LCV Home Page Blog

Roadless Area Conservation Rule

2009-03-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

In January 2001, the U.S. Forest Service adopted the Roadless Area Conservation Rule to protect 58.5 million acres of undeveloped land in 39 states. This rule is vital as, among other reasons, it protects pristine forests that provide habitat for 1,600 threatened or endangered plants and animals and includes watersheds that provide unpolluted drinking water to 60 million Americans. These are some of the last wild places left in the United States, but they are threatened by logging and development following the Bush administration’s efforts to undermine the Roadless Rule, which contributed to conflicting court cases.

The Pew Environment Group, coinciding with the college basketball tournaments in March, recently released a video asking President Obama “take a time out” and uphold the Roadless Area Conservation Rule in order to protect America’s wildlife, water quality, wild-lands, and natural resources. Check out the video here. In the Bush administration, the interests of mining, drilling, and logging superseded environmental protection, threatening our last wild forests. Let’s take the opportunity to support PEG in asking President Obama to uphold the rule, leaving our remaining national forests protected.

Greenhouse Gases a Danger to the Public

2009-03-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

E.P.A. Proposal Calls Greenhouse Gases a Danger to the Public

Obama Touts Stimulus, Budget Funds for 'Clean Energy Future'

Problems persist two decades after ‘Exxon Valdez’ oil spill

American Birds Sending Troubling Message About The Environment

Secretary Steven Chu helps create a few thousands jobs

2009-03-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and the Obama Administration made history today, offering the first loan guarantee from the Department of Energy, a loan guarantee that will help Solyndra, a solar energy company, build a new factory to produce solar panels. Not only will those panels reduce our dependence on dirty sources of energy like coal and oil, building and installing them will create thousands of jobs in California and across the country:

From Solyndra's estimates:

* The construction of this complex will employ approximately 3,000 people.

* The operation of the facility will create over 1,000 jobs in the United States.

* The installation of these panels will create hundreds of additional jobs in the United States.

* The commercialization of this technology is expected to then be duplicated in multiple other manufacturing facilities.

This is what we've been talking about. This is how investing in clean energy and reducing global warming pollution can help kick-start our economy. This is a great start.

Read the Department of Energy release here.

Insurance industry required to disclose risks of global warming

2009-03-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

Great news from Ceres: Insurance companies must now let their investors know about the financial risks of climate change. As these investors start to realize just how much global warming will cost them, more and more of them will join our call for swift action from Congress.

From Ceres's press release:

Regulators Require Insurers to Disclose Climate Change Risks and Strategies

State Insurance Commissioners Break New Ground By Mandating Climate Disclosure from World’s Largest Industry

SAN DIEGO, CA - The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) today approved a groundbreaking mandatory requirement that insurance companies disclose to regulators and investors the financial risks they face from climate change, as well as actions the companies are taking to respond to those risks.

Read more at ceres.org.

Solar energy production more than doubled in 2008

2009-03-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

A new report from Solarbuzz shows that 2008 was a record setting year for the production of clean, renewable energy production worldwide. Though solar energy production more than doubled, the US came in third in overall solar production.

America should be the world's leader in renewable energy, but it will take meaningful investments in new technologies. That's one reason why LCV supports President Obama's budget, which includes $150 billion in clean energy investments.

Read about the record production of 2008 at Sustainable Energy Transition.

A Greener St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick’s Day: A good time and America’s #1 green holiday. The League of Conservation Voters wishes you a safe and happy celebration. For those of you who want to do more than wear green this St. Patrick’s Day, LCV offers these tips on making your holiday as green as possible:

1) Turn off the TV, shut down the computer, and head to a nearby parade. After the parade’s over, pick up a few beer cans and put them in the recycle bin. (Note: If you see people throwing away recyclables or littering, pinch them. Hard.)

2) Before you go out, make plans to take public transportation: it’s safer, greener and you’re far more likely to meet interesting people. The American Public Transportation Association makes it easy to find public transit options in your area.

3) To get in the spirit, a fake Irish accent (although somewhat offensive) is cheaper and creates less waste than a tacky plastic hat.

4) Protect yourself from pinching: put on green clothes. Don’t go shopping for a new shirt, make your own! Grab an old white t-shirt and color it green with a cheap, natural dye.

5) If you feel compelled to drink green beer, drink real “green” beer, as determined by our friends at the Sierra Club. If you’re committed to Guinness, at least drink it warm. It’s how the Irish drink it and it’ll save energy. The Greenest Dollar blog has also identified a greener way to drink wine for those who prefer it.

6) After dinner, bring your corned beef and cabbage leftovers home without styrofoam. Thanks to Enviromom for a great idea.

7) To work off the excess calories you’ve consumed today and to make a total fool of yourself. Now it’s time for Irish dancing. We can't come up with a reason that dancing is particularly "green," but we’d hate to be the only ones on the dance floor.

8) Leave the gold alone and let the rainbows be. It’s up to all of us to stop human encroachment on the natural habitat of the endangered North American Leprachaun.

If you can measure it, you can conserve it!

2009-03-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Google is working on a great project to help consumers lower their energy consumption; thereby protecting the environment.

Take a look.

Michael Steele's Fingers Deny Existence of Global Warming

2009-03-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

We hoped that Michael Steele, the new Chairman of the Republican Party, would push Republican leaders in Washington to rethink their antagonistic approach to global warming legislation. Sadly, instead of following the lead of Republicans like Governor Crist and Governor Schwarzenegger, Chairman Steele is following Rush Limbaugh, Senator McConnell and their friends down the wrong path. For the future of this country and the future of his party, he should stop making nonsensical statements like this:

"We are cooling. We are not warming. The warming you see out there, the supposed warming, and I use my fingers as quotation marks, is part of the cooling process."

Photo and quote from Talking Points Memo.

Your Environment

2009-03-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Li Gao, director of China's department of climate change, said wealthy nations like the US and Japan should "bear in mind the historical responsibility" for causing global warming.

Energy secretary promises transformational green research

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee published a draft of legislation to expand R&D and science funding authorizations for the Department Of Energy.

Maryland Senate backs bill to cut greenhouse gases.

California air resources baord issues rules on limiting flourinated gases.

Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal called on the federal government to recognize that air quality in the Pinedale area, an active natural gas-producing region, fails to meet ozone requirements.

A draft annual report issued by the EPA found that U.S. GHG emissions increased by 17.1% between 1990 and 2007, and increased 1.4% in 2007 alone

Study Says President’s Cap-and-Trade Program Will Not Raise Taxes.

Study finds that carbon releases from the soil that result may offset carbon gains from biofuel production for at least half a century.

Public approval of Congress hits a four-year high

2009-03-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last month, Congress passed the economic recovery bill, including the largest investment in clean energy in history. A new Gallup poll shows that public opinion of Congress just hit a four-year high.

Click here for the Gallup report.

With Us or With Rush?

2009-03-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

www.WithUsOrWithRush.com

Today, the League of Conservation Voters launched a new tongue-in-cheek video, pointing out that when we talk about the right-wing echo chamber, we’re never sure who’s echoing whom.

Watch the new video, see where Republican leaders like Senator Mitch McConnell and Representative John Boehner get their talking points on energy and global warming, and sign the petition to ask Republican leaders who they stand with at www.WithUsOrWithRush.com.

President Obama on Science

2009-03-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

President Obama's remarks on science at today's announcement:

Now, this order is an important step in advancing the cause of science in America. But let's be clear: Promoting science isn't just about providing resources -- it's also about protecting free and open inquiry. It's about letting scientists like those who are here today do their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us, even when it's inconvenient -- especially when it's inconvenient. It is about ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda -- and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology. (Applause.)

By doing this, we will ensure America's continued global leadership in scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs. And that is essential not only for our economic prosperity, but for the progress of all humanity.

And that's why today I'm also signing a Presidential Memorandum directing the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government decision-making -- (applause) -- to ensure that in this new administration, we base our public policies on the soundest science; that we appoint scientific advisors based on their credentials and experience, not their politics or ideology; and that we are open and honest with the American people about the science behind our decisions. That's how we'll harness the power of science to achieve our goals -- to preserve our environment and protect our national security; to create the jobs of the future, and live longer, healthier lives.

