Environment

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2008) – An historic agreement announced today will permanently protect the largest contiguous, private landholding in California, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). NRDC and other leading environmental groups reached the agreement with the Tejon Ranch Co., providing for the conservation of 240,000 acres of the 270,000-acre Ranch property.

Tejon Ranch, California: Photo by Brenda Carpenter (CC)

Through the agreement, 178,000 acres will immediately receive permanent protection, and an additional 62,000 acres will be made available for public acquisition.    » read more »

Key Seafood Buyers Support Vision for a Long-Term Sustainable Fish Supply

NEW YORK (May 8, 2008) – The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), in partnership with more than a dozen conservation organizations, today released clear, realistic steps companies can take to develop and implement a comprehensive corporate policy on sustainable, wild-caught and farmed seafood.

Chilean sea bass: Photo by Mike McCune (CC)    » read more »

WASHINGTON (May 8, 2008) – Today, the Natural Resources Defense Council and 26 other U.S. and Canadian environmental groups sent a letter to the Senate and House urging preservation of Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). Section 526 prohibits the Federal purchase of dirty fuels (such as liquid coal, tar sands and oil shale) whose lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions are higher than conventional fuels.

The letter urges Members to oppose amendments to the 2008 National Defense Authorization Bill that would repeal Section 526.

The following is a portion of the letter:    » read more »

May 8, 2008 -- Richmond, VA -- Clean energy and environmental groups kick off a week of action today targeting corporations planning to invest in new coal. The groups will be holding events and attending the shareholder meetings of three major coal investors—Alliant Energy, Dominion Resources and Dynegy, Inc. to educate directors, investors and shareholders about the financial risks of investing in new coal.

"Companies around the world are realizing that going green can benefit both the environment and their bottom line," said Bruce Nilles, Director of the Sierra Club’s National Coal Campaign. "It’s time these companies open their eyes and help move America beyond coal toward a clean energy economy."    » read more »

Oregon Department of Energy reports there is a need for natural gas but LNG not the answer to meet that need

May 9, 2008 -- (Salem) – Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski received a report from the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) that concludes that while Oregon will need increased supplies of natural gas to meet the state’s energy needs, the proposed natural gas pipelines from the Rocky Mountains will be able to meet that increased demand.

The report also concludes that the proposed pipelines in the Rocky Mountains are more likely to provide less expensive natural gas and produce significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions than the three LNG facilities proposed in Oregon.    » read more »

May 8, 2008 -- Colorado Governor Ritter today welcomed the news that Vestas plans to build the world's largest factory for wind turbine towers in Colorado:

"This is another great victory for the New Energy Economy and all of Colorado. Vestas is showing yet again why it is one of our strongest partners in the development of modern energy in the 21st century, and my Administration has worked closely with Vestas over the past few months to make this new factory a reality.

"I participated in the groundbreaking and grand opening for Vestas' first Colorado facility -- the wind blade plant in Windsor -- and I look forward to being at the groundbreaking for this new wind tower factory as well.    » read more »

Menendez has led efforts in the Senate to defeat plans that would open up drilling less than 100 miles from New Jersey

May 9, 2008 -- WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John McCain will be in New Jersey for a press conference on the topic of the environment. While he is in the state, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is challenging him to denounce a plan that would open up drilling for oil and natural gas less than 100 miles from the Jersey Shore.    » read more »

On Eve of Amtrak's Nationwide Celebration, Resolution Highlights Passenger Rail's Critical and Growing Role in Serving America's Travel Needs

May 9, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced a bipartisan resolution to celebrate Amtrak’s first annual National Train Day.

Amtrak trains in Chicago: Photo by Steven Vance (CC)

The resolution, joined by 20 co-sponsors, raises awareness about the critical and growing role that passenger rail plays in serving America’s daily travel needs.    » read more »

Nuclear Power Plant Proposed for Victoria Puts Region at Risk

May 8, 2008 -- AUSTIN, Texas – While an environmental consultant brought to Victoria to tout nuclear energy is quick to claim that a new reactor proposed for the area would be “clean and safe,” he is less likely to discuss today at a private gathering of business and community leaders his ties to the industry, which is sponsoring his speaking tour.

Nuclear plant: Photo by Gabriel (CC)    » read more »

Statement by David Friedman, Union of Concerned Scientists

WASHINGTON (May 7, 2008) - Chrysler announced yesterday that it will cover gasoline costs above $2.99 a gallon for customers who buy or lease a new vehicle from the company. The offer is limited to the first three years customers use their cars and covers up to 12,000 miles per year.

According the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), Chrysler is trying to fool consumers into overlooking its vehicles' poor fuel economy and environmental performance. The savings the Chrysler program offers, the organization says, don't measure up to the savings one would get from purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Below is a statement by David Friedman, research director for UCS's Clean Vehicles Program:    » read more »

May 8, 2008 -- WASHINGTON – Senator Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Senator George Voinovich, R-Ohio, co-chairmen of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, today introduced the bipartisan Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2008 to expand on legislation passed six years ago. The bill aims to clean up contaminated expanses in the Great Lakes known as “Areas of Concern” within 10 years.

Lake Michigan breakwater: Photo by Tom (CC)    » read more »

May 8, 2008 -- The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today issued an order approving nearly $6.5 million in Michigan energy efficiency grants for all customer classes to 14 organizations.

"My fellow Commissioners and I are extremely pleased to announce these grants," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.

CFL artwork: Photo by Paul Keller (CC)

"The grants awarded today will help the state promote and move forward in the development and application of energy efficient technologies ."    » read more »

The Georgia Forest Land Protection Act of 2008 signed today

May 8, 2008 -- SWAINSBORO, GA — Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed The Georgia Forest Land Protection Act of 2008, HB 1211, at the Swainsboro Pine Tree Festival and Timber Expo.

Sunset at Lake Oconee, Georgia: Photo by C.J. Peters (CC)    » read more »

May 7, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take additional measures to limit Americans’ exposure to lead air pollution.

In a letter to EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, Senator Clinton urged the agency to limit lead levels in the air to no more than 0.20 micrograms per cubic meter as part of the new rule to improve the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for lead—the level recommended by both the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the EPA scientific staff.

Senator Hillary Clinton: Photo by Keith Kissel (CC)    » read more »