANY CONTENT ON ANY EDF WEBSITE, OR AS TO ANY OTHER MATTERS OR MATERIALS. ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR RELIABILITY OF ANY CONTENT AVAILABLE THROUGH THE WEBSITE. YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT THE WEBSITE(S) AND CONTENT MAY INCLUDES MISTAKES, OMISSIONS AND DATA OR INFORMATION THAT HAS BEEN UPDATED SINCE IT WAS POSTED. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED. 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND IS NOT A LEGAL, BUSINESS, FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING ANY INFORMATION, CONDUCTING YOUR OWN INDEPENDENT DUE DILIGENCE, AND CONSULTING APPROPRIATE LEGAL, BUSINESS, FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS REGARDING ANY DECISIONS TAKEN BY YOU. ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND’S PROVISION OF ANY INFORMATION OR INSIGHTS INTO CLIMATE RELATED MARKET CONDITIONS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, MARKET BASED CLIMATE GOALS, INVESTMENT INDENTIFICATION OR QUALITY, OR OTHER OBSERVATIONS OR INSIGHTS INTO A RANGE OF MARKET FACTORS, FORECASTS OR STANDARDS, ALONG WITH ANY DATA AND ANALYSIS, IS BASED ON THE BEST AVAILABLE INFORMATION, WHICH MAY BE LIMITED AND SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF MARKET, ECONOMIC, OR POLITICAL UNCERTAINTIES.  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING ANY INFORMATION BEFORE RELYING ON IT. USE OF THE WEBSITE AND THE CONTENT AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE IS AT YOUR SOLE DISCRETION AND RISK.

YOUR INTERACTIONS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND WEBSITES. Some Environmental Defense Fund Website(s) may offer users an opportunity to share knowledge and post other helpful or meaningful information. You acknowledge and agree that such submissions are non-confidential for all purposes. By submitting content, comments, or information of any kind, you automatically grant EDF and its partners a full, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive right and license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, transmit, perform, and display your content (in whole or in part). You also represent and warrant that you own and/or that you have the right to share such content and to grant the license set forth above.

The interactive functionality of some Environmental Defense Fund Websites is intended to be public, to foster dialog, share ideas, and more. The experience of all users is enhanced when users are succinct, stay on topic and remain respectful. Environmental Defense Fund encourages open and sincere communication but urges users to remember that these forums are intended to be a resource for all. With this in mind, you may not post or transmit any of the following materials on any Environmental Defense Fund Website(s):

  • Anything that interferes with or disrupts any Environmental Defense Fund Website the operation thereof;
  • Statements about candidates for political office;
  • Statements or material that is illegal, offensive, defames, harasses, abuses, stalks, threatens, or in any way infringes on the rights of any person;
  • Unauthorized copyrighted materials or any other material that infringe the intellectual property rights, trade secrets, or privacy of another;
  • Statements or material that violates other contractual or fiduciary rights, duties, or agreements;
  • Statements or material that encourages criminal conduct or that would give rise to civil liability or otherwise violates any law or regulation in any jurisdiction;
  • Statements or material that contains vulgar, obscene, profane, or otherwise objectionable language or images that typically would not be considered socially or professionally responsible or appropriate in person;
  • Statements or material that impersonates any other person or entity, whether actual or fictitious, including employees and representatives of Environmental Defense Fund;
  • Anything that violates the privacy or publicity rights of any other person;
  • Statements or material that are off-topic, irrelevant, or inappropriate, or which spread misinformation;
  • Statements or material that constitute junk mail, spam, or unauthorized advertising or promotional materials; and
  • Files that contain malicious code, viruses, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another's computer, network, or this Website.

You are solely responsible for the content of any Postings you make on or through any Environmental Defense Fund Website. Environmental Defense Fund has the right, but does not assume the responsibility, for monitoring this Website for inappropriate content.

SECURITY. Environmental Defense Fund cannot guarantee the confidentiality of any communication or material transmitted over the Internet or other global communication network and Environmental Defense Fund is not responsible for the security of any information transmitted via the Internet, the accuracy of the information contained, or for the consequences of any reliance on such information. You must make your own determination as to the risk of these interactions.

