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Global Warming Policy Update - May 22, 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
Highly destructive climate impacts loom for a small number of cities and countries
Climatewire – May 13, 2009
Global warming and its impacts, such as increased storm severity and drought, will place a disproportionate burden on certain regions and cities, said the World Bank’s energy and environment research team. The working paper's findings outline regions that will be most affected to help guide policymakers craft future policy.
Experiments leading toward a mandatory trading system
Climatewire – May 14, 2009
Japan has a voluntary carbon trading system, but recent experiments with new emission targets may signal an eventual shift to a mandatory system.
Carbon tax and Liberals win British Columbia vote
Climatewire – May 14, 2009
The victory of the Liberal government in a British Columbia vote means the continuation of the Liberals’ $10-per-ton carbon tax. Advocates who viewed the vote as a referendum on the tax hope it demonstrates to U.S. environmental groups and regulators the viability of a carbon tax, as opposed for the more popular cap-and-trade system.
Multinational panel calls for up to $2 billion for new approach to adaptation
Climatewire – May 15, 2009
A report by the Commission on Climate Change and Development finds that a new approach toward economic development in the Third World must include an emphasis on climate change and clean energy. This approach will require significant funds in addition to the aid already supplied by developed countries.
EU says CO2 trade helped cut emissions for first time
Bloomberg – May 15, 2009
The European Union saw the first signs of success in its five-year-old emissions-trading program. The European community cut carbon emissions by 3.1% since last year. The EU’s emissions trading program aims to cut total emissions 20% by 2020 as compared with 1990 levels. The report comes as the U.S. Congress considers a similar cap-and-trade program.
International adaptation funding in climate bill falls short of aid groups’ expectations
Climatewire – May 15, 2009
The Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill may include a smaller provision for international adaptation aid than what development groups initially hoped for. Such groups say that larger provisions of funding are necessary to help the poorer countries that are hardest hit by climate change.
Industrial nations must bring money and reduction plans to forge a new treaty, U.N. climate chief says
Climatewire – May 15, 2009
Yvo de Boer, head of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, said that developed nations must help ensure that the less developed nations can limit their emissions as their economies expand. This includes financial assistance. Mr. de Boer estimated that there are only six months left to work out differences before negotiations begin in December saying, “Things are really becoming very urgent.”
Bangladesh suggests duty-free trade might help poorer nations adapt to climate change
Climatewire – May 15, 2009
Bangladesh, which is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, pays millions in U.S. import fees. Bangladeshi foreign ministers suggested that these funds could be better put to use in global warming adaptation.
Waxman wants developing nation CO2 credits, seeks climate deal
Bloomberg – May 18, 2009
Henry Waxman, the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has proposed creating a global emissions program that would issue greenhouse-gas reduction credits to large developing nations.
EU urges Australia to make deeper carbon cuts
Reuters – May 18, 2009
In an appeal to richer nations to take the lead on climate control, the EU is urging Australia to make deeper cuts in greenhouse gas emissions than its current goal of 5% reductions from 2000 levels by 2020. Australia has an “aspirational goal” of lowering emissions by 25% if other developed nations also agree to make similar cuts at the Copenhagen summit this year.
U.N. report sees more dangerous world evolving
Climatewire – May 18, 2009
Climate change will significantly exacerbate the global problems of poverty, ecosystem degradation and unplanned urban development, says a U.N. report . Less developed countries will bear an unequal burden of the effects of climate change, including higher storm severity.
Floods, fires seen testing EU climate response
Reuters – May 18, 2009
Based on a new report, extreme weather including flash floods, wild fires, and heat waves related to climate change could test Europe’s ability to respond to natural disasters. Climate-related disasters may also lead to an increase in migration, further strapping the Europe’s economy.
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U.S. News
FERC chairman calls for more transmission to meet Obama’s renewable energy goals
BNA- May 13, 2009
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Jon Wellinghoff indicated at a forum last week that his top priorities this year include integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy into the nation’s transmission grid. His comments come as Congress is considering legislation that includes a national renewable electricity standard, which will require the grid be able to transmit renewable energies from where they are produced to the population centers where they are needed, something which can be aided by implementation of smart-grid technology and investment in grid expansion.
Soaring electricity use by new electronic devices imperils climate change efforts
Climatewire – May 14, 2009
A new report finds that information technologies and new electronic devices will continue to consume large amounts of energy, making efforts to reduce carbon emissions more difficult. The International Energy Agency, which issued the report, said that consumer electronics require more energy than appliances such as heaters and refrigerators, so efforts must be made to make the new products more energy-efficient.
Mutual insurers’ group vows to fight climate disclosure rules
Climatewire – May 14, 2009
Many insurers and scientists are calling for more research on how climate change will affect specific areas. The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) is opposing a rule that requires insurance companies to disclose their understanding of climate change risks.
Tenn. sets sights on stimulus-funded solar ventures
Climatewire – May 15, 2009
The governor of Tennessee said his state plans to build a solar power research center and a solar farm using their stimulus money, with the hope of drawing more green energy firms into the state.
House climate bill aims to minimize price rise
Reuters – May 15, 2009
Democratic Representatives in the House have negotiated a climate change bill that agreed to allow oil refineries, natural gas distributors and other industries free emissions permits until at least 2026. These credits would ensure enough Democrats back the bill so that it may be approved next week.
