Environmental Defense Fund

Website: http://www.environmentaldefense.org

Phone: 202-387-3500

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Last Updated: March 18, 2009

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Recently Uploaded Resources

New Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Will Save Lives, Environmental Defense Fund Fact Sheet

EPA’s emission standards for mercury and toxic air pollutants emitted by power plants provide an orderly, adaptable compliance pathway to ensure that grid reliability is protected while pollution controls are installed and modern, cleaner replacement generation is constructed. EPA’s framework will ensure that the life-saving benefits of the rule will accrue as soon as possible while addressing any plant-specific reliability issues that could potentially arise.

Many Power Companies Well Prepared for New EPA Clean Air Protections

Fact Sheet

EPA Rules and Reliability Fact Sheet

 

Utility Voices on EPA Rules

Statements from a list of utility executives discussing their readiness and ability to handle new EPA regulations.

Clearing the Air on EPA Pollution Standards: Creating New Jobs and Protecting Public Health

In a Congressional testimony, Alstom Power’s James Yann, describes some of the jobs created from just one example of a pollution control technology (a wet flue gas desulfurization “scrubber”) that are commonly used to remove sulfur and other air pollutants.

EDF: DOT Adviser Praises House for Passing Nadler Amendment to Hike Transit Funding by 33 Percent in Stimulus Bill

An adviser to the U.S. Department of Transportation praised the U.S. House of Representatives for approving an amendment by voice vote this afternoon to increase transit capital funding in the stimulus bill by $3 billion or 33 percent, from $9 billion to $12 billion.

Many Power Companies Well Prepared for New EPA Clean Air Protections

 

A Case Study in Job Creation from Pollution Controls

EPA’s Cross-state Air Pollution and Mercury & Air Toxics rules would together create nearly 1.5 million jobs over the next five years driven by new investments.1 Meeting EPA’s new air pollution standards that limit SO2, NOx, mercury, and other pollutants will result in investments in new pollution control equipment and power plants as well as skilled professionals to do the work—ranging from electricians, plumber, pipefitters, boilermakers, millwrights, iron workers, and engineers.

EDF: Stimulus Transportation Plan Gives States Flexibility to Build “Bridges to Nowhere” or Bridge to 21st Century, Green Group Says

America deserves to see whether the states will use the funds in the economic stimulus plan released today by the House leadership and President-elect Obama’s economic team “to buy ‘bridges to nowhere’ or a bridge to the 21st century,” according to Environmental Defense Fund.

EDF: President Fred Krupp on Waxman-Markey Climate Legislation

Press released statement by EDF's president Fred Krupp on how climate legislation is exactly what we need to kickstart the nation's economy.

Aviation and the European Union Emissions Trading System Memo

Aviation and the European Union Emissions Trading System, Environmental Defense Fund Memo Hearing of the Subcommittee on Aviation, House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure

Cross State Air Pollution Rule EDF Fact Sheet Pennsylvania

EDF Fact Sheet Pennsylvania

Cross State Air Pollution Rule EDF Fact Sheet New York

EDF Fact Sheet New York

Cross State Air Pollution Rule EDF Fact Sheet N. Carolina

EDF Fact Sheet N. Carolina

Cross State Air Pollution Rule EDF Fact Sheet Minnesota

EDF Fact Sheet Minnesota

Cross State Air Pollution Rule EDF Fact Sheet

Missouri

Cross State Air Pollution Rule EDF Fact Sheet

Indiana Fact Sheet

There They Go Again: Sky is Falling Attacks on Healthier Air

Fact sheet on the history of erroneous gloom-and-doom predictions that have assailed the Clean Air Act since the 1970s - economic meltdown, higher consumer costs, and massive job losses.

EDF: Another way to keep good jobs at home: Cap Emissions!

An EDF fact sheet with examples of how capping emissions (by passing the American Clean Energy & Security Act) would lead to job growth in a number of areas across the United States.

An Egregious Proposal

EDF President Fred Krupp offers his opinions regarding the American Electric Power's (AEP's) proposal

EDF: Global Warming is a Serious Public Health Concern

Two page EDF fact sheet on how climate change is likely to have (and already is having) serious impacts on health and how by passing the American Clean Energy & Security Act we can help avoid some of the most serious consequences.

EDF: Global Warming Fact Check #1

Environmental Defense Fund's highlights and rebuttals to false statements made during the American Clean Energy and Security Act's first hearing on April 21, 2009.

EDF: Inaction on climate could hurt U.S. farmers

An EDF fact sheet on how climate change is or will impact agriculture and how by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act we can manage those economic risks.

EDF: Waxman-Markey Climate Agreement Opens Door for Action on Climate Cap

Statement from Environmental Defense Fund on the Waxman-Markey bill released May 15, 2009.

