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Global Warming Wire and Trade Press Update - August 13, 2009
The Global Warming Wire and Trade Press Update, an e-alert with briefs about recent climate change policy, research about global warming and related issues, is published by the Pew Environment Group. The articles listed below are to serve as a summary of current climate-related issues in wire and trade media and do not represent the views or opinions of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
International News
British Columbia petroleum producers agree to boost energy efficiency, cut emissions
BNA – August 5, 2009
The British Columbia government and Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers have pledged to work together to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement is part of a larger effort in the province to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 33 percent from 2007 levels by 2020 and 50 percent by 2050.
China leads in global green jobs race
Reuters – August 6, 2009
China is investing heavily in the development clean energy technology, increasing the number of green jobs and advancing energy security. China surpassed the United States in wind turbine production in the first half of 2009 and is quickly expanding solar demand.
‘Carbon tariff’ means better deal in Copenhagen, 10 Democratic senators tell Obama
Climatewire – August 7, 2009
Rust belt Senators are urging for the inclusion of a border tax on energy intensive imports in climate change legislation. The Democratic senators from Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wisconsin believe that such a measure is necessary to incentivize countries to join in an international climate change agreement that would otherwise benefit from inaction to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Pacific island nations urge deep emissions cuts
Climatewire - August 7, 2009
A group of Pacific island nations are calling on all countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2050. A smaller group of islands that are significantly threatened by climate change is urging for developed countries to pledge to at least 45 percent emissions reductions by 2020.
New Zealand sets 10-20 percent CO2 cut by 2020 target
Reuters - August 10, 2009
New Zealand set a transitory goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 10 and 20 percent by 2020. The country is waiting until international negotiations in December to set a hard target.
North American leaders agree to create ‘carbon atlas’
E&E News PM - August 10, 2009
President Obama, Mexican President Felipe Calderón and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed on several energy-related initiatives at a summit meeting in Guadalajara, Mexico. The three nations will work together to develop a “carbon atlas” to map major emission sources and potential storage sites as part of a broader multilateral effort to advance carbon capture and storage.
Lax environmental transparency in China raises climate concerns
Carbon Control - August 10, 2009
A new Pollution Information Transparency Index in China demonstrates that environmental transparency in China is feasible. Progress towards information transparency is important for international climate change negotiations. The index, which measured pollution in 113 cities, was developed by the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs and the Natural Resources Defense Institute.
Britain wants "rethink" on food production
Reuters - August 10, 2009
The British government is rethinking its agricultural policy as the cost of food and oil rise and incidence of drought in Australia highlight the need for heightened food security. As the global population grows, the country will look for ways to produce food more effectively, using less water, energy and fertilizers. The government is also examining how to offset the effects of climate change on agriculture.
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U.S. News
Lobby firm forged letters to lawmakers while working for Big Coal energy group
BNA – August 5, 2009
While working for the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, the advocacy firm Bonner & Associates sent a dozen falsified constituent letters to three members of Congress urging them to vote against legislation to control greenhouse gas emissions. Congressional Democrats and environmental groups are demanding further investigation.
‘Dramatic’ decline measured in U.S. glaciers
E&E News PM - August 6, 2009
A report by the U.S. Geological Survey finds that rising temperatures have accelerated the dramatic decline in U.S. glaciers over the last half-century.
GHG ‘price collar’ emerges as consensus on cost-containment
Carbon Control - August 6, 2009
A price collar that would set a floor and ceiling price on greenhouse gas emission allowances is emerging as a solution for those concerned about price volatility including utilities and moderate lawmakers.
A ‘down payment’ on a promising U.S. industry
Climatewire – August 6, 2009
The Department of Energy is granting $2.4 billion for 48 projects aimed at scaling down costs and increasing domestic production in the electric car industry.
N.Y. governor sets goal of reducing greenhouse emissions 80 percent by 2050
BNA – August 7, 2009
New York is the eighth state to adopt a goal to decrease greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by the year 2050.
Ethanol makers claim bias in EPA peer review of biofuels’ GHG lifecycle
Carbon Control - August 7, 2009
A peer review of EPA’s greenhouse gas lifecycle analysis for renewable fuels is receiving criticism from ethanol supporters. Ethanol proponents say that peer reviews of the analysis are scientifically unsound and believe that the EPA’s approach exaggerates greenhouse gas contributions from producing ethanol.
Senators urged to limit utility-backed free allocations in favor of rebates
Carbon Control - August 7, 2009
There is growing concern that middle class consumers are not protected from rising costs under the House climate bill. To address this, Resources for the Future, AARP, and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and other organizations are urging Senators working on climate change legislation to limit the number of free allowances distributed to utilities and include direct rebates to the public.
In cold Northeast, officials consider limiting furnace emissions
Climatewire – August 10, 2009
Governors from 11 Eastern states are planning to approve a plan that will cut carbon dioxide emissions from cars and even home furnaces before January. This move is meant to motivate oil companies to start using cleaner fuels made from trash, plants and renewable electricity.
Senate bill needs resource-adaptation provision -- Baucus, Whitehouse
E&E News PM - August 10, 2009
Sens. Max Baucus and Sheldon Whitehouse drafted climate change legislation language entailing the inclusion of a program to protect natural resources, and allocating a portion of revenues from a cap-and-trade program for adaptation.
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