Bringing Science Back

2009-03-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons that LCV endorsed Barack Obama for President was his stated commitment to getting the politics out of the laboratory and leaving science to the scientists. Today, President Obama took a big step in that direction.

Read the Washington Post story here.

ThruYou --- we like to think of it as recycling

2009-03-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

Last night after work we spent a couple hours at our desks watching ThruYou, a new internet video mashup sensation.

Kutiman, an Isaeli funk musician, has re-mixed dozens (if not hundreds) of stray YouTube bits of amateur musicians into his own seven-song “album.” The resulting compilation (and companion website, designed to look like a repurposed YouTube) is a mind-blowing reminder that something brand new and beautiful can be salvaged or created from forgotten or discarded parts.

Kutiman’s serious reduce-reuse-recycle mentality has a broader application in a period of economic downturn. The recycling process alone saves energy and natural resources, reduces the need to make new products from virgin materials, conserves landfill space and creates jobs, and is a major component of LCV’s overall conservation approach which is good for the economy and good for the planet.

It's a celebration, c'mon! (seriously, please c'mon)

2009-03-05T11:21:00.001-08:00

Anti-coal protesters out on Monday: ~2,500
Pro-coal protesters out on Monday: 15 + this guy.

Photo by Kate Sheppard, grist.org

On Monday afternoon, pro-coal activists like the impassioned young man shown above gathered near Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. as part of a “Celebrate Coal!” counter-protest against a massive anti-coal rally taking place at the nearby Capitol Power Plant.

Despite freezing temperatures and several inches of snow, the anti-coal protest drew an estimated 2,500 activists who gathered at the coal-run power plant to protest the harmful environmental and human health effects of coal. The protesters braved over four hours in the cold, linking arms with fellow activists to blockade all five entrances to the Capitol Power Plant. Time Magazine called it “the biggest act of civil disobedience against global warming in American history.”

The “Celebrate Coal!” counter-protest was put together by the conservative think tank Competitive Enterprise Institute to counter these “anti-coal zealots” converging on the Capitol. With its rallying cry to “highlight the human consequences of global warming alarmism,” the counter-protest drew 16 supporters—including several CEI interns—who bore signs proclaiming “Drill Drill Drill!” and “Al Gore—Not Evil, Just Wrong."

Despite the impressive—and animated—showing, pro-coal supporters appear to have been too late this time: last week congressional leaders announced that by the end of the year the Capitol Power Plant will switch to natural gas rather than coal.

To read more about the thousands-strong anti-coal protest that gained national attention, check out Kate Sheppard's story at Grist.org. Kate's other photos of the day, many of them equally entertaining, here.

Lights off March 28th!

2009-03-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

Lights off on March 28 for Earth Hour

Plastic waste is not a disposable issue

EU carbon scheme not yet hurt by low prices

Today, House Holds a hearing on "Preparing for Copenhagen: How Developing Countries Are Fighting Climate Change."

Voters in Hollywood will get to decide whether to support a measure to require their utility to build more solar energy projects

New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund organizes meeting with City Council candidates to discuss mass transit problems in the area.

Great news for endangered species

2009-03-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

...and if anyone needs some happy news, it's those guys.

From the Washington Post blog, 44: The Obama Presidency

Obama Restoring Endangered Species Act Provision

By Juliet Eilperin
Today President Obama will restore rules requiring U.S. agencies consult with independent federal experts to determine if their actions might harm threatened and endangered species, according to an administration official who asked not to be identified, marking yet another reversal of President Bush's environmental legacy.

Read more from the Post.

The internet: fun AND useful

2009-03-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Environmental Protection Agency will hold a hearing on Thursday to determine whether or not to overturn a Bush era decision that refused California's request for the right to limit carbon emissions standards for cars and trucks sold in that state. 14 other states have followed California's lead. With this decision, the EPA can make 40% of America's cars and trucks more efficient.

The Sierra Club has put together a new online petition - take a minute to let the EPA know that you want cleaner cars.

Meanwhile:
The National Wildlife Federation wants to know: "Who will be the next Senator from Minnesota and when will he be seated?" Come on all you political prognosticators, play Seat the Senator and show the pundits who's boss.

Pat Quinn, a Conservationist

2009-03-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take the time to commend the new Governor of Illinois for not making paper waste and simply reusing ex Governor Blagojevich's old envelopes.

A Green Energy Economy

2009-03-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

China plays a critical role in the global climate solution

EPA: Air tests near schools a priority

Growing excitement, expectations for green jobs corporations

Economy makes alternative energy more attractive

Tennessee's commits to cover the cost of any future carbon tax for green companies that make major investments in the state

Kerry on the Radio

2009-03-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Our very own Kerry Duggan calls in to her alma mater, the University of Michigan, for her weekly feature as the Washington Correspondent on the environmental talk show Hot in Here

Listen to Kerry Duggan on the Radio

Also on WCBN-FM

Check it out every Monday 12-1pm ET.

Green Jobs the Focus of Today's Economy

2009-02-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

Andy Stern, President of the Service Employees International Union, speaks to LCV Staff at the first meeting of the Middle Class Task Force in Philadelphia, PA.

"Our country is living through the third economic revolution as we move from industrial to a new economy. Green jobs need to be the heart, soul, and center of that new economy."

The meeting is to have a focus on green jobs as a pathway to a strong middle class.

LCV at Great Lakes Day

2009-02-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

Kerry Duggan, Lt. Gov John Cherry, Lisa Wozniak

LCV staffer, Kerry Duggan (who is also on the board of the Michigan LCV) joins Michigan LCV Executive Director Lisa Wozniak for some Hill visits today for the Great Lakes Day to discuss some priorities with members of the Michigan delegation.

Yesterday, both women had lunch with Lt. Gov John Cherry (pictured above) while listening to President Obama’s new CEQ director, Nancy Sutley, lay out the President’s priorities on water. The two Michigan friends had started the day at the Great Lakes Commission’s breakfast by listening to EPA Director Lisa Jackson underscore the importance of advocacy and offer her great respect for the non-profit community.

Director Jackson’s areas of special concern centered on toxics and our waterways, especially since the Great Lakes represents 20% of Earth’s freshwater (and 90% of our country’s). Lisa and Kerry were thrilled to hear that the new EPA director looks forward to working with the NGO community.

Currently, the Great Lakes are being seriously threatened by problems such as untreated sewage, toxic pollution and invasive species. If action is not taken soon, the Great Lakes could become undrinkable, unfishable and unhealthy to swim in. The restoration of the Great Lakes will not only preserve the health and beauty of the Midwest but could serve to revitalize the economy in the region by providing green jobs.

We here at LCV value the steps the EPA is taking in the right direction and will continue to make sure environmental progress is made on one of the most important natural and economic resources we possess in this great nation.

President Obama on Energy

2009-02-24T18:57:00.000-08:00

From President Obama's speech to the joint session of Congress.
February 24, 2009

"It begins with energy.

We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. And yet, it is China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient. We invented solar technology, but we’ve fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on batteries made in Korea.

Well I do not accept a future where the jobs and industries of tomorrow take root beyond our borders – and I know you don’t either. It is time for America to lead again.

Thanks to our recovery plan, we will double this nation’s supply of renewable energy in the next three years. We have also made the largest investment in basic research funding in American history – an investment that will spur not only new discoveries in energy, but breakthroughs in medicine, science, and technology.

We will soon lay down thousands of miles of power lines that can carry new energy to cities and towns across this country. And we will put Americans to work making our homes and buildings more efficient so that we can save billions of dollars on our energy bills.

But to truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy. So I ask this Congress to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in America. And to support that innovation, we will invest fifteen billion dollars a year to develop technologies like wind power and solar power; advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks built right here in America.

As for our auto industry, everyone recognizes that years of bad decision-making and a global recession have pushed our automakers to the brink. We should not, and will not, protect them from their own bad practices. But we are committed to the goal of a re-tooled, re-imagined auto industry that can compete and win. Millions of jobs depend on it. Scores of communities depend on it. And I believe the nation that invented the automobile cannot walk away from it.

None of this will come without cost, nor will it be easy. But this is America. We don’t do what’s easy. We do what is necessary to move this country forward."

