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Global Warming Policy Update - May 13, 2009
The Global Warming Policy 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 and do not represent the views or opinions of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
International News
Indian Ocean buoys help solve climate puzzles
Reuters – May 6, 2009
An extensive network of buoys across the Indian Ocean, the least studied and understood of the tropical oceans, is providing important information about the impacts of climate change. Data from the buoys will improve weather forecasts, helping farmers plan their crops in a changing environment.
U.N. climate panel to prepare weather disaster scenarios
Climatewire - May 6, 2009
The United Nations’ climate panel is preparing a report based on the most recent science to be released next year on extreme weather events related to global warming. The report looks to help governments prepare for adaptation to climate change.
Shrimp said at risk from North Atlantic warming
Reuters – May 7, 2009
A species of northern shrimp may be vulnerable to climate change impacts that could disrupt the animals’ life cycle, threatening a $500 million North Atlantic fishery. Damage to the shrimp population could have wide-spread effects in the ocean food chain.
Spanish solar subsidy seduces FPL, scorches consumers
Bloomberg – May 8, 2009
Spain has become the world’s largest manufacturer of solar-energy plants and a leader in wind generation by allowing plants to charge ten times more for power generated by sun and wind than for power produced by burning coal. The Spanish government increased rates for solar plants in order to promote clean fuels and move away from fossil fuels. The higher return for utility companies distributing solar has made the country particularly attractive to renewable developers.
Indonesia forest CO2 rules need finance clarity: experts
Reuters – May 8, 2009
Indonesia became the first nation to formally enact regulations governing a U.N. system called reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) on Friday. The program aims to generate billions of dollars in carbon credit revenue for developing nations in return for long-term protection of forests or rehabilitation of forest land. Leveling and burning forests contributes to 20% of global warming. This project is important for demonstrating how REDD may work as a mechanism to offset greenhouse gas emissions in a new international agreement.
Fuel-cell car rally opens Norway’s hydrogen highway
Reuters – May 11, 2009
Norway has opened a “hydrogen highway” that traffics over a dozen hydrogen-powered cars three hundred-fifty miles from Oslo to Stavanger on the North Sea. Although it still takes energy to produce oxygen, the hydrogen engines have zero emissions, a vast improvement on traditional petrol engines.
State Dept. to revive poor countries fund
Climatewire - May 11, 2009
The Obama administration is pledging to give $50 million to global efforts in poor countries with imminent climate threats. The money is part of a $280 million overall budget to help developing countries better prepare for stronger storms, rising sea levels and other impacts of global warming. These actions are taking place as the United States and the rest of the world prepare to complete a global treaty to slash emissions. Todd Stern, the lead U.S. negotiator on climate change said, "I think it strengthens our hand, as long as we are stepping up and making proposals that are solid and sound that can move the ball forward."
Agro-forestry study may open carbon market to poor
Reuters – May 11, 2009
The U.N. Environment Program and Global Environment Facility launched the Carbon Benefits Project, a $12 million study in Kenya, Niger, Nigeria and China to limit the greenhouse gas emissions through low-carbon farming practices. The study focuses on rural sites to determine if putting a price on carbon stored in trees and soil will provide an incentive for developing countries to adopt more sustainable farming practices limiting emissions.
China building cleaner coal plants faster than U.S.
Greenwire - May 11, 2009
China is leading the way in new technology for coal boilers that produce less carbon dioxide. Similar efforts to develop clean coal have stalled in the United States. “The steps they've taken are probably as fast and as serious as anywhere in power-generation history," said Hal Harvey, president of ClimateWorks, a greenhouse gas mitigation finance group.
China’s solar king plots U.S. manufacturing plant
E&E News - May 11, 2009
Chinese-based Suntech Power Holdings Co. is planning to produce solar panels in the United States, aiming to triple its U.S. sales volume in 2009. Suntech is the world’s top photovoltaics manufacturer.
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U.S. News
EDTA’s Wynne discusses U.S. development, production of plug-in hybrid batteries
E&E TV - May 4, 2009
Last year, U.S sales of the Toyota Prius topped one million. With the restructuring of the American automobile industry, many wonder if Detroit will be able to compete in the electric vehicle market. Brian Wynne, president of the Electric Drive Transportation Association, discusses the development and production of American made plug-in hybrid batteries. He also comments on the needed ramp-up of public infrastructure to allow more plug-in hybrids to operate on America’s roads.
WBCSD’s Stigson discusses potential for energy efficiency to solve climate, energy issues
E&E TV - May 5, 2009
Björn Stigson, president of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, discusses how the United States can address our energy and climate challenges by making advances in energy efficiency. Stigson also details the current state of climate legislation in the U.S. Congress and innovations taking place in industry.
New Senate bill backs small-scale renewable energy
E&E News - May 6, 2009
Sens Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced a small-scale renewable energy bill that would set national standards for compensation to small-scale generators (known as net metering), and interconnection standards for distributed generation, or small-scale renewable production—such as solar panels on homes. The senators intend to remove barriers to renewable energy deployment and lower energy costs.
CPUC’s Grueneich discusses allocation of allowances under cap and trade
E&E TV- May 6, 2009
California Public Utilities Commissioner Dian Grueneich details how the United States could benefit from advances in energy efficiency and a national efficiency standard.
