Washington, DC (July 16, 2008)- The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R.3021) makes available competitive grants and low-cost loans to schools that meet green building design, according to the following standards: LEED Green Building Ratings, Energy Star, CHPS Criteria, Green Globes, or equivalent program adopted by the State or another jurisdiction over the local educational agency. For ACT members, this legislation creates new opportunities to apply for grants for school plantings and tree maintenance.
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 Policy Alerts Urban Forestry 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act No Child Left Inside Act Washington, DC (July 16, 2008)- The Alliance for Community Trees (ACT) is pleased to announce the introduction of the No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 (H.R.3036). This bill creates grant programs for schools to form partnerships with nonprofits and other agencies to improve environmental education in the classroom and introduce field experiences for K-12 students. ACT supports the No Child Left Inside Act as the furthest reaching environmental education bill teaching our students about urban forestry in the communities where they live and play. This is a great opportunity for ACT members to expand educational programs and become more involved with the youth in the communities you serve. For more, click here...2008 Independence Day District Work Period Washington, DC (June 16, 2008)- Your Congressional representatives will be home at the end of next week for the Independence Day District Work Period, which runs from June 28 through July 6. This is a great opportunity to schedule a meeting with your representative. As a constituent, your issues and concerns speak far louder than ACT can on your behalf. So call your representative's district office, and ask to schedule a meeting or invite him/her to an event. ACT has provided some talking points as follows. For more, click here...House Appropriations Bill Would Reverse Proposed Cuts Washington, DC (June 12, 2008)- House lawmakers kicked off the appropriations markup season yesterday by approving a $27.9 billion spending bill for the Interior Department, U.S. EPA, and Forest Service, more than $2 billion over President Bush's request. For more, click here...Perlmutter Legislation Promotes Going Green To Save Green Washington, DC (June 11, 2008)- Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter's (CO-07) G.R.E.E.N. Act (Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods) was heard in the House Financial Services Committee. H.R. 6078 provides incentives to lenders and financial institutions to provide lower interest loans and other benefits to consumers, who build, buy, or remodel their homes and businesses to improve their energy efficiency. This timely legislation reflects foresight and the considered input of a broad coalition of housing advocates, financial institutions, government leaders, developers, and the environmental community. For more, click here...Rep. Doris Matsui Appointed to Powerful Energy and Commerce Committee Washington, DC (June 5, 2008)- This afternoon, Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) was named to the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Energy and Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over a vast amount of issues, ranging from national policy on health care and energy, to interstate and foreign commerce and consumer safety. For more, click here...GREEN Act of 2008 Washington, DC (May 15, 2008)- Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) introduced H.R.6078, Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 (GREEN Act). This act encourages energy efficiency and conservation and the development of renewable energy sources for housing, commercial structures, and other buildings to create sustainable communities. The Alliance for Community Trees has worked closely with Congressman Perlmutter (D-CO) to advocate for the inclusion of best practices in urban forestry and planned green development. For more, click here...The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 Washington, DC (May 1, 2008)- This new law authorizes specified programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy concerning, among other things, land conveyances, boundary adjustments, studies, memorials, commissions, and museums, national park natural resource protection, national trails and rivers, national heritage areas, and advanced energy technology transfer centers. For more, click here...ACT Submits Testimony Regarding the FY 2009 Forest Service Budget Washington, DC (April 25, 2008)- The Alliance for Community Trees provided written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies regarding the FY 2009 federal budget. ACT urged the Senate to 1.) Provide a total of $50 million to the Forest Service to deliver a successful and expanded Urban and Community Forestry Program to the nation's public. 2.) Increase the Forest Service's research investments for urban forest research across its Research and Development units. For more, click here...Energy Conservation through Trees Act Washington, DC (April 22, 2008)- Today, Earth Day, the Alliance for Community Trees celebrates the Energy Conservation through Trees Act being introduced by Rep. Matsui. ACT staff and board members worked closely with the Congresswoman to develop the proposed federal program, which would encourage utility companies to partner with local nonprofit tree planting organizations to plant trees to reduce residential energy demand. The purpose of the legislation is to help homeowners lower their electric bills (and help utilities lower their peak load demand) by reducing residential energy demand caused by the need to run air conditioners and heaters at a high level. Shade trees not only help mitigate the urban heat island effect, but also help to shield homes from sun in the summer and cold winds in the winter. For more, click here...Rep. Ed Perlmutter Introducing G.R.E.E.N. Act for Affordable Mortgages Washington, DC (April 18, 2008)- The Alliance for Community Trees is pleased to announce that U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, will unveil his G.R.E.E.N. (Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods) Act for affordable mortgages while delivering a keynote address during a forum at the Center for American Progress on Tues., April 22. ACT has worked closely with Rep. Perlmutter and his staff to craft a bill that provides incentives to lenders and financial institutions to provide lower interest loans and other benefits to consumers, who build, buy or remodel their homes and businesses to improve their energy efficiency, including with trees. This timely legislation reflects foresight and the considered input of a broad coalition of housing advocates, financial institutions, government leaders, developers, and the environmental community. For more, click here...Senators on panel vow to reverse Forest Service cuts By Noelle Straub Washington, DC (April 2, 2008)- Senators on the powerful Appropriations Committee vowed Tuesday to reverse proposed budget cuts to the U.S. Forest Service and toyed with the idea of moving the agency from the Department of Agriculture to the Interior Department. For more, click here...FLAME Act Proposed to Address Escalating Fire Suppression Costs Washington, DC (April 1, 2007)- Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Norm Dicks is co-sponsoring a bill that would address the need for better budgeting for fire suppression costs by the federal government. The bill is similar Congressman Goodlatte's Emergency Wildland Fire Response Act of 2008 in its goals, would establish a special federal fund to be used only for suppression of catastrophic, emergency wildland fires. For more, click here...Save our trees By Steven W. Koehn Baltimore, MD (March 27, 2008)- The Bush administration's proposal to significantly cut the U.S. Forest Service's State and Private Forestry Program would harm communities throughout Maryland by virtually eliminating nearly 100 years of federal-state cooperation in forest conservation. Congress must not allow the federal government to leave state and local communities behind at a time when federal assistance is needed most. For more, click here...Root Issue Action Alert- March 13 The latest issue of the Alliance for Community Trees' Policy Alerts e-newsletter for friends and partners. Take Action to Save Urban Forestry Programs Washington, DC (April 25, 2008)- The Alliance for Community Trees is joining together with 15 national organizations in opposing the drastic cuts proposed for the Urban and Community Forestry Program (U&CF) in the President's FY 2009 federal budget. The proposed 82% cut would leave the national U&CF program with only $5 million in funds for FY 2009 to deliver assistance to all 50 states and territories. For more, click here...Legislature Passes Evergreen Communities Act to Protect Urban Trees Olympia, WA (March 11, 2008)- The state House sent the Evergreen Communities Act to Governor Gregoire's desk today with a final concurrence vote. "We hope this is the first step in a long-term state commitment to prioritize urban tree protection, management and canopy expansion" said Audubon Washington executive director, Nina Carter. "Trees are one of the most cost effective ways for cities to reduce stormwater runoff pollution, the leading source of pollution in Puget Sound. Trees clean our air, reduce energy through shade, absorb greenhouse gases and make our cities livable." For more, click here...Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act Washington, DC (February 27, 2008)- H.R. 5161 would direct the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to make grants to institutions of higher education to carry out research and development on green transportation infrastructure. Under the bill, the term green transportation infrastructure includes infrastructure that preserves natural processes, treats water close to its source, minimizes the use of impervious surfaces, and minimizes energy use and air pollution. For more, click here...State Foresters Furious Over 60 Percent Cut in Federal Funding Washington, DC (February 7, 2008)- State foresters across the country reacted angrily this week to deep cutbacks in federal funding for state and private forestry programs within the U.S. Forest Service. The president's FY09 budget proposal cuts nearly 60 percent from current levels, with funding for some priority programs slashed as much as 80 percent. For more, click here...Administration Budget for FY 2009 Released Washington, DC (February 4, 2008)- The President's budget was released today. All State and Private Forestry programs experienced big cuts, with Urban and Community Forestry scheduled for an 82% reduction resulting in a $5 million budget. In the coming weeks, Alliance for Community Trees will work with its partners in the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition to develop a response and recommendations for the FY 2009 budget. We will keep ACT members and other urban forestry advocates informed and invite state and local entities to add their support to the united message of support for urban forests in our nation's budget. For more, click here...Forest Service Chief Comments at SUFC 2008 Meeting Washington, DC (January 24, 2008)- Today, Forest Service Chief, Gail Kimbell, addressed the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition 2008 Annual Meeting.... 2007 was a winning year for the field of urban and community forestry, and I am so glad to be here today to congratulate you on your incredible accomplishments. We are proud to be a partner with you. For more, click here...Durbin Helps Fight Bug Battle By Carly A. Mullady Chicago, IL (January 22, 2008)- The emerald ash borer is doing more than bugging south suburban officials. Mayors from several suburban municipalities Tuesday joined arborists, tree enthusiasts and concerned residents to learn about plans to fight the destructive little creature. To help out with the battle, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said Illinois is receiving $1.5 million in federal funding for emerald ash borer prevention measures. For more, click here...Landmark Green Affordable Policy Advances in Congress Washington, DC (January 2008)- The House of Representatives passed a landmark green affordable housing bill by a wide bipartisan margin. The "HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2007" (H.R. 3524) provides $800 million annually from 2008-2013 for mixed-income communities that incorporate Green Communities Criteria. This is the first time the House has passed a bill authorizing holistic environmental principles in a major housing program. View segments of the floor debate. For more, click here...Redesign Components: Urban and Community Forestry Goals and Objectives Washington, DC (January 1, 2008)- The USDA Forest Service has provided a set of goals and objectives for Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) within the context of the National Redesign Themes for State and Private Forestry. These goals are intended to provide focus for the program and are not exclusive of local and state needs and opportunities. This document is draft only and was developed for conceptual review by a working group of state and federal urban forestry coordinators. All concepts described are still under active development by the Redesign Board. For more, click here...Green Jobs Act of 2007 Signed Washington, DC (December 19, 2007)- President Bush signed the Green Jobs Act of 2007, authorizing $125 million for green job training programs across the country. The Green Jobs Act is part of the Energy Bill. For the first time in history, we have a U.S. law that addresses both the climate crisis and the poverty crisis by investing in green-collar job training. For more, click here...Energy Bill Signed Into Law Washington, DC (December 19, 2007)- President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Energy Bill) into law, along with key provisions which create new efficiency standards for an array of consumer products from light bulbs to new buildings. There are several opportunities of interest to ACT members. For more, click here...Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 U&CF Budget is $27.7 million Washington, DC (December 16, 2007)- Congress announced details of an end of year combined appropriations act for FY 2008 to fund all federal agencies that have been operating under continuing resolutions since the fall. Many programs did not receive as much funding as was initially budgeted by the House and Senate during the summer. However, if approved, the omnibus would provide more funding to environmental programs than the President's 2008 budget would have provided. For more, click here...Senate Farm Bill Passed- Includes Funding for Forestry and for Communities to Manage Emerald Ash Borer Washington, DC (December 14, 2007)- After a protracted struggle, the U.S. Senate finally passed the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (H.R.2419) by a vote of 79 to 14. During debate, 12 amendments to the bill were considered. None passed. Among these failed attempts were amendments by Senator Lugar (R-IN) and Senator Dorgan (D-ND), both seeking to reform agricultural payments by replacing subsidies with crop insurance and fixing income caps on payment eligibility, respectively. For more, click here...New York Governor Creates SmartGrowth Cabinet Albany, NY (December 10, 2007)- State governments play a crucial role in determining where growth and development occur. Local governments designate land use, but they do so in a context of state investments and policies. It is the rare state, however, that requires individual departments to coordinate those decisions. As a result, the DOT, say, might propose a highway through farmland or natural areas that the Department of Natural Resources has marked for preservation. Or the state health department might build a clinic out from town, beyond the reach of transit, and therefore out of reach of the poor and elderly. New York Governor Eliot Spitzer broke the mold by creating a new Smart Growth Cabinet to review "state agency spending and policies to determine how best to discourage sprawl and promote smart land use practices." For more, click here...Forest Service Announces Open Space Conservation Strategy Washington, DC (December 6, 2007)- Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell today announced the release of the Forest Service's Open Space Conservation Strategy. The Open Space Conservation Strategy is the product of extensive public comment and collaboration, with over 22,000 comments received. The public also expressed strong support for open space conservation during USDA's Farm Bill listening sessions. Open space benefits American citizens by providing clean air, abundant water, outdoor recreation, connected fish and wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, improved human health, renewable resource products, and quality of life. For more, click here...ACT Supports H.R.720 Washington, DC (October 11, 2007)- The following is an excerpt of a letter sent to Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (Chairman, Subcommittee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security and Water Quality) and David Vitter (Subcommittee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security and Water Quality). For more, click here...Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2007 Washington, DC (October 4, 2007)- The Senate Finance Committee approved the "Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2007" by a vote of 17-4. The bill addresses many farm programs, and includes tax breaks for disaster assistance, endangered species projects, farmland conservation, and wind and cellulosic energy development. For more, click here...Hill Leaflet- September 21 Emerald Ash Borer Municipality Assistance Act Washington, DC (September 20, 2007)- Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Emerald Ash Borer Municipality Assistance Act of 2007 (S. 1717) in response to requests for support from Illinois municipalities in the path of EAB. Senate co-sponsors include Senators Barack Obama, IL; Richard Lugar, IN; Carl Levin, MI; Debbie Stabenow, MI; Benjamin Cardin, MD; Sherrod Brown, OH; Robert Casey, Jr., PA. The funding bill is in the House is H.R. 2419. For more, click here...Johanns Resigns as Agriculture Secretary By Catharine Richert and Gregory L. Giroux Washington, DC (September 20, 2007)- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns resigned Thursday amid reports he will run for the Senate in his home state of Nebraska. "I couldn't have asked for a better secretary of agriculture," President Bush said in accepting Johanns' resignation. "He worked hard to put in motion a good farm bill. ... He set the framework for success, and I'm confident we can get a good bill passed." For more, click here...Indiana Tree Advocate Washington, DC (September 20, 2007)- As a tree farmer and honorary co-chair of NeighborWoods Indianapolis, Senator Richard Lugar understands that trees play a major role in creating healthy and sustainable communities. Trees sequester carbon, clean the air, contribute to efficient stormwater management, and deliver energy savings and higher property values. Moreover, research demonstrates a clear correlation between tree cover and income; the lower the income, the less tree cover. It is these neighborhoods that may have the most to gain by planting trees. For more, click here...Vacant Housing and Related Issues Bill Washington, DC (September 17, 2007)- Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) introduced S. 2054 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to assist cities with a vacant housing problem, and for other purposes. For more, click here...Federal Update on Urban & Community Forestry Legislation Washington, DC (August 23, 2007)- In late June, the House of Representatives passed Interior and Environment Appropriations for fiscal year 2008 that would restore funding to a wide array of conservation and environmental protection programs. The House provided $355 million above the President's budget request to the U.S. Forest Service, including a small budget increase for the Urban and Community Forestry Program, which would result in a $31,130,000 national budget for U&CF. For more, click here...Hill Leaflet- August 16 Energy Bill Adopted by House Without Trees Provision Washington, DC (August 4, 2007)- The House passed a wide-ranging energy bill on Saturday that will require most utilities to produce 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar power. President Bush has vowed to veto the energy bill because it does nothing to encourage increased domestic production of oil and gas. The Energy Efficiency Through Trees legislation crafted by Rep. Doris O. Matsui was not introduced. For more, click here...House Action on Energy Bill Slipping Into Weekend Washington, DC (August 3, 2007)- Energy legislation remained in limbo Friday, stalled by tight vote counts, partisan squabbling and fresh veto threats from the White House. Floor consideration was likely to be delayed until Saturday at best. Democrats at midday were considering making changes to the energy tax package (H.R. 2776) to placate oil-state Democrats upset about treatment of the oil and gas industry. For more, click here...House Democrats Signal That Energy Bill Will Move Before Recess Washington, DC (August 2, 2007)- House Democrats face a tough call on whether to go forward with an energy policy bill paired with a contentious, separate package of energy tax measures targeting the oil and gas industry. Democrats are confident they will have the votes Friday to pass an energy measure (H.R. 3221) to provide incentives for energy efficiency, spur research and investment in new technology, and tighten regulation of the oil and gas industry. For more, click here...2007 Farm Bill Passes the House Washington, DC (July 27, 2007)- The 2007 Farm Bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. The bill, passed by a vote of 231-191, increases funding for conservation, nutrition, and renewable energy. Conservation spending is increased by $4.6 billion, nutrition program spending by $4 billion, and renewable energy efforts by $2.5 billion. For more, click here...House and Senate Vote for Increase in FY08 Energy Bill Appropriations Washington, DC (July 18, 2007)- The House passed the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill of 2008 (H.R. 2641, H. Rept. 110-85) on July 17 by a vote of 312-112. The House Bill appropriates $1.98 billion for Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE/RE) programs for FY 2008, $742 million (60%) more than the Administration's FY 2008 request of $1.23 billion and $504 million more than FY 07 enacted. Congressionally directed activities were funded by the House at $104.3 million. For more, click here...House Appropriators Add Earmarks to Energy-Water Bill Washington, DC (July 12, 2007)- House appropriators approved a report to the fiscal 2008 Energy-Water spending bill Thursday containing almost $1.1 billion in earmarks requested solely by members. The Appropriations Committee quickly approved the report by voice vote with no discussion or debate. The report is expected to be folded into the $31.6 billion spending bill (HR 2641) on the House floor early next week. For more, click here...First "Green" Building on Capitol Hill Washington, DC (July 12, 2007)- A broad bi-partisan coalition from both chambers of Congress will join together today to celebrate the first "green" building on Capitol Hill and talk about legislative efforts to advance green building construction in the United States. For more, click here...Senate Forest Service Emergency Firefighting Fund Washington, DC (July 11, 2007)- Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-Montana) has introduced legislation to provide an $800 million emergency trust fund for the Forest Service and Interior Department to fight wildfires without diverting funds from other agency programs, a practice that has become commonplace in recent years. The money, to be supplemented in future years, would be used to cover 80 percent of firefighting costs above the annual appropriated amount. For more, click here...Forest Service Announces State and Private Redesign Washington, DC (July 1, 2007)- The US Forest Service has released information about the redesign and reorganization of the agency's State and Private Forestry division, responsible for assistance to non-federal forest lands, including urban forests. For more, click here...Energy Bill Timeline Delayed Washington, DC (June 28, 2007)- House Democratic leaders proclaimed a goal of "energy independence" today. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said energy-related bills reported out of 11 committees would steer the nation in a "new direction" by spurring research and investment in new technologies, increasing energy efficiency, reducing costs for consumers and creating "good green jobs." For more, click here...Green Jobs Act of 2007 Passes Labor Committee Washington, DC (June 28, 2007)- This week Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32), introduced the Green Jobs Act of 2007 (H.R. 2847). The Green Jobs Act represents a smart, far-sighted effort to fight poverty at the same time by creating federally-funded job training within the green economy. On Wednesday, the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee passed her bill by a bipartisan vote of 26 to 18. This is the first step in the House toward providing job training every year for about 35,000 U.S. workers (and would-be workers) in green and clean industries. For more, click here...National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 Washington, DC (June 28, 2007)- H.R. 2895, introduced by Barney Frank (D-MA), would establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States to provide for the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income families. Such assistance would include grants, loans, and interest rate buy-downs. Budgetary resources for the new trust fund would be provided by other legislation. For more, click here...Farm Bill Funding Squeeze By Catharine Richert Washington, DC (June 28, 2007)- The farm bill's funding squeeze has divided the typically bipartisan House Agriculture Committee and is threatening to drive a wedge through the Democratic Caucus. Party leaders are concerned the money crunch will incite an intraparty squabble on the House floor because the bill is not likely to satisfy many Democrats outside of the Agriculture panel, aides say. For more, click here...House Labor Committee Prepares Workers for 'Green Collar' Jobs Washington, DC (June 27, 2007)- By a vote of 26 to 18, the House Education and Labor Committee passed legislation today to help train American workers for jobs in the renewable energy and energy-efficiency industries, industries that are key to U.S. and world efforts to combat global warming. For more, click here...Blue Dog Coalition Unveils Energy Principles Washington, DC (June 27, 2007)- The Democratic Blue Dog Coalition unveiled an endorsed set of principles, the "Blue Dog Energy Principles," to guide Congress as it works to rewrite the nation's energy policy. The principles were endorsed by the Coalition as a moderate and comprehensive approach to our nation's energy policy that emphasizes a focus on national and economic security. The principles represent a broad range of stakeholders, with the underlying belief that our country's current reliance on foreign energy supplies threatens our national security and our ability to compete in the global marketplace. For more, click here...Full House to Consider Forest Service FY08 Budget Washington, DC (June 25, 2007)- The full House of Representatives is scheduled to consider H.R. 2643, The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. It would fund various bureaus in the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture, including the US Forest Service. For more, click here...Open Space Conservation Strategy available for public comment Washington, DC (June 22, 2007)- The Draft Forest Service Open Space Conservation Strategy is now available for public review and comment. A Federal Register Notice inviting public comment was published on June 22nd, and comments will be accepted until July 23rd. For more, click here...Kerry, Snowe Add Small Business Energy Efficiency Provisions to Energy Bill Washington, DC (June 21, 2007)- Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) secured amendments to the Clean Energy Act (H.R. 6) that help small businesses increase their energy efficiency. The amendments also hold the Bush Administration accountable for failing to provide tools that will help small businesses reduce their dependency on fossil fuels. For more, click here...SBA Energy Efficiency Acts Washington, DC (June 19, 2007)- Senators Snow (R-ME) and Kerry (D-MA) introduced S. 1656 to authorize loans for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency projects under the Express Loan Program of the Small Business Administration, and S. 1657 to establish a small business energy efficiency program which will provide grants for newly established Small Business Development Centers and a small business telecommuting support program. For more, click here...Energy Bill Would Support Urban Trees Washington, DC (June 18, 2007)- ACT is working with Congresswoman Matsui (D-CA) to create a program in the Department of Energy (DOE) to help utilities and nonprofit organizations plant shade trees for energy efficiency. Modeled after Sacramento Municipal Utility District's successful partnership with Sacramento Tree Foundation, Rep. Matsui's bill would provide focused support from DOE to plant trees in locations where direct energy savings can be achieved. For more, click here...Green Affordable Housing Advances in Congress Washington, DC (September 26, 2007)- U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-7), lead the charge to include more energy efficiency standards in a bill reauthorizing the HOPE VI public housing program (H.R. 3524). In the September 26, 2007, House Financial Services Committee markup, Perlmutter, as chair of the Financial Services Committee Energy Efficiency Task Force, spearheaded the inclusion of provisions requiring public housing authorities to institute Green Communities, LEED, or other similarly approved energy efficiency building standards, in all new public housing developments built in accordance with the HOPE VI public housing program. This ACT sponsored legislation is the first time federal legislation has referenced Green Communities. For more, click here...Introduction of Clean Energy Act of 2007 Washington, DC (June 11, 2007)- This week, the Senate will debate H.R. 6, The Clean Energy Act of 2007, which is intended to reduce the United States' dependency on foreign oil a number of ways. It would spend money on clean, renewable, and alternative energy resources, on promoting new emerging energy technologies, and on developing greater efficiency. For more, click here...Green Infrastructure Incentives for Affordable Housing Washington, DC (June 11, 2007)- A bill recently passed by the House of Representatives (H.R. 1427) that strengthens the federal financial oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac includes a provision giving the companies extra credit toward meeting their affordable housing goals for purchasing mortgages on properties that are energy efficient or otherwise environmentally sustainable. For more, click here...House Subcommittee Boosts U&CF FY08 Budget Washington, DC (May 23, 2007) - House appropriators approved the fiscal 2008 budget for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in a voice vote today. The measure provides $2.6 billion for the USDA Forest Service, including a $31.1 million budget item for the Urban and Community Forestry Program. For U&CF, that amounts to a $1 million increase from last year's enacted budget and $13 million more than the budget proposed by the President in the 2008 Administration budget released in February. For more, click here...Draw clean water from farm bill Towanda, PA (May 23, 2007)- A proposal in pending new farm legislation, with co-sponsorship in the House by Rep. Chris Carney of the 10th District, and in the Senate by Sen. Bob Casey Jr., would provide for more equitable funding while promoting cleaner water and air through conservation measures. For more, click here...Farm Bill Moving Forward Washington, DC (May 22, 2007)- House Agriculture Subcommittees began marking up several titles in the upcoming farm bill including conservation, energy, and credit. Chairman Peterson (D-MN) plans full committee markup of the whole bill before the July 4th break. The Senate has held several hearings and has seen many marker bills on the farm bill, but has not started markup. Many groups have predicted that the Senate will start markup of its version of the farm bill in June. For more, click here...Green Building Acts Washington, DC (May 18, 2007)- The High-Performance Green Buildings Act of 2007 (S.506), introduced by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) with eight co-sponsors, seeks to establish an Office of Green Building Performance within the General Services Administration (GSA) to develop and implement a consistent green building standard for use by federal agencies. Similar bills and their sponsors include: Forthcoming Federal Policies Could Encourage More Efficient Affordable Housing Washington, DC (May 7, 2007)- Actions expected soon by the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Housing and Urban Development should encourage more affordable housing developers to incorporate cost-saving, energy- and water-efficient technologies, systems and appliances into their developments. For more, click here...Retired Forest Service Chiefs Speak Out Washington, DC (April 27, 2007)- Five retired Forest Service Chiefs spoke out this week to Congress regarding the need for better budgeting to protect the nation's forests from fire risk. As forest fires have become more intense and costly, the Forest Service has had to borrow money from other programs, such as Research and State and Private Forestry to cover fire-fighting expenses. Former Chiefs heading the agency from 1979 to 2007 urged Congress to finance emergency firefighting outside of the FS discretionary budget, and expressed concern with the Administration's FY 2008 budget for non-fire related programs. For more, click here...S.1131 - Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Program Act of 2007 Washington, DC (April 17, 2007)- Senator Collins (R-ME) introduced Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Program Act of 2007 to amend the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to establish a program to provide assistance to States and nonprofit organizations to preserve suburban forest land and open space and contain suburban sprawl through forest management and value-added forest products industries. For more, click here...Take Action For Federal Urban Forestry Program Washington, DC (April 12, 2007)- The U.S. Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program is at risk this year of receiving a 38% budget cut, affecting all state agency programs delivered to localities. For more, click here...Help Support the APHIS Budget for Eradication of Pests Deadline for action is April 30, 2007. Washington, DC (March 30, 2007)- Senator Durbin of Illinois has issued a bipartisan letter of support, cosigned by 23 other Senators, urging adequate funding for the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service to contain and eradicate exotic and invasive pests. For more, click here...FY 2008 Budget Update Washington, DC (March 29, 2007)- The House of Representatives approved H.Con.Res. 99, the House Budget Resolution, by a vote of 216 to 210. The Resolution, which presents a total federal budget of $2.9 trillion, provided for an increase of $2.6 billion over the President's budget for Natural Resources (known as Function 300), which includes programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund (federal and state-side), the Forest Legacy Program, the Cooperative Endangered Species Fund, and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. For more, click here...Save the Forest Service Budget Take Action Now Washington, DC (March 19, 2007)- The President's budget for the Forest Service includes a cut of 38% to the popular Urban and Community Forestry Program (U&CF). If enacted, this would provide only $17.4 million nationwide for the U&CF program, far less than at any time in the program's history since 1990. For more, click here...EPA Issues Green Infrastructure Memo Washington, DC (March 5, 2007)- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a memo to all of its regional water division offices emphasizing the value of green infrastructure as a tool for addressing water quality. For more, click here...New Forest Service Chief Gets Rough Treatment in Congress By Matthew Daly Washington, DC (February 14, 2007)- New Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell received a less than gracious welcome Tuesday as she appeared before Congress for the first time as chief. Defending the president's spending request for the next budget year, Kimbell came under fire from all sides. For more, click here...Administration Budget for FY 2008 Released Urban and Community Forestry Cut by 38% Washington, DC (February 5, 2007)- The President's budget was released today. State and Private Forestry programs received an overall 11% reduction. Several cooperative forestry programs received sharper cuts, including Urban and Community Forestry, which received a 38% cut in the Administration's budget. If enacted, this would result in a $17.4 million national budget for the U&CF program. The budget in FY 2006 and 2007 was roughly $28 million. For more, click here...Continuing Resolution Funds FY 2007 Budget Washington, DC (February 1, 2007)- The House passed a joint resolution (HJ Res20) on January 31, providing $463.5 billion in appropriations for fiscal year 2007. The package funds most programs at 2006 levels with several exceptions, including increases in education, housing, and health programs. For more, click here...Continuing Resolution to Fund FY 2007 Budget Washington, DC (January 31, 2007)- The House is expected to vote on a continuing resolution funding through the end of fiscal year 2007, all federal government programs and agencies whose appropriations bills have yet to pass. This includes the Interior budget, which funds all Forest Service programs, including Urban and Community Forestry. For more, click here...Abigail Kimbell Appointed Chief of the Forest Service Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth Announces his Retirement Comments Filed by ACT on Forest Service Open Space Agenda Washington, DC (December 26, 2006)- The Forest Service recently announced a request for comments on its Open Space Strategy and Implementation plan. ACT filed comments that centered on the value of the agency's Urban and Community Forestry Program as a source of expertise that will be critical to the agency's success in tackling the issue of open space fragmentation and loss. For more, click here...Advocacy Efforts Fuel State U&CF Program Growth Washington, DC (December 18, 2006)- At the state level, partners are anticipating continued pressure on the federal budget for urban & community forestry, which has suffered five years of steady cuts. The outlook for next year's FY 2008 federal budget is also poor. State urban forestry programs, in an effort to grow, are looking to state governors and general assemblies for budget support. For more, click here...FY 2007 Appropriations Status Washington, DC (December, 9, 2006)- Both the House and Senate approved and the President signed a continuing resolution (HJ Res102), which would fund those federal agencies whose appropriations bills have yet to pass, at the lowest of FY 2006, House passed, or Senate passed levels until February 15th. For more, click here...FY 2008 Budget May Issue Sharp Cuts to U&CF Program Washington, DC (December 11, 2006)- The outlook for the FY 2008 budget for Urban and Community Forestry is expected to be poor. State and Private Forestry programs are thought likely to receive sharp cuts in the FY 2008 budget, which the President will officially release in early February. Cooperative programs including Forest Stewardship, Forest Legacy, and Urban and Community Forestry may receive significant budget reductions. While it is still too early to say how sharp the cuts may be, state agencies are preparing for the worst. Last year, the President's budget request for the FY 2007 U&CF Program was $26.8 million. For more, click here...FY 2007 Appropriations Update Washington, DC (November 27, 2006)- Congress may not pass appropriations legislation until next year, when newly elected members will join the 110th Congress on January 4th. Only two FY 2007 budgets - defense and homeland security - were passed during the current session. All other agencies are now operating under continuing resolutions, which fund federal programs in the absence of FY 2007 appropriations. For more, click here...2006 Midterm Elections Spell Changes for Urban Forestry Washington, DC (November 13, 2006)- Last week's election will change the composition of the appropriations committees that fund federal forestry programs, including the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry program. Several senior appropriators were not re-elected, resulting in vacancies, and additional openings may be created if current members take on new committee assignments. FY07 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill (HR5631) Washington, DC (September 29, 2006)- The Senate approved the FY 07 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill (HR 5631), including a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running until the respective appropriations bills are passed. Only Defense and Homeland Security spending bills have been enacted. The continuing resolution sets