Poling in America Shows Environment Should Still Be A Priority

2009-02-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Harris Poll®, conducted among 2,848 adults in the United States who were surveyed online by Harris Interactive® between January 12 and 19, 2009.

46% of Americans say that the issue of environmental conservation is something that is more important to them personally than it was a few years ago.

47% say it is no more or less important.

7% of Americans say it is less important to them.

Furthermore, most people do not believe the government needs to choose between the economy and the environment and that the government should be making more of an effort to be environmentally conscious.

45% say they are making more effort to be environmentally conscious than they were a year ago.

51% of Americans say they are making the same amount of effort.

Just over half of Americans say governments are making the same amount of effort as they were a year ago.

35% say they are making more of an effort than a year ago.

66% believe governments should be making more of an effort than they were a year ago.

Read the whole report:Here

Asking for accuracy

2009-02-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Last week, in a piece entitled "Dark Green Doomsayers," Washington Post columnist George Will denied the existence of global warming and mocked the "eco-pessimists" (that's us) who are seeking to stave off its worst effects. Several pieces of data cited in the piece are obviously and demonstrably wrong.

We do not expect Mr. Will to apologize for the failings of his column. We do hope that the Washington Post, one of America's great bastions of top-notch journalism, will publicly retract and correct the inaccurate information that appeared in its pages.

Despite the documented inaccuracies, Post Ombudsman Andy Alexander continues to stand by Mr. Will's column. That's why the folks over at Media Matters brought together the leaders of the Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth, and LCV: to try one more time to set the record straight. The letter they wrote is below.

Andy Alexander
Ombudsman
The Washington Post
1150 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20071

Dear Mr. Alexander:

We are writing today to express urgent concern over your refusal to correct George Will’s February 15 column, “Dark Green Doomsayers.” Will used his nationally syndicated column to make several clear distortions about global warming.

First, Will misused data on global sea ice levels from the Arctic Climate Research Center (ACRC), wrongly suggesting that ACRC data undermine the overwhelming scientific consensus surrounding "man-made global warming." In fact, the ACRC says the opposite is true -- the sea ice data Will cited actually support the scientific consensus that humans are causing global warming.

Second, Will claimed that "according to the U.N. World Meteorological Organization, there has been no recorded global warming for more than a decade." Will cited no source and provided no quote for this claim. In fact, last year, the WMO stated that the "long-term upward trend of global warming, mostly driven by greenhouse gas emissions, is continuing." And just last month, WMO secretary general Michel Jarraud reportedly said: "The major trend is unmistakably one of warming."

Third, Will rehashed the discredited myth that in the 1970s, there was broad scientific consensus that the Earth faced an imminent global cooling threat.

Will’s column has sparked widespread criticism. Yet, the only response from the Post seems to be to defend Will with further misinformation. When Brad Johnson from the Center for American Progress Action Fund contacted you to correct Will’s distortions, you reportedly refused to acknowledge that they exist.

Global warming is one of the most urgent issues facing our country and the entire world. In dealing with an issue of such magnitude, the Post has a duty to provide the truth to its readers.

George Will is entitled to his own opinions, but he is not entitled to his own facts. We respectfully ask that you immediately make your readers aware of the glaring misinformation in Will’s column.

Thank you.

Kerry Duggan on the Radio

2009-02-23T11:36:00.001-08:00

A Greener Olympics?

2009-02-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

Clinton, Chinese add environmental and security issues to economic talks

Most extensive environmental criminal trial in U.S. history' begins Monday

Cost and Environmental Concerns Push U.S. Business Leaders to Become More Energy Efficient

Students from Olympic College and elsewhere rallied together Thursday at the state capitol to participate in Washington State 2009 Environmental Lobby Day.

Canadian environment minister makes carbon capture top priority

Chicago promising greenest Olympics in 2016 bid

For the second time in seven months, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has been handed a court order to implement stormwater regulations that will protect water quality in five Chittenden County brooks.

Leave the gun, take the windmill

2009-02-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

The mafia may be getting involved in clean energy in Italy. Seriously.

As Ariel Schwartz puts it in this story from greenbiz.com: "Corruption or not, Mafia involvement in wind power means that alternative energy has finally hit the big time."

Some good news in the fight against global warming

2009-02-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

"Elections have consequences," has long been one of LCV's guiding principles. Too often, we bring that axiom up to explain why something bad just happened. Today, we get to look at it from a happier perspective. In today’s news there are two stories that together, show just how much difference an election can make.

1) Today, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made her first official visit to China (in her current role) and global warming is at the top of her agenda. As part of the bilateral talks on climate change and energy, she will tour a thermal power plant and discuss the potential economic benefits of clean energy to both China and the United States.

As Energy Secretary Steven Chu says in the USA Today article on Clinton's visit, the ultimate solution to global warming will have to include both China and the United States, two of the world's largest emitters of global warming pollution. That climate change topped the agenda on Secretary Clinton's first visit to China suggests that bringing the two country's into agreement on this vital issue will be a top goal for President Obama's administration.

2) Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that he plans to bring a global warming bill to the Senate before the end of this summer, after taking care of a new energy bill in the next few weeks. After years of waiting, years the planet could scarcely afford, this announcement was music to our ears. While we don't know the details of either of those bills, LCV will help to get them written and passed and we expect both of them to move the ball forward on protecting our planet, increasing our security, and creating jobs with clean, renewable energy.

Domestically and internationally, forward-thinking leaders in Congress and the Obama administration are moving us in the right direction. Sign up for the new LCV Facebook Cause for the latest updates and to find out how you can help make this happen.

The Green Stimulus

2009-02-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

Energy has been a focus of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters as 'Green' legislation moves through the General Assembly

LCV calls stimulus the biggest investment in new green technologies that we've ever seen

Measure B in California will create thousands of much-needed green jobs

NY LCV honors Purchase College For Commitment To Sustainability

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voter's organizes February 25 as Conservation Lobby Day

Water, Carbon and Mercury

2009-02-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

Carper will serve on new 'green jobs' panel

House Passes Two Water Research Bills to promote water-use efficiency and conservation

Environmental Protection Agency said it will re-evaluate a Bush administration decision to allow coal-fired power plants to open without taking carbon emissions into account.

Study Finds Biofuels Could Partially Displace Gasoline in Near Term.

A study on climate change impacts in the Northwest projects dramatic reductions in spring snowpack, water shortages, rising stream temperatures, large increases in wildfires, more common extreme precipitation events, and rising numbers of heat- and air-pollution related deaths.

At a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, mayors from nearly 400 European cities signed an agreement committing their cities to strict GHG reductions above existing EU levels.

U.S. backs call for global treaty on mercury use.

EPA and Sierra Club score big win for climate

2009-02-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Our friends over at the Sierra Club just scored a big win over Big Coal. Working with the Obama Administration's new Environmental Protection Agency, they have taken a major step towards limiting global warming pollution.

Click here for the Sierra Club press release.

Click here for Steve Mufson's take in the Washington Post.

Pelosi thanks LCV

2009-02-13T15:15:00.001-08:00

Watch the video!

Minutes ago, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly thanked the League of Conservation Voters for helping to pass the economic recovery package through the House of Representatives.

When Speaker Pelosi thanked LCV, she was thanking you for the calls you made and the emails you sent to your representatives, which helped ensure the bill's success. Your hard work and your commitment to LCV have helped make a clean energy future possible.

After it passes the Senate, which we expect to happen later today, this bill will be signed into law by President Obama. At that moment, our country will have made the largest investment in clean, renewable energy in the history of humankind. It will be an unprecedented step towards a cleaner, safer, more prosperous future for all of us.

Thank you for all that you do for LCV and for the future of the planet.

Thanks from Speaker Pelosi

2009-02-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

We hear that Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi just publicly thanked LCV for its strong support of the economic recovery package. We'll try to post video here shortly.

Those LCV members who took the time to call and email their representatives did great work, and you should be proud.

Thanks to you, we're only two steps away (tonight's Senate vote and President Obama's signature) from creating thousands of jobs, improving our security and protecting our planet with the largest investment in clean energy in our history.

Distressing news

2009-02-13T11:50:00.001-08:00

Even as Congress works to pass the largest investment in clean energy in history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released new data showing just how much we need it. According to NOAA, Science (the journal, not the abstract concept), and the Center for American Progress, CO2 levels are at their highest in 650,000 years.

