Tracking developments at the federal level, including the Congress, the White House, U.S. EPA and other federal agencies including the Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, the Federal Trade Commission and the Commodities Futures Trade Commission.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
National: Senate Postpones Debate on Climate Bill until Fall -
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| Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has delayed debate on climate legislation until later this fall and instead will present a small oil spill response and energy bill for debate by the Senate next week. ... |
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010
National: Sen. Reid to Introduce Energy Bill with Utility Carbon Cap -
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| This afternoon Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) confirmed that he will bring energy legislation with carbon limits on electric power plants to the floor of the Senate the week of July 26th. In addition, a 50-page discussion draft of Senator Bingaman’s utility-only carbon cap legislation was leaked last night.... |
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Friday, July 09, 2010
National: Climate Bill Options Under Development -
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| Next week after Senate Democrats return from their 4th of July recess, they will be given options to choose from on a climate-energy-oil spill bill, with the overall strategy of forcing the hand of fence-sitting senators.... |
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Friday, July 09, 2010
National: Federal Court Accepts EPA Request to Delay GHG Endangerment Challenges -
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| The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has granted an EPA motion to delay several pending court challenges to the agency’s greenhouse gas “endangerment finding.”... |
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Friday, July 09, 2010
National: EPA’s Clean Air Transport Rule Creates a “Triple Witching Hour” of Criteria, Mercury and Carbon Regs for Coal Fired Utilities -
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| This week EPA released a redrafted 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) which plans to reduce emissions from power plants in the eastern U.S by as much a 71% for SO2 and 52% for NOx emissions below 2005 levels by 2014. With EPA’s recently released greenhouse gas tailoring rule, its forthcoming mercury MACT rule, and expected litigation, a large number of coal fired power plants are expected to shut down in the next few years. A new study estimates the costs could be as high as $750 billion.... |
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Friday, July 09, 2010
National: EPA issues GHG Reporting Requirements for Four Facility Types -
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| On Monday, EPA will publish its expanded its mandatory reporting requirements for greenhouse gas emissions from four new facility types as well as establishing confidentiality provisions.... |
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Friday, June 25, 2010
National: White House and Climate Bill Sponsors Signal Smaller Scope -
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| The White House and climate bill co-sponsors Kerry and Lieberman are all signaling support for a utility-only cap and trade program. However, is that the real strategy or simply the façade on a potentially more sophisticated one?... |
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Friday, June 25, 2010
National: Senate Gears Up To Attempt Fast-Track Passage of Climate/Energy/Oil Spill Bill -
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| Following Thursday’s Senate Democratic caucus meeting, the strategy is taking shape for moving forward on quickly on a climate bill in the wake of the Gulf Oil Spill.... |
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Friday, June 25, 2010
National: EPA Releases Economic Impact Analysis of American Power Act -
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| American Power Act (APA) co-sponsors, Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman, released EPA’s economic impact analysis of the Act. ... |
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010
National: Obama to Push for Climate/Energy Bill in Tonight's Oval Office Speech -
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| President Obama’s first prime-time Oval Office speech will include a push for passage of the climate/energy bill. Is it too late?... |
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Thursday, June 10, 2010
Senate: Resolution to Block EPA GHG Rulemaking Defeated -
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| The Senate voted Thursday 53-47 against a Resolution of Disapproval to block EPA’s greenhouse gas rules, resulting in significant implications for the fate of the Senate Climate bill.... |
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Thursday, June 10, 2010
Senate: Majority Leader Begins Moving Climate Bill -
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| Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) met Thursday with senate committee chairs to map out strategy on the climate and energy bill scheduled to be voted on in July by the Senate.... |
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Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Senate: Showdown Today on EPA GHG Rules -
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| Today the Senate votes on Senator Lisa Murkowski’s resolution to block EPA’s ability to regulate GHG emissions. It will be a close vote with some Democrats defecting to support the resolution... |
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Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Senate: Lugar Introduces Alternative Climate Legislation -
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| On Wednesday Senator Richard Lugar (R-IL), introduced climate and energy legislation that does not include cap and trade programs to achieve emission reductions. The bill had the support of a Senator who recently supported the American Power Act.... |
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Friday, June 04, 2010
National: White House Criticized for NEPA Threshold Guidelines -
