Nature/Conservancy

Bush Violates Law Protecting Grand Canyon From Uranium Mining

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:30:23 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2008

Environmental Working Group (EWG)

The Bush administration allowed Phoenix-based Neutron Energy to stake 20 new mining claims south of the Grand Canyon on August 7, in violation of an emergency Congressional resolution passed seven weeks earlier that declared off limits to mining activity approximately 1 million acres adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park.

Hydro Project Threatens Indigenous People, Biological Preserve; Human Rights Panel to Review Issue

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:13:22 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2008

Center for Biological Diversity

Cascading from the heights of the Talamanca Mountains, the Changuinola River forms the heart of the Panamanian portion of La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides habitat for hundreds of rare, endemic, endangered and migratory species, as well as the indigenous Ngöbe and Naso tribes.

International Sale of Elephant Ivory Begins in Southern Africa, Amid Controversy

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:02:48 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2008

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

An elephant ivory auction totaling over 19,800 lb (9,000 kg) will begin tomorrow in Namibia. This is the first time in nearly 10 years that international trade in elephant ivory has been sanctioned by the UN-backed Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The sales will continue over the next two weeks in Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa, with a grand total of 119 tons (108 tonnes) of ivory up for bidding. This accounts for an estimated 10,000+ dead elephants.

New Yosemite Overlook Restoration Underscores Need for Continued Investment in National Parks

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:45:06 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2008

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)

STATEMENT BY: Laine Hendricks, Central Valley Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association

"The new Tunnel View Overlook at Yosemite National Park is an important improvement in a park that needs and deserves so much more attention.

Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Population Listed as Endangered;

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:30:34 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2008

Conservation Groups

Today the National Marine Fisheries Service announced its long-awaited decision to list the Cook Inlet beluga whale population as "endangered" under the federal Endangered Species Act.

NPCA Concerned about Potential Development on Grounds of National Historic Landmark in St. Louis

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:39:48 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2008

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)

"Visitors to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis would benefit from improved services and a revitalized Museum of Westward Expansion.

New 'Dead Zone' Report Calls for Greater Protection of Wetlands and Streams

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:42:38 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2008

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

Wetlands and streams in the Mississippi River Basin are at increased risk of pollution and destruction, according to a new report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Many of these bodies of water were historically covered under the Clean Water Act, but a series of misguided Supreme Court decisions have left them facing increased threats from pollutants including those that cause "dead zones."

Water Efficiency Can Save the Southeast Over $700 million and New Water Supply for Over One Million Residents

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:18:41 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2008

American Rivers

The Southeast can save over $700 million and new water supply for over one million residents by embracing water efficiency solutions like stopping leaks and upgrading old buildings. That's according to the new report, Hidden Reservoir: Why Water Efficiency is the Best Solution for the Southeast by American Rivers, the nation's leading river conservation organization. The report outlines nine proven, timely and cost-effective steps that local leaders can take to save water and help ensure their rivers remain valuable community assets.

Thousands Call on EPA to Take Action Now on Dangerous Pesticide

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:16:36 -0400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2008

Pesticide Action Network

Pesticide Action Network, in coalition with Earthjustice and United Farm Workers, this week delivered more than 25,000 individual signatures to EPA calling for the dangerous and antiquated pesticide endosulfan to be removed from our food supply. Twenty-four organizations joined in supporting the call.

EPA is currently considering action on endosulfan in response to a legal petition and growing pressure from environmental health and farmworker advocacy groups around the country.

Speak Now Against Bush's Great Coal Giveaway

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:20:05 -0400

by Jeff Biggers

With our attention focused on the Wall Street crisis and the presidential election, the George W. Bush administration took an extraordinary step last Friday to give coal companies a couple of departing gifts before the end of this year.

This is the really dirty side of coal we rarely hear about.