getting a mother’s grief keep the natural gas spurs her fight hive alive under control for clean air page 12 page 4 page 11

Vol. 43, No. 3 / Summer 2012

protecting the great predators Sharks are among the oldest surviving animals on Earth. Can we save them? page 6 where we stand By EDF President Fred Krupp

Environmental Defense Fund’s Facing up to the mission is to preserve the natural growing challenge systems on which all life depends. Guided by science and economics, of natural gas we find practical and lasting solutions to the most serious environmental

. Charles Erickson problems. T

any people wish that hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, would just go away. I Our work is made possible by the Munderstand why, having met people whose lives have been turned upside-down support of our members. by irresponsible shale gas development which threatens air, water and public health.

gEtting bEES arE in a mothEr’S griEf natural gaS troublE. how SpurS hEr fight undEr Control you Can hElp for ClEan air pagE 4 pagE 12 pagE 11 ON THE COVER: Let’s be clear: We can’t ask people to trade away their health and quality of life in exchange Like many of the for cheap energy. And there are some places, where shale formations are too close to Vol. 43, No. 3 / Summer 2012 world’s shark

protecting the great predators aquifers that supply water for drinking and farming, where drilling should be banned. Sharks are among the oldest surviving animals on Earth. Can we save them? pagE 6 species, the But the truth is, hydraulic fracturing and natural gas are not going away. The genie is out Caribbean of the bottle and the abundant new supply of energy that hydraulic fracturing has made shark has been little available can benefit the nation. studied and may be threatened by overfishing. Solutions writer Leslie Natural gas is helping revive American manufacturing and create jobs. And it’s rapidly Valentine met with the tri-national team supplanting dirty coal as the nation’s primary source of electric power. Paired with new of scientists from Cuba, Mexico and rules from public utility commissions that improve energy efficiency and make electric the United States who are working grids more responsive to shifts in demand, natural gas can help us avoid substantial long-term investments in coal and oil, paving the way to a renewable energy future. toward an international solution in the of Mexico, since sharks do not So the real question isn’t, “to frack or not to frack,” but rather, how do we develop this observe national boundaries. resource responsibly? EDF is working hard to make sure that shale gas is developed as (See page 6.) safely and responsibly as possible. In state after state, we’re helping enact: Cover photo: David Nardini/Getty Images • Rules that require disclosure of what is going into wells, and what is coming out of them. • Rules about water use, about waste disposal, about air emissions, including methane. SOLUTIONS Methane leaks can erase the climate benefits of natural gas because it accelerates global warming, particularly in the short term. (See story, page 4.) Editor Peter Klebnikov Environmental Defense Fund • Rules that empower communities to minimize impacts of gas development, such as the 257 Park Ave. South fragmentation of landscapes, congestion and noise. New York, NY 10010

With these controls and with tough enforcement, natural gas could be developed in a way Main number 212-505-2100 that’s good for the economy and the environment. But this simply will not happen unless Membership questions Call 800-684-3322 we move beyond the impasse in which many in industry deny the existence of or email [email protected] serious problems, while others dream of turning back the clock on shale gas. Feedback Mail to address above, call 800-927-6464 or email [email protected] At EDF, we don’t believe either ‘Just Say Yes’ or ‘Just Say No’ is the answer. We need tough Online edf.org regulation, rigorously enforced, to avoid problems and to give communities confidence. These are achievable goals, but only if industry, citizens and regulators pursue them together. ©2012 Environmental Defense Fund. Published quarterly in New York, NY. ASSN 0163-2566 New York / Austin / Bentonville, AR / Boston / Boulder / Raleigh / Sacramento / San Francisco / / Beijing, China / La Paz, Mexico

2 solutions summer 2012 edf.org TALK back EDF Members and the battle for Cleaner Air In Congress our opponents, backed by fossil-fuel lobbyists, continue their Speaking truth to climate relentless assault on clean air rules. Their latest target: EPA’s new rule to change deniers limit pollution from America’s power plants. After the Heartland Institute ran a billboard ad Corporate giants and ideologues have funded groups like the in Chicago comparing supporters of climate Heartland Institute to wage war on climate science. action to Ted Kaczynski, the so-called With your help, EDF is working to expose this disinformation industry Unabomber, EDF supporters protested with and fight for clean air. Here are a few of the ways EDF supporters are thousands of emails calling for an end to the making their voices heard. group’s extremism. Hundreds more spoke out on Facebook (see excerpts below), contributing to the public outcry. As a result, building community power Heartland pulled the ad within 24 hours. When we appealed for “When you’re losing an argument, this support of EPA’s landmark [billboard] is the kind of tactic you resort rule limiting carbon pollution to. Let’s keep putting out the truth.” from coal-fired power —Kent M., CA plants, you responded. Here, EDF staff and our “I don’t get why people who are looking coalition partners proudly to conserve our planet are seen as deliver nearly a million radical extremists. It doesn’t take a comments to EPA from scientist to see all the extreme weather citizen activists. U.S. power around the world and know that plants emit about 40% of something bad is happening.” U.S. carbon pollution. —Cynthia N. (via Facebook)