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| Environmental organizations and industry are criticizing the White House for inconsistency with states and federal agencies as it tries to finalize a threshold that triggers action by federal permitting agencies on GHG impacts.... |
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Friday, June 04, 2010
National: Federal Court Dismisses Global Warming Lawsuit by Katrina Victims – For Now -
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| Judges’ conflicts of interest cause a reversal of an earlier decision by a federal appeals court on standing for a citizen group’s lawsuit against petroleum companies. Other lawsuits move forward. ... |
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Thursday, June 03, 2010
National: Senate to Vote on Climate Bill in July -
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| Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) formally communicated his plans for the climate bill amendment process and schedule on Thursday. ... |
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Thursday, June 03, 2010
National: EPA Formally Finalizes GHG Tailoring Rule – Litigation Expected -
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| EPA published its final greenhouse gas tailoring rule today in the Federal Register to control carbon emissions from large sources with an effective date of August 2. Several groups on both sides – industry and environmental organizations -- have vowed litigation which could result forcing EPA to regulate over 6 million sources emitting as little as 100 tons per year.... |
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Thursday, June 03, 2010
National: President Vows Votes to Pass Climate Bill -
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| In a speech in Pittsburgh Wednesday, President Obama reaffirmed his intention to pass climate legislation this summer. While the votes aren’t there now, the President said he would work to “find” votes in the “coming months” and keep making the case for a “clean energy future.”... |
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Thursday, June 03, 2010
National: Senator Graham’s ‘Plan B’ for Climate Bill -
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| Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (SC), co-author of the early stages of the American Power Act, recently suggested a “Plan B” to pass the legislation. His proposal has gained some support among other senators.... |
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
National: President Calls Oil Spill a “Wake Up Call” to Pass Climate Bill -
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| At an extended press conference dominated by questions about the BP oil spill, President Obama mentioned several times the need to pass a climate and energy bill this year.... |
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
National: EPA Delays GHG BACT Guidance for 4-6 Months -
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| As part of its recent controversial Greenhouse Gas “Tailoring Rule” that federal courts could force to regulate over 6 million sources, EPA has delayed release of its BACT guidance for major emitters.... |
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
National: Senate Schedules Vote to Repeal EPA Endangerment Finding -
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| As the vote date approaches, senators are debating whether to vote on a full repeal or temporary stay of EPA’s greenhouse gas rulemaking efforts.... |
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
National: Climate Bill Senate Vote Expected Mid-Summer -
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| As President Obama pressured h GOP senators behind closed doors, Senator Lieberman (I-CT) indicated a likely schedule for a vote on the climate bill.... |
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
National: Coal-fired Power Plant Permit Denied – Despite Use of CCS Technology -
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| The State of Michigan denied the Wolverine Power Cooperative’s proposed 600 MW petroleum coke and coal-fired power plant in part due to uncertainty over federal climate legislation.... |
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
National: Murkowski Bill to Block EPA GHG Rulemaking Ready to Go to Senate Floor -
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| Senator Murkowski’s legislative effort to stop EPA’s greenhouse gas rulemaking is expected to hit the Senate Floor during the week of June 7. As a symbolic litmus test on the climate bill, the Murkowski received a surprising endorsement on Thursday. ... |
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
National: Climate Bill Negotiations Continue Behind the Scenes -
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| While formal action on the climate bill will not commence until mid-June, Senators Kerry and Lieberman continue negotiations on new amendments with fellow senators, industry and environmental organizations. ... |
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
National: Updated Climate Bill Allowance Allocation Charts -
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| We’ve updated our popular chart on the American Power Act with tonnage allocations for each year between 2013 and 2035 for each industry sector. We’ve also included three charts that illustrate the rapid ramp down in allowances and change from free allocations to auctions.... |
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
National: Price Estimates Emerge on Carbon and Fuel under Climate Bill -
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| As EPA crunches numbers on its highly anticipated economic analysis of the American Power Act, a number of other organizations are beginning publish their estimates. ... |
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
National: Obama Announces New GHG and Fuel Economy Standards for Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks – and Cars and Light Duty Trucks Again. -
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| On Friday, President Obama directed the federal government to establish stringent standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase fuel efficiency for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. In addition, he directed the government to further increase the fuel efficiency for cars and light trucks.... |
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
National: Toyota Buys Stake in Tesla Motors to Increase Presence in Electric Car Market -