EDF: House-Passed Stimulus Conference Report Praised for Transit, High Speed Rail, and Flexible Transportation Funding

The stimulus bill conference report passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today was praised for investing billions in transit and high speed rail and for the option of spending highway funds for transit and fixing roads and bridges, not just building new roads. The U.S. Senate is expected to pass the conference report as soon as tonight.

EDF: Global Warming Fact Check #3

Environmental Defense Fund's highlights and rebuttals to false statements made during the American Clean Energy and Security Act's third hearing on April 23, 2009.

Mercury Alert: Cleaning up Coal Plants for Healthier Lives

Report identifies the top 25 emitters of mercury in the electric power sector. Twenty five plants identified by the study are responsible for nearly a third of all mercury emissions in sector. Meanwhile, these plants generate only 8% of the total supply. Twenty of these polluting facilities are located within 50-100 miles of some of the largest metropolitan areas. Texas led the nation in mercury air pollution from coal-fired power in 2009.

EDF: What's the Most Expensive Climate Policy? Doing Nothing.

An EDF fact sheet with quotes about how climate change poses an significant economic risk to a number of sectors. By investing a small amount now (via passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act) we can avoid the huge costs that will come as a result of doing nothing.

EDF: Global Warming Fact Check #5

Environmental Defense Fund's highlights and rebuttals to false statements made during the second markup session of the American Clean Energy and Security Act on May 19, 2009.

New Report Identifies Top 25 Mercury Air Pollution Emitters in United States

A large amount of toxic mercury pollution is released from a relatively small number of plants. These 25 plants alone are responsible for nearly a third of all mercury emissions in the power sector, while providing only eight percent of our electricity. Twenty of them are located within 50-100 miles of some of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, St. Louis and Austin. Texas led the nation in mercury air pollution from coal-fired power in 2009.

EDF: Global Warming Fact Check #4

Environmental Defense Fund's highlights and rebuttals to false statements made during the first markup session of the American Clean Energy and Security Act on May 18, 2009.

EDF: Global Warming Fact Check #2

Environmental Defense Fund's highlights and rebuttals to false statements made during the American Clean Energy and Security Act's second hearing on April 22, 2009.

EDF: Historic Climate Vote Signals New Momentum to Pass Carbon Cap in 2009

The Environmental Defense Fund reacts of the passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through the House Energy & Commerce Committee on May 21, 2009.

Environmental Organizations’ Letter of Opposition to Cement CRA

2.16.11

How Capping Carbon Creates Jobs

A graphic from Environmental Defense Fund which explains how global warming legislation is linked to job creation and economic recovery.

Air Quality Measures Cost Less Than Predicted

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency valued the total health benefits of the Clean Air Act since 1970 through 1990 at $22.2 trillion - and the total compliance costs over the same years at $0.5 trillion, resulting in net monetary benefits of $21.7 trillion.

Support EPA’s medium/heavy duty vehicles GHG rule, Environmental Defense Fund

Last October, the EPA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a joint proposal to adopt America's first-ever climate pollution and fuel economy standards for freight trucks and buses. These vehicles – from the largest pickups to 18-wheelers – are responsible for about 20% of the climate pollution from America's transportation sector. The new standards, which will apply to trucks and buses manufactured in model years 2014 to 2018, will help strengthen our economy, increase our national security and reduce dangerous air pollution. By 2030, the volume of projected daily oil savings from the proposed standards would be large enough to offset America's oil imports from Iraq.

There They Go Again: Sky Is Falling Attacks On healthier Air, EDF Fact Sheet

There they go again: sky is falling attacks on healthier air There they go again. Economic meltdown. Higher consumer costs. Massive job losses. These are among the predictions of doom surrounding EPA's current and forthcoming round of clean air protections. If they sound familiar, they should. Time and again, from the enactment of the Clean Air Act in 1970 to today, prophets of doom have predicted that disastrous consequences would flow from cleaning the air we all breathe. And time and again, those dire predictions have been wrong. The Clean Air Act has protected American health and our environment for decades while our economy has grown. It is a legislative success story that continues today.

Businesses and States Support Clean Air Act Action to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Pollution

Numerous American businesses and states support efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through Clean Air Act rules, as demonstrated by recent court documents opposing a request for a judicial stay of EPA action.

New EPA Guidance Will Help Companies, States Find Cost Savings under Greenhouse Gas Permits

EDF Press Release: (Washington, D.C. – November 10, 2010) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released new guidance that will help companies and states find and implement cost-saving energy efficiency measures as they begin the permitting process for the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

EDF: President Forges Common Ground with Diverse Regional Interests on Climate Security

Environmental Defense Fund's response to President Obama's announcement on May 19, 2009 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation will establish a uniform federal standard to reduce global warming pollution from cars and light trucks and improve vehicle efficiency.

EDF: Ignoring climate change undermines national security

An EDF fact sheet on the national security ramifications of climate change, and how passing the American Clean Energy & Security Act can help avoid the worst effects of climate change.

