Today's Climate

Merkel's Party May Delay Solar Subsidy Cut (Bloomberg) 

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats and their allies will propose a cut in subsidies for solar power from rooftop panels by 16% from June 1, instead of April 1, the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung newspaper said.

A Federal Climate Service Is Created to Provide Data (New York Times)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will create a new climate change unit to gather and provide data to governments, industry and academia as part of a federal effort to prepare for long-term changes to the planet, officials said.

Bolivia Expects 5,000 Foreigners at Climate Forum (AP) 

Bolivia's government said it expects thousands of activists, environmentalists and scientists to travel to the nation in April for its "alternative" conference on climate change, set up in response to Copenhagen's failure to produce a binding treaty.

UN Climate Panel Reviews Dutch Sea Level Glitch (Reuters)

The UN's panel of climate experts said it was reviewing whether it wrongly said that more than half of the Netherlands is below sea level in a new glitch after exaggerating the thaw of Himalayan glaciers. 

Australian Carbon Trading Plan More Cost Effective (Bloomberg) 

Australia's cap-and-trade bill would cost $1.3 billion during the first four years, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. That makes it more cost-effective than the opposition's alternative proposal, which carries a price tag of $2.8 billion over the same period.

EU ETS Intervention Call Howled Down (Carbon Positive)

A call by British politicians for intervention in the EU carbon market to lift the "flat-lining" price of carbon has drawn cautionary and critical responses from the government, Brussels and carbon market players. 

Coal Ad Blitz Launches New Spot as Industry Sees Political Gains (Greenwire)

An advertising campaign that previously pushed the phrase "clean coal" launches new spots this week focused on jobs and low-cost power, the latest offering in a $120 million effort to sell Washington on coal's future.

Michigan Approves Grants for Offshore Wind Research (AP)

The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved two grants totaling about $1.7 million for studying the development of offshore wind technologies in the state.

Caterpillar Joins FutureGen Clean Coal Alliance (Reuters)

Caterpillar said it will join the FutureGen Alliance to build a $1.5 billion 'clean' coal plant to produce hydrogen and electricity while capturing and sequestering CO2 underground in Mattoon, Illinois. 

Explosion Unlikely to Slow Gas Plant Development (AP)

The Connecticut explosion that killed five people won't slow the development of natural gas power plants. But it will likely lead to more scrutiny of a technique used to clear air from gas lines.

Nuclear Giant Areva buys Solar Company Ausra (Reuters)

The world's largest nuclear plant builder, Areva SA, is diversifying into solar power with the aim of becoming an industry leader, as it acquires U.S.-based solar thermal player Ausra, the company announced.

The Electric Taxi, Courtesy of Ford (Greentech Media) 

Ford has unveiled its new TransitConnect at the Chicago Auto Show, an all-electric fleet car that will drive 80 miles on a charge and hit a top speed of 75 miles an hour.

Britain Launches Labeling for Green Power Tariffs (Reuters)

Britain has launched a scheme to certify and label electricity produced by green means so as to help consumers and small businesses choose tariffs to support suppliers doing more to cut carbon emissions than obliged.

China Releases First National Pollution Census (AP)

China said Tuesday that its first national pollution census has mapped more than 5 million sources of industrial, residential and agricultural waste throughout the country.

Global Warming an Olympic Worry, Says Rogge (AFP)

Global warming is starting to worry the International Olympic Committee, and the group's president, Jacques Rogge, said it would be a key issue examined in awarding any future Winter Olympics.

Support Down for Australia's Rudd, CO2 Scheme: Poll (Reuters)

Support for Australia's PM Kevin Rudd and an carbon emissions trading plan backed by his government is slipping ahead of elections this year, but Rudd's Labor remains clearly ahead, a poll showed on Monday.

Malcolm Turnbull Says He Will Cross Floor in ETS Vote (The Australian)

Malcolm Turnbull, Australia's former Liberal leader, declared today he will cross the floor and vote with Labor in support of an emissions trading scheme.

