Center for Biological Diversity

20+ Groups Including Consumer Watchdog Decry CA Oil Refiners' Average $1 Per Gallon Profit Margin In 2023, Call On CEC To Implement Price Gouging Penalty By Summer To Avoid More Gouging

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 18, 2024
Electricity, Consumer Watchdog, Health, Climate change, Social responsibility, Environment, Letter, Government, Policy, Friends of the Earth, Biophysical environment, Gasoline, Elected, Mother, Climate Alliance, Consumer, Poverty, Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Working Group, Running, Buck, Food, Working Families Party, CEC, Atmosphere, Working group, Biodiversity, Physician, Friends, Multimedia, Propane

Today, the CEC will hold a Pre-Rulemaking Workshop on a price gouging penalty as directed by SBX1 2.

Key Points: 
  • Today, the CEC will hold a Pre-Rulemaking Workshop on a price gouging penalty as directed by SBX1 2.
  • "California oil refiners reported to their investors that their operating and other costs of running their refineries are between 20 and 30 cents per gallon.
  • California oil refiners are keeping between 70 and 80 cents off every gallon of gas sold as pure profit….The buck stops this summer."
  • Implementing a price gouging penalty is integral to ending greedy oil prices, and protecting frontline communities from taking another hit."

Friedman Introduces Consumer Watchdog Sponsored Bill to Hold Oil Drillers Financially Liable for Harm Caused by Their Drilling

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
AB, Weapon, Nalleli Cobo, Sierra Club, Hearing, Multimedia, CALPIRG, Cancer, Birth, Food, Water, Pollution, Asthma, Parent, Assembly, Environment California, Risk, Consumer Watchdog, Health, Center for Biological Diversity, Legislation, Food & Water Watch, Environment, Community, Biodiversity

Under AB 3155, oil drillers could face penalties ranging from $250,000 to a $1 million.

Key Points: 
  • Under AB 3155, oil drillers could face penalties ranging from $250,000 to a $1 million.
  • These penalties can be challenged and rebutted by the drilling companies if the companies can prove the illnesses were caused another way.
  • Oil drillers that don't use the best technology to protect communities from toxic leaks need to be accountable to the communities they harm," said Assemblymember Friedman.
  • "If oil drillers don't want to invest in the most protective technology to drill, they should face legal accountability to the families they harm."

Fifty-Five Organizations Call on Gov. Newsom to Veto Bill Weakening His Landmark Refinery Price Gouging Bill, says Consumer Watchdog

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 21, 2023
SBX, Environmental Working Group, Price, The 11th Hour (2007 film), Letter, Legislation, California Energy Commission, California Department of Industrial Relations, Big Oil, Senate, WSPA, Assembly, Bradford, Physician, California Department, Gasoline, Stand.earth, Multimedia, Biodiversity, 1-2-Switch, Greenpeace USA, Center for Biological Diversity, Radar, Biophysical environment, Consumer Watchdog, Climate Hawks Vote, Social responsibility, Elected, Western States Petroleum Association, Cryptocurrency

This bill undermines SBX 1-2, legislation championed by Governor Gavin Newsom to create regulatory oversight for the state's refiners, after California drivers faced record prices at the pump in 2022.

Key Points: 
  • This bill undermines SBX 1-2, legislation championed by Governor Gavin Newsom to create regulatory oversight for the state's refiners, after California drivers faced record prices at the pump in 2022.
  • Maintenance periods have strategically been used by refiners as moments to spike prices for drivers, providing the rationale behind adding more robust regulatory oversight during those periods within SBX 1-2.
  • SB 842 limits the ability of the state to prevent unnecessary refinery maintenance.
  • "Thanks to your leadership, the bill was passed and signed, marking a historic victory for everyday Californians over corporate greed."

Greenberg Traurig Successfully Defends Challenge to $39 Billion Alaska Natural Gas Project in D.C. Circuit

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 25, 2023
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, LLP, Center for Biological Diversity, National Environmental Policy Act, U.S. Department of Agriculture Cotton Annex, Sierra Club, AGDC, Biodiversity, Natural Gas Act of 1938, FERC, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Climate change, Natural gas, Alaska North Slope

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP secured a victory for client Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit involving a challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)'s approval of a $39 billion Alaska natural gas project.