funding at the lowest of the House-passed, Senate-passed or fiscal 2006 levels. Included in the bill is $200 million in emergency wildfire suppression funding that will help repay borrowed funds within the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior. To date, over 9 million acres have burned and spending to suppress these fires has exceeded $1.265 billion, exhausting both regular appropriation of $760 million and $500 million in emergency funds carried over from last year. Interior has spent $365 million. For more, click here...New Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Appointed Washington, DC (August 23, 2006)- Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that Arlen Lancaster, a former Republican Hill staffer, will take over the management of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which oversees most of the farm bill conservation programs. Lancaster takes over for Bruce Knight, who was promoted last month to be USDA's undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs. For more, click here...Appropriations for the Interior and Related Agencies Washington, DC (July 18, 2006)- The full Senate will soon vote on Appropriations for the Interior and Related Agencies. This bill includes the FY 2007 budget for the US Forest Service. Senate appropriators have budgeted $27.6 million for the Urban and Community Forestry Program. For more, click here...FY07 Forest Service Budget- Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Washington, DC (July 18, 2006)- The full Senate will soon vote on Appropriations for the Interior and Related Agencies. This bill includes the FY 2007 budget for the US Forest Service. Senate appropriators have budgeted $27.6 million for the Urban and Community Forestry Program. Once the Senate passes its bill, the Senate and House will form a conference committee to finalize the FY 2007 Appropriations for Interior and Related Agencies. The conference committee's job is to come up with a joint compromise between the House and Senate versions. Department of the Interior 2007 U&CF Budget Washington, DC (June 29, 2006)- The Senate Subcommittee for Interior Appropriations met Tuesday to mark up their version of the Forest Service budget. Early word is that the Senate provided $27,596,000 for the Urban and Community Forestry Program Budget in FY2007. That is above the President's request of $26.8 million, but below the FY2006 enacted budget of $28.9 million. The full Senate appropriations committee meeting is June 29th, so there may be minor changes or earmarks. For more, click here...Department of the Interior 2007 Senate Appropriations Mark Up (June 27, 2006) The Senate Interior and Related Agencies Subcommittee (Chairman Burns, R-MT) of the Senate Appropriations Committee will mark up the 2007 appropriations bill for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies. This appropriations bill includes funding for the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the EPA. The Appropriations Committee set the subcommittee's budget allocation at $26 billion. For more, click here...US Conference of Mayors Recognizes the Importance of Urban Forests At the June 2006 US Conference of Mayors conference in Las Vegas, the nation's mayors passed two resolutions that recognize the importance of urban forests. Thanks to the efforts of Tree New Mexico and Tree Trust of Minnesota, Mayor Chavez of Albuquerque and Mayor Rybak of Minneapolis both sponsored the budget resolution in support of increasing the federal budget for urban forestry. This is the first time that the US Conference of Mayors has passed a resolution that specifies budget targets for federal investments in urban forest health. For more, click here...U&CF Receives Budget Increase from House (May 4, 2006) The USDA-Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program (U&CF) received $29.513 in the FY 2007 House appropriations bill that funds the Forest Service. For more, click here...Forest Service Chief Bosworth Delivers Earth Day Address For urban forestry practitioners, Chief Bosworth's Earth Day speech at UC Berkeley contained encouraging signs about the Forest Service's vision for the future. Bosworth commented, "Where ecosystems are in trouble, our role is to restore them to health." The chief recognized the increasing role that the agency will need to play to address the health of non-federal forest lands. Private forest lands are increasingly falling under development, resulting in forest fragmentation and net loss to the nation's forest resources. For more, click here...Sign-on to the Coalition in Support of the FY07 Urban and Community Forestry Budget The federal budget for the Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry program is at stake - we need your help. For the last five years, the Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry program has steadily lost funding. The President's budget for Fiscal Year 2007 proposes just $26.8 million for the U&CF Program -- that's nearly $10 million less than the FY 2003 budget. This is a tough budget year - we need to let lawmakers know that the Urban and Community Forestry Program is important to us. Farm Bill Comments Posted by USDA On March 29th, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that the USDA completed a summary of the public comments submitted verbally and in writing during USDA's Farm Bill Forum listening tour. The agency conducted 66 hours of listening sessions across the country in 52 forums and accepted additional comment in writing. The summaries will serve as a basis for USDA policy review and analysis in preparation for the 2007 farm bill. For more, click here...Cuts to Urban & Community Forestry for FY07 On February 6th, the President released his FY 2007 budget recommendations to Congress. The budget proposes $2 million in cuts to the national Urban and Community Forestry program operated by the USDA-Forest Service. For more, click here...Federal Budget 2006 (Washington, DC, June 20, 2005) The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2006 Interior and Related Agencies appropriations bill on June 9 (HR 2361). For more, click here...Congressional Report on Urban and Community Forestry Program (Washington, DC, August 16, 2004). This past winter, Congress conducted a national investigation of the Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program. For more, click here...ACT Testimony to House Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations Washington, DC (April 16, 2001)- The National Alliance for Community Trees is a national network of urban conservation organizations dedicated to urban forest protection and care. Our testimony focuses on the Urban and Community Forestry Program within USDA FS State and Private Forestry. We support this program because it provides critical financial and technical assistance to urban communities struggling to address environmental health and ecosystem management issues at the landscape level. For more, click here...Smart Growth at the Ballot Box: Elections, Referenda and Initiatives to Watch in November Washington, DC (October 30, 2000)- Improving livability was a goal of citizens in many communities in the last election cycle. Even greater voter interest in livable communities and growth-related issues can be expected in the 2000 elections. The increasing presence and success of smart growth candidates and ballot initiatives indicate that voters have become more aware of and educated about growth-related issues and the impact they have on our lives. For more, click here...Climate Change Twenty-One US Cities to Disclose Carbon Output Washington, DC (August 10, 2008)- The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability announced a partnership with 21 US cities to assist in the reporting of their greenhouse gas emissions and other relevant data. New York City is among the cities participating, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "The City of New York joins the world's leading corporations in providing a complete, accurate accounting of its carbon emissions, the strategies it is employing to mitigate those emissions, and the results of its efforts through the Carbon Disclosure Project and ICLEI... Working together, and with the best data, we can manage this problem, and leave our children and grandchildren a healthier and more sustainable planet." For more, click here...Politicians Filibuster US Climate Legislation Washington, DC (June 6, 2008)- By a vote of 