U.S. District Court: NOAA Fisheries Service Failed to Protect Columbia-Snake River Salmon

PORTLAND, Ore. - U.S. District Court Judge James Redden ruled today that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service failed for the third time in ten years to produce a legal and scientifically adequate plan to protect imperiled Columbia-Snake River salmon from extinction. The harm to these species has been largely caused by operation of the federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Today's court action is a watershed moment for fishing and conservation groups, the state of Oregon, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Spokane Tribe, all of which opposed the federal biological opinion, or BiOp, in court. In deciding the case, the court wrote, "The history of the Federal Defendant's lack of, or at best, marginal compliance with the procedural and substantive requirements of the ESA...has been laid out in prior Opinions and Orders in this case and is repeated here only where relevant." The court went on call the federal defendants' plan "neither a reasonable, nor a prudent, course of action." "Today is a victory for the nation," said Trip Van Noppen, President of Earthjustice, the public interest law firm that represented fishing and conservation groups in the case. "But the work has only just begun. In the wake of the worst recession the nation has experienced since the Great Depression, there's a simple path forward that would create thousands of jobs for a small investment. Taking out the four dams that strangle the lower Snake River would bring millions of dollars from restored salmon runs to communities from coastal California to Alaska and inland to Idaho. Let's reject the path that continues wasting money on failed salmon technical fixes and embrace a solution that could set an example for the rest of the nation." This is the third time Judge Redden has found a BiOp for the Columbia-Snake Basin inadequate and illegal. Today, salmon populations are critically low, lingering near just 1 percent of their historic levels. In finding the current plan's heavy reliance on unidentified and uncertain habitat actions illegal, the court wrote: "Coupled with the significant uncertainty surrounding the reliability of NOAA Fisheries' habitat methodologies, the evidence that habitat actions are falling behind schedule, and that benefits are not accruing as promised, NOAA Fisheries' approach to these issues is neither cautious nor rational." "The judge's decision is a victory for wildlife, taxpayers, and the fishing industry," said John Kostyack, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation and Global Warming, National Wildlife Federation. "Protecting Columbia-Snake River salmon protects fishing jobs, saves taxpayers billions of dollars, and helps preserve the outdoor heritage of the Northwest." Among those hit hardest by the Columbia-Snake salmon crisis are commercial, sport, recreational and tribal fishermen. Repeated fishery closures and cutbacks in recent years have harmed river and coastal family businesses and livelihoods, and fishing groups have been at the forefront of this legal battle for decades. "Now is the time for the Obama Administration to walk the talk on real salmon solutions," said Zeke Grader, Executive Director of Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations (PCFFA). "As this ruling highlights, the federal government has spent nearly 20 years spending enormous sums of money foolishly by doing all the wrong stuff. Facing the problem squarely, including potential removal of the four fish-killing dams on the lower Snake River, will create many thousands more jobs, revive the fishing industry, save billions of dollars for taxpayers, and lead in the development of clean, renewable, more efficient energy. What we need most now is for this Administration to lead us to those solutions, not just bury its head in the sand in denial as has so often happened in the past." Endangered Snake River salmon and steelhead tackle a migration like no other salmon on earth. Some swim more than 900 miles and climb almost 7,000 feet to reach their spawning grounds — scaling eight dams along the way. In addition to the amazing journey these fish make, their likelihood of surviving the coming changes from global warming makes their protection and restoration all the more urgent, and makes the BiOp's failure to adequately address climate change all the more distressing. "We applaud the court for keeping a solid eye on the science and the law," said Sierra Club Executive Director, Michael Brune. "The cool, high elevation wilderness watersheds of Central Idaho, Southeast Washington, and Northeast Oregon are a virtual Noah's Ark for salmon and steelhead in a climate changing world." Save Our Wild Salmon is a nationwide coalition of conservation organizations, river groups, fishing associations, businesses, and taxpayer and clean energy advocates working collectively to restore abundant, sustainable wild salmon to the rivers, streams and oceans of the Western salmon states.

Melvin Wylie

Cushman & Wakefield Strike LEED Gold at 2001 K Street in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Spitzer Enterprises along with managing agent, Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., a global commercial real estate brokerage and management firm, aligned with CQI Associates, LLC, a Columbia, Maryland-based energy and environmental management consulting firm, to earn LEED Gold, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for 2001 K Street, NW in Washington, DC. The management team and tenants celebrated with a special certification presentation by the USGBC on Thursday, July 21. "Cushman & Wakefield has been a long-time advocate for high-performing, green buildings, and has once again demonstrated its commitment to transforming its building portfolio," said Jeff Kuziemko, manager of LEED Operations, USGBC, who presented the LEED plaque. "Greening our existing buildings helps save money and energy, creates healthier places to live, work and learn - all while addressing our single greatest opportunity to help solve the climate change equation." Obtaining a LEED certification is no small feat. In the DC area, the nation's top green building market, many are striving for this achievement. There are roughly 200 LEED certified projects in DC alone. Accounting for 39% of the certified square footage of LEED projects across the world, existing buildings are outpacing the number of LEED-certified new construction projects on a square foot basis, signaling a market transformation. LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance identifies and rewards current best practices and provides an outline for buildings to use less energy, water and natural resources; improve the indoor environments; and uncover operating inefficiencies. "We were delighted to partner with Cushman & Wakefield on this LEED Gold certification project and help to further advance its global leadership and commitment to green design and operations in commercial real estate. Based on a study of ten LEED certified projects we have completed, we learned that the average building costs are now 18% lower than they originally were and the initial investments are paying back in two and a half years. The buildings are much better for the tenants, people are healthier and the sick leave rate has dropped 33%," said CQI Associates Principal, Richard Anderson. "LEED certification of an existing building requires owner, management, staff and tenant commitment to the changes to meet sustainable and lasting green building criteria. A limited number of existing buildings have sought this certification and those who achieve it fall into a very unique group." To learn more about this project, read the full press release at usgbc.org. About Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. Cushman & Wakefield operates nearly 100 owned and alliance offices in the United States with access to more than 15,000 employees globally. With a history of commercial real estate leadership that spans 90 years, Cushman & Wakefield's brokerage and services professionals are the most trusted in the industry, typically involved in the largest, most complex assignments from New York to San Diego and in major business centers everywhere in between. About CQI Associates, LLC CQI Associates, LLC is a leader in energy and environmental consulting. The firm offers services that allow clients to increase profitability by minimizing operating costs. From small businesses to national accounts such as Northrop Grumman, Fuji, and AutoNation, CQI Associates provides custom-tailored services to suit each company's unique needs. To learn more about CQI Associates, please visit www.cqiassociates.com

Melvin Wylie

Researchers Provide Detailed Picture of Ice Loss Following the Collapse of Antarctic Ice Shelves

GREENBELT, Md. - An international team of researchers has combined data from multiple sources to provide the clearest account yet of how much glacial ice surges into the sea following the collapse of Antarctic ice shelves. The work by researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), the Laboratoire d'Etudes en Geophysique et Oceanographie Spatiales, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique at the University of Toulouse, France, and the University of Colorado's National Snow and Ice Data Center, Boulder, Colo. details recent ice losses while promising to sharpen future predictions of further ice loss and sea level rise likely to result from ongoing changes along the Antarctic Peninsula. "Not only do you get an initial loss of glacial ice when adjacent ice shelves collapse, but you get continued ice losses for many years — even decades — to come," says Christopher Shuman, a researcher at UMBC's Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Shuman is lead author of the study published online July 25 in the Journal of Glaciology. "This further demonstrates how important ice shelves are to Antarctic glaciers." An ice shelf is a thick floating tongue of ice, fed by a tributary glacier, extending into the sea off a land mass. Previous research showed that the recent collapse of several ice shelves in Antarctica led to acceleration of the glaciers that feed into them. Combining satellite data from NASA and the French space agency CNES, along with measurements collected during aircraft missions similar to ongoing NASA IceBridge flights, Shuman, Etienne Berthier of the University of Toulouse and Ted Scambos of the University of Colorado produced detailed ice loss maps from 2001 to 2009 for the main tributary glaciers of the Larsen A and B ice shelves, which collapsed in 1995 and 2002, respectively. "The approach we took drew on the strengths of each data source to produce the most complete picture yet of how these glaciers are changing," Berthier said, noting that the study relied on easy access to remote sensing information provided by NASA and CNES. The team used data from NASA sources including the MODerate Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments and the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat). The analysis reveals rapid elevation decreases of more than 500 feet for some glaciers, and it puts the total ice loss from 2001 to 2006 squarely between the widely varying and less certain estimates produced using an approach that relies on assumptions about a glacier's mass budget. The authors' analysis shows ice loss in the study area of at least 11.2 gigatons per year from 2001 to 2006. Their ongoing work shows ice loss from 2006 to 2010 was almost as large, averaging 10.2 gigatons per year. "This study shows where the tracking of sea level rise is heading," Scambos said. "We're showing that glacier changes can start fast, with a single climate or ocean 'bang,' but they have a long persistence." An animation showing ice edge changes for the Larsen B ice shelf and its adjacent tributary glaciers can be viewed at http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/goto?3803. For more information and images, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/larsen-collapse.html

