FYI: Grist has a number of interesting pieces on the policking of the Energy Bill, including:

* ‘Right now, the president’s got the upper hand’; Sen. John Kerry defends Dem decision not to force a filibuster on the energy bill

* Glass Half Full?; Senate OKs fuel-economy increase, but drops more ambitious parts of energy bill

* Celebrate good times, come on! No, seriously.; Greens need to learn how to celebrate their friends and their movement

* Energy bill back on track?; Pelosi says bill up for vote next week will contain CAFE, RFS, and RES

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Union of Concerned Scientists Action Network – action [at] ucsusa.org
Date: Dec 14, 2007 4:22 PM
Subject: Historic moment on fuel economy!

Last night, the Senate overwhelmingly passed an Energy Bill that will significantly strengthen fuel economy standards for vehicles for the first time in more than a generation. Read more about the bill at ucsaction.org/ct/1pMUMAY1yYLm/.

This historic victory was not a complete one, however. The Senate removed the renewable electricity standard and clean energy tax incentives from the bill–both of which would have increased our nation’s use of clean, renewable energy. The House of Representatives is expected to pass this version of the bill next week, and move it to the president’s desk where he has already said he will sign it into law.

This bill represents years of work and is a significant step forward. The bill will boost Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to a fleetwide average of at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020–saving 1.1 million barrels of oil per day in 2020 (about half of what the United States currently imports from the Persian Gulf). This will significantly reduce America’s oil consumption, save consumers billions at the gas pump each year, and is a meaningful step forward as we seek to reduce our nation’s global warming pollution.

UCS and our supporters have been a leading voice on this critical legislation–we should all be proud of what we have accomplished. Since we began our “Fuel A Cooler Future” campaign almost a year ago, UCS activists have written letters, made phone calls, met with their representatives, called out corporations, and even sent personalized gas receipts to Congress. All to ensure this legislation passed.

UCS engineers backed up your actions, producing timely, rigorous analysis clearly demonstrating the consumer, economic, and environmental benefits of stronger fuel economy standards–materials Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid specifically mentioned when the Senate first passed these standards in June. Our Washington representatives, in turn, held countless meeting on Capitol Hill to explain the benefits of this legislation to House and Senate staff, and to counter the relentless, well-funded “can’t do” lobbying tactics of the automakers and their allies that had for 30 years managed to hold sway in Washington.

But we also worked hard to get the renewable electricity standard and the clean energy tax credits included in the Energy Bill, and are disappointed that the White House threatened to veto the bill if it included such provisions. By forcing the Senate to strip the renewable standard and the tax credits from the bill, the Bush administration has further delayed the development of clean, homegrown renewable energy that will save consumers money and create jobs. We remain fully committed to passing a national renewable electricity standard as soon as possible.

Internationally, the increase of fuel economy standards for American vehicles has been seen as a sign that the United States is finally accepting responsibility for reducing its own global warming pollution. UCS staff attending a critical global meeting on climate change this week in Indonesia have held up this congressional action as indication that the Bush administration represents the past, not the future, on U.S. climate change and energy policy. For the latest updates from Indonesia, visit ucsaction.org/ct/17MUMAY1yYLj/.

While there is additional work to do on fuel economy, renewables, and other clean energy technologies, today is a day we should all take a moment to enjoy and to recognize what it is that we accomplished together: history.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Rest, PhD, MPA
Executive Director

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts ucs Union of Concerned Scientists climate change global warming energy clean energy gas oil energy bill fuel economy renewable electricity standard taxes tax incentives Corporate Average Fuel Economy cafe cafe standards big oil tax breaks grist politics bullshit

Over the next year, presidential candidates will be crisscrossing the country to try to gain your support. But how will you know where they stand on the issues that are most important to you? As president, will they protect our health, safety, and environment? You won;t know unless you ask.

The 2008 presidential election provides a great opportunity to ask the candidates questions about global warming, nuclear weapons, censorship of government science–anything that you’re concerned about. This is your chance to educate and engage the candidates and other voters on the issues you care about most!

There are many ways to express your views. You can attend candidate events, advocate for policy solutions to be included in the party platforms, ask convention delegates or other local elected officials to communicate your views to the candidates, let candidate staff and volunteers know your views when they contact you, or you can write letters to your local paper.

Entering the dialogue is easier than you think. Click any of the links below to access the online resources we have developed to
help you along the way.