UK Lawmakers Call for Stricter CO2 Caps, Market Intervention (Bloomberg)

Europe needs stricter limits on greenhouse gases and the power to intervene in markets as its cap-and-trade program fails to encourage low-carbon investments, UK lawmakers said today in a report.

BP Faces Investor Revolt Over Canadian Oil Sands Project (Telegraph)

BP has become the second energy major to face a potential shareholder revolt over its investment in Canada's oil sands, after a group of clients has urged the company not to commit $10 billion to its Sunrise oil sands development.

In Virginia, Offshore Drilling a Bipartisan Goal (Los Angeles Times)

Virginia's new Republican governor, Robert McDonnell, is 'eager' to open up the state's coast to offshore drilling, and the state's Democratic senators are urging the Obama administration to begin selling leases next year.

Before Blast, Few Safety Problems as Energy Project Rose at Abandoned Mine Site (New York Times)

A review of public records has shown no safety problems at the Kleen Energy Systems site before the explosion on Sunday that killed at least five people. But the natural gas project had faced hurdles through the years, including concerns about harm to the Connecticut River.

Pachauri Raises More Eyebrows with Raunchy Environmental Novel (Times Online)

Rajendra Pachauri, head of the IPCC, is raising eyebrows again after publishing a raunchy novel and accepting help in promoting it from BP and the head of India’s biggest gas producer.

Drought in SW Australia Linked to Snowfall in Antarctica (AFP)

A drought that has gripped the southwestern corner of Australia since the 1970s is linked with higher snowfall in East Antarctica, a phenomenon that may be rooted in global warming, scientists reported on Sunday.

"Smart" Power Key as EU Sparks Electric Car Debate (Reuters)

Electric cars must be backed by "smart" power networks if they are to help the world's climate problems, environmentalists warned on Monday as European ministers prepared to debate a strategy for the sector.

Mass. Unveiling Plans to Expand Electric Car Use (Boston Globe)

On Tuesday, officials from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources plan to sign a memorandum of understanding with Nissan North America to explore ways to expand electric car use in the state.

U.S. Solar Market to Double in the Next Year (MIT Technology Review)

In a few years, the U.S. is likely to be the world's largest market for solar power, eclipsing Germany, which has taken the lead as a result of strong government incentives.

Arava Power Gets Deals for 15 Mid-Size Solar Fields (Reuters)

Israeli solar energy developer Arava Power said on Sunday it signed long-term contracts with 15 agricultural cooperatives to build mid-size solar fields at an investment of $533 million.

In Utah, Company Aims to Store Energy in Air (AP)

A Utah company plans to dig a series of giant caverns that it hopes to one day fill with compressed air, releasing it to generate electricity by turning a turbine.

Study: Arctic Ice Melt Worse than 'Most Pessimistic' Models (Sydney Morning Herald)

Climate change is transforming the Arctic environment faster than expected and accelerating the disappearance of sea ice, scientists said in giving their early findings from the biggest-ever study of Canada's changing north.

China: Record Temperatures Across Tibet in 2009 (Xinhua)

The "roof of the world" is getting warmer. The average temperature in the Tibet autonomous region was 5.9 degrees Celsius last year, 1.5 degrees higher than normal and a record high in almost four decades, latest figures from the regional climate center showed.

EU Considers Classifying Palm Oil Plantations as Forests (Mongabay)

The European Union may be planning to classify oil palm plantations as forests, raising fears among environmental groups of expanded conversion of rainforests for biofuel production, according to a leaked document from the European Commission.

EPA's Voluntary Programs Under Scrutiny as Regulatory Obligations Rise (Greenwire)

As U.S. EPA ramps up regulatory activities in climate change and other arenas, the agency may cut back some of its many voluntary programs in an effort to funnel resources toward regulations, a top official says.

New Mexico Senate Approves Carbon Capture and Storage Bill (AP)

The New Mexico Senate approved a proposal that sets the stage for storing carbon dioxide deep underground. The bill would establish ownership rights for the pore spaces.