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| On Thursday evening Toyota Motor Corporation, the world’s largest automaker, moved to accelerate its entrance into the U.S. electric car market by making a high-profile investment in the California electric car maker.... |
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Monday, May 17, 2010
National: Confusion over American Power Act Allowance Allocations -
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| Companies pouring through the almost 1,000 page American Power Act released last week by Senators Kerry and Lieberman have been confused by the complex allocation of free and auctioned allowances. We provide an easy to understand guide by sector and by year.... |
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Thursday, May 13, 2010
National: EPA Finalizes GHG “Tailoring Rule” with Litigation & Climate Bill Entanglements Certain -
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| Thursday EPA announced it would move forward to cap industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Litigation on the rule is certain with significant implications for the recently announced Senate Climate Bill. We review the key elements of the rule and review the likely repercussions for the climate bill.... |
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Thursday, May 13, 2010
National: Senators Begin to Sound Off on 1,000-page Climate Bill -
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| Analysis, criticisms and compliments are underway with some fence-sitting senators surprisingly signaling interest in the bill. ... |
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010
National: Climate Bill Details Leaked Ahead of Wednesday Afternoon Release -
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| The climate bill will be released tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1:30 EDT. We summarize the bill’s key elements and share a leaked 21-page section-by-section summary of the bill.... |
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Friday, May 07, 2010
National: Climate Bill to Be Released on Wednesday 5/12 -
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| Climate bill authors Senators Kerry and Lieberman announced today that the bill will be released next Wednesday with “a hell of a coalition” in the midst of Republican co-author Lindsay Graham sending mixed signals on immigration and offshore oil drilling. ... |
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
National: Senate Majority Leader Reid Signals Climate Bill Will Move Ahead of Immigration Bill -
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| The smoke begins to clear after 48 hours of chaos since Senator Graham (R-SC) announced he would boycott the Senate climate bill he has helped co-author. Today, the Senate Democrat Leader appeared to blink first - sort of - by saying the climate bill will move ahead. We review today's latest developments and the maneuvering that continues behind the scenes - including an expected surprise this week that could bring another Republican vote in favor of the climate bill.... |
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
National: What to Expect in the New Climate Bill -
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| We share the latest bill elements from our sources in advance of a public unveiling in the next few days.... |
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
National: CFTC Will Not Regulate CCX Carbon Contracts -
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| On Tuesday, in a surprise decision, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) ruled that the Chicago Climate Exchange’s (CCX) spot carbon financial instrument (CFI) does not require oversight. ... |
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Sunday, April 25, 2010
Breaking: Dispute Over Immigration Postpones Today’s Climate Bill Release, Putting it At Risk -
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| Over the weekend, the Monday release of the new climate bill was put on hold over a dispute about immigration legislation and its relative priority to climate legislation. Some are calling the climate bill dead, others calling it at risk, and still others are proclaiming this as standard maneuvering in an election year. We provide insight on just how alive or dead the climate bill may be.... |
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
National: Climate Bill is a Go as US Senate Returns from Spring Recess -
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| With momentum building for an April 26th release date of draft legislation, negotiations intensify as the Senate leadership, the White House, industry and environmentalists get closer to a deal they can all live with. We update a number of recent developments going on behind the scenes.... |
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
National: EPA Expected to Release Greenhouse Gas “Tailoring” Rule in May -
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| EPA’s controversial rule for stationary sources – expected to face litigation to force limits on sources emitting as little as 100 tons per year of greenhouse gas – is expected to be finalized next month. ... |
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
National: Energy Star Program to Undergo Rapid Revamp -
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| Following a recent critical GAO report that exposed vulnerabilities in the Energy Star Program, the EPA and Department of Energy announced that they would implement changes to address those criticisms. ... |
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
National: Corn Ethanol Continues Losing Political Favor -
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| For a variety of reasons, corn-based ethanol is losing its juggernaut status of 2008. In the past two years, anti-ethanol interests have shifted Washington D.C.’s attitude on ethanol from unconditional support to skepticism.... |
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
Business: IBM to Require Suppliers to Track GHGs and Energy Use -
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| In an effort to butress itself against expected significant increases in its supply chain cost due to greenhouse gas control requirements, IBM will soon require its 28,000 suppliers and their subcontractors to implement management systems that collect data on greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and waste.... |
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