Key Points: 
  • Circuit involving a challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)'s approval of a $39 billion Alaska natural gas project.
  • WASHINGTON, May 25, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP secured a victory for client Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C.
  • Circuit involving a challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)'s approval of a $39 billion Alaska natural gas project.
  • Plans call for construction of a gas treatment plant, an 800-mile pipeline from the Alaska North Slope to Cook Inlet, and a liquefaction facility for the purposes of exporting liquified natural gas and serving in-state demand for natural gas.

CONGRESS TO INVESTIGATE CHINA BACKED ENVIRONMENTAL FRONT GROUPS, CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY & SIERRA CLUB. INVESTIGATION UNDER WAY AND LEGISLATION PENDING.

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Weapon, Committed, Letter, Mineral, Center for Biological Diversity, United States House Committee on Natural Resources, CSA, Policy, Sierra Club, Endangered species, United States congressional committee, Biodiversity, Government, Biology, FAA, Committee, Women's Joint Congressional Committee, Congress, ONI, Legislation, United States Intelligence Community, Navy, Endangered Species Act of 1973, Natural Resources, CBD, SpaceX, Office of National Intelligence, Food security, Pharmaceutical industry, Air force

China, Russia and others are aggressively pursuing economic, social, and cultural warfare type tactics to divide Americans and weaken America from the inside - out," stated Steve Crim, Common Sense America Executive Director.

Key Points: 
  • China, Russia and others are aggressively pursuing economic, social, and cultural warfare type tactics to divide Americans and weaken America from the inside - out," stated Steve Crim, Common Sense America Executive Director.
  • "The use of front groups is one of their key weapons in this war."
  • In 2018, the Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental groups were the subjects of a congressional investigation concerning foreign influence and underreporting of taxpayer funds received through "sue and settle" lawsuits.
  • We support efforts that will strengthen the economy, promote energy diversification and innovation and drive mainstream solutions that make our communities safer.

Bill to Hold Oil Drillers Presumptively Liable For Harms in Drilling Safety Zones Garners Support of 130+ Group Coalition Including Consumer Watchdog, That Powered Through Gasoline Price Gouging Penalty Bill

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Weapon, Pollution, Food & Water Watch, Asthma, Ectopic pregnancy, CALPIRG, Legislature, Senate, Big Oil, D, Greenpeace, Center for Biological Diversity, Poverty, Water, Sierra Club, Cancer, Foot, Environment California, Multimedia, Biodiversity, Gonzalez, School, Hospital, Soil, Work, Risk, Community, Lifting, Logic, Consumer Watchdog, Climate, Environment, Letter, Health, Birth, Elected, Food, Safety, Legislation, Personal protective equipment, Health insurance, Fossil fuel, Road, Natural gas

Oil drillers qualified a referendum that put SB 1137 on hold until voters vote on it in November 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Oil drillers qualified a referendum that put SB 1137 on hold until voters vote on it in November 2024.
  • If SB 556 becomes law, it would further protect communities by making drillers liable for the harms they cause starting January 2024.
  • "This bill connects the dots between toxic oil and gas pollution and the health harms it causes.
  • It's high time the onus was put on oil companies to prove their dirty activities aren't the cause of rampant health harms.

COMMON SENSE AMERICA CALLS ON CONGRESS TO EXPAND INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, EARTH JUSTICE, AND OTHERS FOR THEIR POTENTIAL USE BY FOREIGN NATIONS TO INFLUENCE DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 3, 2023
Government, Earthjustice, Bloomberg, Congress, United States House Committee on Natural Resources, Natural Resources, Letter, Center for Biological Diversity, Committee, Social media, Biodiversity, House Committee, Food, Agriculture

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Common Sense America has called on the House Committee on Natural Resources to renew and expand its investigations into foreign funding of American nonprofit environmental groups.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Common Sense America has called on the House Committee on Natural Resources to renew and expand its investigations into foreign funding of American nonprofit environmental groups.
  • In 2018 Congress began investigating foreign nations, including China and Russia, for their influence over domestic non-profits, Center for Biological Diversity, EarthJustice, and others.
  • Common Sense America calls on Congress to renew investigations into foreign funding of US environmental groups.
  • Download Common Sense America's letter to Congress here: Read our Letter to Congress
    Common Sense America is a 501c4 grassroots organization committed to bringing a common sense approach to our government.

