Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.23.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Chinese finance minister confirms carbon tax is on its way (via BusinessGreen)

Zero-carbon Britain is possible by 2030, claims new report (via Treehugger)

COAL 

EU finance arm to decide on curbing loans to coal-fired power (via Reuters)

CLIMATE 

UN climate change deal “may not be feasible” by 2015 (via RTCC)

Climate change slowdown due to warming of deep oceans, say scientists (via The Guardian)

DOE examines climate change impact on energy sector (via Breaking Energy)

New EPA chief exhorts agency staff to “act now on climate change” (via The Hill)

Alaska looks for answers in glacier’s summer flood surges (via New York Times)

Schwarzenegger filming documentary on climate change and wildfires (via Christian Science Monitor/AP)

RENEWABLES 

Thailand boosts solar target 50% to 3,000MW (via Bloomberg)

Wind turbine battleground shifts for European and Chinese rivals (via Reuters)

Central American solar markets spurred on by high electricity prices (via Greentech Media)

Solar provides Germany 50% of power at peak hour (via Facts of the Day)

Grid-connected solar capacity in India crosses 1.7GW (via Panchabuta)

Over 1GW and 11,000 jobs for Australian solar industry in 2012 (via CleanTechnica)

With push from tax break, wind industry slowly moves out of the doldrums (via ClimateWire)

Hydropower: the unsung hero of renewable energy (via Christian Science Monitor)

Foster’s solar-skinned buildings signal market tripling (via Bloomberg)

Advocates, foes of biofuels mandate get ready to rumble (via The Hill)

Interior Department announces Virginia offshore wind lease sale (via The Hill)

Oklahoma wind farms to provide power to Arkansas, Nebraska (via The Oklahoman)

Palo Alto switches to 100% renewables – at a cost of $3 per year (via Renew Economy)

Vestas joins DOE, Texas Tech to launch unique wind research facility (via Renewable Energy World)

NATURAL GAS 

US natural gas spot prices increased during first-half 2013 (via US EIA)

US rules on fracking on public lands seen costing drillers $345 million (via Reuters)

Kansas regulators considering new fracking rules (via Kansas City Star)

Minnesota agencies crafting frack sand mining rules (via Daily News/AP)

Welcome to Portage County, the fracking waste disposal capital of Ohio (via Grist)

ENVIRONMENT 

China to implement stricter air quality controls (via China Daily)

Arctic’s boreal forests burning at “unprecedented” rate (via Climate Central)

Pakistan now “one of the most water-stressed countries in the world” as demand exceeds supply (via Climate Progress)

NUCLEAR 

Japanese utility admits Fukushima leaking radioactive water into the sea (via AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Retail lease modifications can improve efficiency (via Environmental Leader)

CBRE initiative highlights most energy efficient real estate tenants (via GreenBiz)

Program shaves electricity bills 34% for low-income South Carolina homes (via Forbes)

OIL 

Oil production in Eagle Ford Shale jumped 58% in May (via Houston Chronicle)

48,000 barrels of oil spilled in Quebec train derailment (via Montreal Gazette)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric vehicle sales are skyrocketing in America (via Grist)

Electric cars selling faster than hybrids did at same point (via Green Car Reports)

GRID 

Wholesale electricity prices rise across the United States (via US EIA)

California and Texas smart grid success shows way forward for US (via CleanTechnica)

POLITICS 

Republicans propose limiting Obama climate plan in budget (via Bloomberg)

Feds fall short of green job goals (via Greenwire)

Lobbyists to hit Hill for slugfest over Renewable Fuel Standard (via E&E Daily)

OPINION 

Australian carbon tax abandoned – what lessons can be learned? (via Triple Pundit)

Echoes of Solyndra in Oregon wind farm probe (via Politico)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.23.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Chinese finance minister confirms carbon tax is on its way (via BusinessGreen)

Zero-carbon Britain is possible by 2030, claims new report (via Treehugger)

COAL 

EU finance arm to decide on curbing loans to coal-fired power (via Reuters)

CLIMATE 

UN climate change deal “may not be feasible” by 2015 (via RTCC)

Climate change slowdown due to warming of deep oceans, say scientists (via The Guardian)

DOE examines climate change impact on energy sector (via Breaking Energy)

New EPA chief exhorts agency staff to “act now on climate change” (via The Hill)

