Friends of the Earth (FoE)

Website: http://www.foe.org

Phone: 202-783-7400

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Last Updated: February 10, 2009

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Recently Uploaded Resources

Letter opposing H.R. 271

This letter states the position of the sign-on organizations that HR 271, the Resolving Environmental and Grid Reliability Conflicts Act of 2013, is too broad in its scoop, ignores already-existing legal mechanisms and will create harmful outcomes.

Letter to State Department reguarding presidential permit for Northeast tar sands pipeline

This coalition letter to the State Department Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) asks that they not grant a request from Portland Pipe Line Corporation to use one of its pipelines to transport tar sands oil.

Financing Reef Distruction: How banks are using our money to destroy a natural icon

This report details how Australian banks are financing coal mining and gas export terminal exploration projects in the Great Barrier Reef region and the threats that such developments pose

Leave It in the Ground, Climate Activists Demand

An article detailing recent reports that up to 70% of current known fossil fuel reserves must remain in the ground in order to avoid the worst impacts of global climate change. Several NGO leaders are quoted calling for a moratorium on new fossil fuel investments worldwide.

Letter opposing Terry bill (H.R. 3) on Keystone XL

A form letter from a coalition of organizations to Congressional representatives urging them to vote against a measure that would grant approval to the Keystone XL pipeline without any decision from the Executive agencies.

Unpacking Climate Change

A basic guide to climate change terminology and core concepts designed for people who are new to the science and politics of global climate change

Robin Hood Tax legislation introduced, could generate billions of dollars to fight climate change

A press release expressing Friends of the Earth's support for the enactment of a financial transactions tax that could raise billions of dollars for critical needs such as healthcare, education, job creation and the international fight against HIV/AIDS and climate change.

Letter to Sec. Jewell on Powder River Basin coal leasing

A letter to the newly appointed Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, encouraging her to place an immediate moratorium on new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin and to conduct a comprehensive review of the federal coal leasing program.

Pro-poor Climate Finance: Is There a Role for Private Finance in the Green Climate Fund?

This report explores how the Green Climate Fund and the UNFCCC can better leverage private capital to meet the needs of poor people in developing nations with regards to the challenges of climate change.

Keystone XL SEIS Comment Period Extension Letter

A letter from a coalition of groups requesting a comment period extension for the draft supplemental environmental impact statement for Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.

Coalition Letter in support of Gina McCarthy for EPA Administrator, 4.10.2013

On behalf of our millions of members and supporters, we write to strongly support President Obama's Nomination of Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy to head the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Ms. McCarthy has a solid, bipartisan record of successfully working to protect our air and water. We believe that she is execptionally well-qualified to fill this critical position.

FY14 International Climate Finance Letter to OMB

15 humanitarian, faith-based and environmental organizations sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget OMB) to urge continued support for bilateral and multilateral climate change finance investments.

Robin Hood Calls on Jack Lew to Pledge a Real Recovery Through Wall Street Sales Tax

Wearing their signature Robin Hood hats, U.S. Robin Hood Tax Campaign advocates brought their message of a Wall Street sales tax directly into the confirmation hearing of Jack Lew before the Senate Finance Committee: The next Treasury Secretary needs to give his highest priority to raising revenue for Main Street and the many communities still suffering from the financial collapse of 2008. Robin Hood called upon Lew to pledge his support for the Robin Hood Tax, embodied in the Inclusive Prosperity Act, or Ellison bill.

A Greener Day at State Department?

President Obama has set high expectations for his nominee to lead the State Department with a rigorous commitment to combating catastrophic climate change. But for Kerry to live up to the promises in the president's inaugural address, he must reverse the often-disappointing direction taken by outgoing Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Letter from 69 Groups to Obama on Key Climate Actions

69 environmental, civic, labor and healthcare groups signed this letter calling for President Obama to take three specific climate actions: 1) Raise his voice; 2) Use his executive authority under the Clean Air Act; and 3) Reject dirty fuels.

Friends of the Earth Statement on Senator Kerry's Nomination

Friends of the Earth U.S. congratulates Senator John Kerry (D - Mass.) on his nomination to become secretary of state and President Erich Pica had the following statement in response.

Friends of the Earth's Statement on the Re-Election of President Barack Obama

President Obama has been re-elected to his second term as president. Friends of the Earth President Erich Pica had the following statement in response.

