Dear friend,
Change, as we know, is hard.
As we move closer toward meaningful, lasting solutions to our dependence on oil, our deteriorating climate, and the world’s diminishing natural beauty and resources, the more fiercely the opponents of change resist.
But thanks to a new president, a greener Congress, and pro-environment leaders in Tallahassee, we’re seeing more movement on critical environmental initiatives than we have in many years. As we prepare for the battles ahead, let’s also take a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made, the gains we’ve defended, and the untold numbers of staff, alumni, allies, donors, members, activists and other supporters who have made it all possible.
A STEP TOWARD CLEANER CARS OF THE FUTURE . . . New cars and trucks will soon be cleaner and more fuel-efficient thanks to President Obama’s new gas-mileage and emission standards. The changes will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil and reduce carbon pollution by the equivalent of taking 177 million of today’s cars off the road.
We helped pave the way to cleaner cars. As Environment Florida’s Rob Sargent noted, 14 states had previously approved Clean Cars emission standards, making it easier for the administration to expand these standards nationwide. We helped win approval of the new limits in 13 of the 14 states. Our research produced at least 32 reports over the last decade, and our organizing helped build the constituency for nationwide action.
AN $80 BILLION DOWN PAYMENT ON A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE . . . The economic recovery plan signed into law by President Obama in February included $80 billion for clean energy. Environment America Chair Doug Phelps was in the room as the president signed the historic measure.
Our researchers recommended specific initiatives that would, among other benefits, reduce the nation’s global warming pollution by 10 percent. Environment Florida’s Adam Rivera mobilized local business leaders on the issue, helping to turn out, for example, twenty solar developers for President Obama’s Ft. Myers town hall event for a green recovery package in February.
AN HISTORIC VOTE TO CAP CARBON AND REPOWER AMERICA . . . By a slim seven-vote margin, the House of Representatives approved legislation this June to repower America with clean energy and cap the pollution responsible for global warming. Our research catalogued the bill’s strengths and weaknesses, while our advocacy and organizing, led by Anna Aurilio, Emily Figdor and Christy Leavitt, helped push the bill through the House. Florida’s House delegation had a good showing on the day of the vote, but the Senate promises to be an even tougher challenge. We’re urging senators to keep expanded offshore drilling and more subsidies for nuclear power out of the final bill.
PROTECTING THE EVERGLADES . . . When Lowe’s plans for a new South Florida superstore came into conflict with a boundary line designed to restrict development near the Everglades, the home improvement company’s solution was simple: Move the line and build the store. Environment Florida, working in partnership with Green Century Funds, took action, delivering 10,000 petition signatures to the board of Lowe’s at a shareholder meeting. Gov. Charlie Crist ultimately took our side against Lowe’s.
SAVING OUR SHORES . . . Florida’s beautiful beaches and coastal waters remain free of dirty and outdated oil rigs, thanks in part to Environment Florida’s efforts to stop the rush to drill. When lobbyists brazenly tried to rush through legislation to remove the ban on oil drilling just three miles from our coastline, Environment Florida Advocate Adam Rivera helped stop them in their tracks with a flurry of media activity and coordinated grassroots pressure. We’re keeping the pressure on state leaders not to drill, but to invest in real energy solutions for Florida.
Thank you for helping make it all possible. We wish you a happy holiday season and a cleaner, greener New Year.
Adam Rivera
Advocate, Environment Florida