Legal Intervention Supports EPA Permit Requirements for St. Croix Refinery

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Virgin Islands, Accident, Postgraduate education, Motion, Sulfur dioxide, Drinking water, Biophysical environment, Hovensa, ExxonMobil, Sierra Club, LLLP, Hess Corporation, EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Garden, Sierra, Groundwater, Annotation, Safety, Maintenance, United States district court, PDVSA, Vermont Law and Graduate School, Health, Venezuela, Center for Biological Diversity, School, Fear, Biodiversity, Clean Air Act, Congress, HOVENSA, Virgin Islands National Guard, EJC, Limetree, COVID-19, Nausea, PSD, Transport, Public, Circuit court, Fire department, Environment, Policy, Headache, History, Oil, Environmental remediation, Gasoline, Port Hamilton

SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt., Feb. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On Monday, Feb. 13, the Environmental Justice Clinic (EJC) at Vermont Law and Graduate School filed a motion to intervene in a case in the United States 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals concerning permits for a shuttered oil refinery in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Key Points: 
  • The EJC supports the EPA's determination which requires a Prevention of Serious Deterioration (PSD) permit requiring the applicant to install the best available control technology.
  • In May 2021 the EPA used emergency measures to shut down the refinery and reversed its 2018 decision to not require a PSD permit.
  • The EPA is finally taking the risks posed by this facility seriously, and we need to stop the company from starting up that dirty refinery without a new permit."
  • The EPA now considers the refinery a new, stationary source of pollution and as such requires a PSD permit from Port Hamilton.

Fifty Environmental & Public Interest Groups Back Newsom's Special Session Bid To Cap Oil Refiner Windfall Profits In Letter To Leadership

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Knowledge, The FracTracker Alliance, Senate, Biophysical environment, Climate, Poverty, Consumer Watchdog, LLC, Center for Biological Diversity, Research, PBF Energy, The Climate Reality Project, Norman Solomon, Multimedia, Justice, Assembly, Food, Social, Social responsibility, APEC Climate Center, Environment, Environmental Health (journal), Gasoline, Letter, Green, Elected, Climate First, Center, Southern California, View, Renewable energy, Presente, Physician

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty environmental and public interest groups wrote legislative leaders to back Governor Gavin Newsom's call for a special legislative session to establish a cap on record California oil refiner profits.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, Oct. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty environmental and public interest groups wrote legislative leaders to back Governor Gavin Newsom's call for a special legislative session to establish a cap on record California oil refiner profits.
  • "As you know, California gas prices at the pump have reached stratospheric levels approaching $7 a gallon in some places.
  • Only the legislature can answer the Governor's call with a windfall profits tax that takes back the unreasonable profits oil refiners have been making off Californians' pain at the pump," the group wrote.
  • The letter breaks down California's environmental taxes and fees to refute refiner claims that they are the reason for stratospheric prices at the pump.

Marin County Adopts Long-Overdue Salmon Protection Ordinance In California’s Most Important Watershed for Endangered Coho Salmon

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Biology, Center for Biological Diversity, CBD, California Endangered Species Act, Center, Advocacy, State, Legislation, Water quality, Law, SCA, Climate change, Policy, SPAWN, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Pacific Ocean, Biodiversity, Jones Law Office, Â, Survival, Program, Population, Salmon, Tomales Bay, Aquaculture, Hunting, Central California, National park, Court, County, San Geronimo Valley

Marin County, Calif. (July 20, 2022) A 15-year battle over salmon in Californias most important watershed for the critically endangered coho salmon was finally ended this week with the passage of a Stream Conservation Area (SCA) Ordinance that scientists and environmentalists believe provides adequate protection of habitat for imperiled Central Coast Coho salmon and Steelhead trout in the San Geronimo Valley/Lagunitas watershed.

Key Points: 
  • Marin County, Calif. (July 20, 2022) A 15-year battle over salmon in Californias most important watershed for the critically endangered coho salmon was finally ended this week with the passage of a Stream Conservation Area (SCA) Ordinance that scientists and environmentalists believe provides adequate protection of habitat for imperiled Central Coast Coho salmon and Steelhead trout in the San Geronimo Valley/Lagunitas watershed.
  • Endangered Species Act and the California Endangered Species Act.San Geronimo Valley can include up to 50% of the entire Lagunitas Watershed Coho population, one of the largest Central Coast Coho populations remaining in California.
  • We stood our ground and are delighted that we finally have science-based regulations that will give the endangered coho salmon a fighting chance at survival in Marin.
  • Addressing Coho recovery through a common-sense streamside ordinance is a major accomplishment," said Preston Brown, Director of Watershed Conservation with SPAWN.