Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization based in New York, represents more than 300,000 members. Since 1967 we have linked science, economics, and law to create innovative, equitable, and cost-effective solutions to the most urgent environmental problems.

At a Glance

• More than 200 scientists, economists, attorneys and other professionals in eight U.S. offices
• $42.8 million annual budget (in FY 2001)
• Fred Krupp executive director since 1984
• Founded on Long Island in 1967 by volunteer conservationists working to protect osprey from DDT

Environmental Defense Goals

Stabilizing the Climate          Preserving Species and Habitat

Safeguarding the Oceans       Protecting Human Health

Notable Victories

2002    With the support of Environmental Defense’s Action Network, California legislators pass and Governor Gray Davis signs a bill that will reduce global warming by mandating stricter greenhouse gas emissions controls for automobiles.

2001    Landowners enroll about 2 million acres in Safe Harbor programs Environmental
Defense developed to protect endangered wildlife.

2001     Environmental Defense empowers nearly 1 million individuals to take action
globally and in their own backyards through its ActionNetwork.org web site, and provides detailed environmental information for every community in America on its ForMyWorld.com
and Scorecard.org sites.

2000     Environmental Defense partners with eight leading companies to cut greenhouse gases.

1997     British Petroleum (BP), the world's third largest oil company, begins working
with Environmental Defense to monitor and limit its worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.

1994     Environmental Defense wins a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, ending the exemptions for hazardous waste in incinerator ash.

1992     Environmental Defense and the American Museum of Natural History launch
a major exhibit on climate change. Starting in New York City, the exhibit tours
nationally for three years.

1990    McDonald's drops foam hamburger boxes as a result of a joint task force with Environmental Defense, eventually eliminating more than 150,000 tons of packaging waste.

1990     Environmental Defense designs new approach for Clean Air Act to cut pollution
that causes acid rain.

1987     Environmental Defense plays key role in spurring passage of Montreal Accord to
phase out CFC gases that destroy the ozone layer.

1985     Environmental Defense helps convince federal regulators to phase out lead in gasoline.

1978     Environmental Defense action brings sea turtles onto the endangered species list.

1972     Environmental Defense wins permanent nationwide ban on DDT.

1970     Efforts by Environmental Defense bring all hunted whales onto U.S. endangered
species list.

1967     A small group of volunteer conservationists, fighting to halt DDT spraying on Long Island, New York, found the Environmental Defense Fund.

Media Contact Information

Allan Margolin
Media Director
(212) 505-2100

Steve Ertel
Senior Media Associate
(212) 505-2100

Georgette Shepherd
NC Press Consultant
(919) 788-0503

Jessica Mendelowitz
Media Associate
(212) 505-2100

Colin Rowan
TX Media Associate
(512) 478-5161

June 2003