National: New Climate Bill Builds Momentum before Official Release -
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| Before the outline for a new national climate bill is released by Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieberman, we have the details on what it contains and an update on behind-the-scenes maneuvering going on post-health care as the Senate prepares to tackle climate legislation.... |
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
National: Final GHG Tailpipe and CAFE Rules Nears End of Review at White House -
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| With one week to go before final GHG rules are released by EPA, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is doing its final review of EPA greenhouse gas tailpipe standards for cars and trucks as well as EPA/DOT corporate average fuel economy (CAFE). EPA’s final rules to cap greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources are expected to arrive at OMB in the next few days to meet statutory deadlines for release. ... |
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
National: EPA Clean Water Act Settlement Creates Potential for GHG Regulations -
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| A new settlement on ocean acidification between EPA and a national environmental group will force the federal agency to establish guidance expected to result in new federal and state regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.... |
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Monday, March 01, 2010
National: Release of Draft Senate Climate Bill Expected This Week -
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| Amid speculation, criticism, dissension and confusion, senate bill drafters are expected to release a draft of their climate bill this week to fellow Senators. In what appears to be a piecemeal approach, the Senators are expected to propose different standards and mechanisms for different industries. Some key details are beginning to leak out in advance of the draft.... |
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Monday, March 01, 2010
National: Congress and Courts Move forward on EPA Endangerment Finding -
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| On Tuesday House Republicans will introduce a resolution to overturn EPA’s “endangerment finding” following Senator Murkowski’s resolution in the Senate last month. In a parallel development, the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals took administrative action on 16 petitions against EPA’s finding.... |
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Monday, March 01, 2010
National: EPA to Propose Carbon Limits for Heavy Duty Vehicles -
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| EPA signals it will regulate greenhouse gas emissions from heavy duty vehicles -- following the finalization its stationary source and tailpipe GHG standards for light and duty autos and trucks in less than 4 weeks. With the three rules in place, EPA will regulate the majority of the nation’s stationary sources – without federal legislation. ... |
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Monday, March 01, 2010
National: Walmart Plans to Cut 20 Million Tons of CO2 From Supply Chain by 2015 -
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| In a move that represents a major trend in supply chain and product lifecycle carbon management, Walmart announced plans to cut 20 million tons of CO2 from its supply chain by 2015. Other retailers, government agencies and consumer groups are pursuing supply chain carbon cuts. However, concerns have been raised that the reductions are not as cost-effective as they could be for suppliers.... |
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Monday, March 01, 2010
National: Major Solar Power Plant Receives $1.37bn U.S. Loan Guarantee -
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| In its largest loan guarantee to a solar project, the U.S. Department of Energy provided a $1.37 billion guarantee to renewable energy project developer for the construction of a 2,600 MW solar power plant in Southern California.... |
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Monday, February 22, 2010
National: EPA Announces Timeline for GHG Regulations -
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| On Monday, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson outlined the agency’s plan for implementing its pending rule for large emitters of greenhouse gases. Some see the announcement as EPA backing off under fire, others see the timetable as a date certain that their facilities will be capped and regulated in less than in 10 months. In addition, the agency for the first time outlined its timeline to regulate smaller sources emitting less than 25,000 MTCO2e per year.... |
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Monday, February 22, 2010
National: Obama Expected to Unveil Natural Gas and Clean Coal Incentives -
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| In a continuing effort to push for passage of a climate bill, President Obama, in a speech this Wednesday to the Business Roundtable, is expected to unveil a proposal to appeal to the natural gas and coal industries. Last night’s defection of 5 GOP senators to support a Democrat-led jobs bill could signal a similar dynamic for the climate bill. ... |
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Monday, February 22, 2010
National: EPA Budget Hearings Expected to Focus On GHG Rules -
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| Today and tomorrow, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will be grilled by -- and likely push back on -- U.S. senators and representatives concerned about the Administration’s greenhouse gas rules. As highlighted earlier by CantorCO2e, the Administration’s request to evaluate “market based approaches” to greenhouse gas reductions is expected to draw fire.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: EPA Likely to Set More Stringent Greenhouse BACT Standard Than Calpine Carbon Permit -
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| With five weeks left to finalize the rule, the EPA indicated that its final Greenhouse Gas PSD/Title V Tailoring Rule is likely to have Best Available Control Technology (BACT) requirements more stringent than that issued to Calpine for its proposed natural gas plant in California. CantorCO2e has spoken directly with President’ Obama’s lead air regulator, Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. We have the inside scoop.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: Plan B on Federal Cap and Trade – EPA Signals NSPS as Possible Vehicle for GHG Trading System -