NOAA Grant Proposal Could Launch Marine Zoning (Greenwire)

The Obama administration is proposing a grant program that could start zoning marine areas for offshore projects. Advocates say the proposal, part of NOAA’s proposed budget, would be a big step toward helping improving the marine management.

China Flies Past EU, US on New Wind Turbines (EurActiv)

The global wind energy market continued to grow last year, driven by a strong push from China, which installed more new turbines than Europe and the U.S., according to new statistics from the Global Wind Energy Council.

In Clean Energy, US Needs More Steel in Ground (CNet)

More than scientific breakthroughs, the U.S. needs to deploy existing green technologies faster to keep pace with China and other nations, industry officials say. The concern is that the U.S. is lagging because of wavering policies, complex permitting, and a skittish financial community.

EU: Smart Grids to Enable Renewables at 'Moderate' Cost (EurActiv)

The EU could be powered almost entirely by renewable energies in 2050 without power disruptions by adding intelligence to its existing grids and building new cross-border connections, according to a study by Greenpeace and the European Renewable Energy Council.

Structural Composite Material Could Double as Energy Storage (Green Car Congress)

Researchers from Imperial College London and their European partners, including Volvo, are developing a composite material of carbon fibers and a polymer resin which can store and discharge electrical energy and which is also strong and lightweight enough for car parts.

Making Biofuels from Saltwater Crops (MIT Technology Review)

A project in the Middle East aims to make jet fuel from saltwater-tolerant crops grown in the desert. The goal is to produce biofuels without taking away land from food crops or using large amounts of fresh water.

Coal Group ACCCE Hires PR Firm Full of Bush Admin Operatives (Huffington Post)

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) has hired two new public relations firms to hock its message in the wake of the disastrous job done by Bonner & Associates.

GOP Lawmakers Seek to Suspend Calif. Climate Law (AP)

Republican lawmakers in California are circulating a ballot initiative backed by business interests that would suspend California's landmark global warming law, a signature policy of Gov. Schwarzenegger's tenure.

Senators Seek Sulfur Dioxide Pollution Cuts (Reuters)

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators have introduced legislation aimed at slashing emissions of sulfur dioxide, mercury and nitrogen oxide from smokestacks including coal-fired power plants. 

Sen. Rockefeller Criticizes Obama Over Coal Policy (Greenwire)

West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D) lashed out at President Obama on Thursday for sending inconsistent messages about the future of coal.

Gov. Manchin Says Coal Talk Was a Start (Charleston Daily Mail)

West Virginia Gov. Manchin on Thursday told the state's coal industry that his recent meeting with Pres. Obama on energy "was an absolutely wonderful start" to a dialogue about the future of coal and "I know we moved the ball forward."

RWE, Seeking Lower Emissions, Plans to Sell Stake in Coal Plant (Bloomberg)

RWE AG plans to sell a stake in a coal-fired power plant valued at as much as $110 million as Germany’s second-largest utility seeks to lower carbon emissions.

Planned Calif. Power Plant Would Be Nation's First With GHG Emissions Limits (Greenwire)

Calpine Corp. is poised to build the first U.S. power plant with federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions in California after the Bay Area Air Quality Management District granted the Houston utility its final air quality permit on Thursday.

Wind Beating Down Nuclear and Coal in Europe (Cleantech Group)

In Europe, more nuclear and coal capacity were decommissioned than installed in 2009, while wind installations were up dramatically despite the recession. 

Germany's Solar-Energy Industry Predicts 44% Cut in Power Price (Bloomberg) 

Germany's solar industry said the government’s proposed price cuts for electricity generated from the sun may reach 44% when combined with reductions already written into law.

Scant Arctic Ice Could Mean Summer "Double Whammy" (Reuters)

Scant ice over the Arctic Sea this winter could mean a "double whammy" of powerful ice-melt next summer, a top U.S. climate scientist said.

