Energy, Climate Change,
and Our Environment

The President has taken unprecedented action to build the foundation for a clean energy economy, tackle the issue of climate change, and protect our environment.

Energy and Environment Latest News

  • Committed Communities Pushing for Sustainability

    Posted by Cynthia Solomon Barber on April 25, 2012 at 12:32 PM EDT

    Cynthia Solomon Barber is being recognized as a Champion of Change for her innovative energy priorities and sustainable living practices making a greener community a possibility in any American city or town.

    I am truly honored to be recognized as a Champion of Change for Greening Our Cities. This honor is a testament to the hard work of the City of Tallahassee - our elected officials, city administrators, employees, and our citizens - to create a sustainable and livable community; an effort, I am pleased to have been selected to lead. I have always wanted to work in an area where I could really make a difference. That is why I chose a career in local government.

    However, in my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be the City of Tallahassee’s Chief Tree-Hugger. Like many others, my traditional perception of “the environmentalist” is the image of some radical tree-hugger clinging to a large oak tree destined for its demise. The mere thought of “going green” strikes fear in some of us.  It can provoke thoughts of sacrifice in nearly every aspect of one’s life. 

    Well, sustainability is not an all or none proposition. It is the power of the individual actions that each of us can take that truly creates sustainable, livable communities. I wish I could tell you that journey will always be easy and the changes readily accepted.  But, I recall the day that employees were notified that we were giving up our garbage cans – trading them for recycling bins. I thought I would need an escort to my car. However, over time employees have embraced the program, increased the agency’s recycling participation, and even become champions of the program.

    read the rest
    Learn more about Economy, Education, Energy and Environment, Service

  • Putting Yourself “Out of Business:” The Role of a Sustainability Coordinator

    Posted by Lindsay Baxter on April 25, 2012 at 12:23 PM EDT

    Lindsay Baxter is being recognized as a Champion of Change for her innovative energy priorities and sustainable living practices making a greener community a possibility in any American city or town.

    As a graduate student five years ago, I received a lot of blank stares when I answered “become a sustainability coordinator” in response to the question, “What do you want to do when you finish school?” Most people had not heard of such a position and, not surprisingly, had no idea what a sustainability coordinator did.

    I soon found myself asking the same question when I had the honor of becoming the first Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh. Whether their titles are coordinators, managers or directors, those who serve as the point-person for sustainability in an organization are becoming more and more common in corporations, government and higher education.

    read the rest
    Learn more about , Education, Energy and Environment, Service

  • Building A Better and Brighter Tomorrow

    Posted by Deborah Scott on April 25, 2012 at 12:23 PM EDT

    Deborah Scott is being recognized as a Champion of Change for her innovative energy priorities and sustainable living practices making a greener community a possibility in any American city or town.

    When the national Emerald Cities Collaborative was launched to advance energy efficiency and sustainable development goals aimed at improving job quality, job access, and social equity, I agreed to convene a regional table, Emerald Cities Atlanta. The initial meeting of the local collaborative attracted more than 40 organizations representing a wide range of community interests including labor, business, educational, environmental, and non-profit community-based groups with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed was one of the first officials to sign on to the program. Emerald Cities Atlanta is working to develop green strategies based on retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency, transit oriented development, smarter growth and a commitment to civic engagement. We believe strong partnerships are the key to building a sustainable economy with equity for all people in the southeast.

    read the rest
    Learn more about Economy, Energy and Environment, Service

  • Early Environmental Education That Will Last Through Adulthood

    Posted by Marian Robidas on April 25, 2012 at 12:03 PM EDT

    Marian Robidas is being recognized as a Champion of Change for her innovative energy priorities and sustainable living practices making a greener community a possibility in any American city or town.

    I am extremely honored to be selected as a Champion for Change for Greening Our Cities and Towns. I am blessed to work in the school district of Northern Lebanon and the community of Jonestown, Pennsylvania, where members are committed to sustaining a healthy environment for years to come.

    Through a partnership of the Jonestown Borough, Jonestown Elementary School, and Estelle Ruppert with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the students have had numerous opportunities to incorporate DCNR’s educational program P.L.A.C.E. – People, Land, and Community Education – for place-based, real-world learning experiences.

    read the rest
    Learn more about , Education, Energy and Environment, Service

  • Vice President Biden Visits the Everglades

    Posted by Stefanie Feldman on April 24, 2012 at 6:05 PM EDT

    Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Bill Nelson, and Congressman Alcee Hastings take an airboat tour of the Everglades

    Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Bill Nelson, and Congressman Alcee Hastings take an airboat tour of the Everglades outside Miami, Florida, April 23, 2012. Also pictured is Shannon Estenoz, Director of the Office of Everglades Restoration Initiatives. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

    Yesterday, Vice President Biden visited one of our nation’s most magnificent natural treasures – the Everglades. Joined by two long-time champions for the Everglades, Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Alcee Hastings, he took an airboat tour in Everglades National Park and then delivered remarks to highlight our Administration’s unprecedented investment in restoring this ecosystem. 

    Everglades restoration is one of the Administration’s top environmental priorities because these efforts benefit the environment, economy, and communities across South Florida. Restoration ensures that this iconic landscape will be here for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. It will build Florida’s economy, as every year over four million visitors from across the world are attracted to National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges in the region. And restoration will replenish the Everglades’ aquifers that serve as the primary source of water for almost one-third of Florida’s population. 

    read the rest
    Learn more about Economy, Energy and Environment

  • Twitter Office Hours: Severe Weather Week

    Posted by Erin Lindsay on April 23, 2012 at 3:57 PM EDT

    Note: This live session of Office Hours has concluded. View the full question and answer session below or at Storify.com

    Every year, thousands of people are impacted by severe weather threats such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Last year was the most active year in disasters in recent history, with more than 1,000 weather related fatalities, and more than 8,000 injuries. 

    Every state in the U.S. has experienced tornadoes and severe weather and although some more than others—everyone is at risk and should take steps to prepare for when severe weather strikes in your area. FEMA is partnering with NOAA to provide information to the public about severe weather hazards and steps people can take to ensure they’re prepared.  

    Tomorrow, April 24th at 11 a.m. EDT, Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator, and Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA Deputy Administrator, will join us for a special session of office hours on Twitter to take your questions on the dangers of severe weather, the importance of getting prepared before severe weather strikes, what to do when you encounter certain types of severe weather, and answer any myth versus fact weather/preparedness questions you might have. 

    Here are the details:

    • Join us for Office Hours on Twitter at  11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 24th.
    • Ask your question on Twitter with the hashtag #WHChat
    • Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator (@CraigatFEMA) and Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA Deputy Administrator (@NOAALive) will respond to your questions in real-time via Twitter. 
    • Follow the Q&A through the @WHLive Twitter account
    • If you miss the live event, the full session will be available on WhiteHouse.gov and Storify.com/WhiteHouse

    We hope you can join us! Follow us on Twitter @WhiteHouse and @WHLive for the latest updates and more chances to engage.

    Learn more about Energy and Environment