:: Sample questions you can ask the candidates: www.ucsusa.org/link-redirect.jsp?domain=ucsaction&itemID=34507168

:: Policy solutions UCS is asking the candidates to support: www.ucsusa.org/link-redirect.jsp?domain=ucsaction&itemID=34552284

:: Contact information for the 2008 presidential candidates: www.ucsusa.org/link-redirect.jsp?domain=ucsaction&itemID=34293523

:: Report back form to let us know how the candidates are responding: ucsaction.org/campaign/candidate_engagement_report_back/

We need your help to ensure that the issues we all care about most are front and center this election cycle. We encourage you
to engage the candidates, demand answers and specific policy solutions, and let us know how they are responding.

Sincerely,

The UCS Outreach Team
Kate Abend, Climate Program
Michael Halpern, Scientific Integrity Program
Ben Larson, Clean Energy Program
Sean Meyer, Global Security Program
Scott Nathanson, Clean Vehicles Program
Jennifer Palembas, Food and Environment Program
Erin Rogers, California Climate Program
Jean Sideris, Climate Program

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ucs Union of Concerned Scientists environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist 2008 elections candidates nuclear weapons censorship cloning science global warming climate change

Defenders of Wildlife: Don’t Let Great Cats & Rare Canines Vanish Forever
Tell Congress to do its part — and join in the effort to protect these creatures world-wide.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Stop the Spying!
Tell the government to stop surveillance of Americans’ communications without a warrant.

People for the American Way (PFAW): Tell Congress: End Warrantless Spying on Americans!
Tell your members of Congress how you feel about the Bush administration’s warrantless spying on Americans.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): ‘Bambi Butchers’ Horror
On August 26, 2007, a PETA investigator filmed the slaughter of deer at Musicon, Inc., a deer farm and venison sales company in Goshen, New York.

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Urge Congress to Hold Strong on a Clean Energy Bill!
Please tell your senators and representative that America’s new Energy Bill must include a 35 mile per gallon fuel economy standard AND a 15 percent renewable electricity standard.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA): Tell Norway to stop whaling
Despite the global ban on commercial whaling, Norway has killed almost 7,000 whales in the last 20 years.

Carnivals

Carnival of Hurricane Relief #104 (September 6, 2007 @ Red County, California

Newsletters

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): News Alert, September 7, 2007
Chat with an ASPCA Animal Cop/Help Farm Animals

Best Friends Animal Society: eNews, September 7, 2007
On the ground in Peru

Defenders of Wildlife: eNews, September 7, 2007
Wildlife eNews: Rare(r) Red Knot

Petitions

Make Animals A Priority in 2008

Kitten Forced to Smoke Crack by Warped Rocker Pete Doherty!

Help the Guinea Pigs at ‘Jimmy’s Farm’

End Baby Turtle Release Shows in Mexico!

Walmart Stop Selling the Lavaquarium

Tell Pierce County [Washington] to enforce environmental laws

Call on ALL car rental companies to offer hybrid vehicles

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist green nature action alerts activism link dump link roundup link farm link sanctuary click through sites click to donate care2 the animal rescue site the rainforest site Electronic Frontier Foundation eff spying wiretapping civil liberties People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals peta deer deer slaughter deer farms venison video Musicon, Inc. Goshen New York NY People for the American Way PFAW World Society for the Protection of Animals WSPA Norway whales whaling Union of Concerned Scientists UCS congress energy energy bill Defenders of Wildlife news in the news newsletter wildlife conservation cats canines Best Friends Animal Society Best Friends Peru earthquake natural disaster animal rescue cat feline dog canine pet companion animal livestock American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals aspca petitions the petition site Pete Doherty Kate Moss animal abuse cruelty to animals animal cruelty Essex Pig Company Ltd Jimmy’s Farm Guinea Pig Village Guinea Pigs BBC Animal Welfare Act 2006 uk elections 2008 elections politics Wal-Mart Lavaquarium fish Betta fish Canada Pierce County Washington wetlands cars hybrids Sea Turtle Festivals turtles hatchling releases carnivals

DawnWatch glamour-fun alert: Farm Sanctuary Gala, Beverly Hills, Saturday September 8, 2007
The Farm Sanctuary Gala is at the classic Beverly Hills Hotel on Saturday, September 8.

Ecological Internet / The Rainforest Portal: Stop Ocean City, New Jersey from Using Ancient Rainforest Timbers for Boardwalk Decking
An important precedent must be set that industrial logging of ancient forests, even if FSC “certified”, must end

The Sierra Club: Support Legislation to Stop Global Warming
Urge your Representative to support the Sanders-Boxer Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act!

The Sierra Club: Fight Logging Road Subsidies!
We need Congress to stand firm and oppose logging road subsidies in the Tongass National Forest.

