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What price a breath of fresh air or the sparkle of clean water?
As Congress begins a critical 10-month session, it may pass laws
that affect the environment for years to come. The good news is that
we're in an election year, and even the most recalcitrant
politicians know it's unwise to be seen as anti-environmental.
Environmental Defense and its allies are gearing up for several
major battles in Congress. Big issues- particularly energy questions
like fuel efficiency for vehicles and drilling in the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge- remain highly polarized. Other proposals
have broad-based appeal, and we hope to pass favorable legislation
on the Farm Bill, Army Corps of Engineers reform and our campaign to
protect the effectiveness of antibiotics.
No one expects an easy year. Many in government continue to
advance anti-environmental rules. What's worse, our opponents are
becoming smarter in how they dismantle existing protections. "No
longer will they try a frontal assault on the environment," says our
legislative director Elizabeth Thompson. "They will outwardly
support a program such as cutting atmospheric pollutants, then
secretly gut it by eliminating funding or taking legal action. We
have to make sure the public is aware of these politicians' actions
and that politicians know the public is watching."
Delivering such a message isn't easy when you don't contribute to
campaign coffers. Our advantage lies in our network of allies. "You
have to be there in people's offices, ready to act fast when a
Congressman tacks an anti-environmental rider onto a bill," says our
strategic communications director Steve Cochran. "We found out about
one such amendment at 9:00 pm and were able to defeat it the next
morning."
Here's a look at key legislation Congress must
pass:
The Farm Bill Most farmers who now apply for conservation grants are turned
down for lack of funds. With a new Farm Bill now in the works, we're
leading the effort to win a major reallocation of funding to family
farmers who improve water quality and wildlife
habitat.
The Energy Bill Congress and the administration could make the wrong choices,
with potentially huge consequences. The House has already produced a
very flawed energy bill fea-turing huge subsidies to big oil and
drilling in the Arctic. The administration initiated and strongly
supports these
policies. On a positive note, Congress recognizes the need to
improve conservation and efficiency measures. We see opportunities
to boost renewable energy and tighten vehicle fuel-efficiency
standards that have barely changed since 1985.
Climate change legislation Congress is debating
proposals to limit major air pollutants, but the administration is
backing a House bill that fails to limit carbon dioxide emissions,
which lead to global warming.
Army Corps of Engineers Our efforts to compel the Corps to switch to
environmentally friendly projects have gained support: The
administration has proposed deep cuts in the Corps budget and urged
more environmental restoration. | 