See how you can help “Why do we use ‘believe in’ when we at edf.org/tohelp

Josh L opez mean ‘it’s scientifically proven’? We make it seem like global climate change can be disbelieved like the tooth faerie.” Firing up citizen activism —Emma C. (via Facebook) “I’m an EDF Superhero,” says Tami in. “I work with many organizations,” she “To quote Scarecrow from The Wizard of Calliope. “I take action for the environment, says, “but EDF has my heart.” Oz, ‘Some people without brains do an and I try to fire up other people to do the awful lot of talking, don’t they?’” same.” EDF’s “Superheroes” are our most —Ruth F. (via Facebook) active Facebook supporters—people like Calliope who drive environmental progress by signing petitions, writing letters and, when they can, giving money. “C’mon, Quietly spreading the word c’mon,” she says, urging on her fellow “I enjoy the way Solutions was online activists. “We’re the superheroes here. If we’re not taking action, who will?” mailed (without my name ID). Calliope is a lifelong environmentalist. It makes it convenient for me to At 20 she lived in Florida, caring for ‘plant’ copies in places like my manatees wounded by speedboats and Tami Calliope says, “I take action for the gym and doctor’s office.” brown pelicans threatened by DDT. environment.” Now living in Vermont, Calliope is —Michael V., Appleton, WI battling personal health issues but she Join 74,000 EDF supporters EDF wants to hear from you. Email us at remains undaunted, lending her impassioned on Facebook at facebook.com/ [email protected] or visit solutions.edf.org. All online presence to the causes she believes EnvDefenseFund printed letters are edited for clarity and length. edf.org solutions summer 2012 3 ega/ G etty I mages L uis V

the conflagration over natural gas

As the energy boom continues, EDF is working to make because too much gas may be leaking. sure that it doesn’t harm people or the environment. Natural gas emits less carbon dioxide than coal when burned (and none of coal’s t was a heart-wrenching encounter. plus for the environment—minimizing mercury and far less of other poisons). But ILast summer, EDF President Fred local impacts and maximizing potential it consists mostly of methane, a greenhouse Krupp and other members of the U.S. benefits on global climate change. gas many times more potent than carbon Secretary of Energy’s Advisory Board on dioxide. Natural Gas visited rural Pennsylvania to The big questions The problem is that there are learn firsthand about the local impacts On billboards, radio and television, natural innumerable places, from well site to burner of natural gas development. While there, gas is sold as a clean and safe fuel that tip, where small leaks of natural gas can add they met a young mother who told reduces global warming pollution. But is it? up to large amounts of methane pollution. them how she had been forced to leave EDF scientists Dr. Ramon Alvarez and So the fundamental questions are: her family farm because of severe air Dr. Steven Hamburg have come up with pollution from shale gas wells. some basic answers to that question. They • How much methane leaks across the The problem had grown so bad, she are among the authors of a paper, published whole natural gas system? said, that her young son had become ill and this spring in the prestigious Proceedings of • Is natural gas really better than other she was living out of her car. the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), fossil fuels for slowing climate change? Krupp came away convinced that which found that the potential climate no matter how much economic promise benefits of natural gas could be lost entirely The PNAS paper, Greater Focus the natural gas boom holds—it is helping Needed on Methane Leakage to revive American manufacturing and from Natural Gas (edf.org/ steelmaking—no community should be methaneleakage) compared forced to trade a safe environment for natural gas to coal (in cheap energy. power plants), gasoline That’s why EDF has made a major (in cars) and diesel fuel (in commitment to working on natural gas trucks) to see how changes issues. in the leakage rate can We’re fighting for tough regulations make natural gas better or so the rush to develop gas reserves doesn’t worse for the climate. trample on the environment or the health The results showed that of communities. And our scientists have natural gas has a climate answered some fundamental questions A shift to natural gas-powered buses and trucks may speed up advantage over coal for about how natural gas can become a net global warming unless we control gas leaks into the atmosphere. power plants as long as

4 solutions summer 2012 edf.org the leakage rate stays below 3.2%. But, to There are problems with hydraulic fracturing. maintain that advantage, the rate would have to fall to 1.6% for cars, and even lower The energy industry needs to admit that. for trucks. Overall, says Hamburg, the with Duke University, Harvard University which were finalized in April. These opportunities for leaks in natural gas- and Boston University. standards are an important step toward powered vehicles are so numerous that The goal is to complete these studies significantly reducing methane and other “we’ve got to ensure methane leakage is by late next year. emissions from oil and gas wells. 1% or below, or else there’s no advantage to But methane isn’t the only dangerous The fight to clean up natural gas natural gas.” pollutant from natural gas operations. operations won’t be won overnight. But The paper’s findings triggered a heated It’s one among a class of chemicals called we’re committed to winning it. There’s response from the natural gas industry volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many no environmental battle more important and proponents of natural gas vehicles. of which are a harmful to people and the right now. “It would be premature to draw any policy environment. VOCs are a prime cause conclusions about natural gas vehicles of smog, which kills or sickens tens of based solely on this report,” a spokesman thousands of Americans every year. Methane leakage from for the American Gas Association said. An investigation of gas wells in natural gas operations We agree—the paper was intended Denton County, TX, led by Southern Natural gas, which is mostly methane, to start a conversation about leakage, not Methodist University and coordinated finds many ways to escape into the be the final word. We hope industry will by EDF, found emissions of air pollutants atmosphere, as these estimates show. engage in the discussion, not try to block it. including benzene, a carcinogen. In fact, the amount of VOCs and nitrogen oxides Bringing science to the table from the region’s oil and gas wells roughly The Environmental Protection Agency equalled the amount emitted by the four (EPA) estimates the current leakage rate million cars and trucks in the nearby at 2.4%. Industry claims it is much lower, Dallas–Fort Worth area. The study led while some studies say it’s much higher. Texas to monitor the wells more closely. But no one knows for sure. The drilling boom has only made That’s why EDF, working with industry emissions and other environmental and and academic partners, is developing health problems more urgent. It’s clear a complete picture of methane leakage that we must dramatically improve natural across the nation. No analysis on this scale gas operations to safeguard not only our has ever been attempted with modern air, but our water and communities. instruments. Transparency is key to this effort. The Energy Secretary’s Advisory Board on We need to ensure Natural Gas, following suggestions made by EDF’s Krupp, called for stronger oversight 59% Natural gas production natural gas leakage is and enforcement, better regulation of water 1% or lower across the and air pollution, and disclosure of the many chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing — whole system. the high-pressure process through which natural gas is released from shale. ransCanada; Chesapeake We and our partners are designing five In addition, several responsible drilling

