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Washington (January 6, 2009) – With less than three weeks left of the Bush presidency, a new analysis of the administration’s environmental legacy confirms what many experts have been predicting: The last eight years will go down as one of the worst periods in history for America’s environment.
LOS ANGELES (December 28, 2008) -- After years of litigation with the U.S. Navy over its refusal to prepare environment impact statements (EIS) for sonar training exercises, a settlement announced Saturday commits the Navy to complete a schedule of full environmental reviews on major training exercises around the world, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The settlement also requires disclosure of previously classified information regarding the Navy's sonar use and commits the Navy to fund nearly $15 million in new marine mammal research designated by NRDC and co-plaintiffs. The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed in 2005, which challenged the Navy's lack of environmental review prior to deploying mid-frequency active sonar during training exercises carried out around the world. The Navy acknowledges that sonar can be deadly to marine mammals, causing permanent injury and temporary deafness.
Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), made the following statement on the appointment of Congresswoman Hilda Solis to lead the Department of Labor:
“President-elect Obama’s selection of Hilda Solis to head the Department of Labor signals his commitment to restoring America’s economy by creating a robust, green workforce. Throughout her career, Congresswoman Solis has fought for the environment and environmental justice. As a member of Congress, Solis has been an advocate for advancing both labor rights and global warming solutions. She is a proven leader on green jobs and she recognizes the importance of ensuring that no workers are left behind. At this pivotal moment for our economy and our environment, she is an excellent choice who will bridge the gap between these challenges to build a strong, clean economic future.”
WASHINGTON (December 19, 2008) – In a move that could save 100,000 acres of pristine Utah wilderness from destruction, an agreement between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and a coalition of environmental and preservation groups was filed in court late last night. The deal will temporarily prevent BLM from issuing leases on 80 contested parcels of Utah wilderness, including land adjacent to national parks, for 30 days (until January 19). Although BLM will go forward with today’s auction, the agency has agreed not to issue the contested leases. This will give Judge Urbina of the U.S. District Court time to hear the case.
WASHINGTON (December 19, 2008) – As a new administration transitions into the White House and Congress gears up to move an economic recovery package early next year, energy and environmental groups today issued a set of recommendations to boost the nation’s energy efficiency, create green jobs, and save energy and money. The groups urged Congress to incorporate many of the proposals into legislation to be considered in early 2009.
Peter Lehner, Executive Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, made the following statement on the expected appointment of Ray LaHood to lead the Department of Transportation:
“President-elect Obama’s choice of Ray LaHood to head the Department of Transportation highlights the need for bipartisan efforts to fix our broken transportation system. Congressman LaHood will face some of the greatest transportation and infrastructure challenges in our nation’s history...
WASHINGTON (December 18, 2008) -- Late this afternoon, Stephen Johnson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, issued a memorandum declaring that it would not, and need not, regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution from power plants or any other industrial facility. This decision disregards a previous landmark decision reached by EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) that rejected the same arguments repeated by Johnson today, according to experts at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
LOS ANGELES (December 18, 2008) – A treasured state beach visited by millions of people annually will remain protected thanks to a decision from the U.S. Department of Commerce today. The Secretary of Commerce upheld objections by the California Coastal Commission over the Transportation Corridor Agency’s (TCA) plans to build a six-lane, 16-mile highway through one of the most ecologically diverse state beaches in California’s state parks system.
SAN FRANCISCO (December 18, 2008) -- A group of more than 30 leading growers, suppliers, buyers, technical experts and environmental and public interest organizations today announced the formation of the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops. Through an inclusive effort, the group will develop and share a comprehensive system for measuring sustainable performance across the supply chain -- at farms, processors, distributors, food service providers, and retailers. The project will address the unique needs of specialty crop stakeholders while demonstrably improving environmental and social impacts. “Specialty crops” are defined to include fruits, vegetables, nuts and horticulture.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 18, 2008) – A report released by the National Research Council today calls on the Environmental Protection Agency to look at the combined effects of a variety of chemicals found in everyday products, rather than looking at each chemical’s individual health risks, as it has done in the past.
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