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By Alisha Renfro, National Wildlife Federation & Jacques Hebert, National Audubon Society

Last week while some people on the Gulf Coast were in the thick of celebrating Mardi Gras, more than 1000 scientists, including those from the Restore the Mississippi River Delta campaign, met in Houston, Texas, to attend the third-annual Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference. The four-day conference, which included a mix of keynotes and oral and poster presentations, aimed to share scientific information and forward scientific understanding of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and particularly the impact of oil pollutants on this fragile ecosystem. Nearly five years since the BP oil spill, the takeaway is clear: The effects of the oil spill on the Gulf ecosystem are far-reaching, ongoing and significant.

Here are three key highlights from last week’s conference:

1. The impact is far-reaching: Research ranging from the deep sea to Gulf shoreline estuaries has documented significant impacts of the oil spill on ecosystems and on different animal and plant life.
2. The impact is ongoing: Recent research has found a large amount of the oil discharged during the spill can still be found in offshore sediments. Storms, like Hurricane Isaac in 2012, redistribute oil into previously unoiled marshes and wash sandy tar balls onto beaches.
3. The impact is significant: The rate of marsh shoreline erosion increased with oiling and continued impacts on marshes have been documented at least four years after the spill.

And for more, don’t miss some of the media coverage that came out of the conference:

1. Los Angeles Times: “BP cherry-picks study to dodge blame for massive deaths of gulf dolphins”
2. Houston Chronicle: “Studies: BP spill reduced Gulf life”
3. Houston Public Media: “Houston Conference Highlights Scientific Research On Deepwater Oil Spill Damage”

Want to learn about efforts to provide meaningful restoration in the ongoing wake of the BP oil spill? Visit mississippiriverdelta.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. You can also share this post with your network using the following tweet:

• 5 years later, major oil spill science conference tells us BP effects are evident and ongoing: http://www.mississippiriverdelta.org/blog/2015/02/26/five-years-later-scientists-gather-to-assess-ongoing-impact-of-bp-oil-spill/ #GulfScienceConference

By Alisha Renfro, National Wildlife Federation & Jacques Hebert, National Audubon Society

Last week while some people on the Gulf Coast were in the thick of celebrating Mardi Gras, more than 1000 scientists, including those from the Restore the Mississippi River Delta campaign, met in Houston, Texas, to attend the third-annual Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference. The four-day conference, which included a mix of keynotes and oral and poster presentations, aimed to share scientific information and forward scientific understanding of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and particularly the impact of oil pollutants on this fragile ecosystem. Nearly five years since the BP oil spill, the takeaway is clear: The effects of the oil spill on the Gulf ecosystem are far-reaching, ongoing and significant.

Here are three key highlights from last week’s conference:

1. The impact is far-reaching: Research ranging from the deep sea to Gulf shoreline estuaries has documented significant impacts of the oil spill on ecosystems and on different animal and plant life.
2. The impact is ongoing: Recent research has found a large amount of the oil discharged during the spill can still be found in offshore sediments. Storms, like Hurricane Isaac in 2012, redistribute oil into previously unoiled marshes and wash sandy tar balls onto beaches.
3. The impact is significant: The rate of marsh shoreline erosion increased with oiling and continued impacts on marshes have been documented at least four years after the spill.

And for more, don’t miss some of the media coverage that came out of the conference:

1. Los Angeles Times: “BP cherry-picks study to dodge blame for massive deaths of gulf dolphins”
2. Houston Chronicle: “Studies: BP spill reduced Gulf life”
3. Houston Public Media: “Houston Conference Highlights Scientific Research On Deepwater Oil Spill Damage”

Want to learn about efforts to provide meaningful restoration in the ongoing wake of the BP oil spill? Visit mississippiriverdelta.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. You can also share this post with your network using the following tweet:

• 5 years later, major oil spill science conference tells us BP effects are evident and ongoing: http://www.mississippiriverdelta.org/blog/2015/02/26/five-years-later-scientists-gather-to-assess-ongoing-impact-of-bp-oil-spill/ #GulfScienceConference

The ins and outs of state budget cuts on coastal protection and restoration
*Features Steve Cochran, EDF
By Jesse Hardman, WWNO, Feb. 25, 2015
“Cochran talked about how he initially reacted to the news that the CPRA would lose some funding, "something as central, to the overall protection of our coastline of our people who live here and the economies that are necessary, just simply shouldn't be cut.” (Read More)

BP cries foul as judge allows inflation adjustment in Deepwater Horizon case that could total more than $4 billion
By Kyle Barnett, Louisiana Record. Feb. 25, 2015
“With the penalty phase of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill case complete, BP has called foul as the judge accepted an inflation adjustment to the potential per-barrel fine that may see the maximum penalty increase by more than $4 billion above the statutory limit.” (Read More)

