This is the fourth year that WRI has invited journalists to the National Press Club to talk about key environmental issues to watch in the coming year. With changes in Congress and increased public concern about energy and global climate change,  there will be much to talk about in 2007.

I'm Jonathan Lash, President of the World Resources Institute. For those of you who don't know us, WRI is a global environmental think tank that works to avert climate change, protect ecosystems, allow public access to environmental information, and harness markets to expand opportunity and protect the environment. We are a think tank that goes beyond research to put ideas into action. We work with more than 300 partners in 80 countries, including companies, NGOs, and governments, to create solutions to environmental problems.

I’m going to talk about five issues to watch this year.

• The prospects for federal legislation to curb greenhouse gas emissions;
• Biofuels and the Agriculture Bill;
• A promising experiment to reduce pollution of the Chesapeake Bay;
• Fast moving developments in climate science and technology;
• Prospects for international action on climate change.

Joining me today are two colleagues. Dr. David Jhirad is WRI's Vice President for Research. Dr. Jonathan Pershing directs WRI's climate program. After my remarks, we will take questions. A copy of my powerpoint presentation and an audio transcript of today's briefing will be available at www.wri.org.