Please also be aware that certain interactive functionality of some Environmental Defense Fund Websites are open sites and you have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using sites with such features. Environmental Defense Fund may obtain access to, block, disclose, and review electronic transmissions and communications made through the interactive features of any Environmental Defense Fund Websites at any time. Actual or attempted unauthorized use of any Environmental Defense Fund Website functionality may result in consequences from being blocked up to criminal and/or civil prosecution, including, without limitation, punishment under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986. Environmental Defense Fund also reserves the right to view, monitor, and document activity on the UGC functionality without notice or permission from you. Any information obtained by monitoring, reviewing, or documenting is subject to review by law enforcement organizations in connection with investigation or prosecution of possible criminal activity on the UGC functionality. Environmental Defense Fund will also comply with all court orders involving requests for such information. In addition to the foregoing, Environmental Defense Fund reserves the right at any time, and without notice, to modify, suspend, terminate, or interrupt operation of or access to the UGC functionality, or any portion of functionality, for any reason.

LINKS TO OTHER WEBSITES. Environmental Defense Fund, in its sole discretion, may provide links to other websites for your convenience in locating related information, products, and services. The linked sites are not owned or operated by or under the control of Environmental Defense Fund, and Environmental Defense Fund is not responsible for the content available on the other sites. These sites have not necessarily been reviewed by Environmental Defense Fund and are maintained by third parties over which Environmental Defense Fund exercises no control. Such links do not imply Environmental Defense Fund's endorsement of information or material on any other site. Moreover, these links do not imply an endorsement by Environmental Defense Fund with respect to any third party, any information or material on any other site, any candidate for political office identified in a third-party site or any web site or the products or services provided by any third party. Environmental Defense Fund disclaims all liability with regard to your access to, use and interactions with such linked Websites or their handling of your information. Use of these sites is at your own risk.

TRADEMARKS. Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Defense Fund, the globe design logo, edf.org, Climate Corp, Moms’ Clean Air Force, Defend Our Future, NetZero Action Accelerator, and all other names of Environmental Defense Fund programs referenced herein are registered or common law trademarks of Environmental Defense Fund in the United States, the European Union, United Kingdom, India, China and other countries. Unauthorized use of any Environmental Defense Fund trademark, service mark or logo may be a violation of federal and state law in the US and other countries.

COPYRIGHT. The Environmental Defense Fund name and logo, and all Environmental Defense Fund Websites and their Content, including, without limitation, all text, graphics, user interfaces, visual interfaces, photographs, sounds, audio, video, artwork, computer code (including HTML, CSS, XML, and JavaScript), interactive features, functionality, programs, software, products, information, methodologies, processes, tools, advice and documentation as well as the design, structure, selection, coordination, expression, "look and feel," and arrangement of any content contained on or available through the Environmental Defense Fund Websites, is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws unless otherwise indicated. Any downloadable or printable programs, information, or materials available through this Website and all copyrights, trade secrets, and know-how related thereto, unless otherwise indicated, are owned by Environmental Defense Fund and its licensors. Except for your use as authorized above, you may not modify, reproduce or distribute any Content, design or layout of this Website, or any portions of the Content, the design or layout of this Website, without Environmental Defense Fund's express prior written permission.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES THAT USE OF ANY ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND WEBSITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT ANY CONTENT YOU MAY OBTAIN FROM OR CONTRIBUTE TO ANY ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND WEBSITE IS AVAILABLE FOR THE USE YOU INTEND AND OTHERWISE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL CODE.

DISCLAIMER, RELEASE AND INDEMNITY. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Environmental Defense Fund disclaims all liability, whether under  law or regulation, based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, and further disclaims all losses, including without limitation indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in any way connected with its presentation of or your access to and use of any Environmental Defense Fund content or Website, even if Environmental Defense Fund has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Additionally, you hereby forever release Environmental Defense Fund from any claims of whatever kind or nature you may have against Us now or in the future related to or arising from your use of any Environmental Defense Fund websites, Content, or third-party websites you access via links on Environmental Defense Fund websites. You agree to indemnify, defend and hold Environmental Defense Fund, its subsidiaries, and affiliates, and their respective officers, agents, partners and employees, harmless from any loss, liability, claim, or demand, including reasonable attorneys' fees, due to, arising from, or related to your use of any Environmental Defense Fund Content or Website and/or breach of these Terms of Use.

