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ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE CENTER

EIN 77-0061994 SANTA BARBARA, CA

Revenue 2024
$3,726,754
Expenses 2024
$2,037,136

Program services were 73.4% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

As filed

Subsection
03
NTEE code
I83Z
Classification
1000
Street
906 GARDEN ST

These codes are the IRS's own and are shown exactly as filed. What each one means is in the Business Master File documentation (opens in a new tab).

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

THE ORGANIZATION PROTECTS AND ENHANCES THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT THROUGH EDUCATION, ADVOCACY AND LEGAL ACTION.

Activities or mission (Part I)

SINCE 1977 WE HAVE EMPOWERED COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO ADVANCE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. OUR PROGRAM AREAS INCLUDE CLIMATE AND ENERGY, OPEN SPACE AND WILDLIFE, CLEAN WATER AND SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL. WE PRIMARILY WORK WITHIN SANTA BARBARA, VENTURA AND SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES. EDC IS ORGANIZED AS A SEC. 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT CORPORATION, AND PROVIDES LEGAL COUNSEL TO OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. WE REMAIN THE ONLY SUCH PUBLIC INTEREST ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FIRM BETWEEN LOS ANGELES AND SAN FRANCISCO, AND THRIVE ON THE SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM WITHIN OUR REGION AND BEYOND.

  • OCEAN (ISSUES REGARDING POLLUTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT, CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK; NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES, OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT; WIND DEVELOPMENT, MARINE SPECIES AND ECOSYSTEMS, MARINE PROTECTED AREAS, AQUACULTURE, ACCESS AND RECREATION FOR ALL CONSISTENT WITH OCEAN CONSERVATION): ADVOCATED FOR PETITIONS FOR NEW AND EXPANDED MARINE PROTECTED AREAS BEFORE THE CA FISH AND GAME COMISSION AND MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE; WORKED TO REDUCE IMPACTS OF SHIP STRIKES THROUGH VESSEL SPEED REDUCTIONS; SUPPORTED DESIGNATION OF THE CHUMASH HERITAGE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY; SOUGHT THOROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REGARDING THE IMPACTS OF OFFSHORE WIND AND PARTICIPATED IN CA ENERGY COMISSION OFFSHORE WIND STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS; HELPED ENSURE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF AQUACULTURE ARE ADDRESSED, INCLUDING REGARDING A PROPOSAL FOR AQUACULTURE OPPORTUNITY AREAS AND OCEAN RAINFOREST PROJECT; ADVOCATED BEFORE STATE LANDS COMMISSION RE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF CHEVRON TOXIC DEBRIS MOUNDS; SUPPORTED AB 3162 (PROHIBITION ON OCTOPUS FARMING) AND ACR 210 (SUPPORTING STRENGTHENING AND ENHANCING MARINE PROTECTED AREAS).

    Expenses $374,002 · Revenue $78,485

  • LAND AND WATER (ISSUES REGARDING LAND, WILDLIFE, RIVERS, CREEKS, AND WATERSHEDS OF THE CENTRAL COAST, VULNERABLE AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEMS, ACCESS AND RECREATION FOR ALL, COMPATIBLE WITH RESOURCE CONSERVATION): MONITORED PROCESS IN OPPOSITION TO CITY OF SOLVANG'S APPLICATION TO DRILL NEW WELLS THAT THREATEN ENDANGERED STEELHEAD IN THE SANTA YNEZ RIVER; LITIGATED CHALLENGE TO U.S. FOREST SERVICE'S APPROVAL OF LOGGING PROJECT AT REYES PEAK IN THE LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST ON APPEAL; SECURED IMPROVED FLOW REGIME IN SANTA MARIA RIVER BELOW TWITCHELL DAM TO IMPROVE WILDLIFE HABITAT PENDING COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND COMMENTED ON RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW DOCUMENT; ADVOCATED FOR STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD DENIAL OF THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION'S PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION REGARDING THE REQUIREMENT FOR A FISH PASSAGE STUDY REGARDING THE OPERATIONS OF BRADBURY DAM ON LAKE CACHUMA; SUPPORTED CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION LISTING OF STEELHEAD AS ENDANGERED UNDER THE STATE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT; CONTINUED EFFORTS TO PRESERVE NAPLES INCLUDING ADVOCACY BEFORE COUNTY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND APPEAL TO PLANNING COMMISSION OF APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT AND RESTORATION PLANS; LED CREEK SURVEYS AND CLEANUPS; OPPOSED SABLE OFFSHORE CORPORATION'S PROPOSAL TO RESTART DAMAGED PIPELINE SYSTEM INCLUDING INVESTIGATION AND WORK TO ENFORCE LAWS REGARDING ILLEGAL REPAIRS THAT IMPACTED COASTAL STREAMS AND WETLANDS; MONITORED AND ADVOCATED FOR STRONG POLICIES TO PROTECT SENSITIVE HABITATS AS PART OF THE CITY OF GOLETA'S LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM.

