By Larry J. Schweiger

Because he knows that America needs policies that promote energy independence and a cleaner, healthier environment, Sen. Graham pushed back hard today against half measures for energy and climate legislation that would forestall the enhancement of our natural security, the promotion of innovation and new technologies, and the creation of sustainable jobs.

As Senator Graham said today regarding an "energy only" bill that doesn’t include a cap on carbon: "I don't think you'll ever have energy independence the way I want until you start dealing with carbon pollution and pricing carbon. The two are interconnected," and "if the approach is to try to pass some half-assed energy bill and say that's moving the ball down the road, forget it with me."

By Larry J. Schweiger

Osama bin Laden is a terrorist who has proven by his actions that he has no consideration for human life. He has disqualified himself by his actions from any commentary on other matters the world faces.

The real news of the day on climate change is the announcement from the White House that the government will cut its own pollution by 28 percent while cutting energy bills, saving taxpayer money, and saving oil. I applaud President Obama for his continued leadership on clean energy and the environment.

If the federal government can cut pollution by 28 percent this decade while saving money, then imagine what the nation's biggest corporate polluters could do if they focused on innovation and protecting our environment.

Yesterday, President Obama set a more modest goal for the nation as a whole, calling for a 17 percent pollution cut by 2020 as part of the Copenhagen Accord, consistent with the American Clean Energy & Security Act that passed the House last year. The Senate must pass clean energy and climate legislation this year to get America moving on the road to clean energy jobs, energy independence, and a healthy planet for future generations.

By Larry J. Schweiger

For those who want to know more about how your business investments will be impacted by climate change, you’ll find interesting that on Wednesday the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to provide publicly traded companies with interpretive guidance on existing disclosure requirements related to climate change.

Because the SEC already requires publicly-traded companies to disclose significant business risks from climate-related impacts but hasn’t provided specific guidance, Wednesday’s decision will help provide clearer and more consistent information to shareholders who want to invest in companies that are planning well for the future. As Anne Stausboll, CEO of California Public Employees Retirement System, America’s largest pension fund said:

"We're glad the SEC is stepping up to the plate to protect investors. Ensuring that investors are getting timely, material information on climate-related impacts, including regulatory and physical impacts, is absolutely essential. Investors have a fundamental right to know which companies are well positioned for the future and which are not."

As an example of the risks that businesses face from climate change, National Wildlife Federation’s new report highlights that "oddball winter weather" of the kind brought about by global warming is terrible news for those in the business of mountain snow sports, which provide $66 billion to the U.S. economy and require reliable snow conditions.

By Larry J. Schweiger

Calling all shutterbugs. National Wildlife Federation has officially opened our 40th annual photo contest. This year's competition will be our biggest ever, with more than $30,000 in cash prizes. Prizes will be awarded to the winners in seven categories in three separate divisions. Please visit National Wildlife Federation's Photo Contest for details and instructions for entering.

By Larry J. Schweiger

Watch Actor and Activist Gloria Reuben on National Wildlife Federation's YouTube Channel.