Weekly News Roundup – October 26, 2012

Aislinn Maestas | Last Updated: January 8, 2016

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

HISD Celebrates New Collaboration with National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools USA Program

October 26 – The Houston Independent School District and National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools program have established a new collaboration that will help close achievement gaps for disadvantaged students and improve science and math learning through the use of outdoor environmental education.

The new Eco-Schools USA initiative will expand on the current Schoolyard Habitat program between HISD and NWF. It will also allow for further expansion and development of the Green School Challenge, launched in December 2011, by helping schools make their buildings and campuses more eco-friendly.

200+ Scientists Call on Obama Administration to “Look Before You Leap” on Potentially Invasive Energy Crops

October 22 – More than 200 scientists from across the country sent a letter to the Obama administration today urging them to take a “look before you leap” approach to potentially invasive plants grown for bioenergy, warning that some of the crops being considered for large-scale energy plantings may actually be highly invasive and potentially harmful to native species. The letter was sent in response to news that EPA is close to finalizing a rule which would allow fuel made from two known noxious weeds, Arundo donax and napiergrass, to count toward federally-mandated renewable fuels targets.

“Many of today’s most problematic invasive plants – from kudzu to purple loosestrife – were intentionally imported and released into the environment for horticultural, agricultural, conservation, and forestry purposes. These invasive species already cost billions of dollars a year in the United States and are one of the primary threats to North America’s native species and ecosystems. It is imperative that we learn from our past mistakes by preventing intentional introduction of energy crops that may create the next invasive species catastrophe – particularly when introductions are funded by taxpayer dollars,” states the letter.

And here are highlights from NWF in the News: