A BIMONTHLY REPORT TO MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND

VOL. XXIX, NO. 1 Letter JANUARY 1998 Maryland Adopts EDF Plan to Control Farm Runoff he U.S. Department of Agriculture recreating grass cover on one-tenth of the T(USDA) has approved Maryland’s plan nation’s cropland. There was little effort to carry out an unprecedented joint effort to target the most environmentally sensi- to restore 100,000 acres of wetlands, tive land, however. EDF helped win reau- forests, and eroding farmland along thorization of CRP with a new, strong streams that flow into the Chesapeake environmental focus in the 1996 Farm Bay. Maryland farmers will receive $250 Bill. million to turn marginal farmland into Searchinger suggested that, under the buffers of trees and grasses that will pro- new law, USDA should allow states to vide wildlife habitat and filter pollutants submit plans to use part of the CRP that run off farm fields. funding to clean up particular bodies of Farm runoff containing fertilizer, pes- water or restore rare species. In develop- ticides, and sediment adds more pollu- ing such plans, states can use local scien- tion to the nation’s lakes, streams, and tists to identify the most environmental- bays than any other source. Many scien- Lisa Moore ly valuable farmland and methods of tists believe such pollutants triggered the At the announcement of the Chesapeake Bay protection effort restoration to enroll under CRP. State normally benign Pfiesteria bacteria to were Vice President Al Gore and EDF attorney Tim funds can be used to augment Federal release toxins that killed thousands of Searchinger, who helped design the program. funds to protect the land longer. fish in the Chesapeake Bay last year. gram (CRP) with state programs in a man- In the Maryland program, Federal The Maryland program is large enough ner first suggested by EDF attorney Tim funds will pay farmers annual “rent” to idle to place a natural buffer between farmland Searchinger. their land for up to 15 years, the traditional and every permanent stream in the state Congress created the $2 billion annual limit of CRP support, and will pay for half that enters Chesapeake Bay. It combines CRP program in 1985, in part to reduce soil the cost of planting trees and restoring wet- USDA’s huge Conservation Reserve Pro- erosion but also to reduce crop surpluses by Continued on page 5. EPA Proposes Innovative Plan To Cut Smog in the East he Environmental Protection Agency innovative policy tools such as the “cap T(EPA) has called for new state plans to and trade” pollution-reduction programs reduce the air pollution that causes long advocated by EDF. Such programs unhealthful smog in the Eastern half of set a rigid limit or cap on harmful emis- the country. Because much of this pollu- sions, but allow flexibility in how and tion travels long distances and crosses where the reductions are made. Compa- state lines, the agency has embraced a nies that cut emissions more than broad regional approach. required can trade with other companies The EPA action requires 22 states in that fall short. This minimizes the cost of the Midwest, South, and Northeast to the program while guaranteeing that the reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and needed reductions are achieved. other smog-causing pollutants. Meeting “We are pleased that EPA is encour- the new standards will lead to cleaner air, aging states to use cap-and-trade pro- especially benefiting children, the elderly, grams to achieve the needed reductions,”

and asthmatics, who are most vulnerable Arthur Tilley/FPG said EDF attorney Joseph Goffman. to unhealthful smog. Automobiles and light trucks are the source of most of the “This approach guarantees reductions at EPA has also offered to help states use nitrogen oxides and other pollutants that cause urban smog. Continued on page 5.

A Friend of the Oceans ‘Casual’ Car Pools Help Rainforests Ablaze: How 6EDF attorney Doug Hopkins has 3Commuters and Clean Air 4U.S. Consumers Can Help always loved the high seas he EDF is helping evening com- Timber firms that export to the U.S now protects. Inside muters from San Francisco to the are responsible for much of the Time is Right for East Bay locate car pools that are deforestation in Indonesia and cheap and convenient — and Brazil. Labels on wood could help 7“No-Take” Reserves also cut down on pollution. stop the destruction. Marine reserves in which fishing is banned are needed now.