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| As Congress struggles over a federal climate bill, EPA has signaled its intent in public comments and the President’s proposed 2011budget to potentially establish a greenhouse gas cap and trade program for major sources under the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). ... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: 16 Legal Challenges to EPA GHG Endangerment Finding -
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| A variety of industry organizations, states, legislators and policy groups file lawsuits against EPA’s greenhouse gas endangerment finding to block the agency’s final rules that are due in six weeks.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: White House Issues Draft NEPA Guidance for Federal Agencies to Analyze Climate Impacts -
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| On Thursday the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) released draft guidance to federal agencies to analyze the impacts of their actions on climate and to evaluate alternatives under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). With far-reaching consequences, the guidance proposes that agencies identify alternatives for mitigation.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: Senate Climate Bill Update: Kerry-Graham-Lieberman, Cap-and-Dividend, Murkowski EPA Resolution, Graham Energy Bill -
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| While Washington D.C. digs out from its “snowmagedon” the Senate and lobbyists continue to be very busy. We provide an update on major developments.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: Obama Administration Awards $8.3 Billion in Nuclear Loan Guarantees to Spur Climate Legislation -
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| In the first of a series of events this week to demonstrate the Administration’s willingness to compromise in order to pass climate and energy legislation – as well as create jobs -- the President announced loan guarantees to start building new nuclear reactors in the U.S.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: 3 Companies Leave Climate Coalition – Problem or a Change in Strategy? -
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| Three companies announced their departure from the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), established to pass federal climate legislation. Is this a indication of serious problems or a change in strategy by the departing members?... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: Obama Administration Reaffirms Support for Cap and Trade -
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| Last week the Obama administration released its annual Economic Report of the President, which assesses the administration’s economic priorities and progress. In the report released by the White House Council of Economic Advisors, the administration reaffirms its commitment to cap and trade to reduce carbon emissions.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: Electric Utility Industry Sees Cap and Trade Bill as a Priority -
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| The nation's largest electric utility industry association formally signaled that passage of a federal cap and trade bill is a priority for 2010.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: DC’s “Snowmaggedon” Provides Fuel for Climate Change Skeptics -
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| Climate change skeptics used DC’s record-breaking snowfall this past week as an opportunity to criticize climate change science. Pundits declared it was the end of climate change legislation. However, the Winter Olympics is struggling to maintain enough snow for the games, Western Australia is suffering through the worst heat wave in 750 years, and Brazil has record temperatures. Is it global warming, climate change, or fantasy? Who’s right?... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: EPA & Senate Pursue SOx, NOx, and Mercury Emission Cuts – In Addition to Greenhouse Gas -
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| A bipartisan group of senators have submitted legislation that would amend the Clean Air Act to require drastic sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury emission cuts. At the same time EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson signaled her agency’s intent to move forward on rulemaking this spring to reduce SOx, NOx, Mercury and other hazardous air pollutants. The impact of EPA regulation on coal-fired electricity generation will be measured in tens of Gigawatts.... |
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
National: Pentagon Will Soon Produce Algae Biofuels Equal to Cost of Fossil Fuels -
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| The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) claims that it will begin producing algae-based jet fuel for less than $3/gallon. DARPA has already extracted oil from algae ponds at a cost of $2/gallon. The Agency plans to begin large-scale refining of algae biofuels.... |
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
National: Obama Reaffirms Support for Climate Bill -
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| A day after President Obama’s remarks suggesting that an energy bill might be split from a climate bill, the President reiterated his support for a cap and trade bill. ... |
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
National: Senator Graham Drops a Major Hint on Climate Bill Structure -
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| Climate bill co-author Senator Lindsey Graham revealed a new approach that he expects the legislation to take. ... |
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
National: California Approves First-In-the-Nation Power Plant with Federal Carbon Emission Limits -
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| In a landmark decision on greenhouse gas emissions that will affect all future new power plant projects nationwide, Calpine Corporation was granted a federal PSD permit today to begin building a power plant with greenhouse gas emission limits. Today’s permitting decision also has significant implications for EPA’s proposed stationary source greenhouse gas rule that will be finalized in seven weeks.... |