Melvin Wylie

Mexico City Reduces GHG Emissions by 5.7 Million Metric Tonnes

MEXICO CITY - Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been reduced by an accumulated 5.7 million metric tonnes (mt) in Mexico City since it began implementing its Green Plan in 2008, the Mexico City government has announced. The reduction represents 82% of Mexico City's overall target of reducing GHG emissions by 7 million mt of CO2eq, which was established by the Green Plan. Marcelo Ebrard, Mayor of Mexico City, said the city will realize the full target of 7 million mt on schedule next year. "Over the past four years, we have made significant progress toward becoming one of the world's most sustainable cities by promoting environmental stewardship not only in our government operations but also by encouraging widespread business and citizen participation," Mayor Ebrard said. Mexico City's Green Plan is one of the most comprehensive in the world. It includes initiatives and investments in transportation, energy and water conservation, solid waste management, air quality, reforestation and climate adaptation. The transport sector, which accounts for 44% of total GHG emissions in Mexico City, was responsible for an accumulated reduction of 4.8 million mt of CO2eq. Mayor Ebrard cited a 350% expansion of the Metrobus system, replacement of 84,000 high-emission microbuses and taxis, development of Zero Emissions Corridors, development of the Ecobibi bicycle sharing network and construction of a new Metro subway line as contributing factors. Martha Delgado, Minister of the Environment, said reforestation efforts and prevention of forest fires contributed to a GHG reduction of 607,846 mt, while improvements in energy conservation contributed 183,425 mt of CO2eq. Separation of organic and non-organic solid waste contributed to a reduction of 127,175 mt of CO2 and methane. In December, Mexico City is scheduled to close Bordo Poniente, one of the world's largest solid waste facilities, which by itself is responsible for 16% of the metropolitan area's GHG emissions. Mayor Ebrard is also serving as chair of the World Mayors Council on Climate. In this capacity, he hosted mayors from around the world last November to sign the Mexico City Pact, a voluntary agreement among cities to cooperate and report their climate efforts. To date, nearly 200 cities around the world have signed the agreement.

Melvin Wylie

Ohio Distributor of Budweiser Charged With Polluting Surface Runoff

Teamsters File Charges against Heidelberg Distributing for Dumping Contaminates into Storm Water Drain DAYTON, Ohio - On July 22, 2011 the Teamsters Local 957 filed a complaint with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency today charging Heidelberg Distributing, an Ohio distributor of Anheuser-Busch's Budweiser, with dumping contaminated water into a storm water drain on the company's property. The complaint was filed after several Budweiser delivery drivers objected to the practice in a questionnaire completed last week regarding problematic business practices at the company. Heidelberg distributes Budweiser, Samuel Adams, and Monster Energy Drink products in Dayton. "We have an obligation to make sure our employers are responsible stewards of the environment and are not engaging in practices that violate environmental regulations," said Varney Richmond, President of Teamsters Local 957. "We believe that corporate citizens such as Anheuser-Busch also have a responsibility to the community to ensure that the companies they hire to distribute their products are not hurting the environment or violating the letter or spirit of state or federal environmental laws."