House bill’s RES won’t boost U.S. turbine manufacturing, industry group warns
E&E News PM - May 15, 2009
In a letter to Congress, wind component manufacturers called for a tougher renewable electricity standard than is included in the energy bill. The industry group says that the proposed standard is too low to incentivize large investments that are needed to boost manufacturing and create jobs.
U.S. Chamber sharpens critique of House energy bill
Greenwire- May 15, 2009
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce claims that Waxman and Markey’s energy bill will be too expensive and complicated to make an impact. The business group is judging the proposed bill on whether or not it will preserve jobs in the U.S., stimulate the development of clean technology, conserve energy, and generate action by developing countries to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Group sues EPA to use Clean Water Act to reduce emissions’ impacts
Climatewire – May 15, 2009
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sued the federal government, saying that the EPA has ignored the acidification of ocean waters resulting from emissions, thus violating the Clean Water Act.
Rockefeller bill seeks 40% reduction in carbon dioxide from highways, transit
BNA - May 15, 2009
With authorization for surface transportation programs under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equality Act (SAFETEA-LU) set to expire September 30, Senator John D. Rockefeller IV introduced legislation that would help reduce carbon dioxide emissions from surface transportation 40% by 2030. A commission established by SAFETEA-LU called for a cohesive national transportation policy and restructuring of the federal surface transportation programs, prompting the Rockefeller bill which aims to establish and accomplish this while lowering carbon dioxide emissions.
EPA urged to finalize ‘endangerment’ proposal
E&E News PM - May 18, 2009
Stakeholders urged the EPA to move forward with the endangerment finding on greenhouse gases that would likely lead to regulations on emissions. Public comments on the EPA proposal will be accepted until June 23.
U.S. demand for oil sands bitumen could double, increasing emissions
Climatewire – May 18, 2009
A report from the Cambridge Energy Research Associates says that U.S. imports of Canadian oil sands could double by 2035 given an economic recovery. Extracting, processing, refining and burning gasoline from the oil sands releases five to 15% more emissions than conventional oil. Increased use of oil sands could also prevent the rise of renewable energy use in the United States.
Alaska's mainland rises as its glaciers melt
Greenwire - May 18th, 2009
Alaska’s land is rising as glaciers that suppressed the state’s coastlines melt at a quickening pace. The rise above water tables is drying streams and wetlands. The economy is expected to be affected as salmon runs dry up.
Waxman bill eases biomass limits, hands FERC renewable oversight
E&E Daily – May 18, 2009
Restrictions in the renewable electricity standard on using biomass from public lands for energy production were eased, while still keeping areas such as protected areas and old-growth forests off-limits. Additionally, authority for administering the program shifted from the Energy Department to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Two groups oppose increasing U.S. ethanol blend rate
Reuters – May 18, 2009
The Environmental Working Group and the National Marine Manufacturers claim that blending more than 10% ethanol into U.S. gasoline will result in more air pollution and more damage to engines. Ethanol is currently approved to make up 10% of gasoline in cars and trucks, but producers of the biofuel are pushing the government to increase that level.
Obama admin moves to accelerate ‘smart grid’ work
E&E News PM - May 18, 2009
The Energy Department increased the maximum award for smart grid grants from $20 million to $200 million and demonstration projects from $40 million to $100 million each. Energy Secretary Steven Chu also announced interoperability standards that will allow technologies to interact. These steps will expedite smart-grid applications allowing for energy efficiency programs and renewable energy expansion.
‘Cash for clunkers’ measure attached to House bill
E&E News PM - May 19, 2009
An amendment authorizing $4 billion in funding to reward consumers for buying or leasing fuel-efficient vehicles when they trade in older, less efficient cars was approved as part of the comprehensive energy bill.
Dems reject nuclear amendment to renewables mandate
E&E News PM - May 20, 2009
A Republican amendment to Waxman and Markey’s energy bill that would have relaxed the renewable energy standard was shot down. Other amendments have been adopted including an amendment by Arizona Rep. John Shadegg that requires the EPA to inform Congress and the press on an annual basis whether or not China and India have adopted greenhouse gas emissions standards comparable to those in the Waxman-Markey bill. An earlier version of the amendment would have canceled a global warming law if China and India did not commit to equally strong action to reduce emissions.
Wyden floats 8 bills to push alternatives to oil and gas
E&E News PM - May 20, 2009
Oregon Senator, Ron Wyden, introduced eight bills to stimulate the development of alternative energy sources to reduce dependency on foreign oil and decrease reliance on corn-based ethanol. Wyden said, "It's time for Congress to develop an energy policy that -- instead of picking winners and losers -- rewards performance and promotes innovation."
Fourteen hours later, Democrats hold the line on cap-and-trade bill
E&E Daily – May 20, 2009
House Democrats overcame Republican attempts to inject benchmark amendments into the climate bill that would have halted policies in the event of high unemployment or high gas prices.
Bingaman finds last 2 votes to pass electricity standard
E&E Daily – May 21, 2009
A renewable electricity standard will be included in the Sen. Bingaman’s draft climate bill that requires 15% of energy generation by 2021 to be from renewable sources.
Amendment would give FERC ‘cease and desist’ power over carbon markets; final passage expected today
E&E Daily – May 21, 2009
The Energy and Commerce Committee approved an amendment to climate legislation that would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the ability to stop illegal market manipulation in natural gas and carbon markets.
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