Big Idea nominee ORA Estuaries: saving the coast with oysters
The Times-Picayune, Feb. 24, 2015
“New Orleans Entrepreneur Week's Big Idea 2015 nominee ORA Estuaries "uses the OysterBreak to grow oyster reefs into living coastal protection infrastructure for global coastal communities.” (Read More)

Cassidy argues against proposal to share royalties
By Aaron Gordon, Houma Courier. Feb. 25, 2015
“I don't know how the administration has gotten at this goal. I will point out that the Gulf Coast states and the offshore waters have over the last few decades produced billions of barrels of oil, trillions of cubic feet (of natural gas), but with that there is a cost associated. And for us to support this infrastructure, we need to rebuild our coastline…” (Read More)

The ins and outs of state budget cuts on coastal protection and restoration
*Features Steve Cochran, EDF
By Jesse Hardman, WWNO, Feb. 25, 2015
“Cochran talked about how he initially reacted to the news that the CPRA would lose some funding, "something as central, to the overall protection of our coastline of our people who live here and the economies that are necessary, just simply shouldn't be cut.” (Read More)

BP cries foul as judge allows inflation adjustment in Deepwater Horizon case that could total more than $4 billion
By Kyle Barnett, Louisiana Record. Feb. 25, 2015
“With the penalty phase of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill case complete, BP has called foul as the judge accepted an inflation adjustment to the potential per-barrel fine that may see the maximum penalty increase by more than $4 billion above the statutory limit.” (Read More)

Big Idea nominee ORA Estuaries: saving the coast with oysters
The Times-Picayune, Feb. 24, 2015
“New Orleans Entrepreneur Week's Big Idea 2015 nominee ORA Estuaries "uses the OysterBreak to grow oyster reefs into living coastal protection infrastructure for global coastal communities.” (Read More)

Cassidy argues against proposal to share royalties
By Aaron Gordon, Houma Courier. Feb. 25, 2015
“I don't know how the administration has gotten at this goal. I will point out that the Gulf Coast states and the offshore waters have over the last few decades produced billions of barrels of oil, trillions of cubic feet (of natural gas), but with that there is a cost associated. And for us to support this infrastructure, we need to rebuild our coastline…” (Read More)

Written by Lisa Sharp

Between 1978 and 2008, Oklahoma averaged just two earthquakes of 3.0 magnitude or greater. However, the average number of earthquakes in Oklahoma is on the rise.

In 2014, Oklahoma had more earthquakes than California. And it wasn’t even close. Oklahoma racked up 562 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or greater, California only had 180.

Thankfully, my Oklahoma home only received minor damage from a magnitude 5.7 earthquake in 2011. We have earthquake insurance, but many Oklahomans do not and are struggling to get it. Lately, the earthquakes seem non-stop and most insurance companies won’t cover until it’s been 30 days since a quake.

Unlike California, Oklahoma doesn’t have building codes that protect people from earthquake damage. We are used to tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and droughts, but earthquakes have not been as prevalent.

Why so many earthquakes?

This sharp increase in earthquakes has everyone looking for answers. Just this month, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed suspicions that the increase in earthquakes did not come from natural causes.

“Deep injection of wastewater is the primary cause of the dramatic rise in detected earthquakes and the corresponding increase in seismic hazard in the central U.S.” ~  USGS

“…a peer-reviewed paper in the scientific journal Geology concluded that the quakes were induced by three injection wells in the vicinity, which perform a step in the fracking process — the disposal of vast volumes of salty, chemical-laced wastewater by injecting it deep into the ground.” ~ Newsweek

This is far from the first study on the earthquakes in Oklahoma. Many studies have already linked the earthquakes with wastewater disposal wells used by the oil and gas industry.

However, oil and gas industry in Oklahoma is remaining skeptical:

“I don’t think it’s particularly helpful because basically, it says we’ve come to a conclusion, but we don’t have the science to back it up,” said Kim Hatfield with the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association.

While the current earthquakes have only caused minor damage, in May of 2014 the USGS issued an earthquake warning for Oklahoma. This is the first time there has been an earthquake warning east of the Rockies.

“The rate of earthquakes in Oklahoma has increased remarkably since October 2013 – by about 50 percent – significantly increasing the chance for a damaging magnitude 5.5 or greater quake in central Oklahoma.” ~  U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS)

Who is responsible for the damage?

With increasing evidence that the earthquake increase is due to disposal wells, residents are questioning who is responsible to pay for the damage. We may know the answer to that question very soon thanks to recent a lawsuit.

Jennifer Lin Cooper of Prague, Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit against the operators of a disposal well in Lincoln County. Her home was damaged in the magnitude 5.7 in 2011 and subsequent quakes. Cooper is seeking class-action status that includes some people in Lincoln and surrounding counties whose homes were damaged or homes that have reduced in value.

This is not the first lawsuit to come out of the 2011 earthquake. Sandra Ladra, also of Prague, was injured by a rock that came out of her fireplace. A Lincoln County district judge dismissed the lawsuit, but the Oklahoma Supreme Court said it will consider hearing the case.

Can we regulate for safety?