studies to quantify the methane leakage companies, including Southwestern 20% Transmission and storage . Sunshine; T rate in production, processing, pipeline Energy, are working with EDF and state transportation and distribution governments to develop rigorous safety of natural gas, and in natural gas vehicles. criteria for well construction and design. The University of Texas, with EDF’s EDF has also helped secure adoption help, is leading a production study that of new rules in Arkansas, Colorado, 13% Local distribution will work with nine major natural gas Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and companies to determine the leak rates Wyoming, requiring drillers to disclose the from their wells. chemicals they use in hydraulic fracturing. For the local pipeline transportation We also supported EPA’s tough, new oil 8% Processing and distribution study, we are working and natural gas air pollution standards, L P hotos, bottom to top: D C M idstream; W. Source: E PA edf.org solutions summer 2012 5 cover story

Stephen Frink/Getty Images

saving the great predators

By Leslie Valentine very year in late spring, giant whale length. No one knows where they breed, or Esharks begin to appear off the tip of how many still roam the oceans. Mexico’s Yucatan , where the In fact, little is known about most of Sharks have ruled the Caribbean joins the Gulf of Mexico. By the world’s sharks. But one thing is clear: oceans for millions of midsummer, up to 800 of these majestic many species are in trouble. animals have gathered to feed off a rich years. Now they face diet of plankton and fish eggs. Above, sea An uncertain future birds wheel and dive for fish. Sharks have survived 400 million years, since threats from the ultimate This spectacular gathering of whale before dinosaurs. But their future hangs in sharks—which scientists learned of less the balance. Every year tens of millions are predator: humans. than a decade ago—may be the largest killed, for food and for their fins. Fins, for in the world. Fishermen from the nearby shark fin soup, can fetch hundreds of dollars In an unusual bid to village of Holbox had long known of it but a pound in Asian markets. had no reason to share the information. “In U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico save sharks in the Gulf It was Dr. Bob Hueter, director of the waters, populations of large sharks, Center for Shark Research at Mote Marine including tigers and hammerheads, have of Mexico, EDF has Laboratory in Sarasota, FL, who in 2006 been severely depleted,” says Dr. Douglas convened scientists from confirmed the existence of the annual Rader, EDF’s chief oceans scientist. Nearly congregation. Today, boatloads of tourists 100 different shark species, one fifth of the nations that don’t always venture out to watch these graceful world’s shark species, live in the Gulf. creatures “graze.” EDF, working with the Mote talk to each other. “This is one of the few great animals Laboratory and other partners, is leading on Earth you can get so close to without an ambitious effort to save sharks in being in real danger,” says Hueter, who has the Gulf—uniting the United States, been studying sharks for 38 years. Mexico and Cuba in an unprecedented Little is known about these gentle conservation partnership. creatures, which can reach 65 feet in “EDF is a true pioneer,” says Hueter,

