News: Media Center

Automakers Get Third Strike in California Car Litigation
WASHINGTON (November 25, 2008) -- A federal judge in Rhode Island today ruled that General Motors, Chrysler, and the Association of Automobile Manufacturers cannot challenge that state’s adoption of California’s landmark clean car standards, which will cut global warming pollution 30 percent by 2016. The standard will help solve the global warming crisis while saving consumers billions of dollars at the pump. Thirteen other states have already copied California’s standards, and at least another four states are planning to do so. 

Backyard Oil Drilling Affects Thousands in LA
LOS ANGELES (November 25, 2008) – Thousands of residents living near Baldwin Hills may soon be exposed to serious health risks if Texas-based oil company, Plains Exploration and Production Company (PXP) is allowed to expand their drilling projects, according to a lawsuit filed today by Community Health Councils, Inc. (CHC) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The lawsuit against the County of Los Angeles challenges the County for failing to provide adequate health and environmental safeguards against the dangers of expanded oil drilling operations in the densely populated south Los Angeles and Culver City neighborhoods.

Broadway Goes Green in Collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council
NEW YORK (November 25, 2008) – In the quest to be more environmentally responsible in the production of entertainment, the Broadway theatre community announced today the launch of BROADWAY GOES GREEN, an industry-wide initiative to reduce Broadway's carbon footprint, adopt environmentally sustainable practices and promote environmental awareness in the creation and presentation of Broadway shows.

Bureau of Land Management Makes a Turkey of a Deal in Utah
WASHINGTON (November 25, 2008) -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah agreed to lease 59 parcels of land to oil and gas drilling today, against the recommendation of the National Park Service. The lease sale releases more than 300,000 acres of protected public lands near Arches and Canyonlands National Park, along with eastern Utah's Dinosaur National Monument, which hosts nearly 2 million tourists per year.

Leading Environmental Groups Work with Obama's Team to Tackle Top Issues
WASHINGTON (November 25, 2008) — Nearly 30 environmental, science and conservation groups presented their top policy recommendations to President-elect Barack Obama's transition team yesterday. Representing millions of Americans, the groups provided a document laying out recommendations on key federal agencies and issues, including land, air, water, oceans and public health.

Transition: Prominent California Environmental Leader Moves to NRDC
SAN FRANCISCO (November 24, 2008) -- After nearly twenty five years as an advocate, attorney, and administrator championing conservation of California's natural resources, Felicia Marcus has accepted the newly created Western Director position at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). She started work on November 5, 2008.

NRDC Responds to Selection of Congressman Waxman as Chairman of House Energy and Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON (November 20, 2008) -- In response to the Selection of Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) as Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the Natural Resources Defense Council issued the following statement from Karen Wayland, Legislative Director:

CA Climate Summit Looks Beyond Borders to Fight Global Warming
LOS ANGELES (November 19, 2008) – Today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger concludes the two-day Global Climate Summit, an event designed to engage national and international leaders in global warming solution discussions and raise awareness about the upcoming global climate treaty meeting in Poland this winter. Several U.S. governors and internationally-recognized leaders from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Mexico and the European Union attended the summit. Participants discussed greenhouse gas reporting between countries and states, transportation, deforestation, global trade, and new approaches to energy.

New EPA Rule Leaves U.S. Waterways at Risk
WASHINGTON (November 19, 2008) – In another blow to our nation’s waterways, the Bush Administration proposed a rule that would leave streams, rivers and lakes nationwide vulnerable to contamination by development and construction runoff, including metals and other toxic pollutants.

NRDC Receives Grant to Analyze Options for Using the Economic Value Created by a Cap-and-Trade System
WASHINGTON (November 18, 2008) –The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) announced today the receipt of a $750,000 grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF). The grant will enable NRDC to conduct a thorough analysis using economic models to answer questions surrounding the emission allowances to be distributed by the government under a cap-and-trade approach to combating climate change.