Highlight of the Week
Comprehensive Energy Plan Answers Call for Clean Energy Economy

Today the House Energy and Commerce Committee released a discussion draft of comprehensive energy legislation that limits global warming pollution. The draft bill also includes a renewable electricity standard and improved energy efficiency rules. 

The proposal by Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) positions Congress to answer President Obama's call for comprehensive energy legislation. The discussion draft recognizes that we must move to a new energy economy.

"The plan recognizes our dependency on fossil fuels is a triple-threat to our economy, energy security and environment. We applaud Chairman Waxman and Chairman Markey for providing the leadership to keep Congress on an ambitious timetable to achieve a clean energy future," said Joe Mendelson, global warming policy director at the National Wildlife Federation.

By repowering the country with clean energy solutions, the United States can create jobs, end our dependence on oil, and help avoid the consequences of global warming.

“As we repower America with clean energy made by Americans and for Americans, we must also hold polluters accountable by having enforceable limits on carbon pollution that are imperiling our planet.  And we must provide adequate funding to deal with the impacts of global warming on America’s natural areas, including our parks and forests," Mendelson said.

For more details on how fossil fuels are costing the American economy, read NWF’s new 5 Facts to Know About the Oil Industry’s Campaign Against a Clean Energy Recovery.

Climate Legislation Key to

Safeguarding America's Wildlife and Natural Resources

National Wildlife Federation CEO Larry Schweiger recently testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Environment on the urgent need for comprehensive climate and energy legislation that includes large-scale dedicated funding to protect and restore wildlife and natural resources being impacted by global warming.

In his testimony to Congress, Schweiger emphasized the pressing need to cap carbon pollution and invest in natural resource protection. “Today’s hearing is essentially about whether Congress will ensure our children and grandchildren are not left with a world fundamentally different than the one we have enjoyed,” Schweiger said last week.

Wildlife-related recreation serves as the foundation of rural economies throughout the United States. Fishing, hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities contribute $730 billion annually to the economy. We must protect the natural world that protects us.

Contact: Aislinn Maestas, 202-797-6624, maestas@nwf.org

EPA Delays Mountaintop Mining Permits

The Environmental Protection Agency has put on hold more than a hundred mountaintop coal-mining permits until it can evaluate the projects' impacts on streams, wetlands, and aquatic resources.

The decision was recently announced by EPA administrator Lisa Jackson. It targets a controversial practice by coal mining companies that dump waste from mountaintop mining into streams and wetlands.

"The two letters reflect EPA's considerable concern regarding the environmental impact these projects would have on fragile habitats and streams," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in a statement.

"I have directed the agency to review other mining permit requests. EPA will use the best science and follow the letter of the law in ensuring we are protecting our environment."

Happening This Week

Wednesday, April 1: House Agriculture Committee Hearing on farm economy, 11:00 a.m., 1300 Longworth

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on renewable fuels standard, 10:00 a.m., 406 Dirksen

Thursday, April 2: House Natural Resources Committee Hearing on public lands corps, 10:00 a.m., 1324 Longworth

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on EPA air nominee, 9:15 a.m. in 406 Dirksen.

Quote:

"When it comes to cap-and-trade, the broader principle is that we've got to move to a new energy era, and that means moving away from polluting energy sources towards cleaner energy sources. That is a potential engine for economic growth."

—In a recent primetime news address, President Obama outlined the steps his administration will take to move the economy out of recession

Economic Message of the Week

Five Facts to Know About the Oil Industry’s Campaign Against a Clean Energy Recovery

It is time to repower America with a new energy plan for our economy, our security and our environment. President Obama has asked Congress to deliver comprehensive energy legislation that invests in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, creates millions of new clean energy jobs and holds energy companies accountable to reduce the carbon pollution.

Big oil companies are fighting back with an advertising campaign to stall progress and keep America’s energy policy unchanged. There are five things you should know about the campaign. To view the full new fact sheet, click here.

(1) The Scare Campaign Is Bankrolled by Oil Companies;

(2) Our Dependency on Fossil Fuels Is Draining America’s Economy;

(3) Clean Energy Creates Jobs;

(4) Clean Energy Delivers Better Energy Choices; and

(5) Investing in a Clean Energy Future Is the Affordable Path for America.

Contact: Joe Mendelson, mendelsonj@nwf.org, or (202) 797-6898.

Congress Passes Historic Plan to Protect America’s Public Lands

National Wildlife Federation, Northwest Steelheaders, and Wyoming Wildlife Federation welcome passage of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, and congratulates the many lawmakers who worked so hard to pass bipartisan legislation vital to protecting America’s sporting heritage.

“America’s hunters and anglers have been pushing hard for this legislation,” said Steve Torbit, Regional Executive Director, National Wildlife Federation Rocky Mountain Regional Center. “The loud calls from America’s rank-and-file sportsmen to protect America’s public lands made a big difference in getting it through Congress.

Public lands are a fundamental part of America’s outdoor recreation industry that contributes $730 billion to our economy and supports 6.5 million jobs – or 1 in 20 American jobs. The National Landscape Conservation System, for example, holds more than 25 million acres of some of America’s best public lands, and an impressive number of excellent new wilderness-area designations.

Contact: Aileo Weinmann, communications manager, 202-797-6801, weinmanna@nwf.org.

Children and the Outdoors:

NWF Unveils Comprehensive State Policy Solutions Guide

The National Wildlife Federation today released the comprehensive Children and the Outdoors State Policy Solutions Guide. This document reviews leading state policy initiatives and provides policy makers with model solutions to the growing disconnect between children and the natural world.

Over the past two decades, the time children spend outside has fallen by 50 percent, and the rate of adolescent obesity has tripled. Reconnecting children with nature is a solution to many of the developmental, health-related and educational problems faced by children today.

The Children and the Outdoors State Policy Solutions Guide contains model resolutions, executive orders, and legislation that will aid efforts to reconnect children and families with nature. Solutions to the problems associated with an indoor generation must include providing youth with structured and unstructured opportunities for outdoor play, recreation, and learning. To view the full guide, visit the NWF newsroom.