SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) today announced the launch of a new East Coast chapter in Boston and the expansion of its New York City chapter as its next critical steps in tackling environmental issues on a local level in these regions. Founded in the Silicon Valley, E2 is a community of professionals and business people who believe in protecting the environment while building economic prosperity. With several major victories under its belt, E2 endeavors to achieve similar successes on the East Coast through the new chapters. Today, E2 has more than 280 members in its California chapter, more than 40 in its New York chapter and launches its Boston chapter with 13 members this month.

"In just two years since its inception, E2 has successfully mobilized the business community to champion California's clean cars bill, the creation of marine reserves around the Channel Islands, the clean school bus campaign and increased air conditioner standards," said Bob Epstein, co-founder of E2. "Our goal is to achieve successes on similar issues and campaigns through our new chapters."

With 13 founding members, the Boston chapter will launch officially during its inaugural EcoSalon luncheon on January 29. The event will feature NRDC senior attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as guest speaker. The topic of the afternoon discussion will be "The need for business engagement in the environment."

"I am excited and proud to be a founding member of the Boston chapter," said Christopher Kaneb of Catamount Management Corporation. "E2 is a great catalyst that gives professionals the opportunity to leverage their business experience and connections in addressing the many environmental issues throughout New England. We look forward to working with NRDC to push these initiatives forward at the local and national levels."

The New York City chapter, with its expanded resources, will focus on climate change by supporting a New York bill, introduced by State Assembly Member Tom DiNapoli (D-Nassau County) that would regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new passenger vehicles. The bill is based on a law passed in California last year with strong support from E2 in California and signed by Governor Davis last July. The New York bill is already gaining headway with Gov. George E. Pataki.

"We are confident that the New York chapter will build upon E2's initial success on issues that are vital to both business and environmental leaders," said strategy consultant Roger Ullman. "During his State of the State address last week, Governor Pataki called for clean car standards in New York that match California's. The state Assembly has already introduced a bill to reduce carbon emissions from automobiles, and we look forward to working with NRDC and all parties involved in order to gain support of this important initiative."

About E2
Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) is a national community of business people who believe in protecting the environment while building economic prosperity. Working with NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), E2 serves as a champion on the economic side of good environmental policy by taking a reasoned, economically sound approach. E2 works at both the state and national levels through its bipartisan efforts. More information can be found at: http://www.e2.org and http://www.nrdc.org

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