26 | July | 2013 | Indoor Air Quality Lab

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.26.13 share

A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.

ENERGY POLICY

Fossil fuels to dominate world energy use through 2040 (via Climate Central)

White House to focus comprehensive energy review on infrastructure (via The Hill)

White House aides, utility reps huddle on power plant carbon regulations (via The Hill)

OIL

European oil demand continues to shrivel in 2013 (via Reuters)

Halliburton to plead guilty to destroying evidence in BP oil spill (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES

Solar, wind could replace all fossil fuels in Australia by 2040 (via Renew Economy)

Philippines plan shift to 100% renewables in 10 years (via Renew Economy)

EU seeks last-minute China PV deal (via Recharge)

Floating wind farms could provide EU with 40GW by 2020 (via RTCC)

India faces short-term setback in renewable energy investment (via Panchabuta)

Scotland could receive roughly 50% its electricity from tidal energy (via CleanTechnica)

Sao Paulo sets 70% renewables target (via Renewable Energy World)

Dominion watching first US wind energy lease sale (via Richmond Times Dispatch)

Big geothermal getting bigger at Ball State (via EarthTechling)

COAL

Coal market fundamentals changed, yet spot prices remained stable (via US EIA)

Buffett says coal’s decline in U.S. to be gradual yet permanent (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

GOP launches bid to block environmental restrictions on mountaintop coal removal (via The Hill)

CLIMATE

Global warming and the future of storms (via The Guardian)

Norway issues shipping warning as Arctic sea lanes open (via RTCC)

NASA climate change video: This is the U.S. in 2100 (via Mother Nature Network)

Dems’ recess game plan: Push climate message (via Politico)

Maryland governor unveils strongest US plan to fight climate change (via CleanTechnica)

A climate action plan for affordable multifamily housing (via Center for American Progress)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

DOE official: Chinese natural gas could “wreak havoc” on markets (via The Hill)

Wyden floats fracking regulation framework (via The Hill)

Republicans launch legislative assault on BLM fracking rules (via Greenwire)

UPS says natural gas “game changer” for cutting emissions (via Bloomberg)

Antitrust probe targets Halliburton’s fracking business (via Bloomberg)

Colorado congressman files lawsuit to prevent fracking near his property (via Houston Chronicle)

EMISSIONS

Trading halt could show UN carbon market in jeopardy (via Bloomberg)

Europe’s carbon problem is now Australia’s, too (via Environmental Leader)

Investment firms call for more carbon accounting (via Environmental Leader)

The positive economic impact of a carbon tax in 10 charts (via Grist)

O’Malley releases greenhouse gas reduction plan at climate change summit (via Washington Post/AP)

ENVIRONMENT

Russia’s weather to limit crops again after last year’s drought (via Bloomberg)

What cities are doing to become water smart (via EarthTechling)

GRID

FERC order increases opportunity for energy storage (via Breaking Energy)

Forward operating solar: military microgrids lead the way (via Solar Industry Magazine)

States weigh compact to bolster energy grid (via Stateline)

MISO uses real-time synchrophasor tech to improve grid reliability (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

31 states now support utility energy efficiency investments (via Energy Manager Today)

A closer look at the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill (via WRI Insights)

More states join the regulatory push for utility efficiency (via Greentech Media)

TRANSPORTATION

Electric cars could be cost-competitive with gas-powered in 2017 (via Los Angeles Times)

Which EV model will be the first to break into top 10 of global auto sales? (via CleanTechnica)

100% increase in electric car sales in 2013 (via CleanTechnica)

RINs ethanol credits below $1, U.S. gasoline future fall 7 cents (via Reuters)

Plug-in electric vehicle buyers very satisfied with cars: report (via Green Car Reports)

OPINION

EIA’s most important insights about our energy future (via Climate Central)

Can renewables grow fast enough to make a difference? (via Greentech Media)

The great Texas wind rush (via Huffington Post)

Posted: | Categories: arctic, australia, Ball State University, Brazil, Bureau of Land Management, cap and trade, Carbon accounting, carbon tax, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, colorado, Dominion Virginia, drought, eia, Electric Vehicle, emissions, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, environment, ethanol, EU, europe, European Union, ev, Extreme weather, FERC, fracking, gas prices, geothermal, global warming, green building, grid, Gulf of Mexico, Halliburton, india, Jared Polis, Jean Shaheen, Martin O'Malley, maryland, Microgrid, MISO, Mountaintop coal removal, NASA, natural gas, Natural gas exports, News, norway, offshore wind, Ohio, oil, oil spill, Philippines, renewables, RIN, Rob Portman, Ron Wyden, Russia, Scotland, Sea ice melt, Severe weather, solar, Solar trade war, Synchrophasor, texas, Transportation, UN, united nations, United Postal Service, ups, virginia, warren buffett, Water scarcity, wind

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Mason Jar Party Time! DIY Mason Jar Party Decor share

Fancy up your next summer shindig and make it a mason jar party! Mason jars are useful for sassing up any party, from food and drink to decorations.

Mason jars are more than just handy. They're a great eco-friendly craft supply to keep on hand. You can often find vintage mason jars at yard sales, thrift stores, or on eBay. Even if you end up buying new mason jars, their durability still makes them very eco-friendly. Those glass jars and the metal lids that come with them will last you for years and years, unlike cheap plastic goods.

Because they're versatile and sturdy, mason jars work great for all kinds of party decor. Check out these mason jar party ideas for your next backyard party!

1. Hanging Lantern

Light up the night with lots of hanging lanterns made from just a couple of simple supplies that you probably have on hand right this second!

2. No-Spill Party Glasses

Grab some simple tools and turn a batch of mason jars into reusable cups! Just make sure you choose a paper, metal, or glass straw instead of a plastic one for healthier sipping!

3. Mason Jar Cocktails

Instead of altering your jars to make sippy cups, you can also use them to serve pre-mixed cocktails with less mess.

4. Individual Cobblers

Make dessert extra special at your next throwdown by baking up a batch of cobblers in mason jars that your guests can grab and munch.

5. A Cooler Veggie Plate

A plate of crudites might look a little bit boring. Serve carrot and celery sticks, slices of sweet pepper, and other raw veggies in mason jars for a more appealing presentation.

Have you done any fun mason jar party crafts? I'd love to hear your DIY ideas in the comments!

Of course, I can't think about parties without thinking about one of my favorite songs by my very favorite band:

Posted: | Categories: Craft Recycled, DIY, Glassware, Home+Decor, Living, mason jar crafts, mason jar ideas, mason jar party, mason jars

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