Act Now: US House Failing Test on Climate Change

From Friends Committee on National Legislation

Leaders in the House plan to force a final vote next week on important but flawed climate change legislation. The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) fails to ensure that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions will be cut quickly, deeply, and effectively. We at FCNL have been urging House committee members to strengthen H.R. 2454 by eliminating concessions that would allow polluters to increase their greenhouse gas emissions for well over a decade.

You can help strengthen this bill by writing your representative today: . Urge her or him to insist that the American Clean Energy and Security Act be strengthened to:

1.) Require quick, deep, and real cuts in greenhouse gas emissions before 2020;

2.) Eliminate provisions that allow polluters to continue polluting at current levels for over a decade;

3.) Remove free giveaways of pollution allowances to industry; and

4.) Ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) retains authority to regulate greenhouse gases.

This will not be easy. Reps. Henry Waxman and Ed Markey, who sponsored this legislation, argue that their bill is already pushing the limits of what is currently politically possible in the House. But passing flawed legislation now could be worse than doing nothing, despite how hard congressional champions of the environment worked to craft a bill that can pass. It will leave the illusion that Congress has addressed climate change when in fact it has done very little.

*Take Action*

Write your representative today. Tell him or her that the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) must be strengthened before it comes to a final vote on floor of the House next week. In our view at FCNL, it would be better to pass no legislation now, let the EPA begin to regulate greenhouse gases, and work harder to build support for a stronger bill in the future than to pass this legislation as is.

*Background*

Learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of this bill.

Earth Day w/o Al Gore? No way!

From: Al Gore, Repower America <info@wecansolveit.org>
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Subject: Earth Day

In order to solve the climate crisis, we can't just change light bulbs -- we need to change laws.

We're closer today than ever before. Right now, Congress is debating clean energy legislation that will jumpstart our economy and help solve the climate crisis.

On this Earth Day, can I depend on you to support this crucial legislation?

Yes. I'll get 10 people to sign the petition in support of clean energy legislation within the next week. 

This is the historic comprehensive energy legislation that we've been waiting for. It will create millions of jobs and help solve the climate crisis by closing the carbon pollution loophole.

After so many years of inaction and obstruction, it's incredible that we have finally reached this point. But the legislative process is never easy. With powerful forces fighting hard to maintain the status quo, it will take all of us working together to seize this moment.

Today, you are one of more than two million Repower America members, and tens of millions of Americans, who want to take positive action for our planet. This is it -- a chance to demonstrate nationwide support for clean energy to our leaders in Congress, and help to bring about a new economic era based on clean energy.

So please, talk to your friends. Talk to your parents or grandparents. Start a conversation with a co-worker. And ask them to join with you and the millions of other Americans who want Congress to support clean energy jobs by closing the carbon pollution loophole.

Yes. I'll get 10 people to support this historic clean energy legislation in Congress.

I support clean energy but I'd like to help in other ways.

Your efforts have brought us this far. I hope you take this opportunity to make this a historic Earth Day.

Thank you,

Al Gore
RepowerAmerica.org

AFL CIO: Goin' Green for Earth Day

'Greening' Our Headquarters The AFL-CIO just announced a plan to reduce energy consumption, cut down on waste and reduce the carbon footprint of its national headquarters. The steps include conducting a comprehensive energy audit to identify waste, lower energy use and set the stage for green building certification of our national headquarters and phasing out the use of Styrofoam in its dining operation and moving to union-made, 100 percent biodegradable containers. —Jeff Rickert, Director, AFL-CIO Center for Green Jobs   To celebrate Earth Day, we're going green. How about you? Trust us, it's not that hard. We spent a lot of time thinking about our efforts to go green, and we realized that we don't have to make a choice between the environment and the economy. Union workers will implement our energy-savings measures and environmental-protection initiatives, and they will lead to financial savings for us over the long term. Not bad, eh? So how can we help you go green this Earth Day? How about starting by sending your family and friends cards on recycled paper? At The Union Shop Online, we have lots of great green cards to choose from that are printed by union labor, with inspirational messages like the following from Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead Here are just a few of the other great, green inspirational cards in stock now: Sending notes on recycled cards is a fun and easy way to start going green. Check out our full collection of cards online. In solidarity, Working Families e-Activist Network, AFL-CIO P.S. Don't forget all the other great stuff at The Union Shop Online. From umbrellas to shirts, books and more, if you're looking for a union-friendly gift for someone in your life, we're sure you can find something with us.

TODAY: Live Earth Day Chat

Today we celebrate Earth Day and the hope of a clean energy economy for America.

With President Obama in the White House, we can begin to reverse the trends that have damaged our environment and weakened our economy. We'll end our dependence on foreign oil, tackle global warming, and create millions of new jobs to achieve those goals.

We'll need your support and involvement to bring the President's plan to life. That's why we're hosting a live online chat with prominent environmentalist Majora Carter today, April 22nd, to answer your questions about the President's plan and how you can make a difference in your own community.

Visit our blog at 1:00 p.m. Eastern today to make your voice heard by participating in this special Earth Day chat with Majora Carter.