NOTICE FOR CLAIMS OF COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. If you are a copyright owner or agent thereof and believe that Content posted on this Website infringes upon your copyright, please submit notice, pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 512(c)) to our Copyright Agent with the following information: (a) an electronic or physical signature of the person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the copyright; (b) a description of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed; (c) the URL of the location on this Website containing the material that you claim is infringing; (d) your address, telephone number, and email address; (e) a statement by you that you have a good faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law; and (f) a statement by you, made under penalty of perjury, that the above information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the copyright owner's behalf. Our Copyright Agent can be reached by mail at: Environmental Defense Fund, ATTN: COPYRIGHT AGENT, Marketing, Digital Engagement, Environmental Defense Fund, 1875 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20009. 

LOCATION. Environmental Defense Fund Websites sponsored and controlled by Environmental Defense Fund are operated from the United States. Environmental Defense Fund makes no representation that the Content of any Environmental Defense Fund Website is available or appropriate for use in other locations. Those who choose to access this Website from locations outside the United States do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with applicable local laws.

CHILDREN. Environmental Defense Fund Websites are not directed toward children under 13 years of age nor does Environmental Defense Fund knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you are under 13, please do not submit any personally identifiable information to Environmental Defense Fund.

PRIVACY POLICY. By agreeing to these terms, you acknowledge that Environmental Defense Fund may collect, use and disclose your information as described in our Privacy Statement.

SUBMISSIONS. Long-standing policy of Environmental Defense Fund is not to accept or consider creative ideas, suggestions, or materials, including, but not limited to, content, notes, drawings, concepts, comments, questions or answers, techniques, know-how, or other information (hereinafter "Submissions") other than those specifically requested by Environmental Defense Fund. The intent of this policy is to avoid the possibility of future misunderstandings when projects developed by Environmental Defense Fund's professional staff might seem to others to be similar to a user’s own creative work or ideas. All Submissions, including unsolicited submissions to any Environmental Defense Fund Website will be treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary, and will be subject to the license(s) granted in these Terms of Use. Environmental Defense Fund will not be liable for any use or disclosure of any Submissions.

PASSWORD. You may be assigned a username and password with which to access restricted areas of some Environmental Defense Fund Websites. You agree not to use the username or password of another user at any time or to disclose your password to any third party. You agree to notify Environmental Defense Fund immediately if you suspect any unauthorized use of your username or access to your password. You are solely responsible for any and all uses of your username and password.

EMAIL. Email submissions over the internet may not be secure. Please do not email Environmental Defense Fund any personal or confidential information. Please refer to our Privacy Statement for information how Environmental Defense Fund uses your information.

CHOICE OF LAW/FORUM. All claims arising out of these Terms of Use or relating to this Website will be governed by the laws of the State of New York, USA, excluding the application of its conflicts of law rules. Any legal action or proceeding arising out of these Terms of Use or relating to this Website shall be brought exclusively in a state or federal court in New York, New York, USA.

MISCELLANEOUS. You represent and warrant that, by using the Website(s) and accessing Content, you have the authority to bind yourself and/or your employer, company, or organization to these Terms of Use.  If any provision of these Terms of Use is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck and the remaining provisions shall be enforced. Headings are for reference purposes only and in no way define, limit, construe or describe the scope or extent of such section. Environmental Defense Fund's failure to act with respect to any failure by you or others to comply with these Terms of Use does not waive Environmental Defense Fund's right to act with respect to subsequent or similar failures. These Terms of Use and Legal Disclosures set forth the entire understanding and agreement between you and Environmental Defense Fund with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any cause of action or claim you may have with respect to these Terms of Use or any Environmental Defense Fund Website must be commenced within six (6) months after the claim or cause of action arises or such claim or cause of action shall be barred.

VIOLATIONS AND ADDITIONAL POLICIES. Environmental Defense Fund reserves the right to seek all remedies available at law and in equity for violations of these Terms of Use, including without limitation the right to block access from a particular Internet address.