True Majority: Sign the American Freedom Petition
Tell Congress to take back their permission for warrantless spying on Americans

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): The EPA fails to protect our air–again
Urge the EPA to use the best available science to set a stronger final ozone standard that protects our health.

Campaign Updates, Press Releases, etc.

Look! The 11th Hour! On Zannel!

(By the by, you can find out more about the film here and here. Coming to a theater near you this Friday!)

Newsletters

Care2: Annie’s Green Living newsletter, August 2007
How to Green a Dorm Room, Avoid Bee Stings, Feed Birds in Fall, and more…

The Sierra Club: Club Currents: Volume VI, #76: August 14, 2007
Support the 2% Solution! & more

Petitions

Help Ban Inhumane Procedures That Produce Foie Gras!

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist green nature action alerts activism link dump link roundup link farm link sanctuary click through sites click to donate care2 the animal rescue site the rainforest site films movies documentary the 11th hour Leonardo DiCaprio rainforest wildlife conservation Ecological Internet EI The Rainforest Portal Ocean City New Jersey dawnwatch farm sanctuary gala events Union of Concerned Scientists UCS EPA air quality ozone pollution news in the news newsletter green living green The Sierra Club Club Currents climate change global warming logging subsidies Tongass National Forest True Majority civil liberties wiretapping warrantless wiretapping war on terra George W. Bush petitions the petition site foie gras ducks duck liver

Animal Protection Institute (API): Urge Congress to End the Trade in Bear Parts
The Bear Protection Act, H.R. 3029 would protect bears by prohibiting the import, export, and interstate commerce of bear gallbladders and bile

Greenpeace: Project Hot Seat: August 27-31: Week of Local Action
We need to deliver Project Hot Seat lobby packets in local offices across the country during the last week of August. And we need YOUR help to make it happen.

National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS): Federal: Animal Protection Measures included in House Farm Bill
Please call your U.S. Senators today in support of keeping animal protection provisions in the final version of the bill!

People for the American Way (PFAW): Tell Congress: End Warrantless Spying on Americans!
Tell your Representative and Senators to stand up to White House fear mongering and abuse of power!

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Hold the Antibiotics!
Sign our petition to the nation’s top fast-food companies urging them to help end this dangerous practice.

Campaign Updates, Press Releases, etc.

Dogs Deserve Better (DDB): DDB’s 5th Anniversary Letter from the Founder: Let’s Celebrate, Plan Ahead, Forge the Way!
Meet Levi, one of the estimated 300+ chained or penned dogs rescued by DDB area reps and volunteers since August 2006

Newsletters

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): News Alert: August 10, 2007
Outdoor Safety Tips/Who Are Your Heroes, Animal Lovers?

Hugs For Puppies E-News and Action Alerts!: August 10, 2007
Huge Veg Outreach Days Reach 20,000+ Teenagers in the Last Few Weeks! & more

Petitions

Get White Out

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist green nature action alerts activism link dump link roundup link farm link sanctuary click through sites click to donate care2 the animal rescue site the rainforest site Animal Protection Institute API bears hunting superstition The Bear Protection Act bear gallbladders bear bile news in the news Dogs Deserve Better DDB Tammy Grimes chaining dog canine pet companion animal tethering newsletter American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA greenpeace global warming clicmate change congress project hot seat People for the American Way PFAW wiretapping warantless wiretapping George W. Bush war on terra activism protest civil liberties National Anti-Vivisection Society NAVS farm bill 2007 farm bill animal research animal testing animal experimentation vivisection class b dealers bunchers pet theft cat feline Union of Concerned Scientists UCS antibiotics public healthg public safety meat factory farming agriculture animal agriculture Hugs for Puppies Kathleen White Texas petitions the petition site

Amnesty International: Demand safety for environmental activists in Ecuador

DawnWatch: Outstanding veggie coverage on DC NBC affiliate 7/31/07

National Wildlife Federation: Pass a Wildlife-Friendly “Energy Independence Package”

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): Urge Your Representative to Vote YES on a Stronger Energy Bill!

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS): Who will your representative listen to? You or corporate interests? [Talking points]

United Poultry Concerns (UPC): Protest Orthodox Union Event

Newsletters

VegCooking.com: Recipe of the Week: Crepes With ‘Cream’ Filling and Tart Cherry Sauce

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist green nature action alerts activism link dump link roundup link farm link sanctuary click through sites click to donate care2 the animal rescue site the rainforest site United Poultry Concerns UPC events religion Orthodox Union Jewish Vegetarians of North America JVNA Judaism protest dawnwatch news in the news National Wildlife Federation NWF energy energy bill renewable energy energy independence Amnesty International Ecuador activists newsleters peta people for the ethical treatment of animals vegcooking.com recipes vegan vegetarian Natural Resources Defense Council NRDC Union of Concerned Scientists UCS

See also: Urge Your Representative to Support Meaningful Energy Legislation, from The Sierra Club.

