Climate News Live

Big oil producing States continue to see alternative energy development and investment.

"To understand the increasing diversity of Texas' energy economy, consider this: T. Boone Pickens, the legendary wildcatter who made his fortune in oil, is now betting on wind.  Pickens announced plans in June to build the world's largest wind farm in West Texas, a project that could cost as much as $6 billion."

Killeen Daily Herald, December 31, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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2007 saw a large increase in carbon emissions credit trading thanks to the Kyoto Protocol and discussions of its successor agreement.

Whatever results from the post-2012 Kyoto negotiations, carbon credit markets are already strongly in place. “The ECX [European Climate Exchange] will have recorded its one-billionth tonne of carbon-emission trading by the end of this year, which is a landmark. We expect to see further growth in 2008, “said Patrick Burley of ECX.

Carbon Control News, December 21, 2007

Submitted by B. Shapiro

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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson states that the newly-enacted Energy legislation essentially voids any need for a waiver.

"The Bush administration blocked efforts by California and 16 other states Wednesday to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, setting up a political and legal fight over whether states can take a lead role in combating global warming." 

San Francisco Chronicle, December 20, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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Pennsylvanians willing to pay for long-term energy savings(?).  State House Republicans disagree.

"While energy is a leading national issue, and congressional approval of a major energy-conservation package appears imminent, Pennsylvania's energy initiative is bogged down in political and philosophical disputes." 

The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 19, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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Alternative energy company employees would help put an infusion of cash into the industry.

"House Speaker Jon Husted, a Dayton-area Republican, on Tuesday proposed creation of an 11-member Ohio Renewable Energy Authority to oversee use of the income taxes earmarked to promote new energy technologies.  Husted said the proposal will be included in debate next year over a sweeping rewrite of Ohio's energy policy." 

Forbes, December 19, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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County officials try to make it easier for citizens to "go green".

"The project will begin this month when canvassers employed by Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a nonprofit group based in Farmingdale, call on all 17,000 homes in Levittown. The goal is to make homeowners aware of the project, invite them to have a home audit, costing about $300, with recommendations for energy efficiency, and describe the discounts and low-interest loans available." 

The New York Times, December 16, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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Over $8 million in grant funding will go to successful projects located in rural areas.

"The Denali Commission is setting aside funds specifically for alternative energy projects for the first time this year.  The federally funded agency sent out a request for proposals last week, along with a separate RFP for projects that would help reduce energy consumption or increase the efficiency of current energy projects." 

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, December 15, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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Group of bipartisan governors demonstrate urgency of addressing climate change.

"They came together from four different states and opposing political parties, but the governors who sat down for a discussion of cleaner energy Thursday agreed that policy and cultural changes must begin at the state level."

The Houston Chronicle, December 13, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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On the eve of a major vote in the Senate, the Administration casts doubt over bill's future…

"The White House, echoing a position taken by auto manufacturers and a coalition of industry groups, is asking that the energy legislation be changed to specify the highway safety administration as the primary enforcer of fuel efficiency standards, with the E.P.A. in only an advisory role. Democratic leaders in Congress have rejected that position as a “nonstarter” and indicated their intent to move the bill with the current language intact.
On Tuesday, senators and their staff members were negotiating other provisions of the House-passed bill. It appeared that a measure to require utilities to produce 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources would be dropped and a $21 billion tax package included in the House bill would be scaled down, although it was not clear by how much. A Senate vote on the bill could come as early as Thursday, aides said."

The New York Times, December 12, 2007

Submitted by J. Andrews

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As the West continues to grow (and dry), water becomes a cherished resource.

"Facing the worst drought in a century and the prospect that climate change could yield long-term changes on the Colorado River, the lifeline for several Western states, federal officials have reached a new pact with the states on how to allocate water if the river runs short." 

New York Times, December 10, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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Regional and local community development organizations are geared solely towards drawing alternative energy companies to region.

"An organization has been formed in hopes of attracting alternative energy companies to locate in the region and create jobs.  The Appalachian Advanced Energy Association held its first meeting Thursday in Hocking County. Co-directors are Bill Rinehart and Jerry Hutton." 

The Athens Messenger, December 8, 2007.   