Alaska looks for answers in glacier’s summer flood surges (via New York Times)

Schwarzenegger filming documentary on climate change and wildfires (via Christian Science Monitor/AP)

RENEWABLES 

Thailand boosts solar target 50% to 3,000MW (via Bloomberg)

Wind turbine battleground shifts for European and Chinese rivals (via Reuters)

Central American solar markets spurred on by high electricity prices (via Greentech Media)

Solar provides Germany 50% of power at peak hour (via Facts of the Day)

Grid-connected solar capacity in India crosses 1.7GW (via Panchabuta)

Over 1GW and 11,000 jobs for Australian solar industry in 2012 (via CleanTechnica)

With push from tax break, wind industry slowly moves out of the doldrums (via ClimateWire)

Hydropower: the unsung hero of renewable energy (via Christian Science Monitor)

Foster’s solar-skinned buildings signal market tripling (via Bloomberg)

Advocates, foes of biofuels mandate get ready to rumble (via The Hill)

Interior Department announces Virginia offshore wind lease sale (via The Hill)

Oklahoma wind farms to provide power to Arkansas, Nebraska (via The Oklahoman)

Palo Alto switches to 100% renewables – at a cost of $3 per year (via Renew Economy)

Vestas joins DOE, Texas Tech to launch unique wind research facility (via Renewable Energy World)

NATURAL GAS 

US natural gas spot prices increased during first-half 2013 (via US EIA)

US rules on fracking on public lands seen costing drillers $345 million (via Reuters)

Kansas regulators considering new fracking rules (via Kansas City Star)

Minnesota agencies crafting frack sand mining rules (via Daily News/AP)

Welcome to Portage County, the fracking waste disposal capital of Ohio (via Grist)

ENVIRONMENT 

China to implement stricter air quality controls (via China Daily)

Arctic’s boreal forests burning at “unprecedented” rate (via Climate Central)

Pakistan now “one of the most water-stressed countries in the world” as demand exceeds supply (via Climate Progress)

NUCLEAR 

Japanese utility admits Fukushima leaking radioactive water into the sea (via AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Retail lease modifications can improve efficiency (via Environmental Leader)

CBRE initiative highlights most energy efficient real estate tenants (via GreenBiz)

Program shaves electricity bills 34% for low-income South Carolina homes (via Forbes)

OIL 

Oil production in Eagle Ford Shale jumped 58% in May (via Houston Chronicle)

48,000 barrels of oil spilled in Quebec train derailment (via Montreal Gazette)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric vehicle sales are skyrocketing in America (via Grist)

Electric cars selling faster than hybrids did at same point (via Green Car Reports)

GRID 

Wholesale electricity prices rise across the United States (via US EIA)

California and Texas smart grid success shows way forward for US (via CleanTechnica)

POLITICS 

Republicans propose limiting Obama climate plan in budget (via Bloomberg)

Feds fall short of green job goals (via Greenwire)

Lobbyists to hit Hill for slugfest over Renewable Fuel Standard (via E&E Daily)

OPINION 

Australian carbon tax abandoned – what lessons can be learned? (via Triple Pundit)

Echoes of Solyndra in Oregon wind farm probe (via Politico)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.16.13

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

CLIMATE 

Sea levels set for continuing rise in warming world (via Climate Central)

Study: sand dunes, coral reefs protect coasts against climate change (via The Hill)

Colorado wildfire costs insurers $292.8 million (via Bloomberg)

UMass researchers study link between allergies and global warming (via CBS News)

Evangelical scientists issue faith-base call for climate action (via Climate Progress)

OIL 

BP looks to shave more money off Gulf oil spill fines tab (via Houston Chronicle)

Shell’s biggest oil platform heads for deep-water Gulf (via Houston Chronicle)

Alaskan voters will weigh in on tax cut for oil industry (via Stateline)

Exxon won’t disclose inspection results of ruptured Arkansas pipeline’s condition (via InsideClimate News)

RENEWABLES 

China becomes first country to hit 3GW solar milestone (via CleanTechnica)

No quick end to EU-China solar trade war, says EPIA (via Recharge)

India tells wind farms to forecast power or face fines (via Panchabuta)

What’s next for the EU’s renewable energy targets? (via Renewable Energy World)

These maps show the best places to put solar and wind – it’s not where you think (via Washington Post)