Read the analysis from CAP here.

A New Political Climate?

2009-02-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Maine's GOP Senators Emerge As Key Deal Makers

Ken Fisher of the New York League of Conservation Voters is debate moderator of council candidates forum on transit

Pollution Hurts Vermont Tourism

Energy and efficiency intact in stimulus bill

Citizens push for an expansion of New York's 5-cent bottle deposit law to cover non-carbonated beverages

A New Climate for Downtown Berkeley?

Economic Recovery / Environmental Stimulus

2009-02-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

Check out the new story from Kate Sheppard at Grist on how the Economic Recovery Package will help create jobs, improve our security, and protect our planet by investing in clean, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and public transportation.

A Capitol Hearing

2009-02-11T21:31:00.000-08:00

Hasan and I made it over to Longworth this morning where the House Committee on Natural Resources met to hear testimonies from environmental activists Ted Danson and Philippe Cousteau, Jr. This hearing was the first of a series to discuss “Perspectives on the Continental Shelf”. The witnesses offered their mutual recommendation to Congress to reinstate the expired moratorium on the surrounding Outer Continental Shelf. Danson and Cousteau spoke at the hearing on behalf of their respective organizations, Danson as a member of the Board of Directors for Oceana and Cousteau as Co-Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of EarthEcho.

The hearing covered a broad spectrum of concerns regarding the OCS, but focus was clearly on the benefits and drawbacks of drilling in these valued locations. Danson and Cousteau offered compelling testimony for green jobs, a revived economy, and protection for the critical and fragile ocean ecosystems. Their testimonies will be taken into serious consideration as Congress decides future actions on this significant area of natural resources.

BIG WIN IN NEVADA

2009-02-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

This week, the Nevada Conservation League helped end the threat of a new coal-fired power plant in Ely, NV. Nevada Energy, the company that had planned to build the plant, put its plans on indefinite hold, citing economic and environmental concerns. The company plans to continue to build an energy transmission line in order to handle increased renewable energy capacity.

"NV Energy has made the best possible decision to help create green jobs in Nevada and protect our children from the mercury, arsenic and lead produced by coal plants," said Scot Rutledge, executive director of the Nevada Conservation League.

Visit http://www.rgj.com/article/20090210/BIZ/902100333 for more info.

Progress around the World

2009-02-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

Burning gasoline costs society an estimated 37 cents per gallon

The European Parliament recommends detailed measures to be taken in key economic sectors to achieve a future EU integrated policy on climate change.

Australian Stimulus Package Includes Boost For Emission Reducing Programs

Roseburg City Council member Steve Tuchscherer has pushed the council to develop policies to make the city more sustainable

EPA says oil spill near Chicago, has minimal environmental impact

There is enough support in Congress to pass legislation requiring utilities to generate a portion of their electricity supplies from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources

Environmental advocates urged Congress on Wednesday to reinstate the broad moratorium on offshore oil drilling

Go and vote no

2009-02-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

The Reno Gazette Journal has an online poll about whether NV should drop its opposition to storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain – something LCV has long opposed.

Please go online today and vote no.

Environmental Progress on the Hill

2009-02-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

EPA Reconsiders California’s Request for Section 209(a) Waiver

Jody Freeman named Counselor for Energy and Climate Change

EPA chief picks Center for American Progress fellow Bob Sussman as climate adviser

President Obama Accelerates Efficiency Standard Development.

Rep. Collin Peterson intends to move a bill designed to have CFTC jurisdiction over GHG allowance and offset trading, and require that trading occur on a “designated contract market”

Michigan Governor Announces 45 Percent Reduction in Fossil Generation By 2020

World Faces Shortage in Climate Change Workforce

Turkey Ratifies Kyoto Protocol

Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) introduced legislation that would impose a $10 per ton of carbon content tax on fossil fuels, to increase by $10 each year until GHG emissions are 80% below 1990 levels.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) is proposing a Renewable Electricity Standard that would require sellers of electricity to retail consumers to obtain increasing percentages of their electricity from new renewable sources, beginning with 4% by 2011 and rising to 20% by 2021.

A Staff Members Take on the Boxer Press Conference

2009-02-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

After November, it began to occur to me that real change was occurring in America. Not just the change brought about by America moving forward and electing a Black President, but also, the significance that the League of Conservation voters had on changing the hearts and minds of everyday Americans throughout the country. The environmental movement officially began.

Sometimes believing that change would occur during the Bush administration seemed like a distant dream; that our nation could never be on the forefront of helping save the world from rising seawaters and increasing temperatures. Inauguration felt like a coming of that dream. Where an American President, even in times of economic peril stood in front of the American people and said that the environment still matters and that conservation should be seen as an ally to the US economy not a foe.

Barbara Boxer’s press conference stood in unison with that sentiment. She told the crowded room of press and environmentalists to leave the conference knowing that we must fight global warming despite the economic downturn because the externalities of inaction would be disastrous for human kind.

Her commitment to science paving the pathway for legislation was refreshing. Ultimately she believes that bipartisan support will occur; supporting the committee’s future bill that will be released sometime in the coming year. I believe in that.

Despite the economic times, the environment must still be a priority and the League of Conservation voters will be watching each vote and every step of the way.
We helped influence the change that occurred in America. Today’s press conference was a proud moment for the staff at the LCV but it should also be a proud moment for each and every person who helped contribute to our fight. We saw the results of what we can do and we will never rest.

LCV on the Radio

2009-02-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

Cuts and Changes

2009-02-09T08:56:00.000-08:00

Markey, the new chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment speaks in Houston at the opening of CERAWeek.

Dr. Judy Chu has thrown her name in the running in the special election to fill the vacancy in California's 32nd Congressional District.

Many of the big national environmental groups praise Salazar as a reasonable pick for Interior.

Salazar gains plaudits from environmentalists.

Obama named U.S. Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, with a 2008 LCV score of 9, to fill the slot of Commerce Secretary in his cabinet.

California could pave the way for Congress to edit NEPA under the guise of shoring up the economy.

The cuts and changes being proposed to the Environmental Protection Fund will delay the day of reckoning with New York's environmental challenges.

Reps. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Todd Platts (R-Pa.) on Wednesday introduced legislation in the House to create a federal renewable electricity standard (RES) that would require the United States to draw a quarter of its electricity from clean sources by 2025.

West Linn currently has a wonderful opportunity to add 13.88 acres of white oak savanna to its impressive parks system.

In a time of budgetary crisis, it might be tempting to think of cutting back, but Martha Phillips, newly elected co-chairman of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, sees it as a time for action.

Thoughts on setting up a Twitter account

2009-02-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Curious: who out there uses Twitter to stay in touch with friends?

Email us. feedback@lcv.org

More reality

2009-02-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Reality Campaign so named because in reality there is no such thing as clean coal, is still making news.

In Virginia, various groups call for a bipartisan redistricting commission to prepare mandatory redistricting plans for the General Assembly.

Thanks, Kurt

2009-02-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

Special shout to Kurt, an LCV intern in the Campaigns department, who filled in on the blog today...

A diverse alliance of hunters, environmentalists, government agencies, and citizens have organized a day-long summit highlighting the importance of wetlands.

A little known State lawmaker is the brains behind much of it California's landmark legislation to fight global warming.

The Employee Free Choice Act has yet to even get floor time in the new Congress but the campaigns to secure its passage — and defeat — have been dueling as if the vote were tomorrow.

Student green jobs are bringing change to communities.

New York area residents need more mass transit options, which would benefit both the economy and the environment.

Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are in good hands...

New York League of Conservation Voters and the Campaign for New York's Future have launched a voter education campaign devoted to connecting transportation and politics in Southern Queens

And finally, NY LCV doesn't endorse, but weighs in on Council special elections.

Playing catch-up

2009-01-27T19:12:00.000-08:00

In the lower 9th ward of New Orleans, 20+ homes are using solar panels, saving money and conserving energy.

A New Hampshire family cuts its water usage by 18,000 gallons.

Gore may push for climate goals beyond Obama’s.

Kate Sheppard at Grist has the story on Obama's environment related executive orders.