With the oil and gas industry accounting for a third of Oklahoma’s economy — one in five jobs — will Oklahoma ignore the link between the record number of earthquakes from oil and gas extraction, or will those in power legislate on the grounds of sound science and enact regulations?

“Oklahomans are generally very accepting of the oil and gas industry. And it’s a low-regulation state. They’re very tolerant of this stuff, so we’re kind of in a weird area. There’s a lot of people, you know, who are impacted by the earthquakes that also work in the oil and gas industry. So we’re put in a precarious situation between this phenomenon that’s happening and an industry that we’d like to preserve and promote.” ~ Joe Wertz, energy reporter for StateImpact Oklahoma on NPR

Governor Fallin recently created a seismic activity council, but the oil and gas industry, and people connected to the industry, make up the majority of the council. This leaves many citizens, including me, wondering if the state will protect Oklahoma against more impending earthquakes.


TELL EPA TO PROTECT OUR FAMILIES FROM FRACKING POLLUTION





By Jason Mathers

Do your freight transportation metrics include measures for sustainability?

With freight accounting for 16 percent of corporate greenhouse gas emissions, establishing green freight practices is becoming a greater priority for large shippers.

To learn more about how to establish freight sustainability metrics, check out Chapter 2 in EDF’s Green Freight Handbook – a practical guide to the strategies companies are using to reduce their freight operations’ impact on overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Establishing baseline metrics is the logical starting point for your green freight efforts. Freight sustainability metrics provide clarity, and keep transportation teams focused on the goal of achieving emissions reductions that are measurable, and therefore meaningful.

Your baseline will include both broad corporate freight sustainability metrics and more specific freight efficiency metrics.

At a corporate level, the three most popular metrics to gauge freight sustainability , are:

1. Emissions per ton-mile – the average emissions associated with moving one ton of freight for one mile.
2. Absolute freight emissions – the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by transporting freight.
3. Total fuel consumption – the fuel used by direct freight operations and by third-partly logistics companies (3pl) and carriers in the transport of products.

Our Green Freight Handbook offers advice and formulas to determine all these numbers.

At a specific level, other freight efficiency metrics –such as average emissions per shipment, percentage of ton-miles by mode, and average miles traveled per shipment – link to specific strategies that, taken together, will ultimately drive the results you see in your corporate freight sustainability metrics.

In Emissions Reduction, Activity Doesn’t Always Equal Achievement

Real progress in freight sustainability can only be measured in numbers. That’s why starting with a baseline is so crucial. If your strategies don’t shift the numbers in a positive direction, they are clearly not the right strategies.

For instance, switching to a carrier with a new fleet of advanced trucks seems like a sound strategy, but if your empty miles double, is that progress?

Just as a gym membership doesn’t guarantee your ability to get fit, joining green clubs or purchasing green equipment doesn’t guarantee greenhouse gas reductions. Success in freight sustainability is about outcomes, and outcomes can only be measured by deploying objective freight transportation metrics to measure sustainability.

Don’t Let Perfect be the Enemy of Good

If you are at the beginning stages of your Green Freight journey, it’s best to chase progress, not perfection. Highly detailed data gathering and measurement may require time and resources you simply don’t have. In that case, scale down your program and think about focusing on a specific trade lane or region, business unit or transport mode.

Do your freight transportation metrics include measures for sustainability?

With freight accounting for 16 percent of corporate greenhouse gas emissions, establishing green freight practices is becoming a greater priority for large shippers.

To learn more about how to establish freight sustainability metrics, check out Chapter 2 in EDF’s Green Freight Handbook – a practical guide to the strategies companies are using to reduce their freight operations’ impact on overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Establishing baseline metrics is the logical starting point for your green freight efforts. Freight sustainability metrics provide clarity, and keep transportation teams focused on the goal of achieving emissions reductions that are measurable, and therefore meaningful.

Your baseline will include both broad corporate freight sustainability metrics and more specific freight efficiency metrics.

At a corporate level, the three most popular metrics to gauge freight sustainability , are:

1. Emissions per ton-mile – the average emissions associated with moving one ton of freight for one mile.
2. Absolute freight emissions – the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by transporting freight.
3. Total fuel consumption – the fuel used by direct freight operations and by third-partly logistics companies (3pl) and carriers in the transport of products.

Our Green Freight Handbook offers advice and formulas to determine all these numbers.

At a specific level, other freight efficiency metrics –such as average emissions per shipment, percentage of ton-miles by mode, and average miles traveled per shipment – link to specific strategies that, taken together, will ultimately drive the results you see in your corporate freight sustainability metrics.

In Emissions Reduction, Activity Doesn’t Always Equal Achievement

Real progress in freight sustainability can only be measured in numbers. That’s why starting with a baseline is so crucial. If your strategies don’t shift the numbers in a positive direction, they are clearly not the right strategies.

For instance, switching to a carrier with a new fleet of advanced trucks seems like a sound strategy, but if your empty miles double, is that progress?

