Today's Climate

Senate Climate Bill Tied to Health Issue, Graham Says (Bloomberg)

Senate climate-change legislation won't be introduced until at least next month and prospects for action depend on lawmakers' "mood" following the debate on health care, said Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Enviro Groups Hold 'Encouraging' Meeting with Kerry on Climate Bill (The Hill)

High-level officials from 10 or so green groups met with Sen. John Kerry for roughly 1.5 hours in his Senate office on Thursday to discuss climate legislation, in a meeting they described as "very encouraging" and "productive."

U.S. Wind Power Growing Fast But Still Lags (Reuters)

Wind-generated electricity is growing rapidly in the U.S. but the pace still lags far behind that in China, the organizer of an industry conference in North Carolina said.

Climate Change Cited as Mont. Leases Suspended (AP)

A federal judge has approved a first-of-its-kind settlement requiring the government to suspend 38,000 acres of oil and gas leases in Montana so it can gauge how oil field activities contribute to climate change.

U.S. Mustn't Discriminate Against Canadian Oil Sands (Reuters)

The U.S. should not discriminate against the Canadian oil sands industry, Canada's ambassador in Washington said on Thursday, warning that trade restrictions could cause the energy supplier to seek out other customers.

EPA to Study 'Fracking' Gas Drilling Method (AP)

The EPA said Thursday that it will study potential human health and water quality threats from an oil and natural gas drilling technique that injects massive amounts of water, sand and chemicals underground. 

Wind, Solar Energy IPOs May Rise This Year, Morgan Stanley Says (Bloomberg)

Renewable energy companies may tap financial markets for more funds this year instead of looking to mergers with utilities as a way of funding expansion, said Morgan Stanley, manager of the most IPOs for the industry in 2009.

Wind Farm Plans Stir Up Storm Over Military Radar (AP)

The U.S. military is growing increasingly concerned that proposed wind farms can disrupt or block radar designed to detect threats and protect America's skies, a problem that is stalling the alternative energy projects around the country.

Czech Minister Quits Over Controversial Coal Plant (Reuters)

Czech Environment Minister Jan Dusik resigned Thursday from the cabinet, saying the prime minister had put pressure on him to decide hastily on plans to upgrade a controversial large coal-fired power plant.

Weyerhauser Joins Enviro-Industry Climate Coalition (Greenwire)

Global timber giant Weyerhaeuser Co. said today it has joined the U.S. Climate Action Partnership group that is lobbying for comprehensive climate and energy legislation on Capitol Hill.

North American Group Outlines Carbon Trade Rules (Reuters)

Members of the Western Climate Initiative have decided to stay with a plan laid out last year that would limit use of offset credits and allowances to no more than 49% of emission reductions.

EU Blocks Reuse of Offsets (Reuters)

The European Commission said it would prevent from August the re-entry into its emissions trading scheme of carbon permits, which companies had already used for compliance with their emissions caps.

Lights out on Incandescent Bulb Production at Toshiba (PC World)

Toshiba has ended production of mass-market incandescent light bulbs, putting to a close a 120-year manufacturing history in favor of more energy-efficient products, including LED lights.

Owners Threaten to Shut Down New Jersey Nuke Plant (AP)

Owners of the nation's oldest nuclear power plant are threatening to shut it down rather than build the $800 million cooling towers mandated by New Jersey environmental regulators.

Deal Nearing on Senate Climate Bill: Sen. Kerry (Reuters)

The Senate is close to wrapping up talks ahead of introducing a compromise climate bill, said Sen. Kerry, after meeting with a coalition that represents automakers, forestry and paper companies, Big Oil, steel, mining, electricity and others.

Gov. Christie Seeks CO2 Revenue to Close N.J. Budget Gap (Bloomberg)

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wants to use funds from CO2 permit auctions in the U.S. Northeast's cap-and-trade program to help close the state's $10.7 billion deficit.  

Auto Alliance Opposes Murkowski on EPA Greenhouse Gas Regs (The Hill) 

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is officially opposed to Sen. Lisa Murkowski's (R-Alaska) effort to block EPA from regulating greenhouse gases through a congressional resolution of disapproval.

UN Chief Wants UN in Charge of Climate Talks (AP)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the UN will remain in charge of talks on a new global climate accord, dismissing a shift to negotiations with a streamlined group of countries suggested by UN climate envoy Gro Harlem Brundtland.

Cancun Climate Talks Get Dim Prognosis Nine Months Before Start (Bloomberg) 

Government negotiators are already writing off chances for a global treaty to fight climate change, nine months before the annual talks begin in Cancun, Mexico.