Melvin Wylie

Guy Harvey Joins Effort to Take Marlin Off the Menu

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—AUGUST 26, 2011— The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) has joined forces with the International Game Fish Association and the National Coalition for Marine Conservation in support of the Billfish Conservation Act of 2011—essentially taking billfish such as Marlin off the menus in the U.S as a seafood option. It is currently illegal to harvest or import Atlantic-caught billfish into the U.S., however, fish caught in the Pacific Ocean continue to flood into U.S. markets in substantial numbers, threatening the survival of these fisheries. Scientific evidence has shown that the current consumer demand for marlin and other billfish has passed sustainable levels, and worldwide marlin populations are being decimated by commercial overfishing. Marlin, considered to be the pinnacle of offshore gamefishing due to the size, power and relative rareness and vulnerability of the species, has made its way onto dinner plates and seafood markets around the world.  The U.S. is one of the main importers of marlin, which has been designated by Greenpeace International to its seafood Red List—a list sold into markets that have a very high risk of being sourced from unsustainable fisheries. The Billfish Conservation Act of 2011 (S. 1451 and H.R. 2706), introduced into Congress on July 29^th of this year, would close U.S. commercial markets to Pacific billfish, preventing their sale and importation (excluding Hawaii and the Pacific Insular Island Area). For more information on the Billfish Conservation Act of 2011, go to http://www.igfa.org/Conserve/MARLIN-OFF-THE-MENU.aspx About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation funds inspired scientific research and innovative educational programs to encourage conservation and best management practices for sustainable marine environments. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations will enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced ocean ecosystem where fish and other marine wildlife flourish.

Melvin Wylie

Shared Responsibility in Protecting the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

FAIRFAX, Va. - Today, the Virginia Conservation Network and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG) hosted a public forum in Northern Virginia focused on the critical role that organizations and individuals play in protecting and conserving the region's water resources, including the Chesapeake Bay and its headwaters. The forum, held at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., convened a cross-section of more than 90 community leaders, government officials, academics and environmentalists who share the common goal of improving the quality of the region's waterways and, as a result, protecting their diverse eco-systems. "The forum demonstrated that each one of us can make a meaningful difference in protecting the environmental health of the Chesapeake Bay," said Nathan Lott, executive director of the Virginia Conservation Network. "While some of the solutions to our water quality issues are expensive and long-term, communities and homeowners can positively affect our waterways everyday by how they care for their property." Much of the day's discussion focused on stormwater management issues facing rapidly growing urban and suburban regions of Northern Virginia. Solutions including stream restoration, vegetative swales, grass buffers and best practices in turf care were discussed as ways in which municipalities and homeowners can take action to mitigate stormwater overflow. Another key topic at the forum was the importance of public stewardship and responsible lawn care and landscaping practices in the Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Several speakers underscored that healthy and properly maintained lawns and landscaping are highly effective in helping to absorb water and prevent stormwater runoff. "Healthy, sustainable lawns and landscaping are essential to protecting our rivers, estuaries, lakes and streams," said Chris Wible, director of Environmental Stewardship at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, and a speaker at the forum. "At ScottsMiracle-Gro, we are committed to doing our part to ensure our company and lawn care products advance water quality and conservation. We are also working to educate consumers that proper lawn care practices will help protect our precious water resources." Wible recommended homeowners follow these simple best practices in caring for their lawns:

• Mow grass high. Tall grass grows strong roots, which are better able to absorb water and keep rainfall in your backyard and not moving into storm sewers and waterways.

 

• Mulch grass clippings. Mulching grass clippings recycles nutrients, and returns organic matter to the soil. Rich soil helps absorb and filter rainfall, reducing erosion and water runoff.

 

• Clean up. Sweep grass clippings, fertilizer and leaves off sidewalks, driveways and other hard surfaces to help keep nutrients out of waterways.

 

• Conserve water. Use rainfall as much as possible to water your lawn. Most yards do not need supplemental irrigation. Direct downspouts out into the lawn, rain gardens and rain barrels.

 

• Create buffer. If your lawn borders water, do not mow or fertilize to the water's edge. Create a buffer zone with uncut grass or other vegetation to capture stormwater and prevent soil erosion.

  Several lawn care tips can be viewed on www.scotts.com or by going to the Lawn Care Basics Web site. ScottsMiracle-Gro has been involved with Chesapeake Bay stakeholders on water quality issues for many years. In 2006, the Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chesapeake Executive Council that supported a stewardship program to reduce nutrient losses from residential lawns. As part of that program, ScottsMiracle-Gro agreed to reduce the level of phosphorus, a nutrient, in its lawn maintenance fertilizers by 50 percent by the end of 2009. The Company achieved that goal and has since announced that all its lawn maintenance fertilizers will be phosphorus-free by the end of 2012. ScottsMiracle-Gro plans to host similar public forums across the country throughout the next several years in an effort to bring further attention to local and regional water-related issues. Most recently, the Company hosted a Water Quality forum in Erie, Pa. in May. ScottsMiracle-Gro has also made a multi-year commitment to educate consumers about the role they can play in advancing water quality and conservation through best practices in lawn and garden care.

Melvin Wylie