Just as a gym membership doesn’t guarantee your ability to get fit, joining green clubs or purchasing green equipment doesn’t guarantee greenhouse gas reductions. Success in freight sustainability is about outcomes, and outcomes can only be measured by deploying objective freight transportation metrics to measure sustainability.

Don’t Let Perfect be the Enemy of Good

If you are at the beginning stages of your Green Freight journey, it’s best to chase progress, not perfection. Highly detailed data gathering and measurement may require time and resources you simply don’t have. In that case, scale down your program and think about focusing on a specific trade lane or region, business unit or transport mode.

Written by Molly Rauch

Thousands of people are speaking up right now about smog pollution. Who are we, and why do we care?

The EPA is currently taking public comment on its proposal to strengthen national standards for ground level ozone, or smog. To find out if stronger standards will help you breathe easy, check our handy list of 7 Types of People Who Need Better Smog Protection. Are you one of us?

1. Truth-seekers. The current ground level ozone standards are too weak. They tell us the air is safe to breathe, even when it’s not. In other words, they are lying. Many parents rely on the Air Quality Index, which is linked to the smog standards, to determine whether to let our kids play outside. What’s at stake? Whether or not kids with asthma will have an attack triggered by local air pollution happens when parents don’t know if it’s safe to go out. We deserve to know the truth about whether the air is safe to breathe.
2. Science-lovers. EPA’s independent panel of scientists reviewed the vast body of scientific evidence linking smog exposure to health problems and concluded: the standards should be lowered to 60-70 parts per billion (ppb), from the current allowable level of 75 ppb. The science is clear. Breathing smog at 75 ppb is unhealthy. EPA’s proposed standard of 65-70 ppb is better than what we have now, but a standard of 60 ppb would better protect the most vulnerable populations from adverse health effects of smog exposure. So we science-lovers say to EPA: Follow the science. Give us stronger standards.
3. Asthma-sufferers. Smog is a well-established trigger of asthma attacks, the hallmark symptom of a disease suffered by close to 1 in 10 American children. Stronger smog standards would prevent hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks, according to EPA. Let’s get serious about doing what we can to ease the symptoms of this epidemic.
4. Working parents. Smog pollution causes hundreds of thousands of missed school days each year due to asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses. Strong smog standards can keep kids in school, and parents at work. For so many working parents, not to mention little learners, this is a no brainer. Stave off sick days.
5. Pregnant mamas. There is suggestive, though not definitive, evidence that smog exposure over weeks and months can negatively impact the developing fetus. In particular, it appears that smog exposure in utero is associated with low birth weight babies, and may alter lung development. In other words, smog is bad for babies. That means that if you’re a pregnant mama, smog is bad for you, too.
6. Grandparents. Older adults are more vulnerable to the health impacts of breathing smog. Janice Nolen, Assistant Vice President for National Policy at the American Lung Association, recently explained to me why. Older adults may spend more time outside than younger adults, Nolen said, leading to increased exposure to air pollution. They also have a higher prevalence of underlying diseases such as COPD and heart disease that may make it harder to counter pollution damage. And because of the aging process, their bodies are less able in general to fend off inflammation and other damage from breathing air pollution. Indeed, evidence suggests that smog exposure increases death. Let’s honor our parents and grandparents by cleaning up deadly smog.
7. Climate activists. In addition to causing a wide range of health problems, ground level ozone is a heat-trapping gas. It’s responsible for about 10% of the global warming that we are experiencing today. And its effects on forests may worsen climate change, by reducing the ability of trees to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. That means that reducing smog pollution helps our health and helps fight climate change at the same time.

If you or someone you love is a truth-seeker, science-lover, asthma-sufferer, working parent, pregnant mama, grandparent, climate activist — or if you are a breather — then join us to speak up for stronger smog standards.


TELL EPA TO PROTECT LITTLE LUNGS FROM SMOG





By Katie Hsia-Kiung

Growing up can be tough. But we all remember how good it felt to pass an important exam or achieve one of our major goals – whether it be getting a driver’s license or graduating from middle school. California’s landmark cap-and-trade program was just recently put to the test after undergoing a substantial growth spurt, more than doubling in size to include transportation fuels, California’s biggest source of greenhouse gas pollution. To account for this increase in the number of businesses and emissions capped by the program, more than three times the amount of allowances were offered in the cap-and-trade auction held last week as compared to the one before it. This was also the second auction since California began holding joint auctions with Quebec, the Canadian province that has a similar cap-and-trade program in place.

Auction results released earlier today indicate that the strong foundation built over the first two years of the program allowed the market to easily pass this important growth test, remaining stable and strong even in the face of a considerable change in allowance supply and shifting market dynamics.

So what happened in this auction?