100% Recycled (75% Post-Consumer) Paper Totally Chlorine Free Please Share or Recycle News Briefs Plastics Council Hides Truth On Recycling, EDF Reveals Three New Reports from EDF While spending millions of dollars on fact, the overall recycling rate for plastics EDF’s 30th Anniversary Report is now public relations touting the benefits of plas- actually declined over the prior year. available to members (free on request).The tics, the plastics industry is working hard to Makers and users of plastic packaging 24-page report includes retrospectives on hide its dismal record have refused to standardize types of plastic EDF’s first three of recycling its prod- they use and often add brightly colored pig- decades, describes ucts, a new EDF ments that interfere with recycling. The fail- this year’s achieve- analysis of the Ameri- ure to address these persistent barriers to ments, and outlines can Plastics Council’s increased recycling illustrates a fundamen- the four main goals own data reveals. tal problem: Companies that make and use that will guide our Although the Coun- plastic packaging—unlike makers and users work in the years cil withheld its latest of glass, aluminum, steel, and paper—have to come: climate, survey of plastic recy- yet to work together to design for recycla- health, biodiversity, cling rates, EDF was bility and to recycle materials back into the and oceans. Check Chris Jones/Stock Market able to obtain a copy. mainstream of production. the box on the Pigmented bottles. The numbers make EDF’s report, Something to Hide: The reply form facing page 4 to request your clear why the Council declined to make the Sorry State of Plastics Recycling, is available copy, or call the number below. survey public: less than 10% of plastics free from EDF Publications, c/o the Wash- Aquaculture—fish farming—is the packaging is being recycled—one-third the ington office, and on EDF’s web site at fastest-growing segment of U.S. agricul- rate of glass, the next lowest category. In www.edf.org. ture and an increasing source of protein for the world. Unfortunately, aquaculture EDF Scientist Wins Award for U.S.-Mexico Border Work facilities can be significant sources of pol- EDF scientist Dr. Carlos Rincón has U.S. and Mexican officials, the region-wide lution. A new EDF report, Murky Waters: received a National Environmental Educa- air quality management district is the first to Environmental Effects of Aquaculture in tion Achievement straddle an international border. the U.S., identifies environmental prob- Award for his work Rincón has worked to find ways that El lems caused by fish farming and recom- combating air pollu- Paso businesses can meet some of their U.S. mends ways to establish an aquaculture tion on the U.S.-Mexi- Clean Air Act obligations by investing in industry that is environmentally and eco- co border. Rincón cleanup opportunities in Juarez, where nomically sound. (196 pages, $15 pre- helped found Paso del many more cost-effective opportunities are paid.) Norte, an international available. Among these are reducing emis- The huge proposed Hidrovía naviga- task force to address air sions from brick-making kilns and from tion project in South America could quality issues faced by businesses using paints and solvents. Other destroy the Pantanal, the world’s largest the neighboring cities border communities facing shared air pol- remaining wetland, which is home to an Carlos Rincón of El Paso, Texas; Sun- lution problems, including San Diego and estimated 150,000 species of plants, birds, land, New Mexico; and Ciudad Juarez, in the Tijuana, are now considering the same and other animals. An independent panel Mexican state of Chihuahua. Approved by approach. of experts—invited by EDF and a Brazil- ian non-profit group to evaluate Join the Cool Group! Join EDF’s popular Hidrovía’s environmental, social, and eco- Charitable Gift Annuity nomic impacts—has called plans for the In return, you will receive: program with a gift of project “fundamentally flawed.” The pan- • Life income (the rates el’s findings, including recommendations have gone up!)* $10,000 or more. for more sustainable alternatives, are • A charitable deduction reported in Hidrovía Paraguay- • Our deep appreciation for For information, please contact your generous support of Anne B. Doyle, Paraná·Navigation Project: Report of an our shared mission to Director of Planned Giving Independent Review. (224 pages, $10 pre- protect the environment. EDF, Box 18, paid.) Order these reports by mail from EDF * Sample one-life annuity rates: 257 Park Avenue South age 55—6.7%; age 65—7.2%; New York, NY 10010 Publications, c/o the Washington office, age 75—8.4%; age 80—9.4%; (212) 505-2100 or call 800-684-3322. Recent EDF reports age 90+—12%. are available online at www.edf.org.

National Headquarters California Office Rocky Mountain Office Texas Office 257 Park Avenue South 5655 College Avenue 1405 Arapahoe Avenue 44 East Avenue Letter New York, NY 10010 Oakland, CA 94618 Boulder, CO 80302 Austin, TX 78701 212-505-2100 510-658-8008 303-440-4901 512-478-5161 Editor: Norma H. Watson Assoc. Editor: Tim Connor ©1998 Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. Capital Office Membership Line: North Carolina EDF Project Office Published bimonthly at NY, NY ISSN 0163-2566 1875 Connecticut Ave., NW 800-684-3322 2500 Blue Ridge Road 6 Faneuil Hall Marketplace Raleigh, NC 27607 Boston, MA 02109 Visit EDF Online at www.edf.org Washington, DC 20009 Fax: 202-234-6049 202-387-3500 Internet: [email protected] 919-881-2601 617-723-2996