Climate Debate Should be Reframed: Maldives President (AFP)

The climate debate should be reframed in economic and security terms ahead of a year-end UN summit in Mexico seeking a binding climate deal, the president of the Maldives said Wednesday.

Pembina Gives Low Grades to Deep Oilsands Projects (Edmonton Journal) 

In its first report card on deep oilsands projects, the Pembina Institute said its study of nine projects reveals some in situ environmental impacts as serious as mining, and there is significant room for improvement in most.

Major California Solar Project Moves Forward (Green Inc.)

California regulators on Wednesday recommended that the state's first new big solar power plant in nearly two decades be approved after a two-and-half-year review of its environmental impact on the Mojave Desert. 

Arctic Animals Doing Better, But Not Close to Pole (AP) 

The overall number of animals in the Arctic has increased over the past 40 years ago, according to a new international study. But critters who live closest to the North Pole are disappearing, in line with what is predicted with climate change.

Australian Laws to Promote Building Efficiency (Reuters) 

Owners of large commercial buildings in Australia will have to disclose energy efficiency information when putting buildings up for sale or lease, under laws introduced in parliament on Thursday.

Tokyo to Get CO2 Rules (Bloomberg)

Tokyo will start a city-wide cap-and-trade system next month, beating the central government to become the first jurisdiction in Japan to introduce mandatory pollution limits and trading in carbon credits.

Marine Energy Projects Approved for Scotland (The Independent)

The seabed off the coast of Scotland could be transformed into the "Saudi Arabia of marine energy" after 7 power firms were awarded contracts for a landmark project designed to harness the area's potential for tidal energy and power up to 750,000 homes by 2020.

Virginia Leaders Express Interest in Offshore Drilling (Washington Post) 

Most Virginia leaders -- regardless of their political party -- have expressed interest in joining Alaska, Texas, Louisiana and other states in setting up offshore platforms to drill for oil and natural gas.

Honda Plans Lithium-Ion Civic to Narrow Toyota's Lead (Bloomberg)

Honda, Japan’s second-largest carmaker, plans to introduce lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid cars as it struggles to narrow Toyota's lead in sales of gasoline-electric cars.  

Renewable Energy Investment May Reach $200 Billion in 2010 (Bloomberg) 

Renewable energy investment may rise by 23% this year to between $175 billion and $200 billion, as government stimulus funds mainly in the U.S. and Europe are spent, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

First Solar Joins Desertec Solar Project (Reuters)

U.S. solar power company First Solar has joined the Desertec solar power project, which hopes to supply 15% of Europe's power by 2050 via a network of renewable energy sources.

House Republicans Hit SEC on Climate Disclosure (The Hill)

Twenty-one House Republicans led by Bill Posey (R-Florida) are alleging that an SEC initiative that presses companies to disclose information about climate risks will hurt corporations and investors alike.

UN Climate Envoy Expects Dual-Track Negotiations (AP)

Talks on a new global climate accord, bogged down for years in negotiations among nearly 200 countries, will increasingly move outside the sluggish UN framework and focus on a streamlined group of countries, special UN envoy Gro Harlem Brundtland said.

U.S. Calls 17-Country Green Meet in April (Times of India) 

Even though the U.S. climate bill is in the doldrums, the Obama administration is going to organize the 17-country Major Economies Forum meeting in April to spur debate with the key players, such as India and China.

Copenhagen Climate Summit Undone by 'Arrogance' (BBC News) 

The "disappointing" outcome of December's climate summit was largely down to "arrogance" on the part of rich countries, according to economist Lord Stern.

Bolivia Summit to Seek Global Climate Change Referendum (AFP)

An alternative "people's conference" on climate change in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba in April will seek to advance an international global warming referendum, organizers said.

Government to Continue Climate Ads Despite Criticism from Watchdog (Guardian)

The UK government has pledged to continue its campaigns on climate change, despite the advertising watchdog banning two of its press ads. 

Brown's Government Says Carbon Plants Will Add 100,000 Jobs (Bloomberg) 

Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s government said carbon capture and storage projects may add $10 billion a year to the UK economy and create 100,000 jobs by 2030.

Pacific Smelt Listed as Threatened Due to Warming (AP)

The Pacific smelt, a small silvery fish that was a staple of Northwest American Indian tribes, is getting federal protection because it's been declining toward extinction due to global warming and other factors.

Offshore Wind a Boon to the Shipping Industry (Green Inc.) 

With ocean-going trade slackening amid the global recession, shipping companies and shipyard operators in Europe are finding the offshore wind industry to be a welcome ally in weathering the bad times.