New York LCV lobbies for economic aid package.

Maryland LCV's legislative priorities get linked in a Baltimore Sun story about a recent lobby day.

Connecticut LCV director Lori Brown says Department of Environmental Protection in that state "is pathetically under-funded."

And last but certainly not least, Wisconsin LCV is pondering how to safely recycle all those toxic, old analog and antenna TVs that won't work after the digital conversion later this winter.

LCV in the News

2009-01-16T13:46:00.001-08:00

LCV Senior Vice President Tony Massaro is quoted in the Denver Post regarding the expectations of the Interior Department under possible Secretary Ken Salazar.

Massaro also spoke to Grist on the excellent environmental record of Salazar and his superb judgment over America's natural resources.

Obama's "Green Dream Team" is hailed as an encouraging sign for this administration's legacy.

LCV in the News

2009-01-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Southern Environmental Law Center has been working with the support of LCV to detail the environmental risks that arise from opening the Virginia coast to oil and gas drilling.

The Coalition for Wisconsin's Green Economy is working in conjunction with the Wisconsin LCV on a plan for targeting at least $2 billion of federal recovery money to projects that improve the state's energy independence, boost public transportation and develop infrastructure.

2009-01-06T18:39:00.000-08:00

Today's swearing-in ceremonies made the results of November's elections official. In the final few days of October, Kerry Duggan joined the Gary Peters campaign staff as an embed and wrote about her experiences in her home state of Michigan.

"Today was a very exciting day on Capitol Hill. LCV staff members once again met with many of our endorsed candidates – this time, though, they were all officially Members of the 111th Congress.

We met with new members Jeff Merkley, Larry Kissell, Mark Schauer, Betsy Markey, Ben Ray Lujan and many others in both the Senate and House office buildings, the Library of Congress and the Capitol itself.

The last stop we made tonight was at the Longworth House Office Building, in the office of Rep. Gary Peters, where the congressman huddled with incoming White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel before mingling with supporters and staff.

Today was special for me because of close relationships I've forged with members of the Peters Congressional staff . On election night, I was proud of Gary and our hard work, but now I'm excited. Now it's official. It's time to get to work.

The congressman's wife snapped one last photo of Rep. Peters & Kerry before we left:

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome back.

Remember the decisive victories LCV and other environmental groups celebrated on Nov. 4? Those victories marked the start of what many of us hope will be a drastic U-turn in government policies on issues ranging from clean energy policies to habitat protection to greenhouse-gas restrictions.

Let's get caught up.

Audubon Magazine profiles our report to President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team, and quotes Gene as saying, “The economy is the biggest problem, and the main way to fix it is to create a new energy future."

The Annapolis Capital believes that New Year's resolutions to quit smoking, lose weight and save money may be tough to keep...but resolving to contribute to a cleaner, greener environment is easier and should be more fun. So they've compiled a list of 50 actions you can take in 2009 to do your part to help the Chesapeake Bay, and helping Maryland LCV is No. 3 on their list.

In New York State, expanded freight railroad service, which could help the economy, relieve highway truck congestion and improve the environment, gets a “green light," says the Brooklyn Eagle.

Growth Options for the 21st Century (Go 21), a nationwide public interest organization that promotes grassroots support to expand freight train service, is encouraging resolutions from citizens that support a policy to promote improvement in freight rail infrastructure.

The group has the support of the NY League of Conservation Voters.

"Green Dream Team" Resonates Worldwide

2008-12-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

Word that LCV called Obama’s choices to fill key leadership positions on energy and the environment a “green dream team” reaches all the way to Sydney, Australia.

Back home, CQ frames the discussion surrounding Sen. Salazar’s nomination to Secretary of Interior using our National Environmental Scorecard and quotes LCV Senior Vice President Tony Massaro as saying, “As a Westerner, Secretary Salazar has hands-on experience with land and water issues, and will restore the Department of the Interior’s role as the steward of America’s public resources.”

The New Republic calls Salazar a “green pick” for his 81 percent LCV lifetime score and for criticism of the Bush administration's plans to expedite oil-shale drilling in Colorado and other Western states, on account of the environmental damage it would wreak.

A story in the Seattle P-I explores how Republican Dave Reichert became one of a handful of House Republicans to win in a district carried by President-elect Barack Obama by turning environmental values into campaign priorities.

And finally in Ohio, Micah Vieux, director of climate change and sustainability programs for the Ohio League of Conservation Voters, told the Cincinnati Enquirer that ignoring climate change could cost the state billions in revenue and almost 2 million jobs.

NYTimes Editorial -- Mr. Obama's Green Team

2008-12-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

Today's New York Times editorializes on President-elect Obama's expected nominations to the Department of Energy, EPA and the appointment of Carol Browner as coordinator of Climate Change policy.

Here is the lead:

The League of Conservation Voters, starved for good news after eight years of the Bush administration’s environmental policies, has hailed President-elect Barack Obama’s choices for his top energy and environmental jobs as “a Green Dream Team.” Let’s hope it is.

The Times also states that this team will need the active engagement of the President. No doubt.

It will also need the active involvement of the public. That's why LCV will continue to fight for a clean energy future and other solutions to the climate crisis. Solutions that will not only save the planet and improve our national security, but will also create millions of jobs and spur an urgently needed economic revitalization. Join us.

Here is a link to the full editorial:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/13/opinion/13sat1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Change is coming to Washington

2008-12-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

LCV board member Carol M. Browner has been named Mr. Obama's energy "czar," and will play a key role to coordinate energy policy among the federal agencies.

The California League of Conservation Voters enthusiastically approves of Obama's choice of Nancy Sutley to chair the White House Council on Environmental Policy in Barack Obama's Administration.

And, in an otherwise sympathetic farewell profile, FortCollinsNow.com dings Wayne Allard on his poor environmental record and references our Scorecard.

Debunking the myth of clean coal

2008-12-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

The American public heard a lot about "clean coal" during the election this year, but a new campaign from the Reality Coalition, LCV and others argues it simply doesn't exist.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is in Washington to talk to President-elect Barack Obama's transition team on energy issues, stoking speculation that she may be appointed U.S. Energy secretary.

Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Ann Arbor-based Michigan League of Conservation Voters, tells the Detroit News " Granholm embraces fully the fact that our energy future is tied to our economic future. She's been a very intelligent voice on the national scene where she represents a state for which the manufacturing sector is the biggest part of the economy."

The East County Magazine in California says environmental protection is very important to San Diego County voters, and says they trust scorecard data from LCV and CLCV.

And finally, in Newsday, the NY League of Conservation Voters praises a greening effort by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi and his Westchester County, New York counterpart Andrew Spano

News from Michigan

2008-12-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

A pair of articles for you this morning...

This story in the Toledo Blade highlights how legislators in Michigan and Ohio fared in our 2008 National Environmental Scorecard.

CNS news says criticism of Big Oil helped Obama in swing states and quotes Gene as saying President-elect Obama has a firm understanding of the connection between sound energy policy, economic growth and national security.

Turkey Eve

2008-11-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

While you are thawing your turkey, check out some of the good stories about LCV's transition report in the news today.

Responding to a question about the policy recommendations sent to Obama’s transition team this week, Gene says the solution to the nation's economic problems "is a new green economy. Delay is not just bad for the planet, it is bad for the economy."

GreenBiz.com takes the quote a bit farther, quoting LCV's president as saying that as a lawmaker Obama consistently voted favorably on environmental issues and expressed his commitment to the environment early on in his political career. "He just doesn't have it on some website, it is a core principal of his (and has been) throughout his political history," Karpinski said.

The report recommends 25 early steps the new president can take within 150 days of taking office to address climate change.

Kate Sheppard at Grist offers her take on the transition report and quotes Gene saying "we want to make sure the White House creates a very clear authority in the White House to coordinate the work going on in the different agencies ... coordinating all the action we believe needs to occur on energy and global warming."

Newsday talks about green group optimism and quotes our Scorecard, as does Gregory Foley in the Idaho Mountain Express in a story about Idaho's four elected officials in Congress.

LCV in the News

2008-11-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

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. Check it out here.