Indian Prime Minister Weighs into Climate Row (Financial Times)

Manmohan Singh, India's prime minister, on Friday launched a staunch defense of Rajendra Pachauri, the head of the UN IPCC, who is at the center of a storm over the credibility of climate change science.

Green Groups Split Over Calls for IPCC Boss to Resign (Guardian)

Friends of the Earth has defended IPCC chief Rajendra Pachauri, while Greenpeace has said a new leader may restore faith in the UN panel.

Tibet Temperatures Hit Record High in 2009 (Reuters) 

Temperatures in Tibet rose last year to the highest level since records began for the remote Himalayan region, which scientists say is particularly vulnerable to global warming, state media reported on Friday.

Prius Problems Put Spotlight on Car Electronics (AP)

The recalls and other technical problems besetting Toyota in the last few weeks highlight the risks of relying on electronics instead of the mechanical rods and cables that controlled vehicles for most of the 20th century.

Southern Calif Panel Rejects Funds for Ethanol Fueling Stations (Los Angeles Times)

A regional panel has turned down nearly $11 million in federal stimulus dollars targeted to build 55 ethanol fueling stations across Southern California, saying it had policy concerns about ethanol as an alternative to gasoline.

Alberta Sets Plans for Energy-Friendly Legislation (Reuters) 

Alberta's government hopes to mend ties with the Canadian province's powerful energy sector by starting its new legislative session with a bill widely expected to cut back on oil and gas royalties.

Federal Agency Denies Protections for Tiny Pika (AP)

Global warming might be wiping out some populations of the pika, a relative of the rabbit, but not enough to warrant legal protection under the Endangered Species Act, according to a decision released by the The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Obama Pushes Energy Plan That GOP May Support (AP)

Pres. Obama on Wednesday pushed energy proposals designed to attract allies and opponents alike, calling for increased ethanol production and technology to limit pollution from coal.

IEA Says U.S. Must Adopt Carbon Pricing System (Reuters) 

The U.S. must adopt a carbon pricing system, like the cap-and-trade law passed by the U.S. House, if it hopes to meet its UN commitments on greenhouse gas emissions, the International Energy Agency's head said.

EPA on Track to Release Automobile,' Tailoring' Rules in March (Greenwire)

U.S. EPA's air chief said the agency would roll out greenhouse gas emission standards for automobiles and the "tailoring" rule for the heat-trapping gases in March, after considering a raft of public comments.

Report: Key Cape Wind Review Rushed, Still Sound (AP)

Federal agencies who were part of a key review of a proposed wind farm off Cape Cod felt rushed to finish it before the end of the Bush presidency, but its conclusions are still sound, according to a new government report. 

Researcher on Climate Is Cleared in Inquiry (New York Times)

An academic board of inquiry has largely cleared a noted Penn State University climatologist of scientific misconduct, but a second panel will convene to determine whether his behavior undermined public faith in the science of climate change, the university said.

Climate Change Researchers Must Be More Open, Says Chief Scientist (Guardian) 

John Beddington, the UK government's chief scientist, has called on climate researchers to be more open when dealing with critics and transparent when they make errors.

Spain's 2008 CO2 Emissions Fell, But Will Miss Kyoto Targets (Dow Jones) 

Spain's greenhouse gas emissions fell in 2008 from a year earlier, but the country nevertheless doesn't expect to meet an emission starget set for the 2008-2012 period under the Kyoto Protocol.

China Doubles Wind Power in 1 Year (BusinessWeek) 

China doubled the amount of energy generated from windmills last year, a report from the Global Wind Energy Council said.  Worldwide, total wind capacity was up 31% -- despite the economic downturn.

Asia's Labor Edge Overpowers Obama's 'Green' Jobs Initiatives (Bloomberg) 

Asian nations currently make more than half the world's wind and solar energy equipment, and they're gaining ground in green jobs as U.S. factories lose out to cheaper labor and higher demand for clean energy.

Green Boost for World Cup with First Chinese Sponsor (Reuters)

Yingli Green Energy, one of the world's largest manufacturers of solar panels, was unveiled as the first Chinese company to sponsor the FIFA World Cup.