———————

Via the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Tell The House to Green Up The Energy Bill

The Energy Bill, passed by the Senate last month, made important progress toward addressing America’s oil and environmental security—but it needs to be stronger. While the Senate did increase fuel economy standards for the first time in more than 30 years, they unfortunately included unnecessary loopholes that could undermine the new 35 mile per gallon standard. The bill also lacked a renewable energy standard requiring utilities to produce a percentage of our electricity from clean, renewable sources like the wind and sun. And the increase in biofuels production included in the bill needs stronger safeguards against global warming pollution to protect our air, soil, and water.

Thankfully, we still have a chance to strengthen this critical bill now that action moves to the House. Please let your representative know that you want an Energy Bill that locks in strong fuel economy standards, guarantees more clean energy for consumers, and ensures that biofuels are part of the global warming solution, not part of the problem.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts ucs Union of Concerned Scientists climate change global warming energy clean energy gas oil energy bill fuel fuel efficiency congress the sierra club CAFE

It’s Time to Vote – Choose Your Science Idol!

Recent investigations and surveys show that the censorship, manipulation, and suppression of federal government science has become pervasive in recent years. Political interference in science has hurt our air quality, allowed FDA approval of harmful drugs, and prevented the public from hearing the truth about global warming.

This spring, creative minds throughout America took the opportunity to show off their artistic and comedic talents in support of independent science by entering the 2nd annual Science Idol: the Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest. We received hundreds of compelling cartoons and our panel of celebrity judges helped narrow those entries to 12 great finalists.

Vote for your Science Idol today and win great prizes—while helping UCS spread awareness about the importance of independent science to our health, safety, and environment.

Not explicitly animal rights, no, but some of the entries do focus on environmental issues, and one in particular (my personal favorite, by the by) illustrates the Bush admin’s attitude towards all species not rich, white, male, and human. So go vote already.

You can read more about the contest here, and register your vote here.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts ucs Union of Concerned Scientists contest science politics science idol political cartoon climate change wildlife conservation george w. bush gw bush corruption war on terra

Audubon: Better Fuel Standards for a Clean Future

The U.S. Senate is debating America’s energy policy, and we need to make sure that any energy legislation includes at least some increase in corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE), which have not been improved in over 25 years. Raising the fuel economy of cars and trucks reduces our addiction to oil, helps to clear our skies and reduces global warming pollution. This is off-the-shelf technology we have right now, but we need Congress to act.

Please write to your U.S. Senators and tell them to oppose the Levin-Stabenow amendment to weaken the modest CAFE standards in HR 6.

Greenpeace: Put Congressional Leaders in the Hot Seat

When the Democrats took over they promised bold action on global warming. Now halfway through the year and two weeks before the 4th of July recess, it appears that the first major action on energy in the House of Representatives will take us in the wrong direction. Instead of creating an energy bill that solves global warming, the legislation that has emerged thus far protects the auto and coal industry.

Chairmen John Dingell and Rick Boucher are proving to be poor leaders in the important fight to create sensible energy policies and to stop global warming. The chairmen of the House Energy and Commerce Committee are doing just the opposite of what the Democratic majority said they would do—push for smart energy policies and attack global warming head on.

America needs real leadership on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, not more of the same.

Take Action>>Tell Speaker Pelosi to use her power as Speaker of the House and get Congress back on track.

True Majority: Tell Congress – “You’re in the Hot Seat”

It’s now or never for Congress to get serious about global warming. Scientists tell us that if we don’t put a cap on global warming pollution and reduce emissions 80% by 2050 that the situation could become completely out of control. So we’re turning up the heat on Congress and demanding that they support strong action to solve global warming. Help us reach our goal of 50,000 signatures nationally by August by adding your name to the list. Let your Rep. know that “We’re counting on you: You’re in the Hot Seat.”

Union of Concerned Scientists: Our Chance to Raise Fuel Economy Standards is Here!

The average fuel economy of American automobiles hasn’t changed in decades, despite steady advances in vehicle technology. More fuel-efficient cars would give American drivers much-needed savings at the pump while helping to reduce our oil dependence and global warming pollution. Now is our chance to lock-in stronger fuel economy standards for all vehicles! As early as tomorrow, the Senate will vote on an Energy Bill provision that would raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

Please call your senators and tell them to support CAFE reform of at least 35 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks by 2020 with no loopholes. Any attempts to weaken this long overdue reform will be a vote for higher gas prices and continued oil dependence.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts greenpeace audubon true majority ucs union of concerned scientists global warming climate change cafe congress 110th congress fuel fuel standards fuel economy corporate average fuel economy standards Levin-Stabenow amendment coal energy energy bill John Dingell Rick Boucher Speaker Pelosi Nancy Pelosi

…and the Sierra Club weighs in….