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
National: House Bill Introduced to Block EPA GHG Rulemaking -
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| Facing reelection this fall, two influential House committee chairmen file a bill to block EPA’s independent rulemaking ability on greenhouse gases.... |
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
National: Obama Administration Finalizes Renewable Fuels Standard, Proposes Additional Support for Biofuels and Clean Coal -
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| Wednesday the EPA issued its final rules for biofuels while Administration announced plans for financial aid to the biofuel and coal industry. The biofuels rules now include new greenhouse gas requirements that were controversial in draft form and could result in Congressional intervention. The clean coal initiative is focused on carbon capture and storage.... |
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
National: Federal Trade Commission Expected to Increase Enforcement Against Green Product Claims -
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| Following almost a year of rumblings, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plans to update its Green Guides for the first time since 1998 to address the issue of “greenwashing” where corporate claims on sustainability and carbon neutrality don’t match reality. As a first step, 78 high-profile branded companies and retailers received warnings from the FTC this week that they may be breaking the law by using misleading environmental labeling.... |
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
National: Pentagon Addresses Climate Change -
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| In its Quadrennial Defense Review, the Department of Defense considered the potential impacts of climate change on military operations and geopolitics. DOD’s findings focus on military facilities and operations, energy, systems, and procurement decisions.... |
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Thursday, February 04, 2010
National: Study -- Companies Likely to Drop Suppliers Who Fail to Address GHG Emissions -
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| In a survey by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), 56% of large firms said they would drop suppliers in the future for failing to address carbon emissions.... |
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Tuesday, February 02, 2010
National: White House Clarifies Obama Comments on Splitting Senate Climate and Energy Bill -
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| President Obama’s remarks Tuesday regarding the future of the Senate Climate bill sent shock waves through industry, environmental organizations and the Senate. Has he changed his position since last week’s State of the Union address? Did he miss-speak? Was he making an observation or a pronouncement? Late Tuesday evening, the White House clarified his comments.... |
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Sunday, January 31, 2010
National: Obama Commits U.S. Government to 28% GHG Reduction -
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| On Friday, President Obama ordered government agencies to achieve a 28% reduction in GHG levels from 2008 levels by 2020 mostly through increased energy and fuel efficiency.... |
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Sunday, January 31, 2010
National: Obama to Propose $54 Billion in Nuclear Power Loans to Spur Climate Bill -
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| When the White House releases its fiscal year 2011 budget request Monday, it will include $54 billion in nuclear power loan guarantees in an attempt to send the signal that the Administration is willing to strike a deal on a federal climate bill.... |
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Sunday, January 31, 2010
National: U.S. Joins Nations Announcing GHG Reduction Targets Under Copenhagen Accord -
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| The United States has joined the Copenhagen Accord negotiated by President Obama with a non-binding commitment to reduce U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases. The U.S. joins 25 other countries in voluntarily establishing a cap on their emissions.... |
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Sunday, January 31, 2010
National: Companies Increase Purchase of Voluntary Carbon Credits -
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| Despite uncertainty over the fate of federal climate legislation, U.S. voluntary carbon markets saw a significant uptick in companies purchasing carbon credits to voluntarily offset their emissions.... |
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Sunday, January 31, 2010
National: State Legislators Push for Federal Climate Bill -
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| In an effort to push for passage of a federal climate bill, nearly 1,200 state legislators urged the Senate to follow state efforts to “grow clean energy jobs and put Americans back to work” through the promotion of clean energy. ... |
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
National: President Obama Calls for Passage of Climate Bill in State of the Union Address -
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| Just a few minutes ago, President Obama called on the Senate and House to pass a bipartisan “comprehensive energy and climate bill.” Here is the text of his comments about the climate bill with our analysis.... |
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
National: Will the State of the Union Address include Climate? -
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| As debate intensifies over the fate of a federal climate bill, speculation is high about whether or not President Obama will urge passage of a federal climate bill during tonight’s State of the Union address. We have the answer.... |
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
National: SEC Announces Corporate Climate Disclosure Requirement -
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| In a rapidly expanding regulatory environment of corporate liability for greenhouse gas emissions, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced today that publicly-taded companies must disclose to investors the "material risks" they face from climate change and carbon regulation.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