Forest biomass loses in US Appeals Court ruling (via EarthTechling)

How much backup does wind power need? (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

Australian PM replaces fixed-price carbon tax with cap-and-trade ahead of elections (via Washington Post)

Rising coal, falling gas jump US emissions by 280 million tons (via Facts of the Day)

Change in social cost of carbon under scrutiny (via Politico)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

US to begin exporting fracked gas (via BBC News)

Fracking research: what’s behind EPA’s abandoned studies? (via Christian Science Monitor)

TRANSPORTATION 

A guide to every hybrid car on sale in the US (via Green Car Reports)

Gasoline prices surge nationwide (via Houston Chronicle)

All of a sudden, Nissan doesn’t have enough Leafs to go around (via Autoblog Green)

Midwest gas prices would rise if Keystone pipeline is built (via Kansas City Star)

California high-speed rail to have net zero emissions (via CleanTechnica)

ENVIRONMENT 

India declares 5,748 missing in Himalayan floods (via New York Times)

Perry renews drought disaster for much of Texas (via ABC News)

25 years after Exxon Valdez oil spill, company still hasn’t paid for long-term environmental damages (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

Plans to boost US grid hampered by fragmented ownership (via Energy Manager Today)

Grid resiliency doesn't come cheap in New Jersey (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY POLICY 

Oil industry launches new attack against ethanol mandate (via Reuters)

Canada’s train disaster could inspire new US regulations (via Houston Chronicle)

Low Great Lakes levels raise concerns for Midwest power plants (via Midwest Energy News)

Pennsylvania oil and gas industry caused 365 spills in 2012, but few fines levied (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US universities commit to graduate majors in green chemistry (via Sustainable Business)

POLITICS 

White House, environmentalists met before renewable fuel program crop approval (via The Hill)

Conservative energy group launches anti-carbon tax campaign (via The Hill)

For McCarthy, it’s all over but the regulating (via The Hill)

Senate climate showdown takes shape (via The Hill)

OPINION 

From fixed price to ETS: the complications of reducing emissions (via Renew Economy)

10 ways wind power is beating fossil fuel in India (via GigaOm)

Is solar cheaper than grid electricity? Yes and no. (via Grist)

What we can learn from the electric vehicle shakeout (via GigaOm)

Solar power has gotten so good we can use it to power airplanes (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.15.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Australia to scrap carbon tax for trading scheme (via Agence France-Presse)

California cap and trade could mean data center cost bumps (via GigaOm)

CLIMATE 

Ice sheets melting at rate of 300 billion tons a year, shows climate satellites (via The Independent)

Study shows climate change happening too quickly for species to adapt (via The Guardian)

After Sandy, New York aims to fortify itself against next big storm & climate change (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Solar PV to hit grid parity, $134 billion annual revenue by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Annual offshore wind investment to hit €18 billion by 2016 (via Renewable Energy World)

China vows to quadruple solar generating capacity by 2015 (via Reuters)

EU plans probe on German renewable energy law (via Reuters)

Europe installs 1GW offshore wind capacity in first half 2013 (via BusinessGreen)

The history of biofuels goes back 300 years (via Autoblog Green)

US court says biofuel producers must face carbon emissions rules (via Reuters)

Georgia PSC orders 525MW more solar power capacity by 2016 (via Atlanta Business Chronicle)

New York inches toward offshore wind energy (via EarthTechling)

NATURAL GAS 

France’s president rules out shale gas exploration (via Reuters)

Sen. Wyden: natural gas proposal coming soon (via The Hill)

ENVIRONMENT 

Study: world’s coral reefs face serious problems by 2100 (via Climate Central)

Sweeping parts of southern seas could become a nature preserve (via NPR)

Study says removing coastal habitat doubles flood impact (via Phys.org)

Canada’s second-largest fire on record spreads smoke to Europe (via Weather Underground)

Wind power and this bird get along fine (via EarthTechling)

OIL

Full extent of heavy metal contamination in Arkansas Exxon oil spill still unknown (via InsideClimate News)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK aims for low-carbon vehicles with £1 billion R&D center (via BusinessGreen)

GM to double models with 40-mpg highway or better by 2017 (via Green Car Congress)

Battery-electric cars are outselling plug-in hybrids (via Green Car Reports)