Investment Dollars Flow to Green Energy Start-Ups (Wall Street Journal)

Start-ups developing products aimed at wringing every last drop of efficiency from green technologies have become the standouts in the field of renewable energy, in part because they don't require a lot of upfront cash.

Hawaii Considers Taxing Oil to Pay for Renewables (AP)

Although the nation's most expensive gas can be found in Hawaii, lawmakers are considering raising oil taxes even higher to help break the state's addiction to fossil fuels.

Bangladesh Risks Becoming Failed State from Warming, General Says (Reuters)

Bangladesh faces such "total destabilization" from climate change by 2050 that it risks becoming a failed state, a retired Bangladeshi general has warned.

Report: The Amazon Is Not Eternal (Tierramerica)

The Amazon forest "is very close to a tipping point," and if destruction continues, it could shrink to one third of its original size in just 65 years, according to Thomas Lovejoy, a world-renowned tropical biologist.

Obama Retreats From Goal of Cap-Trade Bill (Wall Street Journal)

Pres. Obama said for the first time Tuesday that legislation that would require industries to pay for greenhouse gas emissions may need to be separated from a more popular "green jobs" bill in the Senate, a maneuver that could kill cap and trade.

Oil, Trucking Industries Sue Calif. Over Fuel Rule (AP)

The petroleum and trucking industries Tuesday sued to block California's first-in-the-nation mandate for cleaner, low-carbon fuels.

White House Clears Rules on Indirect GHG Emissions From Biofuels (Greenwire)

The Office of Management and Budget has signed off on controversial EPA regulations aimed at curbing biofuels' CO2 emissions. The move clears the EPA to finalize the long-delayed implementation of the standard. 

U.S. Reps from Mo. to Propose Blocking EPA Gas Rules (AP)

Two U.S. representatives from Missouri -- Ike Skelton, a Democrat, and Jo Ann Emerson, a Republican -- announced that they plan to file legislation blocking the EPA from developing its own greenhouse gas rules.

Interior Secretary Sees Little Hope for Consensus on Wind Farm (New York Times)

Interior Secretary Salazar said he sees little hope that Cape Wind's developer and local tribes will reach consensus by a March 1 deadline, suggesting instead that he may have to determine the fate of the wind farm by April on his own.

Wyoming Governor Proposes Wind Energy Excise Tax (BusinessWeek)

Gov. Dave Freudenthal has proposed a Wyoming excise tax on wind energy production of $3 per megawatt hour, arguing the industry should help pay for the consequences of building wind farms in the state.

No Apology from IPCC Chief Rajendra Pachauri for Glacier Fallacy (Guardian)

In an interview with the Guardian, Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the IPCC, said it would be hypocritical to apologize for the false claim that ­Himalayan glaciers could melt away by 2035, because he was not personally responsible for that part of the 3,000 report.

Australia: Abbott Pencils in Date with Monckton (ABC News)

Australian Opposition Leader Tony Abbott plans to meet high-profile controversial climate sceptic Lord Christopher Monckton, who will be visiting Canberra over the next few days.

German FDP Opposes Solar Incentive Cuts (Reuters) 

Germany's Free Democrats, junior coalition partners in Merkel's center-right government, have said they are opposed to proposals by the Environment Ministry to cut solar power incentives.

California Sets Up Statewide Network to Monitor Global-Warming Gases (New York Times)

California is preparing to introduce the first statewide system of monitoring devices to detect global warming emissions, installing them on towers throughout the state.

Ky. Legislators Criticize Plan to Cut Coal Subsidies (McClatchy)

Pres. Obama's fiscal 2011 budget would cut roughly $2.3 billion in coal subsidies during the next decade, a move Kentucky lawmakers worry will mean heavy job losses in economically poor but coal-rich regions of Appalachia.

S. Korea Expects Renewables Investment at $4.8 Billion (Reuters)

South Korea said renewable energy investment in the country is expected to reach $4.78 billion this year, up 52% from 2009.