U.S. Funding for Clean Technology under the UN Climate Convention in 2010

Friends of the Earth's recommendations for budget spending on clean energy technology to be shared with developing nations.

Clinton Urged to Support ‘Robin Hood’ Tax to Fund Climate

Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace joined 61 other charities, unions and campaign groups to urge U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to support a financial transaction tax to help fund the fight against climate change. Read more at the link below.

Letter in Opposition to H.R. 6213, the No More Solyndras Act

On behalf of our members and activists across the country we are writing to express our strong opposition to H.R. 6213, the No More Solyndras Act, which is scheduled for the floor Friday, September 14, 2012. H.R. 6213 would do nothing to protect U.S. taxpayers from underwriting the numerous high-risk, capital-intensive fossil and nuclear energy projects already in line to receive billions of dollars in federal financial support through the Title XVII DOE Energy Loan Guarantee Program.

Oppose HR 3409 Sign-on Letter

On behalf of our millions of members and activists, we urge you to reject H.R. 3409, the Stop the War on Coal Act of 2012. This bill purports to address coal, but in fact takes aim at a staggering array of basic laws that keep the American public safe; it fundamentally weakens the Clean Air Act and eviscerates the protections of the Clean Water Act.

Robin Hood, nurses, Woody Guthrie and Friends of the Earth: Let's Tax Wall Street!

 

FoE Finds Waxman-Markey Gives Big Bucks to Polluters

Friends of the Earth Analyzes the economic impact of ACES permit allocations.

TV Ad Challenges Iowa’s Radioactive Rate Hike Bill

The watchdog group Friends of the Earth today released a TV ad opposing legislation that would allow MidAmerican Energy to raise electric rates in order to pay for new nuclear reactors—and allow MidAmerican to keep the money regardless of whether the new reactors are actually constructed.

Report Details Consequences of World Bank’s Fossil Fuel Binge

An April 14th report by Friends of the Earth and several other non-governmental organizations highlights the World Bank’s continued detrimental financing of fossil fuels. According to seven case studies of the report “World Bank, Climate Change and Energy Financing: Something Old. Something New?” the Bank’s increase in carbon-intensive financing and support for large-scale energy projects are ineffective at alleviating poverty. To worsen the problem, environmental and social safeguards apply to an ever decreasing share of the Bank’s financing portfolio. In cases where rules do apply, the Bank has not incorporated lessons from previous project failings. Overall, deep questions remain about the institution’s ability to meet is sustainability and development goals.

Letter to the House Against VEETC and Infrastructure for Conventional Ethanol

Coalition of environmental organizations urges support for legislation that eliminates the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and opposition to diverting public monies into infrastructure for conventional ethanol.

Letter to Senate Against VEETC and Infrastructure for Conventional Ethanol

Coalition of environmental organizations urges support for legislation that eliminates the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and opposition to diverting public monies into infrastructure for conventional ethanol.

Response to the President's Speech on Energy Security

In response to President Obama’s speech on energy security and its supporting documentation, Friends of the Earth said, “This speech was more about polluting the future than winning it. President Obama today doubled down on his support for dirty energy sources including the nuclear, corn ethanol, oil, natural gas, and coal industries, while going AWOL on a crucial fight over the Clean Air Act."

Environmental Organizations' Letter to President Obama Urging for Nuclear Transparency, Friends of the Earth 3.18.11

Letter expressing concern about conflicting statements from the US and Japanese governments about the risks from radioactive releases and the need to remove members of the public from areas around the nuclear reactors.

U.S. Nuclear Reactors Pose Risks

As in Japan, American reactors are aging, some sit precariously on fault lines and on beaches, and spent fuel storage pools are under-protected. The U.S. has already had close calls, human failure and radioactive releases. Nuclear reactors are also vulnerable to sabotage and terrorist attack.

Obama’s Refusal to Put Brakes on Reactors Called Irresponsible

Friends of the Earth called on the President to stop the construction and licensing of dangerous reactors, to reverse his support for nuclear industry bailouts, and to shift his focus to phasing out aging reactors like those on the brink of meltdown in Japan as quickly and safety as possible.

Experts: What are U.S. Implications of the Japanese Nuclear Reactor Crisis?