Better Place bought out of bankruptcy for $12 million (via GigaOm)

Study projects Tesla Roadster packs will retain 80-85% capacity after 100k miles (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla trims Model S reservation price in half (via CleanTechnica)

One year with my Chevy Volt (via CleanTechnica)

Connecticut to fund $200,000 in public charging station incentives (via Autoblog Green)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Federal building efficiency standard could cut energy use 18% (via Environmental Leader)

DOE set to order energy efficiency standards for US computers and servers (via The Hill)

GREEN BUSINESS

Recycling saved General Motors $1 billion in 2012 (via BusinessGreen)

Skanska quits US Chamber of Commerce over anti-LEED lobbying (via BusinessGreen)

NUCLEAR 

IAEA says aging nuclear reactors pose safety challenge (via Reuters)

GREEN BUILDING 

Re-imagined London tower would harvest pollution as fuel (via EarthTechling)

Munich building snags highest-ever LEED rating (via EarthTechling)

ENERGY POLICY 

Water scarcity from climate change could jack up Europe’s power prices (via Climate Progress)

World Bank abandons coal, green-lights clean micro-grids (via Renew Economy)

When space weather attacks the grid (via Washington Post)

Ideas to bolster US power grid run up against system’s many owners (via New York Times)

Flush with oil and gas cash, North Dakota’s economic growth tops in nation (via Stateline)

POLITICS 

Rudd seeks to ditch carbon tax with eye on election campaign (via Bloomberg)

Tough job ahead as Obama puts climate talk into action, sells plan to public (via Washington Post)

Battle over EPA nominee draws to a close (via The Hill)

GOP “climate disconnect” would sacrifice climate research for weather forecasting (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.3.13

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

EMISSIONS 

European parliament votes for backloading plan to push up carbon price (via BusinessGreen)

EU ministers and blue chips unite in call to save carbon market (via BusinessGreen)

33 cities test new framework for community-scale greenhouse gas inventories (via WRI Insights)

Lesser-known CO2 storage idea merits attention (via Reuters)

United Church of Christ passes fossil fuel divestment strategy (via Huffington Post)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Ratings and rankings: how competition promotes corporate sustainability (via GreenBiz)

Report says less carbon pollution and more manufacturing can go together (via Climate Progress)

Why American businesses should fight for renewable portfolio standards (via GreenBiz)

RENEWABLES 

Saudi Arabia starts survey of renewable energy potential (via Bloomberg)

Desertec in trouble as founders quit €400 billion solar project (via RTCC)

UK feed-in tariff generates 380,000 small-scale renewable projects in three years (via BusinessGreen)

Uganda launches renewable energy feed-in tariff program (via Renewable Energy World)

Solar water heaters bloom on China’s rooftops, but not in the US (via ClimateWire)

Vestas wins 93MW South African wind turbine order (via Bloomberg)

Algae species shows promise in reducing power plant pollution to make biofuel (via Green Car Congress)

Interior approves 500MW Arizona wind farm (via Renew Grid)

Connecticut’s green bank: a model for public-private renewables partnerships? (via Breaking Energy)

COAL 

Obama revamps $8 billion coal loan program amid objections (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

UN charts “unprecedented” global warming since 2000 (via Bloomberg)

Japan’s climate finance plan welcomed by vulnerable nations (via RTCC)

Rich countries’ proposal to bypass poorer governments on climate aid rejected in UN (via The Guardian)

Death estimates from Indian floods range to 10,000 (via Wall Street Journal)

Arizona wildfire continues to burn out of control (via Arizona Republic)

Death Valley hit hottest US June temperature ever recorded Sunday – 129 (via Washington Post)

OIL 

Federal court rejects SEC rule on oil company payments (via Houston Chronicle)

Obama administration boosts oil industry with $8 billion in loan guarantees (via Houston Chronicle)

Steelmakers file US trade case seeking duties on oil pipes (via Houston Chronicle)

Sickened by Exxon oil spill, Arkansas victims face confusion of officials and doctors (via InsideClimate News)

TRANSPORTATION 

GM and Honda to collaborate on fuel-cell development (via New York Times)

Strong June sales push Chevy Volt ahead of Nissan Leaf for first time since February (via Autoblog Green)

Fisker bankruptcy likely, says Delaware governor (via Autoblog Green)

NUCLEAR 

Fukushima plant operator seeks to restart two nuclear reactors (via New York Times)

Lower power prices and high repair costs drive nuclear retirements (via US EIA)

GRID 

PJM seeks additional resources to restart electric system if power lost across grid (via Wall Street Journal)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Tar sands coal petcoke exports hit second-highest level ever in April (via DeSmog Blog)

Keystone XL foes turn focus to local governments (via ABC News/AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Cambridge plans $1.5 billion in energy efficiency retrofits (via Energy Manager Today)

How Obama’s climate plan will boost US energy efficiency (via Greentech Media)

Empire State Building efficiency retrofit model rolls out across US (via CleanTechnica)

NPR’s LEED Gold headquarters a radio nerd’s dream (via EarthTechling)

POLITICS 

What would happen if candidates and elected officials were asked to sign a climate action pledge? (via Climate Progress)

Has the GOP stopped denying climate science, and will they begin participating in solutions? (via The Guardian)

OPINION 

Solar offers hope in fight against climate change (via Huffington Post)

Kosovo a chance for World Bank, Obama to show climate change leadership (via National Geographic)

Heroes and villains of the renewable energy fight (via CleanTechnica)

A closer look at Obama’s $7 billion plan to bring electricity to Africa (via Washington Post)

What’s causing the West’s heat wave and why hot nights are so dangerous (via Washington Post/AP)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.2.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China’s CO2 growth has turned a corner (via Reuters)

EU ministers urge ETS yes vote (via Recharge)

EPA sends climate rule to White House (via Politico)

New Jersey may rejoin Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (via Bloomberg)

OIL 

Saudi Arabia taps new oil areas in plan to preserve capacity (via Reuters)

Moniz: CO2 could enhance US oil production by millions of barrels a day (via Houston Chronicle)

Big lenders wary of following oil money to North Dakota (via Reuters)

Two major lawsuits filed against ExxonMobil for Arkansas tar sands spill (via DeSmog Blog)

RENEWABLES 

California advances pioneering shared renewables bill (via Climate Progress)

Is anything stopping a massive build-out of desert solar? (via Scientific American)

Germany to add 6.5GW of renewable energy this year (via Recharge)

Can Europe meet its 2020 offshore wind targets? (via Renewable Energy World)

Rise in wind and solar expected to boost energy storage market (via Renew Grid)

Austin Energy adds 570MW to wind portfolio (via Renew Grid)

Tennessee public schools to generate nearly $1 million with solar (via Renewable Energy World)

CLIMATE 

Obama seeks to reassert US role in climate debate (via New York Times)

Ocean acidification threatens billion-dollar oyster business (via Climate Central)

Climate change driving more active El Nino cycles (via Yale e360)

Cities lead: preparing for climate change impacts (via EcoAffect)

The climate context behind the deadly Arizona wildfire (via Climate Central)

NRDC releases online tool to track local effects of climate change (via Inhabitat)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas exporters to defend pricing as courts reject oil link (via Houston Chronicle)

Natural gas production remains stable despite low price (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric vehicle drive motor revenue will surpass $2.8 billion annually by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Airbus and Rolls-Royce to build plane powered by algae (via International Business Times)

Biodiesel production nears record output (via Facts of the Day)

Tesla officially gets behind White House petition to allow direct EV sales (via Autoblog Green)

DOE to award up to $13 million to four advanced biofuels projects (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

As China’s demand for coal soars, so does its water scarcity (via ClimateWire)

Deadly heat wave in the West brings fires and travel delays (via New York Times)

Experts see new normal as a hotter, drier West faces more huge fires (via New York Times)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Do green jobs come in any other color? (via Renewable Energy World)

Half of all US retail and hotel projects to be green buildings by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

New coalition aims to accelerate sustainable purchasing (via Sustainable Industries)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Wireless control systems for smart buildings will reach nearly $295 million in annual revenue by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

8 surprising energy hogs in your home (via Greentech Media)

POLITICS 

Obama says ravages of climate change is make-or-break issue (via AP)

Koch pledge tied to Congressional climate inaction (via The New Yorker)

Conservatives seek alternatives to climate denialism, come up short (via Grist)

OPINION 

Kevin Rudd needs to seize the moment on climate (via Renew Economy)

How Obama could approve Keystone (via National Journal)

Can Obama’s Africa power plan hold a candle to China? (via Reuters)

Ron Binz will continue FERC’s leadership toward a clean energy future (via Climate Progress)

New Jersey’s new development bill could endanger families, businesses, and first responders (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.2.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China’s CO2 growth has turned a corner (via Reuters)

EU ministers urge ETS yes vote (via Recharge)

EPA sends climate rule to White House (via Politico)

New Jersey may rejoin Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (via Bloomberg)

OIL 

Saudi Arabia taps new oil areas in plan to preserve capacity (via Reuters)

Moniz: CO2 could enhance US oil production by millions of barrels a day (via Houston Chronicle)

Big lenders wary of following oil money to North Dakota (via Reuters)

Two major lawsuits filed against ExxonMobil for Arkansas tar sands spill (via DeSmog Blog)

RENEWABLES 

California advances pioneering shared renewables bill (via Climate Progress)

Is anything stopping a massive build-out of desert solar? (via Scientific American)

Germany to add 6.5GW of renewable energy this year (via Recharge)

Can Europe meet its 2020 offshore wind targets? (via Renewable Energy World)

Rise in wind and solar expected to boost energy storage market (via Renew Grid)

Austin Energy adds 570MW to wind portfolio (via Renew Grid)

Tennessee public schools to generate nearly $1 million with solar (via Renewable Energy World)

CLIMATE 

Obama seeks to reassert US role in climate debate (via New York Times)

Ocean acidification threatens billion-dollar oyster business (via Climate Central)

Climate change driving more active El Nino cycles (via Yale e360)

Cities lead: preparing for climate change impacts (via EcoAffect)

The climate context behind the deadly Arizona wildfire (via Climate Central)

NRDC releases online tool to track local effects of climate change (via Inhabitat)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas exporters to defend pricing as courts reject oil link (via Houston Chronicle)

Natural gas production remains stable despite low price (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric vehicle drive motor revenue will surpass $2.8 billion annually by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Airbus and Rolls-Royce to build plane powered by algae (via International Business Times)

Biodiesel production nears record output (via Facts of the Day)

Tesla officially gets behind White House petition to allow direct EV sales (via Autoblog Green)

DOE to award up to $13 million to four advanced biofuels projects (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

As China’s demand for coal soars, so does its water scarcity (via ClimateWire)

Deadly heat wave in the West brings fires and travel delays (via New York Times)

Experts see new normal as a hotter, drier West faces more huge fires (via New York Times)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Do green jobs come in any other color? (via Renewable Energy World)

Half of all US retail and hotel projects to be green buildings by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

New coalition aims to accelerate sustainable purchasing (via Sustainable Industries)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Wireless control systems for smart buildings will reach nearly $295 million in annual revenue by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

8 surprising energy hogs in your home (via Greentech Media)

POLITICS 

Obama says ravages of climate change is make-or-break issue (via AP)

Koch pledge tied to Congressional climate inaction (via The New Yorker)

Conservatives seek alternatives to climate denialism, come up short (via Grist)

OPINION 

Kevin Rudd needs to seize the moment on climate (via Renew Economy)

How Obama could approve Keystone (via National Journal)

Can Obama’s Africa power plan hold a candle to China? (via Reuters)

Ron Binz will continue FERC’s leadership toward a clean energy future (via Climate Progress)

New Jersey’s new development bill could endanger families, businesses, and first responders (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.1.13

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

CLIMATE 

Obama plan could define 2015 UN climate deal (via RTCC)

Climate change poses grave threat to security: UK military commander (via BusinessGreen)

Climate change not something insurance is likely to cover (via EarthTechling)

Federal community-resilience investments swamped by disaster damages (via Climate Progress)

A new industry is born for the frontlines of climate change (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Coal-fired retrofit market “$523 billion by 2020” (via Environmental Leader)

In 2013, coal is winning the war on coal: generation jumps 13% as natural gas falls 10% (via Facts of The Day)

DOE Secretary Moniz rebuts “war on coal” (via The Hill)

Coal trains raise concerns in congested Northwest US cities (via Seattle Times)

RENEWABLES 

India’s renewable energy potential remains untapped (via Triple Pundit)

Tensions laid bare as Desertec exits industrial solar consortium (via BusinessGreen)

Congress may change or even repeal 2007 ethanol mandate (via Autoblog Green)

