Action Results 2009

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!

California legislature passes historic water reform laws

In October 2009 we asked Californians to urge Governor Schwarzenegger and state legislative leaders to pass strong water bills that would help rescue the San Francisco Bay-Delta ecosystem. We are pleased to report that the legislature met in a special session in early November 2009 and passed three bills that are major steps forward in protecting the Bay-Delta and securing the state's water supply. The new laws will establish new requirements for restoring the Delta ecosystem, require a 20 percent reduction in per capita water use by 2020 and require comprehensive groundwater reporting in California for the first time -- a prerequisite to improved groundwater management. Taken together, these are the most significant state water policy reform measures in a 25 years -- thanks to everyone who helped achieve this landmark victory!

California expands marine protected areas

In July 2009 Californians sent more than a thousand messages urging the state's Fish and Game Commission to adopt a strong network of marine protected areas along the state's north-central coast. We're thrilled to report that on August 5, 2009, after more than two years of discussion and debate, the commission approved a network of 22 marine protected areas between Half Moon Bay and Point Arena. The plan will fully protect 85 square miles of ocean waters while leaving almost 90 percent of the coast open to fishing, and the entire area open to diving, surfing, kayaking and other recreational uses. The new protected areas -- which will go into effect in early 2010 -- will safeguard the waters around the Farallon Islands, the Point Reyes Headlands and other iconic places. Thanks to everyone who helped achieve this landmark victory for California's irreplaceable coasts and marine life!

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California clean cars program paves the way for the nation

During its final years in office, the Bush administration ignored the law and overwhelming public sentiment in refusing to allow California to implement vehicle emissions rules that are stricter than federal standards. On June 30, 2009, the Obama administration reversed that decision and granted California the waiver to implement its landmark clean cars program to cut global warming pollution from vehicles by 30 percent by 2016. The program will give the Golden State a jumpstart on reducing global warming pollution while the federal government develops national standards that deliver the benefits of the California program nationwide. Together, California and the 14 states poised to follow California’s early lead will cover roughly 40 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet. Congratulations, California!

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New lighting standards will save billions in energy

In February 2009 we asked you to urge the Obama administration to adopt strong new standards for several types of light bulbs. You sent almost 10,000 comments to the Department of Energy, and we're thrilled to report that on June 29, 2009, the department announced its single largest energy savings appliance standard ever enacted. The new lighting standards will improve the efficiency of tube-shaped fluorescent bulbs commonly found in offices, as well as downlights that go into recessed cans, which are increasingly popular in homes. The standards will cut energy costs by $70 billion and keep more than nine tons of mercury out of the air over 30 years. Thanks to everyone who contacted the Energy Department for helping achieve this historic victory for energy efficiency!

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Endangered Species Act protections restored

In April 2009 we asked you to urge the Obama administration to reverse the Bush administration's last-minute sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act that weakened protections for imperiled wildlife. You sent more than 8,600 messages, and we're thrilled to report that on April 28, 2009, Interior Secretary Salazar and Commerce Secretary Locke announced they were revoking the Bush rule changes and will once again require federal agencies to consult with experts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration before taking action that could affect threatened or endangered species. Secretary Locke commented that the decision affirms the Obama administration's "commitment to using sound science to promote conservation and protect the environment." Thanks to all of you who took action!

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Cleaner fuels, cleaner air coming to California

In April 2009 many of you urged the California Air Resources Board to adopt the world's first "low carbon fuel standard" for vehicle fuels. The board heeded your messages, and overwhelmingly approved the new standard on April 23, 2009. The decision will reduce global warming pollution and provide cleaner air for the state, as well as give Californians new choices for low carbon fuels, such as advanced biofuels and electricity for plug-in hybrids. Just as important, 14 states, representing roughly 40 percent of the country, are poised to follow California's lead.

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Clean energy budget to create jobs, reduce global warming

In late March 2009 thousands of you urged your senators and representatives to pass a budget resolution that would cap global warming pollution and invest in clean energy solutions and other environmental priorities. We're thrilled to report that on April 2, 2009, the House and Senate passed a 2010 budget resolution that will make strong investments in clean, renewable energy, put a cap on global warming pollution and fund previously neglected environmental and infrastructure programs. Thanks to all of you who contacted Congress about this important legislation that will set new priorities and create jobs across the nation.

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Endangered fish given new protections in California

In February 2009 hundreds of you in California urged the state's Fish and Game Commission to protect longfin smelt and delta smelt as endangered species. We're happy to report that on March 4, 2009, the commission acknowledged the complete collapse of these native fish populations in the San Francisco Bay-Delta by voting to list the delta smelt as endangered and the longfin smelt as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. The commission's actions will increase the ability of state officials to restore fish habitat and flows in the beleaguered Bay-Delta and also help protect and restore other depleted fisheries. Thanks to everyone who helped achieve this much needed victory for these native fish that were nearing extinction.

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Toxic toys removed from store shelves

At the end of 2008 you sent thousands of messages urging the Consumer Product Safety Commission not to use a loophole to allow the continued sale of children's toys contaminated with toxic phthalate chemicals. Although the CPSC ignored public outcry, on February 5, 2009, a federal judge ruled in favor of a lawsuit brought by NRDC and Public Citizen to compel the removal of phthalate-laden toys by the February 10th deadline originally imposed by Congress.

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Economic recovery package includes green jobs, renewable energy

In February 2009 you sent thousands of messages urging Congress to maximize investments in energy efficiency, clean energy and public transit in the final economic recovery bill, and we are pleased to report that the final recovery package includes bold investments for renewable energy and efficiency, including weatherization programs that will save consumers billions while creating up to 90,000 jobs. In addition, renewable energy grants will help businesses and advance technology that harnesses the power of the wind and sun.

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