NOAA chief seeks White House blueprint for climate service
Climatewire - May 6, 2009
The House Energy and Commerce draft climate and energy bill includes a National Climate Service that would be housed within the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Speaking before a House subcommittee, NOAA chief Jane Lubchenco said that the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy should take the lead in organizing the federal government’s existing adaptation work and developing a comprehensive plan for a national climate service. The climate service would help communities and industries prepare and adapt to climate change.
W. Va. Plant receives state’s 1st permit to bury CO2
Climatewire - May 6, 2009
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued the state’s first carbon capture and storage (CCS) permit to Appalachian Power Co. The plant, located in Mason County, will be permitted to bury 165,000 metric tons of CO2 per year over a four to five year program. The effort is part of a $70 million CCS pilot project that Gov. Joe Manchin (D) says will bring jobs and clean energy to coal-rich states.
New Bingaman draft gives Interior greater share of transmission siting; markup PPD
Energy & Environment Daily - May 6, 2009
New transmission text gives the Interior Department the lead in siting high priority transmission lines as part of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman’s comprehensive energy bill. Previously, the draft gave authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, but changes were made in response to concerns within the committee over jurisdiction. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is committed to utilizing transmission siting to expand renewable energy capacity and has already established a task force to identify renewable energy zones and transmission corridors.
Obama admin endorses World Bank’s technology fund
E&E Daily - May 8, 2009
Todd Stern, special climate envoy for the State Department, and Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary William Pizer are urging Congress to approve a $500 million request for funding to a World Bank Clean Technology Fund for advancing low-carbon technologies in developing nations.
Obama budget sticks to auctioning all CO2 permits
Reuters - May 7, 2009
President Obama’s 2010 budget includes revenues from auctioning 100% of carbon dioxide emission permits, expecting to raise $12 trillion over ten years. A percentage of the revenue would be returned to consumers to offset higher energy costs.
Waxman said to offer free permits in climate talks
Bloomberg – May 7, 2009
U.S. Representative Henry Waxman is proposing free pollution permits in an attempt to gain approval for his cap-and-trade legislation. Under Waxman’s proposed legislation, a cap-and-trade program is set to begin in 2012 and requires companies to acquire a pollution permit for every ton of carbon dioxide they release into the atmosphere.
Geothermal energy a hidden gem among energy sources
Climatewire - May 7, 2009
Northwestern California holds the largest known geothermal reservoir in the world. Geothermal energy lies beneath the earth’s surface in the form of hot water and steam trapped between porous rocks. While geothermal has tremendous potential to meet energy demand, slow permitting processes, lack of funding and a general lack of attention have caused a delay in deployments. A 2007 Massachusetts Institute of Technology report found that enhanced geothermal systems have the potential to supply 100,000 megawatts of baseload electric generating capacity by 2050.
Berkeley approves global warming action plan
Greenwire - May 7, 2009
The Berkeley County City Council in California unveiled a Climate Action Plan outlining how the city will lower their greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
Obama Budget to Boost Renewables, Cut Funding for Nuclear, Fossil Fuels
BNA - May 8, 2009
President Obama’s fiscal 2010 budget plan offers increased funding for the Department of Energy, with a particular focus on renewable energy and smart grid development. Both the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability saw increases to their budgets in Obama’s request. The budget also includes $280 million for the creation of eight “energy innovation hubs” that will help diversify research and help develop breakthrough technologies.
Mont., Saskatchewan sign carbon capture deal
Greenwire - May 8, 2009
In a $270 million deal, Montana’s governor and the premier of Saskatchewan have forged the first large scale, government funded effort to capture and store emissions from a coal fired power plant. Carbon emissions in Canada will be captured and stored in Montana.
U.S. Commerce chief plans clean energy trip to China
Reuters – May 8, 2009
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has announced that he will travel to China to promote sales of U.S. clean energy goods as part of the Obama administration’s effort to fight global warming. In addition to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, these sales could help decrease the enormous trade deficit that the U.S. has with China.
Senate Finance Committee Looks for Ways to Ensure Stability in Carbon Market
BNA - May 8, 2009
In a hearing before the Senate Finance Committee last week, witnesses argued that carefully designed auctions and an emission registry will help ensure stability in carbon dioxide cap-and-trade market. Initial problems with the European Union’s carbon market have caused speculation that similar issues would arise in the U.S. under such a system.
Honda, GM stick to fuel-cell plans as Obama guts hydrogen funds
Bloomberg – May 11, 2009
Honda, General Motors and Toyota will continue to develop hydrogen-powered car technology despite the Obama administration’s decision to cut hydrogen-related projects in order to focus on biofuels and batteries. While hydrogen models have excellent driving performances, they face production obstacles including high costs, durability and lack of fuel stations. Energy Secretary Steven Chu explains that Obama administration’s decision to cut funding for hydrogen-fuel cell development for cars is because it seems unlikely, “in the next 10 or 15, or even 20 years that we will convert to a hydrogen car economy.”
Energy companies, utilities spent nearly $80M in first quarter
Energy & Environment Daily - May 12, 2009
Federal disclosure reports reveal that electric utilities and oil and gas companies topped a record year in lobbying spending and campaign contributions, far outspending environmental groups and renewable energy advocates.
Waxman to huddle with House Dems today in preparation for markup
Energy & Environment Daily - May 12, 2009
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif) is meeting with fellow Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee to brief them on the details of his global warming and energy bill, but is not expected to release legislative text of his until later this week. Waxman is trying to gain support from undecided Democrats and negotiations have been taking place for several days on the details of this bill.
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