Highlight of the Week
EPA Declares Global Warming a Danger to Public Health

The Environmental Protection Agency announced its finding that global warming pollution constitutes a threat to public health and welfare under the Clean Air Act.  The announcement signals that EPA will take action to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

“The EPA decision is historic and a game-changer for climate policy that will have political and policy repercussions domestically and abroad," said Joe Mendelson, NWF's global warming policy director.

After a thorough scientific review ordered in 2007 by the Supreme Court, the EPA identified six greenhouse gases that pose a potential threat. The finding now moves to a public comment period.

“With this decision, the Obama administration has made crystal clear its firm commitment to fight global warming. It also demonstrates a firm commitment to sound science and clean energy solutions that will bury the notion that we won't make historic progress confronting climate change this year. This is the single largest step the federal government has taken to fight climate change," Mendelson said.

Contact: Christine Dorsey, 202-797-6615 or dorsey@nwf.org

New Orleans Summit Charts Fair Climate Principles

At a gathering in New Orleans today, social justice advocates, youth, women leaders, faith leaders, community members, and environmentalists, are calling for equal access to fair climate and energy policies that safeguard our natural resources and prioritize the most vulnerable communities.

“As organizations that are advocating for climate change policies to safeguard our communities and natural resources, we know that the health impacts of rising temperatures are already felt in many parts of the country and that the most vulnerable are disproportionately affected,” said Kassie Rohrbach, coordinator of fair climate projects, National Wildlife Federation.

The summit is taking place at the Pan American Life Center, hosted by National Wildlife Federation, Women’s Environment & Development Organization, Advocates for Environmental Human Rights, and Deep South Center for Environmental Justice.

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

Quote:

“It's time for America to lead again...If businesses and entrepreneurs know today that we are closing this carbon pollution loophole, they will start investing in clean energy now.”

—President Barack Obama affirmed the place of renewable energy as one of the “five pillars” upon which he plans to build an economic recovery.

Economic Message of the Week

Obama's Earth Day Trip To Focus On Energy Agenda

President Obama plans to travel to Iowa on Earth Day to promote his alternative energy agenda. In the town of Newton, the president plans to meet workers at Trinity Structural Towers, a former Maytag plant that now makes towers for wind energy production.

"Iowa, a leader in wind energy, is a perfect example of how a community can rebuild a local economy with investments in clean energy and efficiency. Trinity employs dozens of former Maytag employees and is part of the revitalization of a town hard hit by the closing of the Maytag plant," the White House announcement said.

"President Obama will discuss components of his comprehensive energy plan, which include promoting clean energy innovation to help end our dependence on foreign oil, creating millions of new jobs, and preventing the worst consequences of climate change."

EPA Launches New Campaign to Educate Kids on Climate Change

The Environmental Protection Agency is kicking off the 2009 “Change the World, Start with Energy Star” campaign to educate kids about how fight global warming through energy efficiency.

“People of every age have a part to play in confronting climate change,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Using Energy Star to cut electricity usage and costs, and educating young people and their families to make a difference—big or small—is how we make real progress.”

As part of the campaign, people take the Energy Star pledge to take steps to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The pledge includes switching to more efficient lighting, choosing Energy Star when purchasing new products, sealing and insulating homes, and using power management features on home computers and monitors.

If every American household took part in the Energy Star pledge, we would save more than $18 billion in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 18 million cars.

Happening This Week

Tomorrow is Earth Day!

Wednesday, April 22: Hunters and anglers representing millions of sportsmen and women are on Capitol Hill to talk about taking climate action now. A press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Capitol Visitor's Center room SVC 202. Click here to see a list of supporting hunting and fishing groups.

Chairmen Waxman and Markey have announced DC hearings on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The hearings will be webcast at energycommerce.house.gov

Tuesday, April 21:  Day 1, Opening Statements, 3:00 p.m., 2123 Rayburn House Office Building

Wednesday, April 22:  Day 2, 9:30 a.m., 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. Panel 1:  Administration Views on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 Legislation; Panel 2:  United States Climate Action Partnership Views on the legislation; Panel 3:  Green Jobs and Economic Benefits

Thursday, April 23:  Day 3; 9:30 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. Panel 1:  Allocation Policies to Assist Consumers. Panel 2:  Ensuring U.S. Competitiveness and International Participation. Panel 3:  Low Carbon Electricity, Carbon Capture and Storage, Renewables, and Grid Modernization