Weekly News Roundup – October 19, 2012

Want to know what National Wildlife Federation was up to this week? Here is a recap of the week’s NWF news:

New Report: Midwest Auto and Manufacturing Revival Takes Region Beyond “Drill Baby Drill”, Anchors Job Growth, Innovation Nationwide

October 19 – As voters contemplate who will occupy the White House and Congress in the years ahead, the Center for the Next Generation and the Center for American Progress released “Regional Energy, National Solutions,” a new report that argues that the United States needs a real strategy to achieve lasting energy and economic security – one that builds on the powerful assets of each region of the country and invests in multiple forms of energy and fuel.

“In the Midwest, American workers and the automotive industry are proving every day that America has what it takes to rebuild our economy, lead globally, and combat climate change at the same time,” said Zoe Lipman, Senior Manager New Energy Solutions, at the National Wildlife Federation, who authored the Midwest chapter of the Report.

New Report: Southeast Leadership In Next Generation Electricity Powers Region Beyond “Drill Baby Drill”, Spurs Jobs, Businesses, Innovation

October 19 – As voters contemplate who will occupy the White House and Congress in the years ahead, the Center for the Next Generation and the Center for American Progress released “Regional Energy, National Solutions,” a new report that argues that the United States needs a real strategy to achieve lasting energy and economic security – one that builds on the powerful assets of each region of the country and invests in multiple forms of energy and fuel.

“Jobs being built across the Southeast today show that America has what it takes to meet the challenge of climate change, thrive in a resource-constrained global economy, and create lasting economic growth at home,” said Zoe Lipman, Senior Manager New Energy Solutions at the National Wildlife Federation, who authored the Southeast chapter of the report.

New Report Details Major Pipeline Threat to Great Lakes

October 18 – Today the National Wildlife Federation released a report warning of a pipeline hazard located beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Submerged in the waters, where  Lakes Michigan and Huron meet, more than 20 million gallons of crude oil and natural gas fluids are pumped every day through aging pipelines operated by Enbridge Energy—the Canadian company responsible for the worst inland oil disaster in U.S. history. The report comes as Enbridge faces increasing scrutiny for safety lapses both in the U.S. and Canada.

Sunken Hazard: Aging oil pipelines beneath the Straits of Mackinac, an ever-present threat to the Great Lakes, documents how an oil spill from the pipeline—commonly referred to as Line 5—would have devastating consequences for people, fish and wildlife and the economy.

Fair, Robust Resolution Needed for Gulf Oil Disaster

October 18 – To avoid a trial for the Gulf oil disaster, recent reports suggest BP has offered amounts ranging from $16 to $18 billion—an inadequate amount that is less than half of the total liability to repair what is the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history.

“BP should not be let off the hook with a low settlement and allowed to shortchange the Gulf,” said John Kostyack, vice president of wildlife conservation at the National Wildlife Federation. “A low settlement leaves the Gulf of Mexico more vulnerable to further deterioration from natural and manmade disasters, as well as demonstrates to polluters that they will not be held fully accountable.”

The Clean Water Act Turns 40

October 17 – Forty years ago, in a show of bipartisan support, Congress passed the Clean Water Act of 1972. Hunters and anglers have supported strong Clean Water Act protections, understanding that clean water and healthy wetlands and streams are essential to healthy fish and wildlife. This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and the historic results this keystone legislation has achieved: healthier water to drink; cleaner streams, rivers, and lakes in which to swim, fish, and play; and dramatically lower rates of natural wetland loss.

NRPA and National Wildlife Federation Join Forces on Goal to Connect 10 Million More Kids to Nature

October 16 – The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has joined with National Wildlife Federation (NWF) in its unprecedented goal to get 10 million more kids to spend more time outdoors over the next three years. Working together, NRPA and NWF will combat the growing trend of “indoor childhood” and lack of “green time” among our nation’s youth. This partnership was announced today at the NRPA Annual Congress and Exposition. Public park and recreation departments in communities across the country will play a major role in accomplishing this vital goal.

Research shows children are spending long hours indoors using electronic media yet they spend only mere minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play. This is affecting the health and well-being of children and is quickly causing a generation of kids who are becoming less healthy and who are disconnected from the natural world around them.

The Greenforce Initiative Links Employers and Community Colleges to Meet Growing Need for Sustainability Skills

October 15 – The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and Jobs for the Future (JFF) have launched a new phase of the Greenforce Initiative, a multi-year effort to help community colleges expand economic opportunity as the United States moves toward a more environmentally sustainable economy.

Through a two-year, $500,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, NWF and JFF are building networks of employers and community college leaders to collaborate on helping students develop job-ready skills through better sustainability and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training, which also helps address the skills gaps that exist in these employment fields.

And here are highlights from NWF in the News: