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.

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: Malidives 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.

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.

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.

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 investment being spent 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.

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.

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.

U.S. Governors Ask Congress To Stop EPA Rules (Wall Street Journal)

Governors of 18 U.S. states on Wednesday urged Congress to stop "harmful" EPA regulation of greenhouse-gas emissions, saying the agency isn't equipped to deal with "the very real potential for economic harm."

Sen. Levin: Climate Bill Must Take Go-Slow Approach with Factories (The Hill)

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) has provided Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) a wish list of items for climate change legislation that includes a minimum 10-year delay before greenhouse gas limits are imposed on industrial facilities.

Virginia Passes Offshore Drilling Bills (Washington Business Journal)

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed legislation that would apportion any state revenue from offshore drilling toward transportation and energy research, but fiscal experts said it's highly uncertain when the state could realize any revenue from such activity.

Obama's Trade Goal Fights His Clean-Energy Plan at Export Bank (Bloomberg)

Pres. Obama's goals of boosting U.S. exports and combating climate change are colliding as the U.S. Export-Import Bank expands financing for oil, gas, mining and power-plant projects.

Senate Bill Expands Offshore Wind Incentives to 2020 (Sustainable Business)

U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced legislation that would extend production and investment tax credits for offshore wind power until 2020.

RI Business Group Opposes Wind Power Agreement (AP)

An organization that represents some of Rhode Island's largest electricity users has come out against a proposed power-purchase agreement between National Grid and the developer of a wind farm in state waters.

Kerry Says 'Great Deal' of Consensus Reached on Climate Policy (Bloomberg)

Senator John Kerry said a bipartisan group of 14 lawmakers achieved a "great deal of consensus" on energy policy at the White House yesterday, and he's moving "rapidly" to introduce legislation on the subject.

Obama Wants Climate Bill Passed This Year: Senator (Reuters)

President Obama still wants Congress to pass a climate bill this year, Republican Sen. Susan Collins told reporters on Tuesday after meeting with the president.

Wind Industry Blitzes Hill on Schumer Bill, Renewable Mandate (Greenwire)

The wind industry is hitting Congress this week in a lobbying blitz aimed at securing a national RES and stopping a Senate measure that would prohibit federal grants from going to companies that manufacture outside America.

NRG Wins Energy Department Grant (The Hill)

NRG Energy will get $154 million from the Energy Department for a carbon capture and sequestration project, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Tuesday. NRG will match the amount of investment.

U.S. 'Cap and Trade' Rebranded 'Pollution Reduction' (Reuters)

Senators pushing climate legislation have decided to scrap the name "cap and trade," which has become a dirty word on Capitol Hill, and rebrand the scheme as "pollution-reduction targets."

Green Stimulus Hit by Slow Spending (Financial Times)

The global green economic stimulus of 2009 has so far achieved little, with only a fraction of the money promised for environmental projects being spent, according to a study from HSBC bank.

U.S. EPA Chief Slams Attempted Delays on Climate (Reuters)

U.S. EPA chief Lisa Jackson fought back on Monday against Senate attempts to challenge the agency's authority to regulate global warming emissions, saying delaying action would be bad for the economy.

Obama Will Meet with Key Senators on Energy and Climate (The Hill)

Obama will meet with Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), along with 11 other senators and administration officials on Tuesday, in a closed-door meeting to address climate legislation that has stalled in the Senate.

Western Govs Say States Best Regulate Coal Ash (AP)

The Western Governor's Association is resisting a move by the EPA to reclassify coal ash as hazardous and is urging the Obama administration to let the states regulate the waste instead.

California Watchdog Sees Climate Policy Job Losses (Reuters)

California's aggressive climate change policy is likely to lead to modest job losses in the near term due to higher energy costs and other factors, the state's independent budget watchdog said.

American Petroleum Says Supports Carbon Fee Because It's Easier To Demonize (Wonk Room)

The American Petroleum Institute's Jack Gerard explained that the "support" from the oil industry for a carbon fee on petroleum will come in the form of "signs at the gas pump letting people know they’re paying more because of U.S. efforts to deal with climate change."

S.Africa, India, Indonesia Seek Top UN Climate Job (Reuters)

South Africa, India and Indonesia are vying to win the UN's top climate change job, a key post to build trust between poor and rich in 2010 after the failed Copenhagen talks.