In other news Todd Bailey, Executive Director of Vermont League of Conservation Voters, goes on the record about the 2008 elections

LCV is still working to help endorsed candidate Jim Martin in Georgia Senate runoff race

The Brooklyn Eagle has a story up about green renovations, featuring board member Susan Whiting of the NYC chapter of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

And two blogs pick up our "Hypocrisy" campaign here and here.

Obama Transition Team Releases Insider Video on Energy and the Environment

2008-11-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

President-Elect Obama has made addressing global warming and a clean energy future a top priority for his upcoming administration. So it comes as no surprise that he has chosen a talented and experienced transition team on energy and the environment to guide and support him on relevant issues. Carol Browner, a member of LCV’s Board of Directors and Former EPA Administrator, heads the energy and environment policy transition team.

The transition team released this video, that gives a behind the scenes look at the team as they discuss how important these issues will be in the upcoming administration.

The video, which also features Heather Zichal, a policy director on energy and environment for the Obama Campaign, encourages the American public to voice their policy ideas and energy and environment concerns at change.gov

LCV in the News

2008-11-13T12:38:00.001-08:00

In a National Journal survey of the win-loss records of 21 interest groups' candidate endorsements, LCV was #5 when Winning %, Senate W-L, and House W-L were taken into account.

Blogs have come up with 50 ways to stop global warming. One way is to "Make Sure Your Voice is Heard" by reviewing the facts about politicians and candidates with LCV.

A student at Northwestern recounts her experiences on the campaign trail, working with LCV endorsed Mark Kirk.

LCV in the News

2008-11-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

E Magazine writes on LCV's successes in the election

Mother Jones Magazine asks what impacts the environment will see with the new crop of legislatures on their way to Washington

LCV in the News

2008-11-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

At a post-election wrap for the environmental community, leaders stressed the importance of an economic stimulus package that includes green measures.

Environmental groups are looking forward to working with a new administration that understands this generation's most pressing environmental and energy issues

Energy concerns proved to be a major factor in voters' decisions

Newly elected pro-environment legislatures to make Wisconsin "green"

LCV in the News

2008-11-07T07:53:00.001-08:00

Obama credits the League of Conservation Voters with giving him the momentum necessary to win the 2004 senatorial election!

As President-Elect, Barack Obama needs to connect the dots between a clean energy future and a solution to the economic crisis.

Texas LCV also proved successful in Tuesday night's elections as 26 of 34 endorsed candidates won in the state House.

LCV in the News

2008-11-06T13:27:00.001-08:00

Gene Karpinski joined his fellow leaders in the environmental community to commend the call for change in elections of Barack Obama and other pro-environmental legislators and speak on the challenges that now face the President-Elect.

Election victories are historical for the environment! Read about how voters this year chose to enter into a clean energy future at The Seattle Post-Intellegencer, EarthFirst, Green Biz, Grist, and North American Wind Power.

Dirty Dozen Defeated! Seven members of the Dirty Dozen lost their races on Tuesday, making way for those in favor of change in our nation's energy future, The Baltimore Sun and Wild Spirit report.

President-Elect Barack Obama begins to decide who will head the Environmental Protection Agency.

Environmental groups hold post-election briefing

2008-11-05T13:42:00.001-08:00

A photo from the National Press Club this afternoon (story coming):

Gene Karpinski and other environmental leaders briefed
reporters on the groups' efforts in the 2008 election cycle

LCV in the News

2008-11-05T08:29:00.001-08:00

Gene Karpinski says on the victory of Barack Obama as President," America embraced change today, and the planet will be better for it"

The Environment was the winner as at least 7 Dirty Dozen members lost their seats

Mark Kirk was one of the many LCV endorsed candidates to win his Congressional seat

Two happy members of LCV's campaigns staff

2008-11-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

Campaigns director Mike and project manager Kerry in
front of LCV's big board of endorsed candidates

Election night not over...

2008-11-05T00:25:00.001-08:00

It's 3:28 AM on the east coast, but election night is not over for some of LCV's endorsed candidates.

We're still watching for results in Georgia, Minnesota, Oregon, Michigan and other key states.

We'll rightly give Obama top billing on our home page, but this is by far my favorite image of the night, taken the moment his victory was confirmed:

LCV is watching the election results closely

2008-11-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

Follow along with LCV as we watch the election returns at the Wayburn Wilderness House on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

For a checklist of victories by our endorsed candidates, click here.

You can also see, at a glance, which of LCV's Dirty Dozen candidates suffered a loss tonight. Visit our Dirty Dozen page and look for the big red Xs.

We'll be reporting our results all night, so stay tuned!

LCV staff, friends and family watching the election
results together on Capitol Hill

With only hours to go...

2008-11-03T11:47:00.001-08:00

Kerry checks in from Michigan:

I spent the bulk of my Sunday making calls to volunteers reminding them that we had only two days to go and that we need them. They responded! This past weekend the Peters campaign had over 1,500 people knocking on over 101,202 doors!
As we closed down the field operation last night, the local news crew came out to check out the impressive operation. Unfortunately, I saw myself on TV on the 11 o'clock news and trust me, none of us look our best on this little sleep. The good news is that they showcased this impressive team in action:

A talented bunch – constantly exceeding the
goals for doors knocked and calls made.

Today, on the eve of Election Day, I'm continuing to help GOTV and recruit volunteers.

I just took a "break" to call in for my regular spot on WCBN's environmental talk show, "It's Hot In Here" (Noon to 1pm Mondays - 88.3fm / wcbn.org) with none other than the candidate for MI-09 himself, Gary Peters to discuss why he is the best choice for our clean energy future. Keep an eye out for the audio file if you missed it and listen to Gary lay out his priorities for the 111^th Congress.

Yours truly and Candidate Gary Peters (MI-09)
on the radio earlier today

This will be my last post from the field as I head back to DC in the morning to regroup with my LCV family for Election Day.

It's been a very busy, fun and fulfilling couple of days with the Gary Peters campaign. I wish everyone had the chance to get to know the many people across the country donating their time (and sleep) to elect such outstanding pro-environment candidates as Gary Peters. It's about time we replace a 9% LCV lifetime score with someone who got 100% as a state legislator on Michigan LCV's scorecard.

Count me lucky to just be a part of the Gary Peters team for a few wonderful days.

LCV in the News

2008-11-03T08:35:00.001-08:00

Bloggers examine why Joe Biden “kicks Sarah Palin’s butt in environmentalism”

The 2008 Environmental Scorecard put out by the California League of Conservation Voters gives Republican Senators Abel Maldonado and Sam Blakeslee high marks!

David Allgood, Director of the Southern California LCV, writes about a clear choice for state Senate: Hanna-Beth Jackson.

VOTE TOMORROW for clean energy solutions!!!!!

48 hours to go

2008-11-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

Tim checks in from Oklahoma, where he is embedded with the Andrew Rice for Senate campaign:

"We have been burning up the phones with our Get Out The Vote effort. We have called thousands of voters over the past two days to make sure they are getting out early to vote. I spoke to one elderly Rice supporter today who is unable to leave his house but wanted to help. He told me that if we could get him the information of folks to call that he would call from his home. We of course got him the names and he'll be calling voters to help get out the vote through election day.
The volunteers for Andrew are truly dedicated and are doing a fantastic job, logging a ton of hours this last week to help us get folks to the polls. The reports from Oklahoma City and Tulsa early voting locations put the waits up around 3 hours.
My parents voted yesterday and said the line in Tulsa was 2 hours long.
Our volunteers who have gone out to vote themselves tell us that energy for Andrew has been amazing and that they have never seen excitement like this in Oklahoma for an election ever. The sheer gravity of this election is not lost anywhere in this country, even in a state that isn't considered a battleground."

Volunteers at the Rice phone bank have called thousands

of Oklahomans just this week

LCV embedded in key states helping GOTV efforts

2008-11-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Kerry, reporting from Michigan:

"I spent Halloween night at the Gary Peters field office where many of the staff and volunteers dressed up as Hill staffers. Much of my day involved recruiting volunteers to Get Out The Vote. I don't know that I've ever made so many calls in one day in my life!

On a break, I noticed that on one of the walls hung newspaper clippings about the race, including a bunch of the articles about LCV's endorsement of Gary Peters as well as Joe Knollenberg's placement on the LCV Dirty Dozen. People know that Knollenberg was the first member of the '08 Dirty Dozen - it makes me smile to find out our issues are clearly playing a role in this election.

LCV made news by endorsing Peters and placing
Joe Knollenberg on the Dirty Dozen

Today, I woke up and read in the Washington Post that Gary Peters "is running a high-tech voter turnout program with the help of Obama's campaign, an operation that Democratic leaders have identified as one of the nation's best."

The strength of this team has been evident to me since I showed up at the field office on Wednesday night. Now that I'm back in my hometown of Farmington Hills, I'm focused on the GOTV effort. Today has been extremely busy with meeting and training many new volunteers and getting them out to their turf. We even had a special treat when Senator Levin's wife stopped by to say thank you to all of the volunteers.

It's hard to fathom that it's now just hours to Election Day. So much work has been done across the country to elect good pro-environment candidates like Gary Peters. But the real work happens on Tuesday. We're ready to vote!"

"yours truly, checking out the yard signs"

Trick or Treat

2008-10-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween...

Trick? Huffington Post says Heather Wilson could be Secretary Of Energy In McCain's Cabinet. Scary.

Treat! Obama's policies supporting renewable energy are striking a chord with many Montanans who are boosting energy produced from wind, solar and biofuels, says Theresa Keaveny, executive director of Montana Conservation Voters, in USA Today.

Adam Siegel at Clesias Blog gives LCV a nod in his post about McCain's empty energy promises and Lise at Cooler Planet Blog knows the score: McCain's lifetime LCV rating of 24 proves his clean energy rhetoric doesn't translate into pro-environment votes.

The Los Angeles Times says "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger bills himself as a "green" governor -- one who works hard to protect the environment -- but a new report [from the California League of Conservation Voters] indicates he is probably closer to pale aquamarine."

Embedded at home in Michigan

2008-10-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

This week, campaigns project manager Kerry Duggan is home in Michigan embedded with the Gary Peters campaign. This is her first dispatch from the Wolverine State.

I started out in the Gary Peters for Congress headquarters yesterday, just a hop and a skip from my parents' home. I was put on the phones for "call time" right away. The office was a buzz with activity. I sat across from Colleen Peters (wonderful wife of Gary) and played a little six degrees of separation – something Detroiters do very well. When all of our stomach's collectively growled after hours on the phones, we ordered Chinese from a nearby restaurant.

All of a sudden, the office burst out with excitement. The campaign manager opened a fortune cookie that read, "Opportunity awaits you on next Tuesday". No one else was allowed to open fortune cookies.

Peters campaign staff with the fortune cookie

Today I've been in the field office making calls to volunteers to come out and help GOTV in the coming days. It's an impressive operation – covering almost every corner of the district. It also gave me a reason to reconnect with some of my grade school, high school and grad school classmates. Now let's see if I can get them out to volunteer!

Earlier this afternoon, I went over to a fundraiser for Gary and saw Congressman Rahm Emanuel and Senator Levin (and was sure to congratulate the Senator on his 100% 2008 LCV score).

There's a great deal of energy here in Oakland County around Gary's campaign. The polls look good, but Dirty Dozen member Joe Knollenberg has more cash and is running plenty of negative ads on TV and on the radio.

Plenty of work to do in the coming days. I'll check back in soon!

LCV in the News

2008-10-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

LCV is supporting a handful of landmark environmental initiatives in local elections across the country.

John McCain, who received a 24% lifetime score from LCV, has one of the least environmentally friendly records in Congress.

Nevada leaders’ environmental voting scores are a mixed bag, according to LCV’s 2008 National Environmental Scorecard.

Montana Conservation Voters has joined forces with HRC to help elect progressive candidates to the Montana state legislature.

On the Trail with Andrew Rice

2008-10-29T15:02:00.001-07:00

This week, deputy legislative directory Tim Greeff is on the campaign trail with Andrew Rice. Here's a little update from Tim.

Started off the day with some good old-fashion visibility at 7 am. There were teams going out in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. I joined the Tulsa team staking out one of the busiest entrances to downtown Tulsa at 10th and Detroit Ave right next to the Firefighters Union which has endorsed Andrew. Wasn't sure what to expect but was happy to see the support Andrew received from the passing traffic. It was pretty cold outside, but fortunately I was able to bum a pair of camouflage gloves, although I think that may have made it difficult for people to see me waving. When all was said and done we received approximately 6800% more honks than we did middle fingers. The thumbs up to thumbs down ratio was even more slanted in our favor. Things are looking good for Andrew heading into the final weekend here in Tulsa County which is impressive considering it is Jim Inhofe's back yard. Got several events tonight to help Andrew's GOTV efforts. More on that later.

Andrew is spending this week traveling around Oklahoma taking one last chance to talk to voters about his vision for the future of this country. Last night, Andrew was in Henryetta a the Colonial Motel and Restaurant talking to Oklahomans about his ideas to fix the economy and bring jobs to that state. He'll spend the rest of week traveling around the state to help get out the vote.

LCV in the News

2008-10-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

“Barack Obama has put out a plan that is visionary,” said LCV deputy legislative director Tim Greeff in this article.

The League of Conservation Voters endorsed US Rep. Harry Mitchell in his re-election bid against Republican challenger David Schweikert.

The Oregon League of Conservation Voters has endorsed several candidates in state-wise races.

Montana Conservation Voters is working to promote candidates who support conservation issues, Democrat and Republican alike.

Idaho Conservation Voters is urging people to vote for Proposition 1, which would temporarily increase property tax levy rates to generate funds for the preservation of valuable open-space lands in select locations throughout the county.

LCV in the News

2008-10-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

Oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens has dumped nearly $19 million into California’s “Yes on 10” campaign. The California League of Conservation Voters is urging voters to vote No to Proposition 10, which promotes dirty fuels over clean, renewable energy.

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters will be at select polling places across Fairfax County on Election Day to talk about local land use, transportation, and environmental issues with inquisitive voters.

Washington Conservation Voters is urging voters to vote Yes on Proposition 2, which will ensure that a legacy of great parks, active playfields, healthy habitats, and green connections are left for future Seattleites.

LCV in the News

2008-10-27T10:15:00.001-07:00

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who once proclaimed himself the Godfather of Green, is the new “‘Don’ of the Dirty Dozen,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski.

Pennsylvania’s representatives had a wide range of scores on LCV’s 2008 National Environmental Scorecard.

LCV is praised for being a trusted source that publishes “earned” voter guides, which are “based on an evaluation of the merits of each measure and candidate.”

LCV Launches Web Video on McCain’s Clean Energy Record

2008-10-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

The League of Conservation Voters today released a new web video that reports on McCain's record against clean energy. We know his real position and how he's voted in the past, share this video with your friends and family. Let them know the real McCain.

Here's the spot:

LCV in the News

2008-10-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Conservation Minnesota rallied supporters in favor of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy amendment, which would invest in Minnesota’s natural resources and protect drinking water, invest in game habitat, and help provide youth arts access and maintain and expand parks and trails.

LCV-endorsed Patrick Murphy is running a tight race against Republican Tom Manion in Pennsylvania’s 8^th district.

Massachusetts representative John Tierney scored nearly twice the national average and was one of only 67 members of the House of Representatives to receive a ration of 100% on LCV’s 2008 National Environmental Scorecard.

LCV’s Environmental Scorecard is used to compare Obama and McCain’s environmental records, even amidst the economic crisis.

LCV Launches TV Ad in Oregon

2008-10-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

The League of Conservation Voters today released a new television advertisement that calls on voters in Oregon to support Barack Obama for President and Jeff Merkley for Senate. In order to move forward on vital renewable energy legislation, President Obama will need a 60 vote pro-environment majority in the Senate, and Oregon voters have the chance to help.

Here's the spot:

LCV in the Park

2008-10-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

click here to listen to Mayor Bloomberg's praise for LCV

Last week, LCV hosted a fundraiser in New York City to help reach the goal of electing 60 pro-environment Senators and to present an Environmental Lifetime Achievement award to James Gustave Speth.