2 Director’s Message Fighting Traffic Congestion and What the U.S. Can Do to Pollution in California and New York Fight Global Warming DF’s Transportation staff Ehas worked to help reduce s we go to press, I am off to the climate commuter traffic and the Atalks in Kyoto, Japan. We know the key resulting air pollution prob- elements of the U.S. position: credit for ear- lems for two of the country’s ly reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, most congested crossings: the firm targets and timetables to achieve Bay Bridge between San Fran- reductions, and an international “cap and cisco and the East Bay, and the trade” system to open many pathways to I-287—Tappan Zee Bridge compliance, lowering costs and rewarding corridor over the Hudson Riv- excess cuts. er north of New York City. EDF joined with other environmental Approximately 100 car groups in pressing the Administration to pools are now forming each commit to larger and evening heading from San earlier reductions. We Francisco east across the Bay also helped persuade Bridge after EDF helped orga- President Clinton to nize “casual” car pools, in

offer American compa- which drivers and passengers Peter DaSilva nies credit for making meet at designated points to EDF helped set up designated “casual” car pool pickup points near early reductions—as arrange rides. More than 8,000 the San Francisco entrance to the Bay Bridge, where riders and dri- early as 1998, long commuters use casual car pools vers connect for the evening ride home from work. before an international from the East Bay to San Francisco each General Counsel James T.B. Tripp, who has treaty takes effect. weekday morning, but ride matching for the long advocated such an approach. Fred Krupp Since greenhouse gases evening trip back had been more difficult. “It is an action of national significance,” remain in the atmosphere for a century, Working with San Francisco Supervisor added EDF engineer Michael Replogle, trapping heat the whole time, we must begin Gavin Newsom, the San Francisco Depart- “and underscores EDF’s position that we reducing them now. ment of Parking and Traffic, and RIDES for cannot build our way out of our transporta- The President’s proposal for a worldwide Bay Area Commuters, EDF set up the pro- tion problems.” limit or cap on greenhouse gas emissions, gram and publicized it on EDF’s web site. Among the alternatives the state will with a program of trading, is modeled on the The incentives for drivers and passengers consider are improving transit service in the successful U.S. acid rain program. That pro- are time and money: car pools have their corridor, using variable tolls on the Tappan own lane to get on the bridge, and riders Zee Bridge to encourage off-peak travel and The acid rain program has a save money by not driving or paying transit discourage single-occupant vehicles during fares. rush hours, and working with employers to lesson to offer. “We wanted to offer commuters a conve- develop incentives for employee car pools. nient, inexpensive, and efficient travel Cash Incentives for Clean Commutes gram, designed by EDF, caps power plants’ option,” said EDF economic analyst Daniel sulfur emissions at half their former level, Kirshner, who was instrumental in organiz- Under the new Federal tax law that takes but lets plant owners decide how the reduc- ing the program. “People need all available effect January 1, employers that offer their tions are made. Plants that cut emissions options to solve the Bay Area’s transportation employees free or subsidized parking may more than required can trade with other problems. More people per car means fewer offer them an equivalent taxable cash bene- plants that fall short. This has led to overall cars, less congestion, and less pollution.” fit instead. Commuters who car pool, bike, reductions 30% ahead of schedule at one- walk, or use transit are potential recipients NY State to Try Reducing Traffic tenth the cost that some in industry predict- of this taxable cash in lieu of subsidized ed, even below the cost EDF projected. A New York Governor George Pataki has can- parking. similar system for greenhouse gas emissions celed plans to build a $400 million high- Previously, the law effectively barred would give companies a powerful reason to occupancy vehicle lane on the I-287 Cross- employers from offering a choice. The result reduce emissions ahead of schedule, critical Westchester Expressway to the Tappan Zee was to encourage single occupant vehicle to protecting the climate. Bridge, one of the New York metropolitan travel. Whatever the outcome in Kyoto, EDF area’s most congested highways. Instead, the Passage of this law removes a conflict will work to insure that the President state is setting up a task force to consider with the 1992 California mandatory “park- implements the promised incentives for vol- alternative ways to relieve congestion, ing cash-out” law requiring businesses that untary early reductions of greenhouse gases including developing a program to reduce employ 50 or more people and provide in the U.S. Doing so will generate support traffic demand. leased parking to offer a choice of cash. from industry for action, stimulate innova- “This is one of the first times a governor Enforcement of the California law is expect- tions, and provide urgently needed relief for has proposed to deal with congestion by ed to result in a sizable reduction in solo our planet. managing transportation demand instead of driving during peak hours, cutting air pol- expanding highway capacity,” said EDF lution and greenhouse gas emissions.

