Environment & Energy

Our planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges, threatening ecosystems, species, coastal communities, and all too often, human life itself. Heading the list of threats is climate change, with its promise of drastic environmental, economic, and cultural upheaval. But we also face persistent problems of air and water pollution, toxic wastes, cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay and other Great Waters, and protecting natural resources and wildlife.

Central to the environmental health of the nation and the planet is decreasing our dependence on energy derived from burning fossil fuels. Our continued reliance on these sources is literally endangering the planet's ability to sustain life as we know it. Yet many policymakers, with the financial and rhetorical support of energy companies bent on making a profit at the cost of the planet's health, continue to resist desperately needed reforms. Read about CPR’s work protecting the environment in reports, testimony, op-eds and more. Use the search box to narrow the list.

Choose Clean Water Coalition Follow-Up Letter to EPA on Chesapeake Bay WIPs

CPR joined other members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition in a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency, taking it to task for failing to ensure that the Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) submitted by the Chesapeake Bay states were adequate to achieve the 2025 pollution-reduction goals. August 5, 2019. 

Type: Letters to Agencies (Aug. 5, 2019)
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Carbon Pricing: Essential But Insufficient

Carbon pricing continues to be a hot-button issue, a promising tool in the effort to stave off climate change, but one roundly opposed by industry. In her June 19 issue brief, CPR's Alice Kaswan argues that carbon pricing is necessary, but both practically and politically insufficient for achieving a clean energy transition. June 2019.

Type: Reports (June 28, 2019)
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Author(s): Alice Kaswan
The 2019 WIPs: An Evaluation of the Watershed Implementation Plans Submitted by Maryland, Virginia & Pennsylvania

In April 2019, each of the Chesapeake Bay states submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the public drafts of their Phase III Watershed Implementation Plans, encompassing their plans for meeting the 2025 pollution reduction targets. CPR's Evan Isaacson evaluates the plans put forward by the three states responsible for the bulk of the pollution in the Bay, Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. A companion analysis by David Flores examines whether and how well the plans account for the impacts of climate change.

Type: Reports (May 16, 2019)
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Author(s): David Flores, Evan Isaacson
How Climate Change Will Affect Real Lives

Dan Farber, writing in the Revelator takes a close look at how climate change will play out in the life of someone born in 2000.

Type: Op-Eds (May 3, 2019)
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Author(s): Daniel Farber
A Call to Action on the Risk of Toxic Floodwaters in Virginia

A Call to Action on the Risk of Toxic Floodwaters in Virginia, op-ed by Noah Sachs and David Flores

Type: Op-Eds (March 13, 2019)
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Author(s): David Flores
Youth Leadership Needed In Time of Climate Uncertainty
Youth Leadership Needed In Time of Climate Uncertainty, op-ed by Maxine Burkett and Maya Soetoro-Ng
Type: Op-Eds (March 13, 2019)
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Author(s): Maxine Burkett
Toxic Floodwaters: The Threat of Climate-Driven Chemical Disaster in the James River Watershed

The James River watershed in Virginia is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. It faces higher than average sea-level rise, intensifying precipitation rates, and increased hurricane risks. As major storms cause serious and potentially toxic flooding in the James River watershed – and elsewhere in the United States – residents are reminded that the industries surrounding them are not doing enough to plan and adapt to our changing world.

Type: Reports (March 7, 2019)
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Author(s): David Flores, Noah Sachs
March 6, 2019, New Report Highlights Climate Change, Toxic Flooding Threats to Vulnerable Communities in Virginia

A new report highlights the role climate change and the lack of adequate planning and preparation plays in increasing the threats of toxic floodwaters, with a focus on Virginia.

Type: News Releases (March 6, 2019)
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With One Tweak, the Green New Deal Could Be Great for Houston

With One Tweak, the Green New Deal Could Be Great for Houston, op-ed by Victor Flatt

Type: Op-Eds (March 2, 2019)
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Author(s): Victor Flatt
Dismissing the Green New Deal as 'Socialism' Ignores Reality of Climate Crisis

Dismissing the Green New Deal as 'Socialism' Ignores Reality of Climate Crisis, op-ed by Alice Kaswan

Type: Op-Eds (Feb. 28, 2019)
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Author(s): Alice Kaswan

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