Utility Regulators Want Yucca Open (Wall Street Journal)

An organization of state utility regulators on Tuesday joined a number of states in challenging the DOE's plan to drop a site at Yucca Mountain, Nev., from consideration as a repository for high-level radioactive waste. 

Taiwan Says to Cut CO2 Emissions 30% by 2020 (Reuters)

CO2 emissions from all sources in Taiwan should drop by at least 30% below the 2020 business-as-usual emissions, the Environmental Protection Administration said, making it "the most stringent goal in Asia."

BYD Scales Back Its Electric-Car Plans (Bloomberg) 

BYD Co., the Chinese carmaker backed by Warren Buffett, has given up a plan to mass produce electric cars in China by the middle of this year, the South China Morning Post said.

White House Report Cites Gaps in Climate Change Strategy (Los Angeles Times)

The federal government has "significant gaps" in its strategy to cope with the increasing effects of climate change on the country, according to a White House report scheduled to be released Tuesday.

29 Governors Seek Wind Energy Boost (AP)

A coalition representing governors of 29 states is urging the federal government to take steps to boost wind energy, such as a renewable electricity standard requiring utilities to produce at least 10% of their energy from renewable sources by 2012.

EPA Studying Own Carbon-Trading System, Official Says (Bloomberg)

The Obama administration is considering a carbon-trading system under existing law if Congress doesn't pass cap-and-trade legislation, an EPA official said.

USDA's Vilsack: Proper Carbon Bill to Help Farmers (Reuters)

The U.S. agriculture secretary told a farm group on Monday that a well-designed climate bill would provide opportunities for farmers and ranchers to make money in contracts for carbon offsets.

Health Care Push Will 'Poison the Well' for Obama's Climate Bill Efforts, Graham Says (Climatewire)

Democrats are putting President Obama's energy and climate agenda in peril by making a partisan push this week to pass health care, Sen. Lindsey Graham warned yesterday.

Race for Climate Top Job Hots Up (The Economic Times)

After India and South Africa nominated candidates for the UN's top climate change job, Indonesia and Costa Rica have too made known their ambitions for the post of UNFCCC executive secretary.

Mexico Tells EU to Unblock Climate Funding (EUobserver)

Mexico, the host of the next UN climate summit, has called on the EU to begin to release the $10 billion in fast-start climate funds for developing countries that it promised in Copenhagen.

UK Faces a Major Skills Shortage as Renewable Energy Deadline Looms (Climatewire)

The UK is facing a shortage in energy-related jobs that could cripple its efforts to massively boost the amount of electricity it gets from renewable energy sources.

Climate Activists Predict Direct Action Against Scotland's 'Kingsnorth' (Guardian)

Climate activists are predicting a campaign of direct action against a new coal-fired power station in Scotland that could be the UK's first to fit carbon-capture technology.

Germany May Delay Some Solar Incentive Cuts (Reuters)

Germany may delay some proposed cuts in solar incentives, granting a longer-than-expected grace period to players in the world's biggest solar market, according to a draft law.

First Solar lands 30 MW project in New Mexico (Reuters)

Thin-film solar maker First Solar has struck a deal to sell a 30-MW power project to utility owner Southern Co and Ted Turner's Turner Renewable Energy, the panel maker said.

Port of West Sacramento Powered 100% by Solar Energy (Environmental Leader)

A newly installed 637-kilowatt solar power system will supply the Port of West Sacramento with 100% of its electricity needs, saving $20,000 annually and eliminating more than 34 million pounds of CO2 emissions over 25 years.

BP Takes Stake in Planned Oil Sands Project (Reuters)

BP will take a majority stake in a Canadian oil sands property owned by closely held Value Creation, marking the British oil major's second oil sands deal in a week as it looks to build a presence in the region.

Climate 'Fix' Could Poison Sea Life (BBC News)

Fertilizing the oceans with iron to absorb CO2 could increase concentrations of a chemical that can kill marine mammals, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found.

Australia '0.7 Degrees Warmer Over Past 50 Years' (AFP)

Australia's top science body said on Monday temperatures had risen about 0.7 degrees Celsius (0.44 Fahrenheit) in the last 50 years. They describe the finding as "significant evidence" of climate change.

Money Spent on Tar Sands Projects Could Decarbonize West (Guardian)

The same amount of money being invested to develop Canada's tar sands between now and 2025, about $380 billion, could decarbonize the Western economy by funding ambitious solar power schemes or a Europe-wide shift to electric vehicles, according to a new report.

Climate Target Divides Environment Ministers (EurActiv)

EU environment ministers are meeting today to debate their strategy for climate negotiations, but no consensus is emerging about whether the EU should raise its target for emission reductions for 2020 from 20% to 30%.

Carbon-Capture Plant Planned for Scotland (The Times)

Plans for the UK's first coal plant with carbon capture technology are to be lodged with the Scottish government today. If it gets the go-ahead, it will also be the first new fossil-fuel powered station in Scotland since 1973.

Deep-Sea Volcanoes Play Key Climate Role: Scientists (Reuters)

A vast network of undersea volcanoes pumping out nutrient-rich water in the Southern Ocean plays a key role in soaking up large amounts of CO2, acting as a brake on climate change, scientists say.

Won't Resign Over One Mistake, Says Pachauri (Indian Express)

The UN IPCC chairman, Rajendra Pachauri, said Monday that he would not resign over what he called "one mistake" in the IPCC report.

Scientists Warn of Demise of Canadian Climate Research (The Canadian Press)

When government funding for the decade-old Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences dries up at the end of the year, scientists say the aftershocks of its departure will be felt not only in Canada but by researchers around the globe.

Solar Energy Firms Seen Vulnerable: Barron's (Reuters)

Shares of a number of solar energy companies have become vulnerable as the Obama administration has turned out to be a lot less lucrative for green investors than originally hoped, Barron's said.

China, Not UN, Controls Supply for CO2 Offsets, Stanford Says (Bloomberg)

China's power to set prices for electricity from wind farms is dictating the supply of tradable emission credits in the UN carbon market, the world's second biggest, according to a report from Stanford University.

Connecticut Plan Would Waive Student Loans for 'Green' Careers (AP)

State legislation under debate in Connecticut would waive thousands of dollars in loans for students who earn degrees or certificates in green technology and other jobs.

Kenya Plans 280 Megawatt Geothermal Plants Within 3 Years (Bloomberg)

Kenya plans to build geothermal power plants over the next two to three years that will have the capacity to generate 280 MW of electricity, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi said.

Big Auto and EU Face Off Over Green Van Targets (Reuters)

Europe's vanmakers have gone a long way toward meeting proposals to curb climate-warming emissions, but as debate on the 2016 targets kicks off big auto is seen digging its heels in over the last mile.

China Alleges Diplomatic Snub at Copenhagen Summit (AP)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said he was snubbed at last year's Copenhagen climate conference and fired back Sunday at critics who accuse China of arrogance.

Japan Faces Rocky Path to Emissions Trading System (Reuters)

Japan faces a rocky path to launching an emissions trading system after the government approved legislation on Friday that was vague on how the scheme would set limits on emissions.

U.S. to Abstain From Voting on Eskom World Bank Loan (Bloomberg)

The U.S. will abstain from voting on a $3.75 billion World Bank loan requested by South Africa’s state-owned power utility to help fund a new coal-fired plant.  

Kerry: Energy Bill More About Jobs (AP)

Sen. John Kerry, hoping to win over wavering senators, said he is pushing environmental reforms to create jobs and spark energy independence, with climate benefits along "for the ride."

Chu: Schumer Effort to Alter Stimulus Energy Grants Would Kill Jobs
(The Hill)

Energy Secretary Chu warned against a Senate effort to impose "buy American" requirements on certain renewable power projects funded with grants authorized in the 2009 stimulus law, saying he is "a little afraid" it will "kill a lot of jobs." 

NOAA Director Urges Better Explanations of Climate (AP)

Climate change is here and scientists need to do a better job of explaining it to the public, the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told reporters in a briefing. 

UN Climate Claims on Rainforests Were Wrong, Study Suggests (Telegraph) 

A new study, funded by NASA, has found that the most serious drought in the Amazon for more than a century had little impact on the rainforest's vegetation. The finding appears to contradict claims made by the UN IPCC.

UK: Government Adverts Banned for Overstating Climate Change (Sunday Times)

Two government advertisements that use nursery rhymes to warn people of the dangers of climate change have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for exaggerating the potential harm.

RGGI Auction Volume Up 42% (Environmental Leader)

Trading of carbon permits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative rose 42% in the most recent trading session — the seventh such auction — bringing the total amount of proceeds generated to $582.38 million.

Made in the U.S.A.: Efficiency Materials (Green Inc.)  

According to a recent study commissioned by efficiency advocates, equipment like caulking and insulation — basic tools for retrofitting the country's homes and businesses — is almost entirely made in the United States.

German State Premier Seehofer Objects to Solar Cuts (Reuters) 

Bavaria state premier Horst Seehofer — one of three parties in Angela Merkel's center-right coalition — said that the German government's plans to cut state-mandated solar power incentives are excessive.