6 solutions summer 2012 edf.org cover story

Sharks migrate long distances. That’s why EDF united Cuba, Mexico and the U.S. in the first-of-its- kind initiative to save sharks. who joined forces with us three years undeserved. You’re more likely to die from ago. “They don’t practice science in a a dog bite than a shark attack. John R ae vacuum but connect science with people Yet it’s hard to generate sympathy Marine biologist Pam Baker is a and come up with workable solutions to for sharks even though they’re victims fierce advocate for the Gulf of Mexico’s environmental problems.” of overfishing. Most sharks grow slowly, threatened sea life. Her work has helped Saving sharks is a challenge because, take years to mature and produce few protect endangered Kemp’s ridley as Hueter says, “these highly migratory pups. The great white, for instance, starts turtles and revive red snapper. Baker’s animals don’t just sit still on a reef.” EDF’s breeding only around age 20. So today, next challenge: saving imperiled sharks. initiative combines scientific research many shark species are being caught faster with cooperative management that fosters than they can reproduce. conservation in all three countries. Each The extinction of sharks would have quickly. Understanding these biological has its own economic and conservation cascading effects on marine ecosystems. processes could advance human medicine. priorities. For example, in Mexico sharks Sharks, at the apex of the food chain, cull are an important source of food. populations of animals they prey on and Cutting-edge research Working with Cuba presents a special engender a richer, more diverse ecosystem. Basic research on shark populations is a challenge because of the 50-year-old Off the U.S. Atlantic , hammer- critical first step. EDF and our partners U.S. embargo. But EDF has worked for a heads and other big sharks that feed on are conducting comprehensive surveys decade to build trusted relationships with stingrays have been heavily fished for the of sharks caught by fishermen—species, scientists and local organizations there. past 30 years. numbers, age and sex—along Cuba’s In 2010, EDF and Mote convened the “Rays snuffle around the bottom eating northwest coast and Mexico’s Gulf coast. first-ever tri-national meeting of scientists scallops, clams and oysters,” says Rader. Dr. Juan Carlos Perez Jimenez, of El and officials to chart a course of action. “With the removal of so many sharks, Colegio de la Frontera Sur, heads the populations of cownose rays exploded and research team in Campeche state, far from Mysterious creatures of the sea decimated seagrass beds, key habitat for the tourist hubbub of Cancun to the east. In folklore and literature, sharks have scallops.” “This area is perfect habitat for sharks,” traditionally been depicted as evil and The result: the collapse of the century- says Dr. Perez. The Campeche bank—a demonic. Santiago, the fisherman in old scallop fishery off North Carolina. shallow coastal shelf that extends 100 miles Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and Sharks are also important to biological into the Gulf—is scalloped by the Sea, speaks of “hateful sharks, bad research and human health. The Mote and mangrove forests. The biggest , smelling, scavengers as well as killers.” Laboratory is studying sharks’ resistance to Laguna de Terminos, is a nursery for bull In fact, their fearsome reputation is cancer and their ability to heal their wounds sharks and bonnetheads. Laguna de Terminos is a protected area, but illegal fishing still takes place because there’s little enforcement. Dr. Perez has built relationships with fishermen along the Campeche and Yucatan coast, allowing him to inspect their catches. “This will help us develop management plans for species with high biological productivity that can be fished sustainably, if done right,” he says. Research is also moving forward in Cuba, where University of Havana scientists are taking a detailed shark fishery survey. “We believe the team has discovered nursery and pupping grounds for oceanic whitetips off Cuba,” says Rader.

Brian J. Skerry/ G etty I mages Brian J. These surveys will become part of a Hidden lagoons and undisturbed mangroves are shark nurseries that deserve protection. database on Gulf species. “Until now, edf.org solutions summer 2012 7 cover story the scattered research has never been pulled together to build the big picture of Gulf sharks,” says EDF’s Pam Baker, who in the Gulf, the enduring heads up the tri-national effort. This collaboration will yield the data necessary to permit limited fishing mystery of sharks of robust populations while ensuring From dwarf lanternfish that you can grasp been studied. The five species depicted protection for imperiled ones—both key in your hand to the harmless whale shark here represent the array of sharks found steps to a healthy future for sharks. “Whale that grows as big as a school bus, shark in the 600,000 square mile Gulf. sharks and 18 other species are already off- species display a breathtaking diversity. To save these ancient animals, EDF limits in U.S. waters, but the reality is many An abundance of sharks is a sign of an and our partners are filling the research people depend on sharks for food and ecosystem in balance. Yet little is known gaps and improving fishing practices. income in parts of the Gulf,” says Baker, about these mysterious creatures. In the Gulf of Mexico, a key breeding “and many sharks die accidentally in other ground, only a handful of species have fisheries. To reverse the decline before it is too late, we need better management of shark populations and fisheries.” The research will also reveal the special places that warrant protection, such as the plankton-rich waters off the Yucatan. “The Holy Grail of conserving sea life is good fisheries management coupled with marine reserves,” says Rader. Oceanic whitetips often swim with pilot fish, which scavenge for their leftover food. Atlantic Will fishermen help? They’re infamous for attacks on survivors of shipwrecks. One study found that Gulf sharpnose Fishermen’s help is essential to restore populations have been depleted by 99%. (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) healthy shark populations. Some sharks Until the 1960s, when industrial fishing are caught in inadequately managed took off, ocean whitetips could elude fisheries. fishermen in remote, deep waters. “Just about anyone in Mexico can go Threats out and fish,” notes Dr. Perez. “We need to • Sought for their large fins on the Asian market. rethink management.” The Atlantic sharpnose, often seen in Working with fishermen, EDF is • Caught in large numbers as incidental surf zones, is the most commonly caught promoting sustainable fishing through catch in swordfish and tuna fisheries. coastal shark in the U.S. and an important incentive-based management, or catch Solutions EDF and Cuban partners source of food and income in Mexico. shares. Catch share programs in many discovered what may be a nursery off Threats northern Cuba. We’re working to recover U.S. fisheries are helping rebuild fish • Nursery and pupping grounds are close these highly endangered sharks by to . populations of the most at-risk species. protecting special places in the Gulf. “These programs bring real benefits • Caught incidentally in shrimp trawls. to fishermen and fish,” says Angie Boehm, Solutions Sharpnoses grow fast who operates a family seafood business and reach maturity early, so they can be in Florida. sustainably fished if well managed. But The United States is now moving they are heavily fished. EDF and partners are seeking to improve management. toward instituting a catch share program for shark species to help recover depleted populations. This is likely to result in more sharks swimming in Gulf waters. “Our hope is that our tri-national program for sharks will be a model for management of other highly migratory species like tuna,” says Hueter. “We’re not doing it for ourselves but to leave our Oceanic whitetip (Carcharhinus longimanus) children and grandchildren a better world.”