48-36, the Senate failed to invoke cloture (cut off a filibuster) on the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 (S. 3036). Sixty votes are required to achieve cloture and limit debate- 16 Senators were not present to vote. The vote was specifically on cloture for Senator Barbara Boxer's (D-CA) substitute amendment (S.A. 4825) to the bill. The legislation would cap emissions of greenhouse gases from covered sources at 19 percent below current levels by 2020 and 71 percent below current levels in 2050. It would set up a market-based trading program for businesses to meet the cap. For more, click here...Rep. Markey to Introduce Climate Legislation Washington, DC (May 28, 2008)- Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), Chair of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, announced he will introduce a climate change bill to reduce global warming pollution according to scientific targets, reinvest any revenue back to American workers and technology, and re-establish America as a leader in addressing climate change. The Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act (iCAP) caps greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at 85 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. For more, click here...House Republicans Release Principles on Energy and Climate Washington, DC (May 21, 2008)- Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee released energy and climate principles that they believe will allow the United States to continue to prosper while moving toward fuel diversity and clean energy. The principles are the product of the Energy Security and Climate Change Task Force convened by Rep. Joe Barton (R-T) and headed by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI). The six principles are: Lower Gasoline Prices; Unlock Domestic Energy Resources Immediately; American Economy and American Jobs Come First; More Clean Energy; Get Smart about Energy Efficiency; and Share Technology with Developing World. For more, click here...House Hearing Examines Role of Efficiency Policies in Climate Legislation Washington, DC (May 8, 2008)- The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held a hearing entitled "Negawatts: The Role of Efficiency Policies in Climate Legislation." It examined the potential role of complementary efficiency policies, particularly for the electric power sector, in promoting low-cost emission reductions under a federal greenhouse gas (GHG) cap-and-trade system. The five witnesses stressed the importance and need for the Federal government to bring all states together and to include energy efficiency in any carbon program that is adopted. For more, click here...US Could Meet All Electricity Needs with Large-Scale Solar Power Plants Washington, DC (May 8, 2008)- Environment America released a report showing that the United States could meet all of its current electricity needs with large central concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. The report, "On the Rise: Solar Thermal Power and the Fight Against Global Warming," finds that these solar thermal power plants, covering a 100 by 100 mile area in the Southwest- slightly more than what's already been excavated in the United States for coal strip mining- could power the entire nation while cutting global warming emissions. For more, click here...Women Hit Harder by Climate Change Washington, DC (May 6, 2008)- Nobel Peace laureates and co-founders of the Nobel Women's Initiative, met to discuss their vision of 'climate justice'- an approach to climate change that recognizes differential responsibilities for developed and developing countries, and puts the rights of people, especially women, at the center of the climate debate. For more, click here...Majority of Americans Want Next President to Act on Climate Change Washington, DC (April 30, 2008)- A poll was released showing that two-thirds of all U.S. adults (66 percent) believe it is important that the next US president have a policy which addresses climate change, 44 percent believe it is extremely or very important and 14 percent believe it is not at all important. Sixty-three percent say it is important that the new president initiates strong action to address global warming and climate change soon after taking office. For more, click here...Senate Republicans Seek Consensus on Greenhouse Gases in Private Meeting Washington, DC (April 9, 2008)- About 40 Republican Senators met privately to discuss their views on climate change and related legislation. The meeting started efforts to find a common position among the party on global warming, an issue on which Republicans have been sharply divided. Climate change has taken on a greater urgency within Republican circles now that all three major presidential candidates support mandatory controls of greenhouse gases. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, said, "We need to take climate change and clean air on as an urgent issue." For more, click here...EPA Releases Economic Analysis of Lieberman-Warner Climate Bill Washington, DC (March 14, 2008)- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a 189-page analysis of the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008 (S. 2191). The analysis includes ten different scenarios to evaluate a range of assumptions and key parameters. EPA found that under S. 2191 total US GHG emissions are approximately 40 percent lower than reference case emissions in 2030 (11 percent below 1990 levels) and 56 percent lower in 2050 (25 percent below 1990 levels). S.2191 covers 82 percent of total US GHG emissions in both 2030 and 2050. For more, click here...State of the World 2008: Environmental Woes Sow Seeds of Sustainability By J.R. Pegg Washington, DC (January 10, 2008)- Concern about environmental degradation is beginning to impact the global economy, according to a new report by an international environmental research group. The Worldwatch Institute details a lengthy and distressing list of environmental problems caused by the global economic system, but finds some evidence that the world is taking small steps toward a sustainable future. For more, click here...Federal Trade Commission Looks More Closely at Carbon-Offset Market Washington, DC (January 8, 2008)- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a workshop to examine the emerging market for carbon-offsets in the United States. Carbon-offsets are generally classified as money pledged to reduce carbon emissions through different means, such as planting trees. With these programs growing so quickly, "There's a heightened potential for deception," said Deborah Platt Majoras, the FTC chairwoman. For more, click here...Kerry, Snowe Push for Energy Efficiency Funding for Small Businesses Washington, DC (January 2, 2008)- Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship urged the Bush Administration to invest more resources to help small businesses become more energy efficient and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. For more, click here...Iowans Want Energy Conservation Before New Coal Plants Des Moines, IA (December 21, 2007)- Four out of five Iowans believe energy conservation and fuel efficiency should be the focus of state efforts to meet electricity demand before new coal-burning power plants are built, according to a new public opinion poll. Iowa officials are contemplating two coal-fired facilities proposed for construction near Waterloo and Marshalltown. The majority that supports the "conservation/energy efficiency first" approach includes 69 percent of Republicans, 86 percent of Democrats, and 79 percent of Independents, the survey found. For more, click here...Survey of Candidates Positions on Climate Change Washington, DC (December 18, 2007)- The League of Conservation Voters (LCV), a nonpartisan environmental group, released its 2008 Presidential Primaries Voter Guide. The report and related website are based on the contenders' responses to an environmental questionnaire- and also whether they've made public a plan to address climate change. According to the survey, the top Democratic presidential candidates and Republican John McCain (R-AZ) are leading on the issue of energy security and climate change. For more, click here...White House Climate Science Manipulation Alleged Washington, DC (December 12, 2007)- The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued a report that alleges the White House manipulated scientific information regarding climate change to