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Action Results 2007
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Working together, we can make a difference -- below are lots of examples of what we've accomplished with your help. And although we can't celebrate a victory in every case, we know you're in the fight with us for the long haul -- so thank you and keep up the good work!
Historic energy bill to raise mileage standards for first time in decades
Throughout 2007 activists sent tens of thousands of messages urging Congress to enact clean energy legislation that would raise vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce global warming pollution. Although it took almost the full year, on December 18, 2007, Congress finally passed an energy bill that raises fuel mileage standards -- to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 -- for the first time in more than 30 years. The bill also sets new lighting and building efficiency standards, and ensures essential environmental protections for biofuels development. Although the Senate stripped the final bill of provisions that would have reduced tax subsidies for the oil industry and required utilities to obtain at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources, we will work to address these issues in subsequent energy legislation in 2008. In the meantime, thanks (and congratulations!) to all of you who urged your senators and representatives to pass this landmark bill.
Cleaner air coming to California's ports
Thanks to your outpouring of support, on December 7, 2007 the California Air Resources Board adopted two groundbreaking measures to slash diesel pollution at California's ports. The measures will dramatically clean up the old, polluting trucks serving ports and railyards, and will require most of the large ships visiting California's busy ports to shut down their dirty engines while docked and plug into clean power sources. The regulations will prevent 1,200 premature deaths and thousands of other health problems from toxic diesel soot for the residents living near these massive freight facilities from San Pedro to Oakland. Thanks to everyone who contacted the board.
Facing public outcry, Toyota drops opposition to increased fuel standards
NRDC activists were surprised to hear that Toyota, which produces the most popular hybrid car on the road, was lobbying Congress against the strongest fuel efficiency standards possible, and more than 100,000 of you urged the company to drop its opposition to fuel efficiency legislation that would increase fleet-wide averages to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. With Congress poised to pass this first significant mileage increase in 30 years, and thousands of its loyal customers up in arms over the company's position, in early December 2007 Toyota finally saw the writing on the wall and, along with other automakers, declared that the higher standards would be "good for both customers and energy security." You took on the powerful auto industry, and you won -- congratulations!
Two decisive victories mean Californians are breathing easier
In May 2007 concerned activists urged Governor Schwarzenegger to veto BHP Billiton's proposed offshore industrial gas terminal at Cabrillo Port, which would have worsened air quality for millions of southern California families and harmed nearby marine life. We're extremely happy to report that on May 18, 2007, the governor heeded your messages, and he vetoed the project. Then on July 26, 2007, the California Air Resources Board also favorably responded to your public comments by adopting a strong rule to clean up dirty diesel exhaust from off-road industrial equipment. The rule will significantly reduce diesel pollution from 180,000 pieces of off-road equipment by 2020, preventing 4,000 premature deaths. The decision, which was made in the face of strident industry opposition, is a solid step toward attaining clean air for the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley, two areas with some of the worst air quality in the nation. These are huge victories for everyone who breathes the air in California -- thanks to everyone who helped make them happen!
Ocean havens to offer protection to more California marine life
In response to numerous alerts over the last five years, you've sent thousands of messages urging California officials to set aside a network of marine protected areas off the state's coastline that would provide havens for ocean wildlife and help restore damaged ecosystems. We are absolutely thrilled to report that on April 13, 2007, the California Fish & Game Commission unanimously adopted a network of marine protected areas along the central coast, from Point Conception to just north of Half Moon Bay, accounting for a full quarter of the state. We now have until 2011 to take care of the rest of the coast, so we'll most certainly be asking for your help again soon. For now, though, congratulations and thank you to everyone who helped achieve this remarkable milestone victory!
Whales safe from deadly sonar in California waters
In early January 2007, after hearing from tens of thousands of NRDC activists, the California Coastal Commission agreed to enact lifesaving precautions to protect whales from ear-splitting sonar during Navy training exercises in California waters. Those measures include: staying out of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and other important whale habitat; powering down Navy sonar during night-time exercises and in other conditions of low visibility; and enforcing adequate "safety zones" around sonar vessels, to prevent the blasting of nearby whales. The commission's actions show, once again, that the Navy can and must minimize harm to whales and other marine life while training with sonar. Thanks to all of you who helped make this historic victory possible!
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