Of the 73.6 million current vintage allowances offered in this auction, 100% were purchased at a price of $12.21. This is 11 cents above the floor price and the settlement price at the previous auction, and is consistent with historical trends of prices slightly above the floor. In the advanced auction for 2018 vintage allowances, over 10.4 million allowances were offered and 100% of these were purchased at the floor price of $12.10. These allowances can only be used starting in 2018 and the fact that there was a high level of demand for them once again reflects confidence in the future strength of the market. These companies are making financial investments that are consistent with the belief that the market will be in existence well into the future, as was strongly signaled through the Governor’s and the Legislature’s prioritization of long-term emission reductions.

More allowances, more climate investments

The expansion of the program and increase in allowance supply means a more comprehensive program that covers the vast majority of harmful climate pollution sources in California. This also means more proceeds to go towards climate investments through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). From there, the funds will be appropriated to projects that will help build a resilient clean economy, create jobs, clean the air, and improve the health and well-being of Californians. The smart investment of these new funds will have benefits across the state and the economy, and it is vital that California ensure benefits reach the communities that need it most. At this time, the exact amount raised is not yet available as further calculations need to be done to account for the fact that bids were placed in both Canadian and U.S. dollars.

After a successful two years during which California linked its auctions with Quebec’s, decreased capped emissions, and survived various attacks by some transportation fuel companies unwilling to pay the price for their emissions, the Golden State’s climate policy passed yet another major test with the expansion of its cap. Now in full swing, the program is moving forward to reduce emissions from the state’s biggest polluters and help pave the way for new, long-term climate goals and a low-carbon future in California.

By EDF Blogs

By: John Hall, Director, Texas Clean Energy

I have been involved in Texas’ energy sector for a long time, particularly from an environmental perspective.

I was there when the state’s metropolitan centers and their robust industrial sectors were challenged to reduce ozone-forming pollution. I was there when Texas deregulated its energy market to increase competition, improve choices for residents and businesses, and lower electricity prices. And now, I’m here to witness the state’s transition to a clean energy economy – one that harnesses more West Texas wind energy, rooftop solar, and natural gas (with the right controls in place) than any other time in history.

The one thing that ties all of these events together is efficiency – something Texas has led in the past.

Energy efficiency is Texas’ most cost-effective way to reduce energy use and carbon pollution from power plants. It also creates other benefits to the power grid, like improving reliability and lowering costs for infrastructure maintenance. Plus, saving energy saves water, which is critical in a state like Texas under the pressure of a multi-year drought.

#Energyefficiency is what Texas can (and should) do best #TXlege http://ow.ly/JEbbR 
Click To Tweet - Powered By CoSchedule

Texas was actually the first state to set an energy efficiency resource standard, when the electricity market was restructured in 1999. Since then, 25 other states have followed Texas' lead by creating an energy efficiency goal.

Unfortunately, Texas’ targets and national rankings have been on a downward slope ever since. But, I’ve seen Texas put its top minds to work before and innovate to lead the nation. And, last week, our energy efficiency experts laid out a blueprint to do exactly that.

The South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER), of which our own Jim Marston is a board member, recently released a series of recommendations developed by more than 23 individuals, including former regulators and legislators, representatives of electric companies, non-profits, manufacturers, academic institutions, and more.

This report explicitly asks our elected officials “to designate and empower an existing state agency and hold it accountable for proposing, developing, and publicizing coordinated policies that advance energy and water efficiency.” Further, it lists seven commonsense, achievable policy recommendations that will put Texas on a path toward lower electricity bills, job creation, national competitiveness, and improved public health. These recommendations include:

• Coordinate state activities to support energy efficiency
• Ensure high energy performance in new buildings
• Enable access to financing for energy efficiency upgrades
• Align electric companies’ interests with increasing efficiency programs
• Leverage the smart grid to drive efficiency actions
• Use energy efficiency to improve air quality and regulatory compliance
• Increase public sector efficiency to save taxpayer money

I’m encouraged to see a well laid out plan for Texas, especially given McKinsey & Co. estimates that by 2020, the U.S. could reduce electricity use by 23 percent, save more than $1 trillion dollars, and cut more than a gigaton greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of taking the entire U.S. fleet of passenger vehicles and light trucks off the road – with efficiency measures alone.

As our state leaders convene in Austin to create the policies that will dictate Texas’ future, I impress upon them to lead on energy efficiency. It is, after all, part of Texas’ history.

If you are interested in discovering the benefits of energy efficiency, it’s time to join the conversation. In April, SPEER will hold its 3rd Annual Summit in Dallas to feature members of its Commission on Texas Energy Efficiency Policy, as well as host a series of workshops highlighting efficiency financing, energy codes, local government initiatives, smart energy, efficiency and air quality, and utility efficiency programs. I, for one, will be attending and I hope to see you there.

This post originally appeared on our Texas Clean Air Matters blog.

By EDF Blogs

By: John Hall, Director, Texas Clean Energy

I have been involved in Texas’ energy sector for a long time, particularly from an environmental perspective.

