Policy Solutions: Legislative Analyses

More Legislative Analyses

Addressing Ocean Impacts in New Climate Legislation

Legislative Analysis

Our oceans face a variety of threats, including pollution, poorly planned coastal development, habitat degradation, invasive species, and unsustainable fishing levels and practices. These stresses have resulted in depleted populations of many forms of marine life, degraded habitats, altered ecosystem structure and function, and significantly diminished ability of our coastal and ocean ecosystems and resources to recover from disturbance. We must incorporate measures for protecting our oceans from the impacts of global warming into new climate legislation. Get document in pdf.

Protecting Our Ocean and Coastal Economies
Avoid Unnecessary Risks from Offshore Drilling

Fact Sheet

Healthy oceans are critically important to marine life and to coastal communities whose economies rely on tourism and fishing. Opening up new offshore areas to drilling risks permanent damage to our oceans and beaches without reducing our dependence on oil. When oil spills occur they can bring catastrophic harm to marine life and devastating losses for local businesses. And even routine exploration and drilling activities bring harm to many marine species. The Administration and Congress must work together to assess the environmental impacts of offshore drilling before making key decisions about offshore oil and gas activities in new areas or Alaska. Get document in pdf.

NRDC's Golden State Newsletter, October 29, 2009

Bulletin

Get monthly updates on NRDC’s California advocacy work, from new campaigns to key wins to continuing challenges.

DOs and DON’Ts for Creating Carbon Price Safeguards

Legislative Analysis

As the Senate takes up energy and climate legislation, many are considering the best approach to meet a strong cap on carbon emissions while assuring that carbon allowance prices remain reasonable and that market abuses are prevented. The core tools we need are a means to provide additional allowances to the market without breaking the law’s emissions cap, and a robust set of market regulation safeguards against market abuse. With these tools, Congress can deter price manipulation and place effective limits on prices without compromising the law’s vital climate protection objectives.
Get document in pdf.

Communities Tackle Global Warming
A Guide to California’s Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act (SB 375)

Issue Paper

California's Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act, or SB 375, is the nation's first legislation to link transportation and land use planning with global warming. SB 375 is an important step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous California. Locating housing closer to jobs and transportation choices and creating walkable communities can reduce commute times and cut millions of tons of global warming pollution, while improving quality of life.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES)
Legislation to build the clean energy future

Index of Fact Sheets

The American Clean Energy and Security Act, also known as the Waxman-Markey bill, has the major ingredients to generate millions of jobs, break our dependence on oil and reduce the pollution that causes global warming. Comprehensive energy and climate legislation will create the incentives necessary to build the clean energy economy and help make America a leader for the 21st century.

Making Every Drop Work
Increasing Water Efficiency in California’s Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) Sector

Issue Paper

Reliable and adequate access to water is critical for businesses and their surrounding communities. Across the nation, water shortages are triggering growing concern and an acceleration of efforts to increase water use efficiency. Adopting water-efficient technologies and practices that reduce consumption holds great potential for commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) water users. In this May 2009 issue paper, NRDC recommends a number of available and cost-effective measures that can help stretch limited water supplies, save businesses money, reduce energy consumption, improve water quality, and protect local, regional, and statewide ecosystems.

How to Fight Global Warming
Take steps to reduce your energy use, improve efficiency and help end global warming

Guide

The biggest cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels are burned for energy. So when you save energy, you fight global warming and save money, too. Here are some easy steps that you can take to help make a difference.

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