8 solutions summer 2012 edf.org in the Gulf, the enduring mystery of sharks

The world’s largest fish (they grow to 65 feet), whale sharks are known to migrate 8,000 miles or more. They gather in summer off northern Yucatan, attracting eco-tourists. Threats • Very vulnerable to overfishing; harvested Whale shark for meat and fins in Asia. (Rhincodon typus) • Harmed by contact with large fishing nets, ships and divers. • As surface filter-feeders, they may have been harmed by BP oil spill. Solutions We are tracing migration patterns and exploring ways to safeguard the animals and their habitat. Caribbean reef sharks are plentiful in Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen, a ecosystem nearly untouched by humans since Columbus first set eyes on it 500 years ago. Little is known about their migration patterns. Blacktip Threats shark • As a slow-growing species, vulnerable (Carcharhinus limbatus) to overfishing. Populations believed to be declining in Gulf. • Taken accidentally by fishermen throughout its range. • Reef habitat is vulnerable to global warming and ocean acidification. Prized for their meat and fins, blacktips Solutions Both the U.S. and are among the most important shark Cuba have special protections fisheries in the U.S. and Mexico. They for the species. EDF and partners leap from the water and spin like a top are working to enhance local when attacking schooling fish. benefits from tourism and find Threats alternatives to fishing. • Easily caught by fishermen as they stay close to shore. • Inshore habitat and pupping grounds at risk from pollution and development. • Heavily fished. Solutions EDF is urging federal regulators to develop a U.S. catch share. EDF and partners are surveying shark species in Mexican and Cuban waters Caribbean with the goal of protecting critical habitat. reef shark (Carcharhinus perezii) I llustration: John K aufmann

edf.org solutions summer 2012 9 istockphoto.com

COAL’s day OF RECKONING Pushed by EDF action, EPA clamps down on global warming pollution

n March, the Environmental Protection and a lower risk of global warming,” says determine whether carbon pollution posed IAgency proposed the first nationwide Fred Krupp, EDF’s president. “For the a threat to human health and was therefore limits on global warming pollution from American people, it’s a home run.” subject to the Clean Air Act. In 2009, EPA power plants that burn coal, oil or natural Already the coal industry, some found that it did and began to work on gas. EDF was one of the parties that backward-looking power companies and standards to control carbon pollution. brought the suit prompting this advance. their allies in Congress are mobilizing Contrary to what opponents in The so-called New Source Perfor- to block the proposed limits. The U.S. Congress claim, some businesses welcome mance Standards (NSPS) apply only to Chamber of Commerce, in a statement, the new EPA rules. Many of the power new power plants. U.S. power plants emit has promised to “evaluat[e] all of its plants built in the last decade already meet about 40% of the nation’s carbon pollution options to overturn this rule.” the new standards. But that hasn’t stopped and are one of the largest sources of EDF is fighting back. We and our entrenched climate change deniers such greenhouse gas emissions in the world. allies have already generated 1,000,000 as Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) from vowing “EPA’s historic action will bring multiple comments to EPA in support of the to kill them. benefits—cleaner air, a stronger economy rule. “The stakes are high,” says Krupp. The naysayers should listen to the “Climate change growing chorus of voices, many from time to clean up is already affecting unexpected places, calling for a cleanup of American dirty coal. communities. This “EPA’s action establishes a logical and is a reasonable modest standard for new electric power 76% first step toward plants and provides the industry with of America’s 72% getting power plant much-needed regulatory certainty,” says of America’s acid gas emissions under Ralph Izzo, CEO of PSEG, a New Jersey pollution 60% mercury air of America’s pollution control.” utility. “It provides a framework for the arsenic air EPA began industry to confront this problem in a pollution developing the cost-effective manner.” regulations after a If we win, the new rules will cut the 2007 Supreme Court carbon pollution from a new coal plant case that EDF was in half. instrumental in winning. The court Take action! Add your voice to the Coal-firedCoal-fired powerpower plantsplants emitemit moremore hazardoushazardous air pollutionpollution than anyany ruled that under the hundreds of thousands fighting for this otherother sourcesource inin thethe UUnited.S. including States. Those 386,000 emissions tons of 84 include different 386,000 Clean Air Act, the new rule against those who are trying to kill hazardous air pollutants. tons of 84 different hazardous air pollutants. agency had a duty to it. Go to edf.org/enddirtyenergy

10 solutions summer 2012 edf.org

Environmental Defense Fund For: Christine Baute, EDF File name: 2011 EDF-PowerPlants.ai Placed file(s): None

For page: Last updated: 10/27/2011 Updated by: Carol Zuber-Mallison ZM GRAPHICS • 214-906-4162 • [email protected] (c) 2011, ZM Graphics Usage: Exclusive rights within EDF, can not be resold the serious health consequences caused WHY i FIGHT FOR CLEAN AIR by air pollution, my heart breaks all over again. How these people have the audacity A mother’s story to callously deny what is common information in the medical community— air pollution causes asthma attacks and cuts short the lives of those we love most— is beyond me. By fighting alongside the American Lung Association and Moms Clean Air Force, we are passionate about building a future where every child has healthy air to breathe. Cleaning up power plant pollution and other air pollution will prevent thousands of asthma attacks every year while giving other children the chance to fulfill their dreams. It is through