Western governors unveil 10-year energy “vision” (via Houston Chronicle)

ACORE looks at how to scale US renewable energy investments (via Renewable Energy World)

World’s first wind-current generator could produce double the power (via TreeHugger)

Making small wind work takes big planning (via EarthTechling)

SolarCity plans solar power storage solution due in 2015 (via Los Angeles Times)

Connecticut Green Bank closes on $60 million solar lease financing (via Hartford Courant)

South Carolina regulators to re-examine solar power rules (via The State)

OIL 

Cheaper Canadian oil for Midwest refiners not reflected in price at the pump (via InsideClimate News)

BP report says Gulf oil spill only half as big as government claims (via Forbes)

Report shows ExxonMobil pipeline that spilled oil in Arkansas had at least 13 prior leaks (via The Republic)

TRANSPORTATION 

The future of solar and wind powered shipping (via MIT Technology Review)

Hertz 24/7 will make car-sharing available to most Americans by 2016 (via Autoblog Green)

Midwest seen as proving ground for biofuel-powered airliners (via Midwest Energy News)

California high-speed rail is moving forward (via Inhabitat)

Tesla Motors conquers North Carolina (via CleanTechnica)

NATURAL GAS 

China backs off shale gas targets (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Electricity market analytics could cut data center emissions 99% (via Energy Manager Today)

Energy Star updates Portfolio Manager for buildings (via GreenBiz)

Chicago to require benchmarking in large commercial buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

5 ways to engage low-income customers in efficiency (via Greentech Media)

GRID 

Algorithm identifies most danger power grid risks amid millions of possible failures (via Phys.org)

What’s the real cost of smart meters in Maine? (via Greentech Media)

EMISSIONS 

Is carbon pricing reducing Australia’s emissions? (via Renew Economy)

99% of Australian businesses back emissions trading scheme (via RTCC)

Some climate advocates open to idea of dumping Australian carbon tax (via The Guardian)

GREEN BUILDING 

Study: smart growth reduces risk of mortgage default (via Sustainable Cities Collective)

At Fort Bliss, an Army vision for a new shade of green (via Los Angeles Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Butterfly decline signals trouble in environment (via Washington Post)

In Texas, a push to show farmers how to save water (via Texas Tribune)

POLITICS 

Obama calls on voters to demand climate action at the ballot box (via The Hill)

Two insiders take the reins on Obama’s climate effort (via Greenwire)

Moderate Democrats, facing hard midterm elections, treat climate plan carefully (via ClimateWire)

Senate leans toward Gina McCarthy confirmation for EPA (via Politico)

OPINION 

Scientists predicted a decade ago Artic ice loss would worsen Western droughts – is that happening already? (via Climate Progress)

Obama’s Lincoln moment? (via Grist)

The biggest oversight in Obama’s climate plan is a doozy (via Grist)

Google’s green search (via Recharge)

The myriad benefits of a carbon tax (via New York Times)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.19.13

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

COAL 

US coal exports set monthly record (via US EIA)

Army Corps won’t consider global emissions from coal exports (via The Hill)

EMISSIONS

China carbon permits trade 22% below EU on market debut (via Bloomberg)

EU emission trading system set for second “backloading” vote (via RTCC)

Autism tied to air pollution, brain-wiring disconnection (via Bloomberg)

Cutting carbon could save US corporations $780 billion over 10 years (via BusinessGreen)

GRID 

Smart grid market revenue will hit $73 billion annually by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Obama nourishes smart grid to feed his legacy (via Forbes)

RENEWABLES 

European utilities switch off investment in fossil fuel plants (via New York Times)

Japan’s journey from nuclear to solar power (via EarthTechling)

Moniz sees bright future for solar (via Breaking Energy)

Cape Wind gets $200 million investment from Danish fund (via Phys.org)

California’s solar energy initiative is ending – what has it left behind? (via Energy Collective)

Getting it right in New England’s regional process for Canadian hydropower imports (via CLF Scoop)

CLIMATE 

World Bank says world’s poorest will feel brunt of climate change (via The Guardian)

Small global warming rise would have “alarming” impact, says World Bank (via Reuters)

California and Shenzen, China sign agreement to cooperate on climate change (via Green Car Congress)

Ernest Moniz keeps cool as House GOP disputes climate change (via Politico)

Record-shattering heat bakes Alaska (via Washington Post)