3 Column Rainforest Fires in Indonesia and Brazil: The U.S. Link By Dr. Stephanie Fried and Dr. Stephan Schwartzman, scientists with EDF’s Interna- conditions, raising the specter tional Program. of potentially massive confla- grations in a vicious circle of ore of the Earth’s surface was ablaze burning and drying. The end Mrecently than at any previous time in of the Amazon forest may be human history. Fires raging in Indonesia much closer than anyone has blanketed six countries in smoke, damaging ventured to guess. human health and causing an international One reason for the ram- scandal. An even larger smoke cloud cov- pant Amazon burning is that, ered much of the Brazilian Amazon, where since 1989, Brazil’s environ- burning was up sharply over 1996 and was mental agency has had no possibly the worst on record. legal authority to enforce Analysis of satellite data shows that the environmental law, including primary cause of the burning in Indonesia the restrictions on forest was not, as has been claimed, slashing and clearing. A bill in the Brazil- burning by the small farmers who have tra- ian congress that would ditionally used fire in a controlled manner restore this authority passed to grow their food crops. Rather, research the Senate in early 1997, but shows that 70% to 90% of the fires were set has been blocked by special by large, officially sanctioned companies to interests in the lower house. clear land for timber, oil-palm, and rubber The World Bank, the U.S., Fires set to clear land for large-scale ranching and logging operations, plantations. The irreplaceable tropical and other nations must exam- not burning by small farmers, were the main cause of the uncontrolled forests of Indonesia, and the land rights of ine the new data and reevalu- fires in both Indonesian and Brazilian rainforests. their indigenous inhabitants, are being sac- ate their support for Brazilian government ing a mahogany moratorium in Brazil, a rificed to Indonesia’s push to supply heavi- programs. World Bank policy prohibiting loans for ly subsidized plywood and paper mills. logging in primary tropical forests, and sev- Logging a Path to Your Furniture Store EDF has urged the U.S. to provide tech- eral institutional and governmental projects nical assistance and training to help the Unsound forestry practices in both the Ama- aimed at developing methods of sustainable Indonesian Ministry of Environment and zon and Indonesia spur tropical deforesta- non-government groups monitor violations tion and burning. The international timber of environmental law, particularly in Suma- trade is the chain that links U.S. con- The U.S. is the #1 importer of tra, Kalimantan, and Irian Jaya, the regions sumers—mostly unwittingly—to unsustain- mahogany, the product most hit hardest by the fires and haze. In dis- able forestry practices and the destruction of responsible for Amazon defor- couraging burning, Indonesia must differ- tropical forests. The U.S. is the number one estation. entiate between traditional judicious use of importer of mahogany, the product most fire by small farmers and large-scale land responsible for new deforestation in the clearing by plantation and logging compa- Amazon. In addition, about half the import- forestry. Unfortunately, the lack of labeling nies. In view of the urgency and magnitude ed plywood in the U.S. is the fruit of of wood and wood products hampers the of problems facing Indonesia’s forests, the Indonesia’s rainforest destruction. Unfortu- boycott and efforts to promote sustainable U.S. must strengthen environmental moni- nately, wood sold in the U.S. is not properly forestry. toring of currently planned projects aimed labeled, so consumers generally have no way Informed consumers could become the at protecting Indonesia’s forests. of knowing if their purchases of furniture or rainforests’ best friend. The single most lumber are fueling the rainforest fires. cost-effective step the U.S. can take today Amazon Burning Rises 28% It is critical that the U.S. give citizens and for the preservation of the world’s forests is In the Amazon as well, large ranchers were businesses the information they need to to label all timber and wood products by primarily responsible for the burning. EDF make informed choices. With adequate country of origin and species. This simple analysis of satellite data shows that burning information, consumers can avoid the wood information would allow consumers in the increased 28% from 1996 to 1997.Research produced by destroying rainforests and world’s largest timber market to use their in Brazil strongly suggests that for every instead help create markets for sustainably power to choose. acre seen burning in satellite images, anoth- produced timber. The labeling of timber and er acre burns undetected under the forest wood products by country of origin and More detailed information• on timber labeling canopy. Climate researchers calculate that species would provide this information—the is available in an EDF report, Global Deforesta- the increased burning is impairing the abil- essential first step toward harnessing market tion, Timber, and the Struggle for Sustainability: ity of up to half the entire Amazon rainfor- forces for the sustainability of the forests. Making the Label Stick, by Stephan Schwartz- est to remain green through the tropical dry Consumer and citizen efforts against man and Molly Kingston. To order, send $10 to season. This might cause the forest to global deforestation in the U.S. and Europe EDF Publications, c/o the Washington office become flammable under only slightly drier have already led to important steps, includ- (address on page 2), or call 800-684-3322.

