WASHINGTON (Nov. 8, 2007) – California was right to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today over its delay in granting what should be a routine clearance to implement the latest phase of California’s motor vehicle emission standards, which are designed to cut global warming pollution from cars, SUVs, and other vehicles, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Statement by Dan Lashof, Science Director of the Climate Center at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)  on Today’s Subcommittee Vote (4-3) in Favor of Reporting the Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191) to the Full Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The Legislation was Introduced by Senators Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Warner (R-Va.). “With CO2 levels rising faster than expected and the impacts of global warming already being felt, we are glad to see a bipartisan coalition that is committed to moving forward on solutions. This is still a work in progress, but we are optimistic because the bill makes a strong start and discussion is centered on how quickly we can and must reduce our emissions, which is exactly where it should be.”

WASHINGTON (October 31, 2007) – A report released today details how the U.S. oil and gas production industry, which has significantly expanded with thousands of new oil wells in the Rocky Mountain region during the last decade, has enjoyed loopholes in federal laws that allow it to pollute the land, air and water, and release toxic substances into the environment.

SAN FRANCISCO (October 24, 2007) – As blazes erupt across California, the authors of a new report released today warn that many of the region’s booming communities have not taken steps ahead of time that have been proven to protect properties and prevent losses. One major reason, they say, is that federal funding for such measures has shrunk dramatically in recent years, even as the number of people living in high-risk fire areas keeps growing.

“The Lieberman-Warner bill, America’s Climate Security Act (S. 2191), is a promising step forward to putting our country on a path toward avoiding extremely dangerous global warming. While S. 2191 provides a solid framework for sound global warming legislation, there are some significant areas in which it can and should be substantially improved.