Seattle adopts carbon neutral climate action plan for 2050 (via Climate Progress)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

EPA official says fracking study won’t be done until 2016 (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Bahrain launches green plan to tackle growing energy consumption (via Gulf Daily News)

Firing up Minnesota’s “energy efficiency power plant” (via Midwest Energy News)

Making energy efficiency attractive for owners of older Seattle buildings (via New York Times)

OIL 

US considers exporting more oil for first time since 1970’s (via Bloomberg)

Canada raises liability for offshore oil spills to $1 billion (via Globe and Mail)

Why did officials slap Exxon with an oil spill lawsuit so quickly in Arkansas? (via InsideClimate News)

TRANSPORTATION 

South Africa starts three-year study to see if it’s ready for EVs (via Autoblog Green)

Vermont and Quebec announce electric car corridor (via Fox News/AP)

Will you or the grid control your electric car? (via Scientific American)

ENVIRONMENT 

This year’s Gulf of Mexico dead zone could be biggest on record (via Time)

“Extreme” Arizona wildfire burns 5,000 acres in just 7 hours (via NBC News)

LA approves ban on plastic grocery bags (via Los Angeles Times)

OPINION 

Why you should care about Solar Impulse and renewable energy’s long journey (via Washington Post)

How reliance on trees can help forests (via New York Times)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.14.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Study raises hope of combating global warming by reducing soot (via Christian Science Monitor)

Storm-battered Philippines moves to reduce climate risks and emissions (via ClimateWire)

Supreme Court curbs Port of Los Angeles’ crackdown on truck emissions (via Greenwire)

OIL 

Why America’s shale oil boom could end sooner than you think (via Forbes)

US crude oil production could reach 10 million barrels per day by 2040 (via US EIA)

ExxonMobil faces federal lawsuit over Arkansas oil spill (via Los Angeles Times)

US, Arkansas file joint complaint against Exxon Mobil (via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

Canadian regulator says Kinder Morgan pipeline spills crude in British Columbia (via Wall Street Journal)

RENEWABLES 

MLPs: a bargain for renewables or a devil’s bargain? (via Greentech Media)

Hawaii pledges $300 million for green future (via Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

Native Americans decry eagle deaths tied to wind farms (via Reuters)

Concentrating solar power for 5.57 cents/kWh (via CleanTechnica)

Dominion Virginia Power set to launch solar purchase plan (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Wind power getting cheaper for Oklahoma utility customers (via The Oklahoman)

ENVIRONMENT 

China to survey soil pollution nationwide (via Bloomberg)

Fish nets found to kill large numbers of birds (via New York Times)

Colorado wildfire destroys more homes than any other in state history (via New York Times)

Supreme Court backs Oklahoma over Texas water demand (via Texas Tribune)

NATURAL GAS 

What does Israel’s offshore natural gas resources mean for the region? (via Council on Foreign Relations)

DOE Secretary Moniz vows gas export decisions this year (via the Hill)

CLIMATE 

Is a sleeping climate giant stirring in the Arctic? (via NASA)

Climate bond market doubles to $346 billion in 2012 (via BusinessGreen)

Cuba girds for climate change by reclaiming coasts (via Boston Globe/AP)

Geoengineering via iron fertilization could backfire (via Science Daily)

Sources: Obama climate plan rollout may come in July (via Politico)

FEMA report says climate change could increase flood risk areas by 45% (via Mother Jones)

$110 billion price tag for US extreme weather events in 2012 (via Climate Central)

Senators from Sandy-hit states press Obama on climate rules (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

French car-sharing service Autolib will make US debut in Indianapolis (via Autoblog Green)

Austin, Texas claims nation’s largest electric car share (via Greentech Media)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US companies “fall short of sustainability goals” (via Environmental Leader)

GRID 

California energy storage plan may require $3 billion investment (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EPA upgrades Portfolio Manager benchmarking tool for commercial buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

Minnesota home sale listings to include efficiency scores (via Midwest Energy News)

OPINION 

How the World Bank could slash its carbon emissions: start flying in coach (via Washington Post)

Why federal renewable mandates challenge US utilities – and what they can do (via Breaking Energy)

How EPA fights climate change even when Congress doesn’t want it to (via National Journal)

Climate change is the GOP’s worst nightmare (via Denver Post)