Majora has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable communities and clean energy jobs in New York City for years -- she understands the severity of the energy challenges we face and knows how crucial it is for us to address them with a bold plan of action.

It won't be easy, but with your support and involvement, we can jump-start the kind of innovation and creativity we'll need if we're going to make America competitive in the 21st century global economy.

Join Majora today to learn more about President Obama's plan and how you can help make it a reality:

http://my.barackobama.com/EarthDay09

Thank you,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America




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Tell the Bushies: No Destructive Drilling in Dixie Natl Park!

from Natural Resources Defense Council

More than half a million people visit Utah's Dixie National Forest every year for its breathtaking beauty, abundant recreational activities and unique wildlife. The forest provides habitat for several threatened and endangered species, including the California condor, Mexican spotted owl and Utah prairie dog, and also hosts tributaries that flow into the Colorado River.

But in its final months in office, the Bush administration wants to open up large tracts of the most sensitive areas of Dixie National Forest to oil and gas drilling. The areas proposed for drilling include more than 500,000 acres in roadless wildlands and along "wild and scenic" rivers. Once large-scale industrial and commercial development begins, there would be no way to restore the landscapes that have been shaped by nature since the beginning of time. A better option would be to prohibit drilling close to sensitive habitat, including breeding and nesting grounds for sage grouse, deer, elk and other native species.

The Bush administration is accepting public comments on its proposed plan through December 16.

Do something: Send a message, before the December 16 comment deadline, telling the Bush administration to protect Dixie National Forest from increased oil and gas drilling.

It's Time to Re-Power America!

Change is in the air.

After a long election season and months of headlines about our failing economy, I for one am ready for a big change.
from Environment Maryland:

As you know, we endorsed President-elect Barack Obama in his run for the White House because his environmental record indicated he could be the change we need to see on energy, global warming and so many other environmental issues.

In a speech to governors earlier this week, he called for more investment and support for clean energy solutions for America. He said:

"When I am President, any governor who's willing to promote clean energy will have a partner in the White House. Any company that's willing to invest in clean energy will have an ally in Washington."

Will you join with us to show President-elect Obama that we support his efforts to repower America?

http://www.environmentamerica.org/action/energy/obama-letter?id4=ES

Burn Baby Burn, Spill Baby Spill, Melt Baby Melt...

from Greenpeace USA:

Let's face it, our country is addicted to oil. Even George W. Bush, a former oil peddler, has admitted this addiction. And like any sickness, our addiction to oil has serious consequences: higher temperatures, melting glaciers, more violent storms and $4 a gallon gasoline to name just a few.

Now, in search of another quick fix, Congress and President Bush have lifted the moratorium on offshore oil drilling that has protected most of our nation's coasts for thirty years.

The U.S. burns 25 percent of the world's oil, but we only have three percent of the world's proven oil reserves. Offshore drilling won't even deliver a drop of oil for ten years, according to the Bush Administration's own numbers. That means we'll never be able to drill our way to lower gas prices or energy independence.

Drilling for offshore oil is like giving an addict a bigger dose - it doesn't solve the problem, it just makes it worse - for all of us.

Politicians talk a good game about the war on drugs. But it's time they learned to kick a habit that threatens our entire planet. It's time to quit oil, get clean, and make a permanent switch to renewable energy.

TAKE ACTION! Tell our next President to just say no to offshore drilling.

Chanting "drill, baby, drill" is like a drug dealer saying, "come on, it'll make you feel good." It's being sold as a temporary fix, but the effects on the planet's health will last more than a lifetime.

Our addiction is making the planet sick while Big Oil is getting rich. Global warming threatens us all, and if we don't break our addiction, we'll ALL suffer the consequences.

The cycle of addiction must end now - and it's our generation that must stand up and make the change.

Keep Harmful Pesticides Out of Salmon Rivers!

from Earthjustice:

The federal government has the opportunity -- and the duty -- to protect people and salmon from dangerous pesticides. You know that the government is hearing from the chemical companies. Let them hear from you!

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TAKE ACTION:
http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/pesticide_action_0908/wxu58n6r28w7ew8?

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Three toxic pesticides used heavily in the United States -- chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion -- can harm children and farmworkers, poison wildlife, and taint food and drinking water. Despite well-documented hazards, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) allows homeowners, farmers, and others to use these poisons in ways that harm salmon and steelhead.

Fortunately, a recent scientific analysis from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) could force EPA to adopt new restrictions on the use of these pesticides in the Pacific Northwest and California. In a draft study called a "biological
opinion" released on July 31, 2008, NMFS concluded that chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion are contaminating rivers and streams and jeopardizing protected salmon and steelhead.

NMFS is now working to finalize the biological opinion and determine what measures are needed to help keep these pesticides out of salmon waters. The chemical companies are lobbying to weaken these measures. The federal government needs to hear from you!

DO SOMETHING! Please urge NMFS to adopt strong measures to protect Pacific salmon from these poisons. It is their responsibility under the Endangered Species Act. And by keeping these pesticides out of salmon and steelhead habitat, NFMS will also be helping to ensure that these poisons are kept out of our drinking water supplies.