    Expenses $299,202 · Revenue $62,788

  • CLIMATE AND ENERGY (ISSUES REGARDING OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, CLEAN ENERGY): OPPOSED SABLE OFFSHORE CORPORATION'S PROPOSAL TO RESTART DAMAGED PIPELINE SYSTEM AND SANTA YNEZ UNIT PLATFORMS OFF GAVIOTA COAST AND ENSURE ADEQUATE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS, INCLUDING ADVOCACY FOR COUNTY BOARD DENIAL OF THE TRANSFER OF PERMITS FROM EXXON TO SABLE, ADVOCACY BEFORE VARIOUS AGENCIES REGARDING PIPELINE RESTART APPROVAL PROCESSESS AND ENFORCEMENT, AND LITIGATION UNDER THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REGARDING RELEASE OF SABLE'S PIPELINE OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN; MONITORED APPLICATION OF GENERAL CONSERVATION PLAN FOR OIL AND GAS ACTIVITIES IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY; SUBMITTED COMMENTS TO CALGEM TO SUPPORT PROPOSED PHASE-OUT OF WELL STIMULATION TREATMENTS; SUPPORTED SB 1304 (AQUIFER EXEMPTIONS TO ENSURE PROTECTION OF SAFE DRINKING WATER), AB 1866 (REQUIRING THE OIL INDUSTRY TO PLUG AND ABANDON IDLE WELLS), AB 3233 (REINSTATING LOCAL CONTROL OVER OIL AND GAS LAND USE DECISIONS) AND SB 867 (THE CLIMATE BOND); SOUGHT THOROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REGARDING THE IMPACTS OF OFFSHORE WIND AND PARTICIPATED IN CA ENERGY COMMISSION OFFSHORE WIND STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS; ADVOCATED BEFORE STATE LANDS COMMISSION RE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF CHEVRON TOXIC DEBRIS MOUNDS.

    Expenses $598,404 · Revenue $125,576

  • ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (ISSUES REGARDING WATER QUALITY, PROTECTING DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL HARMS): SUPPORTED SB 1304 (AQUIFER EXEMPTIONS TO ENSURE PROTECTION OF SAFE DRINKING WATER), AB 1866 (REQUIRING THE OIL INDUSTRY TO PLUG AND ABANDON IDLE WELLS), AB 3233 (REINSTATING LOCAL CONTROL OVER OIL AND GAS LAND USE DECISIONS); SB 867 (THE CLIMATE BOND); AND AB 1864 (IMPROVING NOTICE RE PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS); MONITORED STORMWATER DISCHARGE PROGRAM IN VENTURA COUNTY TO ENSURE REGULATION OF POTENTIALLY HARMFUL SOURCES OF POLLUTION; LITIGATED CHALLENGE TO U.S. FOREST SERVICE'S APPROVAL OF LOGGING PROJECT AT REYES PEAK IN THE LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST ON APPEAL CONCERNING IMPACTS TO TRIBAL RESOURCES; OPPOSED SABLE OFFSHORE CORPORATION'S PROPOSAL TO RESTART DAMAGED PIPELINE SYSTEM AND SANTA YNEZ UNIT PLATFORMS OFF GAVIOTA COAST AND ENSURE ADEQUATE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS; SUBMITTED COMMENTS TO CALGEM TO SUPPORT PROPOSED PHASE-OUT OF WELL STIMULATION TREATMENTS.

    Expenses $224,400 · Revenue $47,091

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Officers and directors · 2024

As listed in Part VII of the 2024 return, in the order the filer printed them. Each return names its own; this is not a roster the organization keeps with us.