U.S. Beats Canada in Green Investments: Report (Canwest News Service)

The Obama administration is spending eight times more per person on new renewable energy, public transit and energy efficiency measures than Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government, concludes a new analysis. 

State Support Key to U.S. Nuclear Revival (Reuters)

Full support from state regulators is viewed as critical to keep the U.S. nuclear revival moving forward, utility executives said last week at the IHS CERA energy conference in Houston. 

Al-Qaida Suspect from NJ Worked at 6 Nuke Plants (AP)

An American seized in Yemen in a sweep of suspected al-Qaida members had been a laborer at six U.S. nuclear power plants, and authorities are investigating whether he had access to sensitive information or materials that would be useful to terrorists.

Japan's Cabinet Endorses Cap-and-Trade Climate Bill (Bloomberg)

Japan's Cabinet has endorsed a climate draft law today that would cap industrial emissions and thrust the second-biggest economy into the $125 billion market for trading carbon credits.

Meeting on Deforestation Boosts Morale, Budget (AP)

A conference bringing together more than 60 nations Thursday added $1 billion to the fight against deforestation and boosted the morale of those hoping to save the world's forests - a key defense against global warming.

White House Finalizing Rules to Cut Car Emissions (Reuters)

The White House is finalizing rules on the first U.S. greenhouse gas emission standard for automobiles, which would raise average fuel economy 42% by 2016, in a bid to slash oil imports and fight climate change.

Americans Show Less Concern About Global Warming (Bloomberg)

Americans are less concerned about the threat of climate change than they were two years ago and almost half say the seriousness of global warming is overblown, a Gallup Organization Inc. poll shows.

EPA to Allow States Address Rising Ocean Acidity (AP)

The U.S. EPA said it will consider ways the states can address rising acidity levels in oceans, which pose a serious threat to shellfish and other marine life.

Climate Change Pushing Bird Species 'Towards Extinction:' U.S. (AFP)

Climate change is pushing some bird species "towards extinction," U.S. Interior Secretary Salazar warned Thursday, as a new report on the threats facing North American birds was released.

Pairing Oil Recovery With Carbon Capture a Win-Win for U.S.: Report (Greenwire) 

Enhanced oil recovery -- a technique that stimulates aging wells -- combined with carbon capture and storage could slash U.S. petroleum imports if there is a strong price on carbon, according to a report commissioned by NRDC.

Western U.S., Canada Go Own Way on Carbon Trading (Reuters) 

As U.S. prospects for a national climate bill fade, five U.S. states and Canadian provinces are on track to start a cap-and-trade market for CO2 in 2012, say officials who see fading federal momentum boosting regional efforts.

U.S. Carbon Traders Fear Pink Slips (Reuters)

Wall Street was supposed to become the capital of a global carbon trading market worth a trillion dollars a year but now many who thought green trading desks would be the next big thing are fearing the pink slip.

Five Countries Fall Behind on European Renewable Energy Goals (Green Inc.)

The European Commission said on Thursday that five countries — Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark and Malta — were failing to meet goals for renewable energy but that they could make up their quotas by buying electricity from North Africa and the Balkans. 

Group: Polluters Use Offsets to Avoid Carbon Cuts (AP)

Major European polluters are buying their way out of making big cuts to greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing carbon offsets that pay for environmental programs in developing nations, a nonprofit group said Friday.

Sarkozy to Press G20 on Climate Funding (Reuters)

France will push the Group of 20 countries to impose a tax on financial transactions to raise billions of dollars to help developing nations fight climate change, President Nicolas Sarkozy said Thursday.

Stern Backs $100 Billion IMF Climate Fund Plan (Environmental Finance)

A climate fund proposed by the International Monetary Fund to raise $100 billion a year by 2020 has won support from climate change economics guru Nicholas Stern, who called it a "creative and constructive idea."

U.S. Smart-Grid Grants Won't Be Taxed (Sustainable Business)

The U.S. Departments of Treasury and Energy announced that grants under the $3.4 billion Smart Grid Investment Grant program will not be subject to federal taxes.

U.S.'s SunEdison to Build Solar Plant in Italy (Reuters) 

U.S. solar company SunEdison backed by Spain's Banco Santander will invest 200-250 million euros to build Europe's biggest solar plant in Italy to expand in the booming solar market there.

Mysterious Electric Car Firm Bursts Onto U.S. Market in Job Salvation Push (Business Green) 

Unknown electric-car maker Aurica Motors emerged as an unlikely savior for the U.S. auto industry this week, announcing plans to take over a Toyota factory in Fremont, California when the Japanese car manufacturer vacates the plant at the end of the month.