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TAKE ACTION:
http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/pesticide_action_0908/wxu58n6r28w7ew8?

ALERT: The canary in the mine shaft

From Environment Maryland:

New England's waters once contained a bounty of seafood, whales, dolphins and other wildlife. George's Bank, Stellwagen Bank, Gulf of Maine . . . These places used to host some of the most productive marine ecosystems on our planet. But not anymore.

Many of New England's most important fisheries now hold only 10 to 20 percent of the fish they once held. Like the canary in the mine shaft, New England's fisheries should serve as a warning to our government about the dangers of overfishing.

Don't let the Bush administration ignore this warning. We have until Sept. 18 to make our voice heard. Send your comment today.

We have a chance to avoid the same collapse of our fisheries, and even a chance to bring back a vibrant ocean ecosystem to New England.

We can reverse decades of damage. All it will take is tough rules and tough enforcement to stop overfishing. The Bush administration's National Marine Fisheries Service must have all our comments in by Sept. 18.

Over the next month, the administration will finalize its fishery rules. Not surprisingly, big industrial fishing interests will oppose good rules. We've got to counteract them with thousands of voices.

SPEAK OUT to save our ecosystems!

With your help, we'll begin to restore our oceans' health.

Tell Congress to Extend the Renewable Energy Tax Credit

From Earthjustice

The clean energy tax credit will expire at the end of this year.

Please -- urge Congress to extend it.

For decades, oil and other dirty energy sources have enjoyed subsidies that give them an unfair edge over renewable energy.

The current tax credit for renewable energy generation helps level the playing field a bit, giving clean energy sources a fighting chance to become a more significant alternative to dirty energy.

But the tax credit is set to expire at the end of the year, which would deal a significant setback to efforts to make the transition toward clean energy.

It's time to start moving to a cleaner, affordable, and sustainable energy future. We need you to ask Congress to renew the tax credit for renewable energy generation and to require that more of our nation's electricity come from renewable sources.

Four-dollar-a-gallon gas and rapidly rising global temperatures are a sure sign that we need new alternatives -- but we won't get them if our government continues to stack the deck in favor of dirty and increasingly expensive 19th century power sources.

Please hurry -- we need your comments to your legislators by September 26, when Congress is scheduled to adjourn. So far, 5,802 people have already taken action.

Join Earthjustice and take action now!

MD ALERT: Tell Gov. O'Malley to Stop the Bear Hunt

From the Humane Society of the US:

Now is our last chance to protect Maryland's bears before the trophy hunt begins next week. Only Governor Martin O'Malley can cancel the bear hunt, and we need you to join us in calling on him to save Maryland's bears from another senseless slaughter.

Maryland's bears were once hunted to the brink of extinction. After 51 years of protecting bears from hunting, which allowed the population to slowly recover, the state opened a trophy hunting season in 2004. Over the last three years, sport hunters have killed 101 bears, and this year, the state has set the quota at 50 to 70 bears. We only have one more week to prevent this trophy hunt from taking place.

TAKE ACTION! Call Governor Martin O'Malley at 410-974-3591 or 1-800-811-8336 and urge him to cancel Maryland's bear hunt. When you call, you can say:

"Hello, my name is [your name]. I'm calling from [your town] to urge Governor O'Malley to stop Maryland's cruel and unnecessary black bear hunt. I don't want Maryland's bears to be killed for trophies. Thank you."

After you make your call, send a follow-up email in support of protecting Maryland's bears. Don't forget to tell your friends and family in Maryland how they can help protect black bears, too.

We are also holding a rally on Sunday, October 21. If you are able, please join us.

When: Sunday, October 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Governor's Mansion, Government House, 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401

ALERT: Step It Up to Stop Global Warming

From Greenpeace:

In less than a month, thousands of activists from across the country will participate in Step It Up — community rallies to demand leadership on global warming.

You can decide what you'd like to do for the National Day of Climate Action in your hometown or join with others in your community and take part in what they've got planned.

Sign up to host or attend an event!

We can't ask our leaders to step it up on global warming if we're not willing to do the same, so please do your part. This November 3, join us, your neighbors, your friends, and people who care as much as you do about ending global warming. One year before the election, let's make sure the world witnesses our national call to action.

ALERT: Has Toyota No Shame?

From Natural Resources Defense Council:

The same car company that put the world's best-selling hybrid on the road is now asking Congress to drive America's energy future into a brick wall. Toyota has sold more than one million Prius hybrids to environmentally conscious consumers who want to do the right thing for our planet. But, incredibly, the company is now forsaking us by opposing the first improvement in U.S. fuel economy standards in nearly 20 years!

Congress is negotiating an energy bill right now that could save America 1.2 million barrels of oil each day by 2020, more than we import from Saudi Arabia. But the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers -- the powerful lobbying group that includes Toyota -- is claiming that a 35 m.p.g. average for cars and trucks is "unattainable."

Tell Toyota to get back in gear by supporting a measure that guarantees a fuel economy standard of 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for cars and light trucks.