What We've Accomplished

Here are just a few examples of the kinds of achievements our member organizations are making happen throughout the year. To find out more, visit the listing of our members to see the accomplishments of each organization.

Air and water quality. Communities for a Better Environment helped pass the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Refinery Flare Control Rule in July 2005. Flaring emissions include harmful chemicals that have been linked to serious health impacts including respiratory ailments and cancer. The first of its kind in the nation, the rule will reduce such toxic waste gases released into the air by routine refinery flaring by as much as 50%. The Environmental Defense Center won a suit against the US Minerals Management Service, requiring them to complete an analysis of all future impacts of offshore oil leases on marine and coastal environments protected by the California Coastal Act. Surfrider Foundation’s Ventura Chapter won an eight-year battle to end 100,000 gallon per day discharges of industrial pollution into San Bueneventura State Beach.

Open space. The Wilderness Society helped other activists secure legislation in 2006 to provide stringent legal protection of pristine forest-lands along California’s rugged north coast. Over 300,000 acres and 21 miles of river are now permanently protected from development.

Organic farming and pesticide reduction. The Ecology Center has made it possible for low-income citizens of California to use electronic benefits transfer cards (formerly food stamps) to buy fresh produce at farmer’s markets. This program makes it possible for low income families to address issues of obesity and nutrition for their families. Pesticide Action Network, Natural Resources Defense Council, and others filed suit in February 2006 to stop the US EPA from permitting the testing of pesticides on people.

Trees, plants and flowers. Our City Forest plants over 2000 trees annually in San Jose and Santa Clara County. They note, “A single mature tree provides the cooling equivalent of five average room air conditioners running 12 hours a day.” California Native Plant Society developed an integrated regional planning effort using new resource-based methodologies to protect the coastal sage scrub, the California gnatcatcher, and over 100 other imperiled plant and animal species in southern California.

Animals, birds and fish. Golden Gate Audubon won protection for the bald eagle and other birds from destruction in the wind towers at Altamont Pass in Alameda County. In the future, the wind companies will have the responsibility to reduce bird kills and Golden Gate Audubon will have both the right and the responsibility to work with the wind companies to enhance the development of this important alternative energy source while protecting bird life in the flyway. California Trout helped secure passage last year of the Official Inland Fisheries Restoration Act that dedicates up to 33.3% of revenue from sport fishing license sales to the Hatcheries and Inland Fisheries Fund and increased the budget of the Wild and Heritage Trout programs by 250%.

Global warming. Slowing the pace of global warming is the top organizational goal for the Union of Concerned Scientists. They have been instrumental in the shift in public opinion from “Is the planet warming?” to “What do we need to do to stop global warming and how fast?” Environmental Defense has teamed with the Ad Council to run ads urging us to act now on global warming while there is still time.

Recycling and economic opportunity. The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s Rascal the Recycling Raccoon promotes recycling and education. Over 5500 students have become honorary members of the Rascal Recycling Club. At San Jose Conservation Corps & Charter School, young men and women learned the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and are placed in jobs; 1,217 tons of beverage containers, paper, and cardboard were recycled in 2006.

All of our member organizations have won important victories this year. Visit the listing of our members to see the accomplishments of each organization.