I was there when the state’s metropolitan centers and their robust industrial sectors were challenged to reduce ozone-forming pollution. I was there when Texas deregulated its energy market to increase competition, improve choices for residents and businesses, and lower electricity prices. And now, I’m here to witness the state’s transition to a clean energy economy – one that harnesses more West Texas wind energy, rooftop solar, and natural gas (with the right controls in place) than any other time in history.

The one thing that ties all of these events together is efficiency – something Texas has led in the past.

Energy efficiency is Texas’ most cost-effective way to reduce energy use and carbon pollution from power plants. It also creates other benefits to the power grid, like improving reliability and lowering costs for infrastructure maintenance. Plus, saving energy saves water, which is critical in a state like Texas under the pressure of a multi-year drought.

#Energyefficiency is what Texas can (and should) do best #TXlege http://ow.ly/JEbbR 
Click To Tweet - Powered By CoSchedule

Texas was actually the first state to set an energy efficiency resource standard, when the electricity market was restructured in 1999. Since then, 25 other states have followed Texas' lead by creating an energy efficiency goal.

Unfortunately, Texas’ targets and national rankings have been on a downward slope ever since. But, I’ve seen Texas put its top minds to work before and innovate to lead the nation. And, last week, our energy efficiency experts laid out a blueprint to do exactly that.

The South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER), of which our own Jim Marston is a board member, recently released a series of recommendations developed by more than 23 individuals, including former regulators and legislators, representatives of electric companies, non-profits, manufacturers, academic institutions, and more.

This report explicitly asks our elected officials “to designate and empower an existing state agency and hold it accountable for proposing, developing, and publicizing coordinated policies that advance energy and water efficiency.” Further, it lists seven commonsense, achievable policy recommendations that will put Texas on a path toward lower electricity bills, job creation, national competitiveness, and improved public health. These recommendations include:

• Coordinate state activities to support energy efficiency
• Ensure high energy performance in new buildings
• Enable access to financing for energy efficiency upgrades
• Align electric companies’ interests with increasing efficiency programs
• Leverage the smart grid to drive efficiency actions
• Use energy efficiency to improve air quality and regulatory compliance
• Increase public sector efficiency to save taxpayer money

I’m encouraged to see a well laid out plan for Texas, especially given McKinsey & Co. estimates that by 2020, the U.S. could reduce electricity use by 23 percent, save more than $1 trillion dollars, and cut more than a gigaton greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of taking the entire U.S. fleet of passenger vehicles and light trucks off the road – with efficiency measures alone.

As our state leaders convene in Austin to create the policies that will dictate Texas’ future, I impress upon them to lead on energy efficiency. It is, after all, part of Texas’ history.

If you are interested in discovering the benefits of energy efficiency, it’s time to join the conversation. In April, SPEER will hold its 3rd Annual Summit in Dallas to feature members of its Commission on Texas Energy Efficiency Policy, as well as host a series of workshops highlighting efficiency financing, energy codes, local government initiatives, smart energy, efficiency and air quality, and utility efficiency programs. I, for one, will be attending and I hope to see you there.

This post originally appeared on our Texas Clean Air Matters blog.

By EDF Blogs

By: John Hall, Director, Texas Clean Energy

I have been involved in Texas’ energy sector for a long time, particularly from an environmental perspective.

I was there when the state’s metropolitan centers and their robust industrial sectors were challenged to reduce ozone-forming pollution. I was there when Texas deregulated its energy market to increase competition, improve choices for residents and businesses, and lower electricity prices. And now, I’m here to witness the state’s transition to a clean energy economy – one that harnesses more West Texas wind energy, rooftop solar, and natural gas (with the right controls in place) than any other time in history.

The one thing that ties all of these events together is efficiency – something Texas has led in the past.

Energy efficiency is Texas’ most cost-effective way to reduce energy use and carbon pollution from power plants. It also creates other benefits to the power grid, like improving reliability and lowering costs for infrastructure maintenance. Plus, saving energy saves water, which is critical in a state like Texas under the pressure of a multi-year drought.

#Energyefficiency is what Texas can (and should) do best #TXlege http://ow.ly/JEbbR 
Click To Tweet - Powered By CoSchedule

Texas was actually the first state to set an energy efficiency resource standard, when the electricity market was restructured in 1999. Since then, 25 other states have followed Texas' lead by creating an energy efficiency goal.

Unfortunately, Texas’ targets and national rankings have been on a downward slope ever since. But, I’ve seen Texas put its top minds to work before and innovate to lead the nation. And, last week, our energy efficiency experts laid out a blueprint to do exactly that.

The South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER), of which our own Jim Marston is a board member, recently released a series of recommendations developed by more than 23 individuals, including former regulators and legislators, representatives of electric companies, non-profits, manufacturers, academic institutions, and more.

This report explicitly asks our elected officials “to designate and empower an existing state agency and hold it accountable for proposing, developing, and publicizing coordinated policies that advance energy and water efficiency.” Further, it lists seven commonsense, achievable policy recommendations that will put Texas on a path toward lower electricity bills, job creation, national competitiveness, and improved public health. These recommendations include:

• Coordinate state activities to support energy efficiency
• Ensure high energy performance in new buildings
• Enable access to financing for energy efficiency upgrades
• Align electric companies’ interests with increasing efficiency programs
• Leverage the smart grid to drive efficiency actions
• Use energy efficiency to improve air quality and regulatory compliance
• Increase public sector efficiency to save taxpayer money

I’m encouraged to see a well laid out plan for Texas, especially given McKinsey & Co. estimates that by 2020, the U.S. could reduce electricity use by 23 percent, save more than $1 trillion dollars, and cut more than a gigaton greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of taking the entire U.S. fleet of passenger vehicles and light trucks off the road – with efficiency measures alone.

As our state leaders convene in Austin to create the policies that will dictate Texas’ future, I impress upon them to lead on energy efficiency. It is, after all, part of Texas’ history.

If you are interested in discovering the benefits of energy efficiency, it’s time to join the conversation. In April, SPEER will hold its 3rd Annual Summit in Dallas to feature members of its Commission on Texas Energy Efficiency Policy, as well as host a series of workshops highlighting efficiency financing, energy codes, local government initiatives, smart energy, efficiency and air quality, and utility efficiency programs. I, for one, will be attending and I hope to see you there.

This post originally appeared on our Texas Clean Air Matters blog.

By: John Hall, Director, Texas Clean Energy

I have been involved in Texas’ energy sector for a long time, particularly from an environmental perspective.

I was there when the state’s metropolitan centers and their robust industrial sectors were challenged to reduce ozone-forming pollution. I was there when Texas deregulated its energy market to increase competition, improve choices for residents and businesses, and lower electricity prices. And now, I’m here to witness the state’s transition to a clean energy economy – one that harnesses more West Texas wind energy, rooftop solar, and natural gas (with the right controls in place) than any other time in history.

The one thing that ties all of these events together is efficiency – something Texas has led in the past.

Energy efficiency is Texas’ most cost-effective way to reduce energy use and carbon pollution from power plants. It also creates other benefits to the power grid, like improving reliability and lowering costs for infrastructure maintenance. Plus, saving energy saves water, which is critical in a state like Texas under the pressure of a multi-year drought.

#Energyefficiency is what Texas can (and should) do best #TXlege
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Texas was actually the first state to set an energy efficiency resource standard, when the electricity market was restructured in 1999. Since then, 25 other states have followed Texas' lead by creating an energy efficiency goal.

Unfortunately, Texas’ targets and national rankings have been on a downward slope ever since. But, I’ve seen Texas put its top minds to work before and innovate to lead the nation. And, last week, our energy efficiency experts laid out a blueprint to do exactly that.

The South-central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource (SPEER), of which our own Jim Marston is a board member, recently released a series of recommendations developed by more than 23 individuals, including former regulators and legislators, representatives of electric companies, non-profits, manufacturers, academic institutions, and more.

This report explicitly asks our elected officials “to designate and empower an existing state agency and hold it accountable for proposing, developing, and publicizing coordinated policies that advance energy and water efficiency.” Further, it lists seven commonsense, achievable policy recommendations that will put Texas on a path toward lower electricity bills, job creation, national competitiveness, and improved public health. These recommendations include:

• Coordinate state activities to support energy efficiency
• Ensure high energy performance in new buildings
• Enable access to financing for energy efficiency upgrades
• Align electric companies’ interests with increasing efficiency programs
• Leverage the smart grid to drive efficiency actions
• Use energy efficiency to improve air quality and regulatory compliance
• Increase public sector efficiency to save taxpayer money

I’m encouraged to see a well laid out plan for Texas, especially given McKinsey & Co. estimates that by 2020, the U.S. could reduce electricity use by 23 percent, save more than $1 trillion dollars, and cut more than a gigaton greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of taking the entire U.S. fleet of passenger vehicles and light trucks off the road – with efficiency measures alone.

As our state leaders convene in Austin to create the policies that will dictate Texas’ future, I impress upon them to lead on energy efficiency. It is, after all, part of Texas’ history.

If you are interested in discovering the benefits of energy efficiency, it’s time to join the conversation. In April, SPEER will hold its 3rd Annual Summit in Dallas to feature members of its Commission on Texas Energy Efficiency Policy, as well as host a series of workshops highlighting efficiency financing, energy codes, local government initiatives, smart energy, efficiency and air quality, and utility efficiency programs. I, for one, will be attending and I hope to see you there.

Written by Ronnie Citron-Fink

This is a Moms Clean Air Force exclusive interview with Representative Robyn Gabel of the 18th District in Illinois:

What is unique about protecting your district’s resources?

The 18th District is a dense, vibrant district focused around families, educational institutions and the lake and other natural resources. My district is home to some of the top elementary and high schools in the state, as well as Northwestern University. It also boasts miles of lakefront access and many parks and forest preserves. The 18th district also has some of the most educated and most involved constituents in the state which presents unique and rewarding opportunities for engagement and action.

As a parent are you worried about any specific effects of climate change on your children and the children of your district?

As a parent and a legislator I am very concerned about the impact of climate change on the health, well-being and development of all the children in my district. We are still learning what the long term effects of climate change are, but we know that the increase in asthma rates, allergies, cardiovascular disease and even mental health issues have their roots in climate change.

Why is a bipartisan effort so important to you when working on issues of air quality?

Climate change is not a partisan issue. Statewide problems need statewide solutions and collaboration with all legislators is essential to achieving our goals of a healthier more sustainable state.

Is there anything you’d like to share that is important for Moms Clean Air Force members to know?

We have a responsibility to protect and preserve our natural environment. I believe we need to be focusing on the future by reducing our use of carbon fuels, incentivizing the growth of clean, renewable energy and preserving our limited fresh water. In order to accomplish these goals we must work at the local, state and federal levels of government to enact legislation that protects our environment.

In Springfield, I have worked to protect our natural resources through initiating and sponsoring a variety of legislative proposals.

1. Promoting Solar Energy: Public Act 98-0672 requires the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) to provide a supplemental procurement process for the purchase of renewable energy credits from new or existing solar energy. The law authorizes the expenditure of up to $30,000,000 from the IPA Renewable Energy Resources Fund for this purpose. Initially, up to 6% was set aside for solar but up to this point only .1% was used. This law will jump start the solar industry in Illinois and create jobs and other economic benefits.

2. Lake Michigan Wind Energy Act: Public Act 98-0447 is a step forward for renewable energy as it implements findings from the Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Energy Council. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will prepare a site matrix, identifying and analyzing areas of Lake Michigan that may and may not be suitable for offshore wind development. It also establishes a task force to propose an appropriate Illinois mechanism for purchasing and selling power from offshore wind energy projects.

3. Addressing Urban Flooding: PublicAct98-0858 advances funding for a study through IDNR to look at the costs of urban flooding, contributing factors that cause it, and ways in which infrastructure and policy changes can reduce the impact. The bill defines “urban flooding” and provides that, by June 30, 2015, the IDNR, in consultation with many organizations, will provide a report to the General Assembly.

4. Urban/Suburban Composting: PublicAct98-0239willfacilitate urban or suburban farms or community gardens ability to accept off site compost materials without requiring an arduous permit process.

5. Clean Water: Public Act 98-0782 provides more access to needed funding for clean – water and storm water management projects to help prevent harmful pollutants from getting into our drinking water.

6. Fracking: I opposed the Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Regulatory Act, Public Act 98-0022. I supported a moratorium bill that would have given us the opportunity to wait for the impending publication of a federal report on the impact of fracking. I will continue to work with the environmental community to ensure that there are strict regulations and environmental protections going forward to protect our ground water supply.

I am always open to meeting with my constituents and learning from their experiences and expertise. Ideas for many of my best pieces of legislation were developed from constituents who contacted me.

Robyn Gabel has represented the people of the 18th District in the Illinois House of Representatives since 2010. During her time in the Legislature, she has become a leader in protecting and fostering the growth of children and women in Illinois and environmental stewardship. Her current legislative priorities include accessible healthcare, protecting our natural resources, expanding renewable energy, education and economic development.

TELL YOUR SENATORS: HELP STOP CLIMATE CHANGE

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“Plaquemines Parish which has lost this much land, now can no longer protect itself with wetlands from that surge. In the upper corner is the FEMA director looking at the flooded area in St. Tammany Parish," he said. "This is all Plaquemines Parish. Those are working families, working in an industry that literally fuels the rest of our country. And they are relying upon this revenue to rebuild this land so that they can continue to live there.” (Read More)
 
BP challenges ruling over size of 2010 oil spill
*Photo features Amanda Moore, NWF
By Jennifer Larino, The Times-Picayune. Feb. 24, 2015
“BP is challenging a January ruling over the size of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill as it seeks to lower its civil penalty for the disaster. BP faces up to $13.7 billion in federal fines.” (Read More)
 

Bill Cassidy fights to retain Mary Landrieu’s revenue sharing legislation
By Bruce Alpert, The Times-Picayune. Feb. 24, 2015
“Plaquemines Parish which has lost this much land, now can no longer protect itself with wetlands from that surge. In the upper corner is the FEMA director looking at the flooded area in St. Tammany Parish," he said. "This is all Plaquemines Parish. Those are working families, working in an industry that literally fuels the rest of our country. And they are relying upon this revenue to rebuild this land so that they can continue to live there.” (Read More)
 
BP challenges ruling over size of 2010 oil spill
*Photo features Amanda Moore, NWF
By Jennifer Larino, The Times-Picayune. Feb. 24, 2015
“BP is challenging a January ruling over the size of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill as it seeks to lower its civil penalty for the disaster. BP faces up to $13.7 billion in federal fines.” (Read More)