EDF: Stimulus Bill Conferees Urged to Adopt Best Transportation Provisions in Senate and House Bills

The stimulus bill conferees should adopt the best transportation provisions in the Senate and House bills, according to an adviser to the U.S. Transportation Department who is Transportation Director for Environmental Defense Fund.

Less Carbon, More Jobs

A database and Google Map showing how a cap on carbon will create a new-energy economy and new jobs in 12 states, including: IN, AR, CO, FL, GA, MI, MO, OH, VA, NH, PA, TN

EDF Statement on CLEAR

A Press release from EDF on the introduction of the Cantwell-Collins CLEAR ACt.

EDF: In Historic Step, EPA Determines Global Warming Major Threat to Human Health, Environment

Press release from Environmental Defense Fund in response to the EPA's announcement on Friday, April 17 that it considers carbon pollution to be a threat to America's public health and welfare.

Letter to Chairmen Waxman and Markey: May 18, 2009

A letter from Environmental Defense Fund to Chairmen Waxman and Markey in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Environmental Defense Fund: On President Obama's Decision to Go to Copenhagen

“President Obama’s decision to attend climate talks in Copenhagen is good news for the planet, and a great Thanksgiving gift for America. President Obama’s personal involvement in this historic event shows the U.S. is serious about protecting the climate and creating a clean energy future for the world. "

EDF Reacts to Passage of ACES Through House

On June 26, Environmental Defense Fund reacts to the passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through the House.

Ensuring the Integrity of the Carbon Market

EDF fact sheet explains how Congress can ensure the right regulatory balance and avoid the recent problems seen in financial markets.

Environmental Defense Fund Reacts to Introduction of Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

Press release from Environmental Defense Fund on the introduction of Senate climate and energy legislation, with statements by EDF legislative director Elizabeth Thompson.

Statement from EDF President Fred Krupp on Copenhagen Climate Accord

Press release from Environmental Defense Fund on December 18, 2009 in response to the Copenhagen Climate Accord with statement from President Fred Krupp, "Today’s agreement takes the first important steps toward true transparency and accountability in an international climate agreement. The sooner the U.S. speaks through Senate legislation, the sooner we can set the terms of engagement for talks to come."

Statement by Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp on Committee Passage of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

Press release from EDF on November 5, 2009 with statement on the Senate EPW passage of S. 1733.

Unlocking economic opportunity with a CAP on Carbon

A two-page fact sheet by the Environmental Defense Fund outlining the three reasons benefits of putting a cap on carbon: 1) long-term price signals for investors, 2) California's climate bill spurred investment and 3) would create markets for low carbon technologies.

Critique of ACCF/NAM's Analysis of H.R. 2454 on the U.S. Economy

EDF paper challenging oversights by ACCF/NAM.

Air Quality Measures Consistently Cost Less Than Predicted

A two-page fact sheet by the Environmental Defense Fund on how air quality measures -- such as the Clean Air Act -- have historically been one of the most cost-effective regulatory programs in the country . It also explains why cap-and-trade is the best approach to reducing emissions.

Cost of Climate Law Delay

EDF fact sheet showing the economic cost difference between beginning action in 2012 versus two years later to reach the Waxman-Markey 2020 emissions reduction goal.

EDF: What Will It Cost to Protect Ourselves From Global Warming?

An August 2008 EDF report that concludes if the US acts soon to set a cap-and-trade system in place, it will significantly reduce GHG emissions without adversely effecting the economy. Specifically, the cost of capping GHGs will cost the average American family less than 1% of their annual budget over the next twenty years.

Sectoral Approaches in a New Global Framework: An Exploration of Guiding Principles

EDF gives a brief overview of weaknesses in proposed sectoral approaches as well as guiding principles for solutions.

Cutting Global Warming Pollution For a Dime A Day

A three-page fact sheet by the Environmental Defense Fund that provides an overview of the Congressional Budget Office and EPA economic analyses, both of which conclude that the American Clean Energy and Security Act would have a minimal impact on consumer prices. In fact, the U.S. economy will grow strongly under the legislation.

EDF: EPA Determination on Greenhouse Gases Sets Stage for U.S. Action on Climate Change, Clean Energy Economy

Press release from Environmental Defense Fund on December 7, 2009 on the EPA endangerment finding for greenhouse gases with statement from President Fred Krupp.

EIA Analysis: A Carbon Cap Will Cut America’s Oil Addiction for About a Dime a Day

EDF reacts to the release of the Energy Information Administration's analysis of ACES, Aug. 4 2009.

Clean Energy Jobs in Indiana Overview

This fact sheet collects several sources of information showing how accelerating the clean-energy transition will benefit Indiana's economy — and, conversely, the costs and consequences of failing to act.

EDF State-Specific Facts Sheets on Clean Energy Jobs, Costs of Inaction

Link to PDFs detailing existing clean energy jobs, opportunities for the future clean energy jobs, and costs of inaction for a number of states, with more to come.