downplay its threats and effects. Specifically, the Committee concluded that the White House censored statements and congressional testimony made by federal scientists regarding climate change. Additionally, media requests to speak with scientists on the subject of climate change were sent to the White House Council on Environmental Quality, a different policy compared to other media requests, said Kent Laborde, a career public affairs officer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For more, click here...World Bank Launches Forest Carbon Fund Washington, DC (December 12, 2007)- The World Bank announced that it is launching a $300 million forest carbon fund aimed at preventing the destruction of the world's forests. "Deforestation and changes in land use are the second leading cause of global warming," World Bank President Robert Zoellick said. "If we don't focus on retaining the world's remaining tropical forests, we drastically narrow the options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions." For more, click here...Defense Bill Includes First-ever Global Warming Planning Requirement Washington, DC (December 12, 2007)- The House of Representatives passed the Defense Authorization Bill, including for the first time a provision requiring that the effects of global warming be taken into consideration for future defense planning. The provision, Section 951, was derived from the Markey-Bartlett Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act (H.R. 1961), which was introduced in spring 2007. For more, click here...World Bank Fund Will Pay to Leave Forests Standing Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia (December 11, 2007) - A new multi-million dollar fund to compensate developing countries for the value of their living forests was launched today by the World Bank at the United Nations climate conference in Bali. The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility was developed because forests are more important left standing than cut down, said World Bank Group President Robert Zoellick, introducing the new facility. As a natural function, trees absorb carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas. For more, click here...Climate Seen as Business Issue, but Action Lacking New York, NY (December 2007)- A study carried out and published in the McKinsey Quarterly, based on a survey of 2,192 executives from around the world, shows that while business leaders consider climate change important, little is being done to reduce company greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For more, click here...Chairman's Mark of Lieberman-Warner Climate Bill Released Washington, DC (November 28, 2007)- The House Climate Change Caucus held a Congressional briefing on America's Climate Security Act (S. 2191) and discussed changes that have been made to the bill under the Chair's markup of the bill. The Chair's mark was released by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. Senators on the Environment Committee will likely vote on the bill when it is marked up in committee on December 5-6. For more, click here...New York City to Cut Greenhouse Gases 30% by 2030 New York (November 28, 2007)- The New York City Council passed a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction bill that puts into law carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions goals that were laid out in Mayor Michael Bloomberg's sustainability plan last April. The Climate Protection Act requires that CO2 from city government buildings and vehicles be cut 30 percent from current levels by 2017. Moreover, it requires that carbon emissions from the entire city, including privately owned buildings, be reduced by 30 percent by the year 2030. For more, click here...UN May Change Emission Rules to Lure United States New York (November 26, 2007)- The United Nations may change its rules beginning in 2013 regarding eligible technologies for emissions trading in an effort to convince the United States to join international efforts to address climate change. Halldor Thorgeirsson, the head of emissions trading at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, said he is unsure which technologies would be backed by the United Nations, but one potential candidate could be carbon capture and sequestration, which could "allow for significant scaling up" of emission trading. For more, click here...Energy Efficiency Seen as Important Tool for Addressing Climate Change New York (November 19, 2007)- According to a study commissioned by the United Nations Foundation, leading industrial nations- the G8 and Plus 5 countries in particular- could avert the most serious climate effects by reducing carbon levels, simply by cutting wasted energy. For more, click here...Getting the Message, At Last Washington, DC (November 15, 2007)- Congress is now taking climate change fairly seriously. To see how the mood in Congress is changing on global warming, look no further than America's Climate Security Act (ACSA). This is a bill that seeks to limit and ultimately slash America's emissions of greenhouse gases. For one thing, it is sponsored by John Warner, a Republican who once opposed all such measures. For another, it has won the support of Max Baucus, a senator from Montana, whose coal-mining constituents hate the idea. It has already cleared more legislative hurdles than any of the many previous bills on global warming. For more, click here...Energy Efficiency Can Save Money and Fight Climate Change Washington, DC (November 13, 2007)- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its "National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Vision for 2025," which provides a framework for states, utilities and other stakeholders to consider when seeking policies and programs to achieve all cost effective energy efficiency measures. More than 60 energy, environmental, and other organizations- including 30 electric and gas utilities and 17 state agencies-collaborated on the report, which says energy efficiency measures could save Americans more than $500 billion in energy costs over 25 years and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 90 million vehicles. For more, click here...UN Reports on How Climate Change May Affect Jobs Geneva (November 12, 2007)- UN officials reported that millions of jobs could be lost due to climate change, but that in the meantime jobs will be created in the environmental technology sector as industries work to avoid and lessen the effects of climate change. For more, click here...Warner-Lieberman Bill Passes through Senate Subcommittee Washington, DC (November 6, 2007)- The Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee met November 1 for markup of "America's Climate Security Act," S.2191, a bill introduced by Senators John Warner (R-VA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through a cap-and-trade program. A manager's amendment was approved, which added restrictions for GHG emissions from natural gas supplied to residential and commercial buildings, as well as a provision for a mandatory EPA review at least every 5 years to ensure emission levels are meeting recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences. For more, click here...Vision 2025 Washington, DC (November 1, 2007)- This Vision for the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency establishes a goal of achieving all cost-effective energy efficiency by 2025, presents ten implementation goals for states, utilities, and other stakeholders to consider to achieve this goal, describes what 2025 might look like if the goal is achieved, and provides a means for measuring progress. It is a framework for implementing the five policy recommendations of the Action Plan, announced in July 2006, which can be modified and improved over time. For more, click here...Senate Hearing Looks at Financial Risks of Climate Disclosure Washington, DC (October 31, 2007)- The Senate held a hearing to look at the financial risks and opportunities posed by climate risk disclosure. Chairman of the Securities, Insurance, and Investment subcommittee Jack Reed (D-RI) began the hearing by noting that while many businesses regard climate change as posing both a commercial risk and an important business opportunity, climate risk disclosure is very rare. "Markets work best when they have accurate information," Sen. Reed stated. "Informational transparency is therefore vitally important if financial markets are to price climate ri |