4 U.S. and State Programs Join to Protect Rivers Congress Watch Continued from page 1. By Steve Cochran, lands. State funds will buy permanent easements on a EDF Legislative Director quarter of the lands to assure long-term protection, he first session of the 105th Congress saw and will also pay most of Ta number of threats to environmental the remaining planting and protection. We won restoration costs. The some and lost some. Chesapeake Bay Founda- Here are a few high- tion has offered to con- lights: tribute $5 million to the Clean Air: Efforts program. to stop implementa- “This program achieves tion of the new a degree of environmental national air quality restoration that neither standards for smog Maryland nor the Federal and soot failed in Steve Cochran government alone could both houses, although achieve,” said Searchinger. sponsors vow they will continue their “It is the first large-scale, efforts in the next session. fully funded effort to Endangered Species: S.1180, the restore a bay’s wetlands and Endangered Species bill introduced by Sen. forest buffers. If imitated Chafee (R-RI), may be brought to the Sen- across the country, it has the Mike Morris/Unicorn Photos ate floor in early 1998. As described in the potential, literally, to restore Grassy or forested “buffer zones” can be created to separate croplands November EDF Letter, this bill has both America’s environment.” from rivers and streams. The buffer zones help prevent farm chemicals strengths and weaknesses, and EDF is con- The USDA is reviewing from polluting the water. tinuing to work to improve the final legisla- similar proposals from Illinois and Min- flooded land along the Illinois and Min- tion. House action is uncertain. nesota, also developed with Searchinger’s nesota Rivers and tributaries. Officials in Superfund: Several Superfund reautho- assistance. The two programs together New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and rization bills were introduced in the House would restore wetlands, forests, and prairies Washington State have also asked EDF to and may be considered in early 1998. The on roughly 400,000 acres of chronically help them develop such programs. Senate has been unable to develop a bipar- tisan Superfund bill, but efforts will contin- Energy Choice Comes to California on January 1 ue in the next session as well. “Takings”: The House passed H.R. hen utility restructuring to choose “greener” electricity, 1534, a bill by Rep. Gallegly (R-CA) that Wbegins in California on however, must change their would allow property owners to bypass state January 1, residents and busi- supplier, because the major courts and sue in Federal court when a nesses in the state who are cur- California utilities are prohib- municipality denies a land-use proposal. rently customers of the major ited from offering non-stan- The bill would undercut local environmen- utilities will be able to choose dard energy mixes for four tal protection efforts by allowing Federal their electricity supplier. Many years. Changing your supplier suits even when a proposal would harm environmentally conscious is as easy as changing your nearby homeowners and even if localities customers will want to switch long distance phone company. would approve other equally valuable uses to “green” electricity—the For a list of suppliers who of the property. EDF and other environ- cleaner power produced from offer green power products in mental groups opposed the bill and were renewable sources such as California, call or write EDF’s able to keep the vote margin low enough to wind, biomass, geothermal, California office (address on sustain a veto by the President, who has solar and appropriate hydro- page 2) or see EDF’s web site, indicated he would veto the bill if it passes power. Californians who want www.edf.org. in the Senate. Transportation: Both the House and Senate made progress in preserving key Smog Cutting Plan is Similar to Acid Rain Plan environmental protections in the nation’s Continued from page 1. demonstrates that market-based policy basic transportation law. Unfortunately, fail- lower cost.” Goffman and EDF economist tools deliver powerful environmental and ure to resolve unrelated issues prevented Dr. Daniel J. Dudek first proposed such a economic results,” added EDF economic final action in both houses, leaving debate cap-and-trade approach for Northeast smog analyst Sarah Wade. to be resumed in early 1998. pollution in 1994. It is similar to the acid Details of that success are reported in a Congress is expected back around Janu- rain reduction program they helped design new EDF study, More Clean Air for the ary 27. Other topics under debate will for the 1990 Clean Air Act. Buck: Lessons from the Acid Rain Emissions include electric utility restructuring, “The current success of cap-and-trade Trading Program. The report is available for domestic programs to combat climate programs to cut emissions of sulfur dioxide, $15 from EDF Publications, c/o the Wash- change, and issues related to clean water a principal cause of acid rain, clearly ington office. and wetlands. It will be a busy year.