G etty I mages R obert Warren/ this work that the best memories of our wonderful, loving child live on. Some political leaders choose to address rendered him unconscious from anoxic We are also proud of the foundation pollution in cool, abstract terms. On March brain injury. Jovante’s father and I spent and scholarship program we started in 27, 2012, EDF ally Chandra Baldwin- the next four days by his side in the our son’s name. To learn more, please visit: Woods of Cincinnati posted this account of hospital praying for his recovery, which www.jovantewoodsfoundation.org. the real costs of air pollution. This article was not to be. first appeared on the Moms Clean Air Force I do not have adequate words to A poem by Jovante site and is abridged for publication. describe the pain of losing a child. It’s I am truly glad to call you my mom something no parent should ever have to I really appreciate in hard times the way n asthma attack turned my world experience. Knowing that we will never you make ends meet Aupside just two years ago, and it has watch Jovante graduate high school, attend I love you with all my heart and you’re the never been the same since. After returning college, or experience the joy of starting a bomb home from football practice on a typical family is a pain we live with every day. You taught me to work hard and never cheat muggy August day, my 16-year-old son Jovante idolized Jerome “The Bus” Jovante suffered an asthma attack that Bettis for his courage to never let asthma In past times, we’ve had our share of fights Sometimes I may say your name stand in his way on or off the field. Jovante’s followed by a swear doctor was confident that he could continue But still you’ve always encouraged me to to pursue his passion for athletics, which reach new heights runs deep in our family. I play women’s full I’m so sorry my asthma attacks gave contact football and Jovante’s father, Ickey, you a scare was a fullback for the Cincinnati Bengals. Both Ickey and I had asthma growing up and Without you, I would not be here fully expected Jovante would someday grow When I’m upset, you’ve always kept calm With a house filled with six kids you found out of it just as we had. time to care When I hear those who undoubtedly This is why I’m glad you are my mom know better—corporate polluters and even politicians in Congress—minimizing –Jovante Woods 1994–2010

WHAT YOU CAN DO Chandra Baldwin-Woods and EDF are part of a powerful new movement, Moms Clean Air Force, which is standing up to those who would sacrifice Woods family photo Woods public health for profit. The group includes influential bloggers who inspire Sixteen-year-old Jovante Woods suffered a fatal asthma attack in 2010. Asthma claims mothers and mothers-to-be to protect the Clean Air Act and put an end to more than 3,000 American lives every year. further health tragedies. Get the facts and join us at momscleanairforce.org

edf.org solutions summer 2012 11 green living bolted kale, for instance). Color also seems to matter. Bees find blue, purple

istockphoto.com and yellow flowers most appealing.

Make a pollinator haven Your native plants will send out a signal that attracts all pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies, wasps and beetles. You’ll be amazed at how lively your backyard will become when you go natural!

Adopt your own hive You can pay to support a hive at a local honey producer. help keep the hive alive In return you get to visit your bees, and How bees can flourish in your own backyard enjoy bee goodies such as honey and lip balm. Or, if you’re more ambitious, local enthusiast s your lawn punctuated with white dots of Beekeepers Association, “Avoid groups will play matchmaker Iblooming clover? If so, instead of breaking pesticides or herbicides—bees are very and hook you up with a out the weedkiller, why sensitive to them—and don’t mow every beekeeper, who will set up not give your local bees a square inch of your lawn—leave a little and care for a hive on your break? Bees—along with as pasture or meadow.” own land. birds, bats and butterflies— transfer pollen from flower Make a bee heaven Grow the plants Build a bee bungalow You can help to flower as they forage, bees love. These include bee balm, solitary bees by making a simple house which pollinates clover and other plants. sunflowers, every kind of herb (including from pieces of scrap lumber. Just drill Many people aren’t aware of how big a deal thyme and oregano) and any kind of three- to five-inch-deep holes of various this is. In fact, bees pollinate an astonishing mint. Other planting choices that bees widths (1/8th to 5/16th of an inch) into 30% of the fruits, nuts and vegetables grown adore include: goldenrod, wild lupine, the wood, but don’t drill all the way on the planet. There are nearly 5,000 species coneflowers, butterfly through. In the early spring attach these of bees in the United States. weed, milkweed and in building eaves. A birdbath or plastic Why do the bees suddenly need hyssop. Last year’s garden water bowl also helps. your help? They’re under assault as never crops can also be allowed before. Global warming is changing when to flower (Bumblebees love —By Jim Motavalli flowers bloom; herbicides and pesticides are taking a toll (two recent studies suggest that common pesticides known more buzz on bees as neonicotinoids harm colonies); and • Attracting bees to your garden: enature. • Adopt a hive: marinbeecompany.com/ parasites such as mites are attacking hives. com/articles/detail.asp?storyID=641 Adopt_A_Hive.html As a result, a phenomenon called honey bee Colony Collapse Disorder has become • UC Berkeley guide to bee-friendly • Build a bee house in your backyard: goo. a worldwide problem. In the United States urban gardening: nature.berkeley.edu/ gl/1HbhM since 1990, for instance, more than 25% of urbanbeegardens • Why we should care about vanishing the managed honey bee population has • For an East Coast guide to bees: bees: The Forgotten Pollinators by disappeared. winfreelab.rutgers.edu/outreach Stephen L. Buchmann and Gary Paul Here are a few things you can do to Nabhan, Press, 1997 ensure a healthy bee population survives: • Host a hive: backyardbeekeepers.com

Be bee friendly According to Patty Jim Motavalli writes regularly about green products for The New York Times, National Public Radio and Pulliam, a mainstay of the Backyard thedailygreen.com. Opinions are the author’s and not those of Environmental Defense Fund.