Cautions issued on the use of the same aging reactors, huge exposure for taxpayers/ratepayers, lack of emergency preparedness, and emergence of risky MOX fuel.

FoE Reacts to Passage of ACES Through House

On June 26, Friends of the Earth reacts to the passage of the American Clean Energy & Security Act through the House.

Environmental Groups' Letter to the Senate Against Ethanol Subsidies and Infrastructure Investment

A coalition of 90 groups joined in a letter to the Senate opposing the extension of ethanol subsidies and investment in ethanol infrastructure.

Environmental Groups' Letter to Senator Reid on the CES

Coalition letter from over 140 groups to Senator Reid asking that no nuclear, coal, natural gas or biomass be included in a Clean Energy Standard.

Friends of the Earth's Response to 2011 State of the Union

 

Clean Energy Standard - Letter to President Obama

A letter to President Obama urging him to highlight opportunities for deploying energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies during his 2011 State of the Union. The letter urges the President to resist supporting the Clean Energy Standard because it includes dirty technologies such as nuclear reactors, coal, natural gas and biomass.

Friends of the Earth International Initial Analysis of Cancun Outcome

Friends of the Earth International Initial Analysis of Cancun Outcome: Long-term Cooperative Action and Kyoto Protocol Texts

Friends of the Earth: Capitalizing on climate: The World Bank's Role in climate change and international climate finance

A report by Friends of the Earth.

Dangerous Senate Bill Threatens to Stymie Fight Against Global Warming

Statement by Friends of the Earth on the American Power Act.

FOE: statement on Senate Climate bills

A statement from FOE discussing the Senate bills, including an early statement on KGL.

FOE: statement on Senate Climate bills

A statement from FOE discussing the Senate bills, including an early statement on KGL.

FOE: statement on Senate Climate bills

A statement from FOE discussing the Senate bills, including an early statement on KGL.

FOE Analysis of CLEAR

A breakdown of the Cantwell-Coillins Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal Act from Friends of the Earth.

FOE Statement on CLEAR

A Statement from Friends of the Earth on the introduction of the Cantwell-Collins CLEAR Act.

FOE Statement on FY11 budget proposal

Friend's of the Earth reacts to Obama's fy11 budget proposal that ends $36 billion in polluter giveaways, but also provides $55 billion in bailouts for the nuclear industry.

Friends of the Earth Statement on Climate Bill Action in Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Press release from Friends of the Earth, with comments by FOE President Erich Pica, on the passage of S. 1733 in Senate EPW Committee on November 5, 2009.

Friends of the Earth U.S. Reaction: Sham Deal Requires Nothing, Accomplishes Nothing

Press Release from Friends on the Earth U.S. on December 18, 2009 in reaction to the end of the Copenhagen climate summit with statement from President Erich Pica, "“Climate negotiations in Copenhagen have yielded a sham agreement with no real requirements for any countries. This is not a strong deal or a just one -- it isn’t even a real one."

Friends of the Earth Reacts to Introduction of Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

Press release from Friends of the Earth on the introduction of Senate climate and energy legislation, with statements from FOE president Erich Pica.

Subprime Carbon: Re-thinking the world's largest new derivatives market

A March 2009 Friends of the Earth report which finds that both proposed and existing federal climate change legislation does not provide adequate regulation for carbon markets. The report offers advice on how the US must govern the carbon derivatives market to be effective.

Subprime Carbon – Offsets & Lessons from the Credit Crisis

Two-page position paper by Friends of the Earth that says proposed federal cap-and-trade legislation poses the same risks and challenges of those in the mortgage-lending industry.

The World Bank and Climate Change

Overview of the World Bank's efforts to help developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.

Global Warming Emissions Reduction Targets and Offsetting: Implications for an International Climate Agreement

Fact sheet from Friends of the Earth on the state of negotiations in the Fall of 2009, calling for stronger emissions reduction pledges and a reduction in carbon offsetting.

Legal Structure: Implications for a Copenhagen Agreement's Effectiveness

Fact sheet from Friends of the Earth on the legal structure of the international negotiations, including the two-track negotiation process.

Financing Clean Energy and Protecting against Climate Impacts in Developing Countries: Implications for an International Climate Agreement

Fact sheet from Friends of the Earth calling for adequate funding for adaptation and mitigation needs, a new funds delivery mechanism, and the commitment of public funds from developed countries.