5 People Fisheries Expert Doug Hopkins is at Home on the Seas

hen Doug Hopkins was seven years also by many members of the commercial Wold, he fell in love with starfish and and recreational fishing industry. “The fish- hermit crabs and dreamed of becoming an ing industry is made up of a huge variety of oceanographer. During summers at his opinions and is generally suspicious of grandmother’s house near Woods Hole, national environmental groups,” said fellow Massachusetts, Doug spent rainy days Council member John Williamson, an inde- inside the Woods Hole Aquarium, fascinat- pendent commercial fisherman from Maine. ed by the animals and plants he saw. That “It was clear from the beginning that Doug experience “hooked me on oceans,” said was very sensitive and respectful of every- Hopkins. The oceans had found a lifelong one’s interests. He’s an exceptional person defender. who is breaking new ground for the environ- Doug’s early experiences in Woods Hole mental community in a very positive way.” and on Buzzard’s Bay were only the first of Ellie Dorsey, a scientist with the Con- many remarkable encounters with the nat- servation Law Foundation in Boston, was ural environment. Although he opted to equally impressed with Hopkins’s abilities: study law instead of oceanography, Doug “Doug quickly grasps the science behind has become a recognized expert on a wide the issues and the implications for conser- range of water-resource issues and a highly T. Charles Erickson vation.” During his three-year term on the skilled lawyer and negotiator. The U.S. Sec- “Hooked on oceans” from an early age, EDF Council, Hopkins hopes to keep efforts to retary of Commerce recently appointed him attorney Doug Hopkins now works to defend rebuild New England’s depleted haddock, as the only representative of any environ- what he loves. cod, and yellowtail flounder fisheries “on mental group now serving on one of the University of Virginia, Hopkins returned to track”.He’ll also urge development of man- eight regional fishery management coun- the Northwest to join and eventually agement plans for monkfish and dogfish cils. Created by Congress in 1976, the coun- become a partner at a Seattle law firm. and steps to end overfishing of lobster. cils have the job of deciding how much When fellow partner Brock Adams became Leading EDF’s Oceans Program fishing can be done without endangering a U.S. Senator, Hopkins spent an “extremely the long-term future of the fish stocks. fascinating” short stint in Washington as Hopkins helped to found EDF’s new Oceans the Senator’s legislative assistant on fisheries program. “EDF has assembled an unparal- Outdoor Adventurer management and other Commerce Com- leled team of scientists, economists, attor- “The water has always been an important mittee issues. After returning to Seattle, neys, and other professionals to help solve part of my life,” Doug recalled. “When we Hopkins took a year’s sabbatical and problems facing the world’s oceans.” he said. weren’t in Woods Hole, my family spent worked as an Outward Bound instructor. “I am very proud of EDF’s commitment and summers on Lake Erie, where I spent many “Taking groups of kids and young adults on the opportunity I have to be part of it.” hours sailing large and small sailboats.” expeditions in the Deschutes River and Said EDF Trustee Dr. Jane Lubchenco, During spring breaks from law school, Mount Jefferson Wilderness areas and the Professor of marine biology and Distin- Doug and some friends ran charter sail trips Cascade Mountains was one of the best guished Professor of zoology at Oregon from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the experiences of my life.” State University, “Doug has led EDF’s Bahamas. Later, Doug and a friend sailed a Since marrying actress and singer Kyle Oceans program to its new prominence. He small,1930’s-era wooden sailboat from Seat- Holt in 1992 and having Eliza, their first understands the seriousness of the numer- tle to Tahiti. Hopkins has also canoed on ous threats to oceans and is championing lakes and rivers throughout northern Maine Doug and a friend sailed a small, effective solutions.” and Canada, including the Yukon and It may be too late for Doug Hopkins to Northwest Territories. 1930’s-era wooden sailboat from fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an If water is his first love in nature, moun- Seattle to Tahiti. oceanographer, but there is still hope for at tains are a close second. “Growing up in least one Hopkins. For this past Halloween, 1 Buffalo as a flatlander, I had no idea how child, in 1994, Doug’s focus has widened. 2 /2-year-old Eliza announced that she beautiful high mountains were until I trav- Being a parent has given him a new reason wanted to go trick or treating as a fish! Will eled to the Northwest during college.” to work for the environment. With a second Hopkins someday drop off his little fish on Lured by friends’ tales of Alaska, Doug first child due in March, Doug appreciates his the side of the interstate to explore the experienced grand mountains when he took home office in rural eastern Connecticut, waters of Alaska? With a heavy sigh and a a semester off from his undergraduate stud- which puts him close to the New England nervous laugh, he replied, “I’m not so sure.” ies at Yale to work in a remote Alaskan fish ports where he does much of his work. Maybe after many more years of working in processing facility. “I’ll never forget the day the fishery management arena, Hopkins A Highly Regarded Advocate my parents dropped me off at the side of an will have fine-tuned his negotiating skills interstate to hitchhike across the country.” Hopkins’ appointment to the New England enough to equip himself for life with Doug laughed. Fishery Management Council was widely teenagers. After earning his law degree from the supported not only by environmentalists but By Cheryl Roberts