Take Action: Support Energy Efficiency Standards!

Incandescent Light BulbIn order to achieve energy independence and curb global warming we must increase energy efficiency. We need an energy efficiency standard that will move America toward the 80% reductions in greenhouse gases that scientists say are necessary to avoid the worst consequences of global warming. By making better use of the electricity we already produce, we can not only save 300 million metric tons of global warming causing carbon dioxide by 2020, but consumers can also save a total of $26 billion.

Urge your Senators to support Energy Efficiency Standards!

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I’m running late, so I though I might take a shortcut and consolidate all of today’s climate change/fuel efficiency/general enviro alerts into one big link farm post.

(In fact, climate change is such a “hot” topic* right now that I may even do a link roundup post every day or two.)

So, yeehaw.

Act for Change / Working Assets: Give Clean Cars the Green Light!

Specifically, California and 11 other states have adopted tailpipe standards to reduce global warming pollution from cars and SUVs, amounting to one-third of the U.S. auto market. However, in order to implement the standards, California — and the other states — need a stamp of approval (called a Clean Air Act “waiver”) from the EPA, and the Bush EPA has been sitting on the decision for nearly a year and a half.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last month -– in which the Court found that carbon dioxide and other global warming pollutants are indeed “air pollutants” and can be regulated under the Clean Air Act –- compelled the Bush EPA to move forward in its decision on the state clean cars standards.

You can help by telling the EPA to stop dragging its feet and give the states the green light to put clean cars on the road.

League of Conservation Voters: Vote YES on the Bingaman RES Amendment Today!

This week, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on Senator Bingaman’s (D-NM) Renewable Electricity Standards amendment that would help curb global warming, strengthen our economy, and make us more secure.

The Bingaman RES amendment would increase our use of wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass to 15% of America’s electricity by 2020. It’s all homegrown energy, which means more jobs and cheaper electric and gas bills. And it’s all renewable, which puts us on the right path towards breaking our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels.

National Environmental Trust: Urgent: Tell Congress to Increase Gas Mileage Standards

Tell Congress to support the Senate Commerce Committee bill that will increase fuel efficiency standards and save American families money at the pump and to oppose any amendment, such as the Levin-Stabenow proposal, that would weaken the mileage targets in the bill. By sending the letter below and following up with a phone call you will send a strong message to your member of Congress that increasing fuel efficiency is important.

National Wildlife Federation: Stop Global Warming with the Energy Bill

Global warming is the greatest moral challenge of our time–and the single most urgent threat to the future of wildlife. Right now, the U.S. Senate has the chance to pass an Energy Bill that turns America’s energy future in a new direction and helps change the forecast for wildlife.

Natural Resources Defense Council: Tell your senators to pass a strong, clean energy bill

The Senate is debating energy legislation that must be strengthened to ensure progress on important issues like global warming, increased fuel economy standards and clean, renewable energy sources. Urge your senators to support amendments that would strengthen the energy bill and oppose amendments that would weaken the legislation.

SaveOurEnvironment.org: Tell the EPA to Let States Fight Global Warming

Twelve states want to tackle global warming by mandating tougher emissions standards that would drastically reduce pollution from cars and SUVs. But the Environmental Protection Agency won’t let them cut emissions without a special “waiver.” Worse yet, more than a year and a half has passed and the EPA has not even approved the “waivers” needed.

Union of Concerned Scientists: Keep Nuclear and Fossil Fuels out of the Renewable Electricity Standard

To reduce global warming pollution and increase America’s energy independence and security, we must boost our use of clean, renewable energy. Today, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced a renewable electricity standard bill that would require utilities to acquire 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources like the wind and sun by 2020. Unfortunately, the bill is threatened by an amendment that would include the use of nuclear, coal, and other dirty, non-renewable energy sources.

* Get it? Hot! Because our planet’s warming! Such a card, I am.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts saveourenvironment.org climate change global warming green cars cars green fuel efficiency emissions standards epa environmental protection agency biofuels energy conservation nwf National Wildlife Federation energy bill act for change working assets lcv League of Conservation Voters Senator Bingaman Renewable Electricity Standards Bingaman RES Amendment renewable electricity nrdc Natural Resources Defense Council net National Environmental Trust ucs Union of Concerned Scientists nuclear coal sierra club