12 solutions summer 2012 edf.org devices in your house or business will the energy pioneers work as a whole to find the most efficient and inexpensive ways to use energy,” In Austin, EDF’s smart grid project takes shape says Miriam Horn, director of EDF’s smart grid initiative. A homeowner on the smart grid might generate solar power on her roof, then sell it back to the grid, or store it in the battery of her electric car. Every appliance in her home will talk to one another and to the grid, turning on when there’s cheap, clean wind power, or off when there isn’t. Today, that vision has become a $30 million project whose nexus is the Mueller neighborhood, where some 400 households (a number that will rise to 1,000) have volunteered to let Pecan Street researchers track their home energy use and to test new products, like the Volt. Researchers at the Advanced ecan Street I nc. P Computing Center at the University of Texas e plug it in when we get home Electric vehicle deployment is just one are analyzing trillions of bytes of household “Wand unplug it before we leave,” sign that the new energy future is finally data. This growing database has already says Regina Emmitt. “It’s become as routine coming of age. In 2009 EDF joined a small created the most detailed picture of home as opening and closing the garage door.” group of visionaries in Austin to create energy use ever compiled—anywhere. Emmitt, a resident of the Mueller Pecan Street, a nonprofit collaboration And later this year, several of Pecan Street’s neighborhood in Austin, TX, is talking among the city, the local electric utility, corporate partners will begin testing about her new electric car, a Chevy Volt. researchers at the University of Texas interactive consumer appliances and energy By summer’s end there will be roughly 100 and corporate partners like Sony, Intel, management software in Mueller homes. Volts tooling around her neighborhood, Oracle and Whirlpool—all dedicated to “When we started Pecan Street, we which is home to Pecan Street, one of reinventing the electric grid. all agreed to dream big, but the project is the world’s most ambitious smart grid The idea, called “pioneering” by actually outpacing our imaginings,” Horn experiments. This may be the highest Time magazine, is to turn America’s says. “Already, the Pecan Street vision has concentration of electric cars in a single century-old grid into an interactive expanded to utilities throughout Texas square mile anywhere, and it will provide system, a smart grid, to make electricity and around the country—all of them critical data on how these machines should more efficient, responsive, reliable, working with us on a vision of a smarter, be incorporated into the electric grid. resilient and green. “In this vision, all the cleaner grid.”

The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.

Everyone can leave a legacy. Find out how. Toll-free 1-877-677-7397 [email protected] edf.org/legacy istockphoto.com edf.org solutions summer 2012 13 field notes

Tomorrow’s generation of green leaders fans out to companies, cities and colleges It’s summertime, which means that the to help their hosts save money and cut • $1 billion in net operational costs over the EDF Climate Corps program is again carbon emissions. project lifetimes. in full swing. Climate Corps, now in its This summer, the Climate Corps, fifth year, embeds specially trained MBA which began with just seven fellows at These aren’t just theoretical figures. and MPA students with corporations, seven companies, will send 98 fellows to Participating companies say they have city agencies and universities around 88 host organizations. Among the many begun projects accounting for over 80% of the country. Once in place, our Climate first-time participants are Google and the the energy savings identified by the fellows. Corps Fellows use their skills to ferret cities of Atlanta and Los Angeles. out energy waste and develop programs As the program has grown, so have the potential savings found by our fellows. So far, they stand at:

• 1.6 billion kilowatt hours of electricity use and 27 million therms of natural gas annually, equivalent to the annual energy use of 88,000 homes.

• over 1 million metric tons

of CO2 emissions avoided Jim West

M alachi L eopold annually, equivalent to the Big park, little view annual emissions of 200,000 Not just changing lightbulbs. EDF Climate Corps students are transforming corporate culture. passenger vehicles. Two victories for clean air In the 1930s, visitors to Shenandoah National Park could see the Washington Beyond the headlines: the lesser known climate impacts Monument, some 70 miles away. That’s In a warming world, floods, droughts and because winters are too warm to control rare today; the park’s mountains are often wildfires may get headlines, but most their numbers. In some areas, longer shrouded in haze from coal-burning power climate impacts get no attention. EDF is warm weather periods allow the beetles plants in the Ohio River Valley and West working to educate policy makers about to produce an extra generation in the Virginia. Air pollution is now an acute these unnoticed changes. summer, according to a recent study, problem at many national parks. But thanks Over the past decade, for example, making a bad situation worse. to an April court settlement involving mountain pine beetles have laid waste to Warmer temperatures also means, EDF, its partners and EPA, the agency will 65,000 square miles of Rocky Mountain increasingly, that bird migrations no longer now move ahead to clean up air pollution forest, from New Mexico to the Yukon. match the availability of food supplies. For affecting parks and wilderness areas. Beetle populations are thriving, in part, example, Europe’s pied flycatcher winters “People should be able to visit in Africa and migrates national parks without finding the same to the Netherlands for air pollution they left behind in the city,” spring breeding. But says EDF attorney Pam Campos. “This the caterpillars it eats settlement moves us closer to that goal.” are hatching earlier in EDF and its allies scored another win the year, so when the in March when the Senate rejected a move birds arrive at their to delay the cleanup of industrial boilers, nesting grounds, the the nation’s No. 2 source of toxic mercury caterpillar supply has pollution. EDF fought the amendment, already peaked. which would have delayed cleanup for The resulting over three years, causing more than 28,000 food shortage has led premature deaths and 17,000 heart attacks. See how climate change is altering our world in ways you might not to a population drop “Mercury is a lethal toxin,” says Campos. know about, at edf.org/newnormal. of 90% in some areas. “There’s no excuse for further delay.”