Submitted by J. Dilley

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House and Senate Require DoD to Consider Security Impact of Global Warming

The Defense Authorization Conference Report for Fiscal Year 2008 "requires the Pentagon to address the national security risks posed by global warming in preparing several key planning and budget documents: the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy and the Quadrennial defense spending review."…."The provision implements many of the recommendations of a report written by 11 retired admirals and generals".... that "examined how projected climate changes,.., will have a destabilizing impact,.., especially in the poorest regions of the world."

Note: The Defense Authorization Conference Report for Fiscal 2008 has been passed by the House and Senate and sent to the President since this article was published.

United Press International, December 7, 2007

Submitted by R. Ehrich

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While annual emissions levels will be public, the way in which companies calculate those emissions will not see daylight.

"California on Thursday became the first state in the nation to require oil refineries, electricity generating plants, cement kilns and other major polluters to report their annual greenhouse gas emissions beginning in 2009." 

Business Week, December 6, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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PA is not only working to protect investment, it is also battling other states to secure additional private dollars.

"Pennsylvania's investments in alternative and renewable energy over the past five years have created opportunities in the commonwealth, said Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty, but if the state wants to avoid losing ground to others vying for these projects, more resources are needed to attract private investment." 

Reuters, December 6, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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States are promoting strict reduction goals; achieving them through a "Cap and Trade" is only one part of the solution.

"A government commission in Maryland is considering recommendations that the state begin capping emissions of greenhouse gases, with the goal of a 90 percent reduction by 2050, according to a draft report released yesterday." 

The Washington Post, December 5, 2007.

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While passage of either bill is not guaranteed, simultaneous consideration of major energy and climate change legislation could mark a new era on both issues… 

"A moment that has been a generation in the making arrives here this week, with Congress poised to act on the first bill to increase vehicle fuel efficiency significantly since 1975 and on the first economy wide bill to address global warming since scientists raised the alarm in the late 1980s.  A host of factors have brought Congress and the nation to the verge of resolving debates that for decades have produced only legislative logjams.  The inexorable rise in oil and gasoline prices has concentrated the public mind on the cost of foreign oil and the price of the gas-guzzling American car fleet. A parade of retired military officers have spoken out on the security threat posed by reliance on unstable regimes for America’s economic lifeblood."

The New York Times, December 5. 2007

Submitted by J. Andrews

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States have many options on addressing emissions, but the real test is putting together the right solution.

"Tolls for busy roadways, higher energy-efficiency standards for new buildings and increased recycling and composting are all top picks for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, as selected by the state's Climate Advisory Team." 

Seattle Post-Intelligencer, December 5, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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Oil state official realizes the importance of alternative energy.

"Oklahoma must develop sustainable and renewable energy sources to provide for future energy needs, the state's energy secretary says...Fleischaker’s call to alternative energy is surprising to many. He is the CEO of an oil and gas company and a government official in an oil and gas state." 

The Norman Transcript, December 5, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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Missouri Governor takes sidelines approach to MGA green pledge.

"Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt created a perception of indifference when the Midwestern Governors Association recently pledged to improve the environment by changing the way the region produces and uses energy.  The governors signed pacts to reduce greenhouse gases, increase alternative fuels for vehicles and make greater use of renewable energy sources for electricity.  Of the 12 states in the association, Missouri was the only one not to sign any of the pro-environment initiatives. In fact, Missouri didn't even participate in the group's energy summit." 

CNN Money, December 3, 2007.

Submitted by J. Dilley

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Modeled after Reagan's acid rain program, the cap-and-trade program is eyed as a climate change solution.

"Nearly two decades later, the acid rain program the Republican president crafted with a Democratic Congress - and over the opposition of many environmental groups - has emerged as the model for efforts to fight global warming worldwide. Europe's carbon trading market is based on it. California and other states are crafting their climate change rules on the same principles. U.S. senators are scheduled to vote in committee this week on a climate bill inspired by it."

San Francisco Chronicle, December 3, 2007

Submitted by M. Brooks

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Discussions will focus on the Kyoto Protocol's successor.  The US will soon be the only industrial nation not to have ratified the Kyoto agreement, opposing mandatory limits on emissions, but other nations are eager to move forward.

"...adherents to the Kyoto pact, led by the European Union, are eager to extend and even broaden current emission restrictions. One reason is that Kyoto nations are already buying and selling credits — already worth several billion dollars a year — for cutting greenhouse gas emissions under the so-called cap-and-trade system. Such trade could collapse if the restrictions are not extended."

New York Times, December 3, 2007

Submitted by M. Brooks 

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