Tesco to Spend £100 Million on Green Tech (Reuters)

Tesco, the world's no. 4 retailer, plans to spend over 100 million pounds ($160 million) with British green technology companies over the coming year as it steps up its drive to halve carbon emissions by 2020.

Edison Intl Unit Focuses On Renewables, Mulls Coal Plant Options (Dow Jones)

Edison International said it is keen to develop more renewable energy through the company's generation business, but hasn't decided how to handle a fleet of Illinois coal plants accused of violating federal pollution laws.

Massey Energy Reports Lower Q4 Profit (AP)

Coal producer Massey Energy Co. said Tuesday a steep drop in sales cut its fourth quarter profit by more than half.

Australia: Abbott Reveals $3.2 Billion 'Climate Incentives' Plan (Sydney Morning Herald)

Tony Abbott, Australia's opposition leader, has announced a climate policy that would unleash $3.2 billion in incentives over four years to big polluters to reduce their carbon emissions.

Abbott Keeps Pulling Back Labor's Lead (The Australian)

Abbott's opposition to the Rudd government's carbon trading scheme appears to have lifted the coalition to its best position since its 2007 election loss. Rudd's personal support is at its lowest since he became prime minister.

Canada Target for Climate Change Too Weak, Groups (Bloomberg)

Canadian Environment Minister Jim Prentice, whose new target for greenhouse gas emissions is being criticized by green groups, said his country won't fight climate change with "excessive haste."

UN Says Nations' Greenhouse Gas Pledges Too Little (AP)

The greenhouse gas goals announced by the nations responsible for most emissions are insufficient against the disastrous effects of climate change, Janos Pasztor, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's top climate adviser, said.

China's Wen Seeks Binding Climate Deal in Mexico (Reuters)

China supports the Copenhagen Accord and wants a binding global agreement from talks culminating in Mexico later this year, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said.

Climate Accord Gets Boost, But Where's the Money? (AFP)

More than a month after the Copenhagen Accord, rich nations have yet to say when and how they will deliver the pledged $30 billion in "fast start" financing to poor nations, which is meant to cover the period 2010 to 2012.

Clean Tech Sector Seeks Long-Term Support from Obama (Reuters)

Cleantech companies welcomed nearly $2.4 billion for the sector in the Obama administration's proposed budget released on Monday, but some industry watchers said it wasn't enough for major changes in the emerging market.

UK: Payment for Homemade Power 'Too Low to Help' (Times Online)

New subsidies to encourage British families to install rooftop wind turbines and solar panels were unveiled by the government yesterday, but were criticized as too low to help to meet its targets for low-carbon energy production.

Prentice: Oilsands Firms Must Do More to Help Canada Reach Climate Targets (The Canadian Press)

Canada risks becoming the international poster child of unsound resource development if it doesn’t do a better job of developing the oilsands, Environment Minister Jim Prentice said.

U.S. Wind Energy Job Growth Isn't Blowing Anyone Away (Los Angeles Times)

Even though a record 10,000 MW of new wind generating capacity came on line in 2009 in the U.S., few jobs were created overall and wind power manufacturing employment fell.

China To Bring More Smart Meters To The Grid In 2010 (Dow Jones)

China will power up its plans for advanced metering grid infrastructure even as the central government takes steps to slow down broader energy and transmission spending, analysts say.

Study Finds a Tree Growth Spurt (New York Times)

Forests in the eastern U.S. appear to be growing faster in response to rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found.

Vermont Power Plant Continues to Leak Radiation (New York Times)

Technicians seeking the source of a leak of radioactive tritium at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant have found concentrations in groundwater there that were three times higher than what was discovered last week.

Shell In $12 Billion Ethanol Deal (Reuters)

Royal Dutch Shell plans to make the biggest-ever foray into biofuels by an oil major, striking a deal with Brazil's Cosan to form a $12 billion ethanol joint venture that will be the no. 3 fuel distributor in Latin America's largest country.