6 Marine Reserves: A Promising Tool to Protect Oceans By Dr. Rod Fujita, marine ecologist with EDF’s continued advances in Oceans program, and EDF Trustee Dr. Jane the scientific understand- Lubchenco, professor of marine biology at Ore- ing of fishery manage- gon State University. ment and improved he ocean is one of the Earth’s great “com- conservation goals— Tmons.” Coral reefs, kelp forests, and oth- and we must hold er ecosystems of the sea not only support resource managers dolphins, sea turtles, albatrosses, and other accountable to these marvelous creatures. They also provide goals. We must also essential “goods and services,” such as fish, replace the strong minerals, waste conversion, and even the existing incentives to moderation of our climate. overexploit with equal- Creating sustainable fisheries and ly strong incentives to reducing overfishing, which scientists have conserve. identified as the most serious threat to Managing fisheries marine biodiversity, are key priorities in will always be an protecting the world’s oceans. Some fish- uncertain art, despite EDF urged creation of a “no-take” marine reserve in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to help protect this valuable ecosystem. eries have been managed sustainably, but such exciting advances many others have not. About 70% of the as the ability to predict El Niño events, the often wrong, but no-take reserves will pro- world’s major fisheries are either fully discovery of long-term cycles in ocean cir- tect fish populations and habitats. Models exploited, depleted, or recovering from culation and productivity, and better under- and catch limits protect “paper” fish; marine depletion. In the U.S., overfishing and habi- standing of how marine ecosystems func- reserves protect real fish. tat degradation have left many fish popula- tion. Because of the complexity of these The critical need is for networks of no- tions unable to produce maximal yields. ecosystems, the high level of natural varia- take marine reserves, analogous to wildlife Thousands of jobs and millions in revenue tion of the ocean, and limited funds for corridors on land. No-take marine reserves are lost as a result. research, uncertainty will remain. can yield dramatic benefits, including In relatively well-managed fisheries increased fish abundance, often by several- “No-Take” Marine Reserves there is often a poor understanding of fish- fold and sometimes within just a few years. ing’s effects on marine biodiversity and EDF is advancing a promising hedge against No-take reserves also tend to contain more ecosystem health. Fish are vital components uncertainty: the idea of “no-take” marine large fish, because in areas that are open to of marine ecosystems. Overfishing can have reserves, in which fishing is banned—a kind fishing, fishermen often target the largest profound unintended effects, ranging from of underwater wildlife refuge. No-take fish first. Having a diversity of ages and algal blooms that can destroy coral reefs to reserves reduce economic pressures to over- sizes, including plenty of older, larger fish, the starvation of seabird chicks that depend fish, protect marine ecosystems, and, ulti- appears to be critically important for many on fish for survival. mately, increase fishery yields. Stock assess- fish species. Big fish produce many more To halt and prevent overfishing, we need ments and projections of fishing effort are eggs than small fish; for example, it takes about 200 small adult snappers (typical of a heavily fished population) to produce as Opportunity for Action Now many eggs as one large snapper. Well- The authors of this arti- EDF recently organized designed marine reserves should enhance cle are leaders in the effort a series of marine reserve fisheries in adjacent waters by exporting to establish no-take marine workshops in major both baby fish and older fish. reserves. coastal areas of the U.S. Effective no-take marine reserves are As President of the Dr. Bill Ballantine, who also needed on the high seas and in the ter- American Association for pioneered the establish- ritorial waters of other countries. Although the Advancement of Sci- ment of marine reserves there are more than 4,500 protected marine ence at the 1997 AAAS in New Zealand, led the areas, they cover far less than 1% of the meetings, Lubchenco workshops, which were ocean’s surface, and most are relatively inef- called for setting aside hosted by local environ- fective because of lax enforcement and weak 20% of the world’s ocean mental groups, dive orga- public support. Few are closed to fishing; in areas as permanent biolog- nizations, business asso- fact, to win fishing industry support, many ical preserves. Bill Ballantine ciations, and others in so-called marine sanctuaries were set up Fujita has advocated marine reserves in New England, Newfoundland, Florida, Cali- under implicit or explicit agreements to the U.S. since 1990 and helped establish a fornia, and Oregon. impose few limits on fishing. no-take reserve in the Florida Keys National Ballantine, who is professor of marine EDF is working with fishermen, other Marine Sanctuary. He is working with a ecology at the Leigh Marine Laboratory, environmental organizations, scientists, broad coalition in California to develop and University of Auckland, New Zealand, won SCUBA divers, and community leaders of pass legislation that would mandate the cre- the prestigious Goldman Award for his all types to build support for creating net- ation of a network of marine reserves. work on marine reserves. works of no-take marine reserves. This sci- entific concept is ready for prime time.

