Press Releases
SELC lauds action by Kaine Administration to improve Virginia’s air quality
SELC lauds a new initiative announced by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine today in which the state Department of Environmental Quality is beginning a systematic review of certain industrial facilities built decades ago that may be contributing to violations...
Senate committee passes compromise version of key water protection bill
In a major step toward reversing years of attacks on wetlands and water protections, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today passed the Clean Water Restoration Act (S.787) by a 12-7 vote.
EPA Abandons Wetlands and Fisheries to Destruction in 2nd Largest U.S. Estuary
The Environmental Protection Agency last night backed away from its earlier finding that an 11,000 acre mine expansion by PCS Phosphate posed “unacceptable harm” to critical wetlands and fisheries in the nation’s second largest estuary,...
SELC lauds steps by Dominion, Governor to increase energy efficiency in Virginia
Dominion Virginia Power today announced a pilot program to install some 46,500 "smart meters" in homes and businesses in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, taking an important step toward tapping energy efficiency as a viable source...
Groups Agree: Strong Energy Efficiency Program Ready to Go
Environmental organizations today reached an agreement with Duke Energy Carolinas and North Carolina Utilities Commission Public Staff under which the company agrees to meet an aggressive energy savings target and cap earnings from energy efficiency...
Groups Urge EPA: Veto Mining Wetlands and Nurseries
Environmental groups today urged the Environmental Protection Agency to veto the mining of almost 1200 acres of critical wetlands and nurseries while still allowing continued PCS Phosphate mining of 11,000 acres in the Albemarle-Pamlico estuary...
EPA Must Protect North Carolina’s Fisheries after Army Corps of Engineers Fails to Address Grave Concerns about PCS’ Mine Expansion
Protection of North Carolina’s economic diversity, natural wealth and people hinges on the Environmental Protection Agency.
Survey of Watauga Co. voters reveals strong support for conservation land-use planning
The results of an opinion survey of Watauga County voters released today shows strong support across the board for adopting local development policies to conserve natural areas and minimize landslide hazards.
Groups Intervene to Ensure Piping Plover Survival
The Southern Environmental Law Center, Defenders of Wildlife, and the National Audubon Society today stepped in to defend the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s decision to designate portions of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea...
Interior Secretary Salazar seeks to vacate rule that allowed coal industry to ruin Appalachian streams
A key claim in SELC's lawsuit was that the Bush administration failed to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for impacts to at-risk species before issuing the rule, as required by the Endangered...