14 solutions summer 2012 edf.org field notes

Prescription for a healthy rainforest: Help the ranchers From howler monkeys to jaguars, the “To save the forests, the local people communities in Chiapas. The students Maya forest of southern Mexico is rich must be involved,” says EDF’s Danae help farmers devise ways to increase with wildlife. Unfortunately, large areas are Azuara. Working with AMBIO, a local production, so they don’t need to clear being cleared for agriculture. But keeping group, Azuara helps coordinate a program additional forest. forests alive is increasingly important for that pairs agronomy and forestry students This year, we’ve placed six students. the prevention of climate change. from Chapingo University with rural Several advised farmers on how to improve nutrition for cattle so they produce more meat and milk on the same

MEXICO Gulf of Mexico acreage. One helped farmers deal with a fly pest that damages corn crops. Pacific Ocean “This project can be a model for CHIAPAS other tropical forest communities,” says Azuara. “The passion and energy of the students to improve the livelihoods of local people and protect the environment gives me hope.” EDF has worked with the Mexican government since 2010 to contribute our technical expertise toward Mexico’s goal of reducing carbon emissions from deforestation. This year, Mexico’s legislature passed a comprehensive climate bill. It awaits President Felipe Corbis EDF’s pilot project explores how jaguars and ranchers can coexist. Calderón’s signature.

Harlem, long a dirty air hot spot, launches a clean air renaissance Just three years ago, EDF began a campaign have committed to converting from dirty it possible for landlords to convert their to rid New York City of dirty No. 6 and No. 4 oil and the numbers are growing rapidly. buildings from oil to cleaner and cheaper heating oil. Only 1% of the city’s buildings In Harlem, meanwhile, where the natural gas. burn these fuels, but they spew more asthma rate among children is far above “The clean air renaissance in Harlem particulate matter, or soot, into the air than the national average, we are developing is underway,” says EDF attorney Isabelle all the city’s cars and trucks combined. innovative financing solutions to make Silverman. That toxic cloud results in 259 preventable deaths every year, not to mention $733 million in additional health care costs. Last year, our campaign, which included an interactive online map showing 9,500 city buildings that burn No. 4 or No. 6 oil, helped convince Mayor Michael Bloomberg to create a Clean Heat partnership between his administration and EDF. The partnership is dedicated to converting buildings from the dirty oil. The administration also announced rules that will phase out No. 6 oil by 2015 and

No. 4 oil by 2030. Stephen Wilkes/ G etty I mages Thanks to Clean Heat, 543 buildings Children are especially vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, including asthma.

edf.org solutions summer 2012 15 one river, 35 million lives r e v i

R orn in the snows of the Rocky Mountains, the cities, farms and industries, the Colorado

o d Colorado River flows southward through the literally dries up before it reaches the sea. a B r l o o tablelands of the Colorado Plateau and into the Anticipating a future of more demands and C great deserts of the American Southwest. The only drought made worse by climate change, EDF significant source of precious water in a vast and arid is working to bring users together to solve the region, the river is a lifeline for 35 million people. imbalance between supply and demand. But today, there are more claims to the river Ultimately, the fate of the Colorado is in the than there is water available. Tapped by thirsty hands of the people who use its myriad bounty.

recreation Every year, millions of people enjoy fishing, boating, hiking and bird-watching along the Colorado. The river supports five national parks. The recreation industry is a vocal ally of EDF’s in ensuring the river will remain healthy for cities years to come. The Colorado system sends about 20% of its water to the West’s largest cities. Without urban conservation and opportunities to buy water from farmers, cities will run out of water. But there’s opportunity in this crisis. EDF is promoting water trading that lets farmers increase profits while sharing water. We’re also pushing to bring diverse populations to the table.

agriculture About 80% of the Colorado’s water is dedicated to agriculture, which is nowhere near as efficient as it could be. The West’s water crisis cannot be solved without giving farmers and ranchers incentives to improve irrigation. At the same time, we need to create flexible markets to let them profit by saving water.

wildlife Seven national wildlife refuges sustain big horn sheep, river otters and endangered fish. The river is also a lifeline for over 350 bird species traveling along the Pacific flyway, including the yellow warbler. EDF is working to give the environment a seat at the table and ensure that there will always be enough water to sustain the Colorado’s wildlife.