Highlight of the Week

GOP Energy Summit Looks Backward, Resurrects Cheney Energy Plan

Today, House Minority Leader Boehner (R-OH) and House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN) are participating in a GOP-sponsored energy summit.

In response, Joe Mendelson, global warming policy director at the National Wildlife Federation, said:

"Republican leaders have resurrected the Cheney energy plan, written by oil companies for oil companies.  They have a new set of talking points to disguise the same old plans to increase profits of greedy energy companies.  Their real agenda is to derail efforts in Congress to build a clean energy economy that creates millions of clean energy jobs and protects our environment." 

Contact:
Tony Iallonardo, 202-797-6612, iallonardot@nwf.org

New Legislation: Safeguarding Wildlife, Natural Resources from Global Warming

Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) has introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding the wildlife and natural resources that people depend on from the harmful effects of global warming. The Climate Change Safeguards for Natural Resources Conservation Act provides a framework for protecting natural resources impacted by global warming and ensures that climate concerns are a driving force behind government-decision making.

“Representative Grijalva recognizes the urgent need to prepare for and respond to the threat of global warming to wildlife and natural resources,” said John Kostyack, Executive Director of Wildlife Conservation and Global Warming at the National Wildlife Federation. “By addressing the effects of global warming, this bill complements other legislative efforts to combat the cause of the problem through reducing carbon pollution.”

Co-sponsored by Representatives Dingell (D-MI) and Rahall (D-WV), the bill is expected to be incorporated into the larger Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill due out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by this Memorial Day.

Happening This Week

A wide range of leaders, including business owners, clergy, professors, will come to Capitol Hill to attend the National Wildlife Federation Fair Climate Fly-In to build diverse voices
on the issue of climate change.

Quote:

“Pittsburgh didn't leave itself trapped in the past; it reinvented itself, took a new way forward, and today is a vibrant city and more secure since it's not dependent solely on steel. It's a great symbol of what we can do with this nation.”

—Larry Schweiger, President & CEO, National Wildlife Federation, during the National Wildlife Federation’s 73rd annual meeting.

Economic Message of the Week

Capitol Power Plant, Sans Coal
The 99-year-old Capitol Power Plant is ending its distinction of being the only coal-burning facility in the District of Columbia.

"The Congress of the United States should not only be a model for the nation, but also a good neighbor," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

The D.C. government has complained that the plant worsens air quality and has affected the respiratory health of residents and workers in the area, particularly children.

The plant last year operated on about 65 percent natural gas and 35 percent coal. Pelosi's office said the plant has not burned coal since March and would continue to go without coal barring problems.

Hill Residents for Steam Plant Conversion, a neighborhood group, has urged Congressional leaders to stop using coal at the plant, saying it was a major source of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate air pollution.

Secretary Salazar Creates New Office of Youth at Interior

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that he will establish an Office of Youth to provide Department-wide leadership for programs to educate, engage and employ youth.

“We can and must do more to use our great landscapes as classrooms and as pathways to opportunity for our children.” Secretary Salazar said in announcing the order at a recent all-employee meeting in which he reviewed the work of the Department of the Interior during the first 100 days of the Obama Administration.

The Office of Youth Secretary Salazar is creating will coordinate a new department-wide youth program to introduce young Americans from all backgrounds to the beauty, values and importance of our national parks and monuments, refuges, public and tribal lands, consistent with policies established by law, and to promote an ethic of and appreciation for volunteerism and conservation among young people.