Speth, Dean of the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale, served as administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and chair of the UN Development Group. Prior to his work with the United Nations, Speth was founder and president of the World Resources Institute, professor of law at Georgetown University, chairman of the US Council on Environmental Quality and senior attorney and cofounder of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

New York League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Marcia Byrstyn introduced the Mayor and spoke eloquently about NYLCV’s activities and their support of Mr. Bloomberg. Bloomberg, known for his support of renewable energy and penchant for wind turbines, praised LCV as an “indispensable organization” that “helps to make all the good stuff happen.”

Here’s a photo of Mayor Bloomberg at our event.

LCV in the News

2008-10-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

LCV –endorsed John Yarmuth is waging a tight campaign against rival Anne Northup for Kentucky’s 3^rd congressional seat. Northup recently made LCV’s Dirty Dozen list for her terrible environmental record.

North Carolina representatives Patrick McHenry and Virginia Foxx scored low on LCV’s recently released 2008 environmental scorecard

Washington League of Conservation Voters’ Clifford Traisman comments on the difference between John McCain and Barack Obama’s stance on global warming.

This blogger analyzes the failure of the 110^th Congress to renew the 27-year-old moratorium on drilling for oil and gas on the outer continental shelf –a measure strongly supported by LCV.

LCV in the News

2008-10-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

LCV released its 2008 National Environmental Scorecard at a press conference on Friday, which reflects more clearly than perhaps ever before that America is truly at a crossroads when it comes to our energy future. The scorecard received particular attention in these states: Montana, Nevada, Connecticut, Hawaii, California, Texas, and New York.

LCV Releases 2008 National Environmental Scorecard

2008-10-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today LCV released the 2008 National Environmental Scorecard, which rates Members of Congress on key environmental and conservation votes. This year’s scorecard is a reflection of the stalemates that plagued this session of Congress, sharply dividing Environmental Champions fighting for new energy solutions and the allies of Big Oil and their profiteering agenda.

With rising gas prices, a stalled economy, and an increase in global warming pollution, the responsibilities for this session to vote for a clean energy future that will turn our economy around and improve our environment were critical but unattained.

A minority in Congress, including 70 house members and 2 senators who earned a 0% score, clung to the failed energy policies of the past and brought efforts of progress to a disappointing halt. Their tactics were matched however, by the tenacity of Environmental Champions led by the 67 house members and 27 senators who earned a perfect 100% score, a number significantly higher than last year.

To view the full 2008 National Environmental Scorecard and see how your representative and senators scored, go to http://lcv.org/scorecard/

LCV in the News

2008-10-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

“Mad Men’s” John Slattery joined League of Conservation Voters volunteers on Saturday to canvass for Obama in northern Virginia.

LCV endorsed state senator John Boccieri in Ohio’s 16^th congressional district. Commenting on the endorsement, LCV President Gene Karpinski said Boccieri “recognizes the enormous importance of shaping sound legislation to ensure a sustainable future and will be a responsible steward of our natural resources.”

The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund just launched an educational initiative called Vote Clean Energy NY, which helps voters learn more about clean energy in New York State.

Today I canvassed with Mad Men's John Slattery

2008-10-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

by Kerry Duggan
LCV Campaigns Project Manager

Today I canvassed with actor John Slattery, who stars in the hit show Mad Men.

John met a big group of LCV volunteers in Virginia and wanted to get right to work knocking on doors. After giving our crowd of volunteers a pep talk, we left for our turf.

John knocked on almost 50 doors for LCV to talk about how Barack Obama will help turn Virginia "green."

He didn't need a script to tell voters why he's for Obama. From the very first door, he simply stated that he was out volunteering his time for LCV because Obama is better on clean energy and creating new jobs – and getting America off our addiction to foreign oil.

We talked politics (obviously), but also chatted about movies, cities and our families as we walked between houses. I have to report that not only is he a fabulous actor (it's not every day you get nominated for an Emmy!), but a really funny guy who took time out from his busy life to put his time where his values are – teaming up with LCV to help turn environmental values into national priorities.

LCV in the News

2008-10-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

The Washington League of Conservation Voters is playing a key role in the Washington gubernatorial race, supporting Chris Gregoire and opposing Dino Rossi, who gets just a 32% rating.

A new report was released in South Carolina that raises concerns over a new coal-fired power plant. Ann Timberlake, executive director of the Conservation Voters of South Carolina, said that the repot “shows that Santee Cooper has yet to come clean with the full costs of adding more coal when we have safer and cheaper options for meeting our power needs.”

The California League of Conservation Voters continues to oppose Proposition Ten, which has received over $3 million dollars from Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens.

The Green Collar Economy, by Van Jones

2008-10-09T11:22:00.001-07:00

Publisher HarperOne sums up a new book from Van Jones smartly and succintly:

Provocative, personal, and inspirational, The Green Collar Economy is not a dire warning but rather a substantive and viable plan for solving the biggest issues facing the country—the failing economy and our devastated environment. From a distance, it appears that these two problems are separate, but when we look closer, the connection becomes unmistakable.

I'll paste the cover below...for more about Van Jones, his work and his new book, visit VanJones.net.

LCV in the News

2008-10-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

LCV press secretary Josh McNeil joined a panel of environmental leaders on EarthBeat Radio yesterday to discuss the Presidential candidates’ energy plans.

This blogger praises the League of Conservation Voters for taking a stance on clean coal, and informing the public about “The Dirty Truth about Liquid Coal.”

The New York League of Conservation Voters has announced their “green” slate of candidates for the general election.

The Montana Conservation Voters has teamed up with HRC to help Montana pass a state employment non-discrimination bill.

LCV on Site at the Presidential Debate

2008-10-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

Nashville, TN – The League of Conservation Voters, one of the nation’s leading environmental advocacy organizations, will be in Nashville tonight’s Presidential Debate. LCV has made careful study of the records and energy policies of the Presidential candidates. Two of LCV’s top experts, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs and Public Education Tony Massaro and Communications Director David Sandretti, will be available to the press for background information and commentary on the debate. Stay tuned for photos from Tennessee.

LCV in the News

2008-10-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

The National Rifle Association continues to overwhelmingly support Members of Congress who have terrible conservation records, giving an average “A” rating to the 161 House members who scored 25 or below on the League of Conservation Voters’ national scorecard, and an average rating of a “D” to the 210 House Members with a LCV score of 75 or above.

The coalition of groups that oppose Proposition 7 is growing in California, and include the California League of Conservation Voters.

Theresa Keaveny with the Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund applauds Montana’s new election laws, which now allow voters to register even though the regular voter registration window has closed.

LCV in the News

2008-10-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

LCV President Gene Karpinski commented on Sarah Palin’s energy policy following Thursday’s debate, saying “If your mapmaker still believes the world is flat, you don’t rely on her for good directions. If your candidate doesn’t believe in the causes of global warming, you don’t rely on her for real energy solutions.”

Dirty-Dozen member Bob Shaffer is meeting stiff opposition from LCV-endorsed Mark Udall in Colorado.

This blogger rates the League of Conservation Voters as one of the best places to go for information on environmental issues.

Vice President Cheney claimed that President Bush has championed wildlife preservation, but the LCV correctly concludes that the Bush administration “has arguably been the most anti-environmental in our nation’s history.”

The Vermont League of Conservation Voters released their Environmental Scorecard last week, evaluating legislators’ voting records on environmental issues over the past two years.

LCV in the News

2008-10-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

The League of Conservation Voters has teamed up with the Virginia Organizing Project to distribute compact fluorescent light bulbs to low-income households in Danville, Virginia.

The Vermont League of Conservation Voters released their Environmental Scorecard, reporting House and Senate members’ votes on several key issues over the past two years.

The California League of Conservation Voters continues to oppose Proposition 7, which does little to reduce the impacts of global warming and will disrupt more thoughtful efforts to develop renewable energy.

The Idaho Conservation League has proposed to temporarily boost property tax levy rates in an effort to raise funds to protect open-space lands.

LCV in the News

2008-10-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

The California League of Conservation Voters applauds Governor Schwarzenegger for signing into law an anti-sprawl bill, which will help the state fight global warming by encouraging communities to consider climate change when planning land-use projects.

LCV-endorsed Brian Cronin is running a tight race against Kevin McGowan in Idaho.

The Washington Conservation Voters’ Legislative Scorecard is used as an authoritative measure of one’s qualifications in this House race.