7 Major Chemical Companies Respond to EDF Challenge ach year manufacturers sell bil- mulling over.” Elions of pounds of chemicals for The first response of the Chem- which the public lacks basic data Santa isn’t ical Manufacturers Association on health effects. Last July, EDF (CMA), immediately after To x i c Executive Director Fred Krupp the only one Ignorance came out, was to com- wrote to the CEO’s of the country’s mission its own study of the 100 largest chemical manufactur- making two lists. same chemicals. The CMA study ers, asking them to commit to fin- confirmed that a majority of ish preliminary health screening of such chemicals lack necessary their top-selling chemicals by the screening data in the public year 2000, with public disclosure record (although it put the figure of the results. In response, some 80 at 53% rather than EDF’s 71%). companies have given EDF their CMA then began talks with EDF views and plans. and the U.S. EPA. Krupp’s letter followed the “EDF is having very active dis- release of EDF’s Toxic Ignorance cussions with individual compa- report, which documented the nies,” Roe said, “and we hope to absence of such health screening be able to announce more results in the public record for more progress in our next round of ads. than two-thirds of the 3,000 most- The spotlight on this issue will used industrial chemicals in the U.S. get progressively brighter. We are Based on the companies’ responses, also encouraged by the prelimary EDF took out this ad in selected interest from the manufacturers’ regional editions of USA Today. trade association, although it’s not “Every one of the 80 responses Eleven companies have already agreed to finish preliminary health screening of yet clear whether they will take we got took this issue very serious- their top-selling industrial chemicals by the year 2000, while six companies any role in testing chemicals on ly,” said EDF attorney David Roe, have expressly declined. EDF hopes to announce more progress in future ads. behalf of their members.” “and a large majority agreed that the test data currently available to the public are not adequate. What to do about it is the question that a number of companies are still Postage Guaranteed Forwarding and Return Address Correction Requested EDF Office Addresses on page 2. Washington, D. C. 20090-6969 P. O. Box 96969 Address Corrections to: Powerful Wildlife Documentary To Air on NBC Saturday, January 24

DF highly recommends Don’t ESay Goodbye, a National Geo- graphic special airing Saturday, Jan- uary 24, at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time on NBC. The program follows two wildlife photographers, Susan Middleton and David Liittschwager, as they travel to pho- tograph some of America’s rarest and most imperiled species, in an Middleton/Liittschwager 1994 effort to bring their plight into © sharper focus. An endangered red wolf. Just as powerful as their stun- ning photographs are the stories of the people they encountered who are dedicated to saving species from extinction. These NON-PROFIT ORG. ENVIRONMENTAL

fascinating individuals range DEFENSE FUND from a former East Los Angeles U.S. POSTAGE

gang member who now works to PAID save a rare butterfly to biologist

Roy Eisenhardt Dr. Thomas Eisner, who goes Susan Middleton and David “chemical prospecting” in Flori- Liittschwager prepare to photograph a da for medicines derived from Presidio manzanita in San Francisco. nature.