  • RICHARD FRANCIS

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • JIM SALZMAN

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • ROB TADLOCK

    PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • VIJAYA JAMMALAMADAKA

    AT LARGE

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • LEANNE SCHLINGER

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • SABRINA VENSKUS

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • LAUREN TRUJILLO

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • DAVID POWDRELL

    TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • JAI RANGANATHAN

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • GERARDO AYALA

    SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • LINDA PARKS

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • JEN COLE

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • VAN DO-REYNOSO

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • ANTONETTE CORDERO

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • DANIEL EMMETT

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2

  • ALEX KATZ

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $167,847
    From this org
    $162,958
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $4,889
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $162,958
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $4,889
    Nontaxable benefits
    $0
    Filer's total
    $167,847

  • LINDA KROP

    CHIEF COUNSEL

    Total calculated
    $238,890
    From this org
    $210,667
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $28,223
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $210,667
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $6,356
    Nontaxable benefits
    $21,867
    Filer's total
    $238,890

  • KATHLEEN WEBER

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $144,911
    From this org
    $130,933
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $13,978
    Hours/week
    40

  • RACHEL KONDOR

    STAFF ATTORNEY

    Total calculated
    $120,717
    From this org
    $117,450
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $3,267
    Hours/week
    40

  • BRIAN TRAUTWEIN

    SENIOR ANALYST

    Total calculated
    $134,960
    From this org
    $113,894
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $21,066
    Hours/week
    40

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us. Earlier years are each on their own filing page.

Filings

  • 2024
    Revenue
    $3,726,754
    Expenses
    $2,037,136
    Contributions
    $2,045,414
    Grants paid
    $0
  • 2023
    Revenue
    $7,255,463
    Expenses
    $1,794,996
    Contributions
    $6,261,907
    Grants paid
    $0
  • 2022
    Revenue
    $2,097,346
    Expenses
    $1,632,230
    Contributions
    $1,709,072
    Grants paid
    $0

The four totals the IRS asks for on Part I of the Form 990, as filed. A dash means the figure was not present on the return — not that it was zero.

Other returns filed

  • 2021 · 990

    Revenue
    $2,251,318
    Expenses
    $1,628,528
    Assets (EOY)
    $6,540,400

  • 2020 · 990

    Revenue
    $2,034,619
    Expenses
    $1,476,368
    Assets (EOY)
    $6,098,988

  • 2019 · 990

    Revenue
    $1,943,540
    Expenses
    $1,422,403
    Assets (EOY)
    $4,784,996

  • 2018 · 990

    Revenue
    $2,774,524
    Expenses
    $1,296,321
    Assets (EOY)
    $4,265,236

  • 2017 · 990

    Revenue
    $1,882,614
    Expenses
    $1,303,172
    Assets (EOY)
    $3,111,322

  • 2016 · 990

    Revenue
    $1,209,220
    Expenses
    $1,135,564
    Assets (EOY)
    $2,530,664

  • 2015 · 990

    Revenue
    $1,346,859
    Expenses
    $1,177,273
    Assets (EOY)
    $2,376,892

  • 2014 · 990

    Revenue
    $1,082,908
    Expenses
    $1,141,192
    Assets (EOY)
    $2,394,367

  • 2013 · 990

    Revenue
    $1,581,937
    Expenses
    $1,135,260
    Assets (EOY)
    $2,408,497

  • 2012 · 990

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    $971,884
    Assets (EOY)
    $1,757,517

Nonprofiteer parses Forms 990, 990-EZ and 990-PF, in a window of recent tax years. These returns are recorded from the IRS e-file index, so their figures were extracted by that index rather than read from the return here — treat them as a different source from the filings above, not as more of the same record. A dash means the index carries no figure; Form 990-T listings carry none at all. Showing the 10 most recent; the API carries the rest.

Grants made

No itemized grants to organizations. Schedule I is filed only by organizations that granted more than $5,000 to a recipient, so most filers have none.

Grants received

The 10 largest by cash amount. The API serves every itemized grant.

Other IRS files

Auto-Revocation List

Not listed. The IRS publishes this list for organizations whose exemption was automatically revoked for failing to file for three consecutive years.

Publication 78

Listed as of 13 October 2026, under deductibility PC.

These are two separate IRS files on two separate schedules, shown as published and not reconciled with each other. Neither is a statement about whether a contribution is deductible today: 19,245 organizations appear in Publication 78 while the IRS's own revocation file lists them as currently revoked, more than half of those revoked before 2019. Absence from Publication 78 is evidence of nothing, and presence is not evidence either. Verify current status with the IRS before relying on it.

What this page reflects

The registration facts above come from the IRS Business Master File published 13 October 2026 and read 26 October 2026, for every organization at once. Returns through tax year 2024, the newest we have parsed for this organization.