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Global Warming Wire and Trade Press Update - July 2, 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
Russia makes a climate move, but critics are expecting more
Climatewire – June 23, 2009
Russia announced that it would allow 30% more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during the next ten years. Russians officials described the target as a 10-15% reduction from 1990 levels. Some U.S. officials are questioning the calculations. "It would actually be a substantial increase," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy for the Union of Concerned Scientists.
China welcomes U.S. climate bill, says more needed
Reuters – June 26, 2009
China’s top climate change official, Xie Zhenhua praised the U.S. climate change bill, but argued that the U.S. must set higher goals if international negotiations on climate change in Copenhagen this December will be successful.
Climate impacts will require enlarged investment to meet world food needs
Climatewire – June 26, 2009
A report released by Deutsche Bank that analyzes the affects of climate change on global food production, finds that there will be a 50% growth in food demand by 2050, which will be impossible to sustain with current agricultural practices. The rise in demand is due to climate change. The study authors recommend prioritizing investments in high-yield production from existing cropland.
India seeks more talks on contentious climate draft
Reuters – June 26, 2009
The Major Economies Forum, a group of the world’s 17 largest economies, produced a draft text that includes an aspirational goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with developed countries reducing by at least 80% by 2050. Citing a lack of consensus on the draft text, India is dubious of the goal and is not ready to officially adopt the text. MEF members account for 80% of global emissions and an agreement among them will be an important step in the lead up to climate treaty negotiations in Copenhagen in December. The group is also addressing issues of technology and finance and is aiming to double public investments in low-carbon technology by 2015.
Global free trade accord seen helping environment
Reuters – June 26, 2009
A report by the World Trade Organization and United Nations Environment Program said that freer trade resulting from the Doha round of trade negotiations will make green technology more accessible to more consumers, potentially easing greenhouse gas emissions.
Rich must pay $100 billion yearly on climate, says UK’s Brown
Reuters – June 26, 2009
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown challenged developed countries to fund a $100 billion a year effort to fight climate change in developing countries. In a speech at the London Zoo, Brown said, “If we are to achieve an agreement in Copenhagen, I believe we must move the debate from a stand-off over hypothetical figures."
U.K. could get 25% of power from offshore wind – gov’t report
Climatewire – June 26, 2009
According to a new government report, the United Kingdom could power all of its homes from wind energy. By reaching its full offshore potential, the U.K. could create up to 70,000 new jobs and generate more than $13 billion a year in revenue.
Australian PM hails U.S. greenhouse bill passage
Reuters – June 28, 2009
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd praised the U.S. House of Representative for its passage of comprehensive climate legislation and admonished the Australian parliament for delaying action on climate change. Rudd’s Labor Party is struggling to get similar legislation through parliament.
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U.S. News
Senate bill would turn auto suppliers into 'clean energy' companies
E&E Daily - June 18, 2009
Sen. Sherrod Brown introduced a bill that would create a $30 billion revolving loan program to help make the transition towards clean energy manufacturing and boost job creation. In the U.S., 70% of the clean energy parts and systems are manufactured in other countries.
LCV push for climate bill may offer cover for some lawmakers
Carbon Control – June 24, 2009
The League of Conservation Voters announced that it will not endorse any member of the House in the 2010 elections that voted against the climate bill.
Public split on safety, waste issues -- poll
E&ENews PM - June 24, 2009
A poll by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute finds that the U.S. population is divided over the safety of nuclear power with 46.1% believing that it is very or somewhat safe and 44.7% saying it is dangerous or very dangerous.
House on path to require states to reduce GHGs in transportation
Carbon Control – June 24, 2009
Now, more than ever, transportation policies are being linked to fighting climate change. In fact, separate legislative proposals dealing with climate change and transportation are moving through the House with almost identical provisions requiring states to set GHG reduction goals as a part of transportation planning.
Wide majority favor U.S. regulating greenhouse gases – poll
Greenwire – June 25, 2009
According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, 3 out of 4 Americans support a cap on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. More than 60% said they would support regulation even if it raised the price of purchases.
Agriculture panel amendment restricts EPA review of biofuel GHGs
Carbon Control – June 25, 2009
The House Agriculture Committee released an amendment to the House climate bill that grants the Department of Agriculture authority over the agriculture and forestry offsets program, restricting the EPA’s ability to analyze GHG emissions from land-use changes due to biofuel production, and lists the types of projects that would qualify as carbon offsets.
Business groups object to tariffs on Chinese imports
E&E Daily - June 25, 2009
The National Foreign Trade Council and U.S. Council for International Business are opposing a provision in the House climate bill that imposes a tariff on countries without emissions targets that match the stringency of the United States. The business groups fear that a tax on imports will hinder a successful international climate change agreement.
Senate GOP releases alternative energy bill
E&E Daily - June 25, 2006
Senate Republicans unveiled the “Clean Affordable Reliable Energy Act.” or CARE, which would expand domestic fuel production by opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and outer continental shelf for drilling. Revenues from fossil fuel exploration would be directed towards a trust fund promoting the development of renewable energy.
Senate Dems handcuff GOP amendment on farm emissions
E&E Daily - June 26, 2009
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to an EPA spending bill blocking the agency from requiring small farms that emit less than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year from reporting their emissions.
California adopts controversial rule to reduce GHGs from landfills
Carbon Control – June 26, 2009
The California Air Resources Board implemented a regulation to reduce methane emissions from landfills. The board says the regulation will reduce 1.5 million metric tons of greenhouse equivalent emissions by 2020.
House passes landmark climate change bill
Reuters – June 27, 2009
The American Clean Energy and Security Act passed the House of Representatives by the narrow margin of 219-212, on Friday. The 1,500 page bill requires U.S. companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050, from 2005 levels and institutes a cap-and-trade system for regulating emissions. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Obama opposes tariff clause in cap-and-trade bill
Greenwire – June 29, 2009
While President Obama praised the passage of the House energy bill, he is concerned about a provision that would mandate trade sanctions for countries that fail to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. "At a time when the worldwide economy is still deep in recession and we've seen a significant drop in global trade," Obama said, "I think we have to be very careful about sending any protectionist signals out there. I think there may be other ways of doing it than with a tariff approach."
Obama unveils lighting rules, plugs climate bill
E&ENews PM - June 29, 2009
President Obama announced lighting efficiency standards and plans to invest $346 million of stimulus funds on energy efficiency. Lighting is responsible for 7% of U.S. energy consumption.
EPA grants Calif.'s emission waiver
Greenwire – June 30, 2009
President Obama granted the state of California a waiver allowing the enforcement of its own fuel-economy standards. The state has been fighting to enforce more stringent standards since 2002. The waiver paves the way for other states to adopt tougher tail-pipe standards, which thirteen states already plan to do.
Interior moves to fast-track solar development
E&ENews PM - June 29, 2009
A new directive from the Interior Department designates 670,000 acres for examining the feasibility of commercial solar power. The project, which will create 50,000 jobs, will expedite the development of solar energy on public lands.
Climate change boosting fuels for Western wildfires – study
E&ENews PM - June 29, 2009
A new study (subscription required) finds that global warming is linked to the increase of climate-related fires in recent decades, accounting for 64% of the fires between 1977 and 2003 compared to approximately 39% between 1916 and 2003.
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