National: Senate Co-Authors Disagree on Climate Bill - White House Weighs In -
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| Climate bill drafters Senators Graham and Kerry have different takes on the future content of the climate bill. The White House weighs in.... |
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
National: Next Steps for Murkowski’s Resolution of Disapproval on EPA Greenhouse Gas Regulations -
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| Following her introduction last week of a Senate “Resolution of Disapproval” Sen. Lisa Murkowski has settled on her next steps for action.... |
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
National: Entergy Purchases 100,000 Tons of CO2 Emission Offsets -
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| Entergy Corporation has announced the purchase of 100,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions offsets as part of its sustainability efforts and its ongoing commitment to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As states and the federal government developing carbon regulation, companies are increasingly taking “pre-compliance” action by purchasing offsets.... |
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
National: Effects of Senator Brown Election on Climate Bill -
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| Yesterday’s election of Scott Brown (R-MA) to the United States Senate is expected to have an impact on the composition of the Kerry-Graham-Lieberman Climate bill soon to circulate around the Senate. However, its effects may not be as negative as some pundits think.... |
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
National: Murkowski Senate EPA Resolution Expected Thursday -
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| On Thursday, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is expected to announce her intention to introduce a “resolution of disapproval” instead of a budget bill amendment to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases. The behind the scenes dynamics may be different than they appear on the surface. ... |
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Monday, January 18, 2010
National: Senator Reid Intends Spring Passage of Climate Bill -
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| Late last week Senator Reid (D-NV), Senate majority leader, said he intends to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation this spring. Joining recent public comments by the Obama administration, the Senator contradicted rumors that passage of a federal climate bill this year was dead. ... |
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Monday, January 18, 2010
National: White House to Pursue Climate Bill -
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| A second senior Obama Administration official spoke publicly about the Administration’s plans about federal climate legislation. Todd Stern, President Obama’s U.S. climate negotiator to the United Nations indicated Thursday that the Obama Administration is going to press ahead for passage of a climate bill this year. ... |
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
National: EPA GHG Tailoring Rule Moves Forward Under Fire -
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| As debate over climate legislation continues in the Senate, EPA is moving aggressively forward to finalize greenhouse gas rules in less than 3 months. At the same time, advocacy groups are positioning to legally challenge the rules.... |
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
National: Potential Senate Showdown Over EPA Climate Rules -
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| A potential floor vote later this month could be a public test of the Senate’s resolve to pass climate change legislation with the introduction of a Republican amendment to stop U.S. EPA regulation of greenhouse gas regulations.... |
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
National: Obama Administration to Require Federal Agencies to Assess GHG Impact of their Actions -
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| The White House will soon issue guidance to federal agencies on the incorporation of climate change impacts into federal environmental impact analyses, massively expanding the potential for battle over the environmental impacts of projects across the country. We highlight the details and developments.... |
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
National: Obama Administration Reaffirms Support of Cap and Trade -
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| The US’ first choice for regulating GHGs is a national cap and trade program, a senior administration official said during a White House event. We look at the political dynamics behind that statement.... |
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
UK Government Calls for Carbon Footprint on Food Labels -
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| As part of the United Kingdom’s new “food strategy,” the government will establish carbon footprint reporting standards for food labels that would encompass much of the product’s supply chain in addition to direct emissions.... |
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Friday, December 18, 2009
Obama Announces Copenhagen Climate “Agreement” -
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| The agreement between developing and developed countries is not legally binding, but does accomplish one thing: stirring controversy. We cover the details of the agreement.... |
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
National: Expected Impact of Copenhagen on US Climate Legislation and Regulation -
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| The failure of countries to establish a legally binding treaty at the United Nations conference this week will create unique dynamics in the domestic debate over climate change legislation. We explore six potential consequences at the federal, state and regional levels.... |
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
National: Obama Arrives in Copenhagen Amid Failure of Nations to Reach Substantive Climate Change Agreement -
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| Today President Obama joined over 100 heads of state in Copenhagen as world leaders try to reach some type of symbolic agreement on climate change in a last ditch effort to demonstrate success. We highlight the 11th-hour developments and expected outcomes.... |
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