Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.18.13

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

COP 19

Tense week ahead for UN climate talks (via AP)

Carbon market negotiations falter in Warsaw (via BusinessGreen)

3 ways to make progress on climate finance at COP 19 (via World Resources Institute)

EMISSIONS

Unabated coal use will break world’s “coal budget” (via World Resources Institute)

Carbon market “toolbox” could create global standards (via Environmental Leader)

The EPA might be able to push a carbon tax on its own (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES

Brazil wind industry seeking clarity on grid operator interconnection plans (via Recharge)

EPA retreats on ethanol mandate (via The Hill)

US may be hitting its ethanol limit, so EPA wants to relax its biofuels goals (via Washington Post)

As ALEC shifts RPS opposition strategy, state law favors renewables (via Greentech Media)

Report highlights best practices to incorporate renewables onto grid (via Energy Manager Today)

California gets 19% electricity from non-hydro renewables, up from 12% in 2008 (via Facts of the Day)

First large-scale biogas plant in US coming online in California (via Sustainable Business)

LA solar energy investment atlas a model for renewables development (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Michigan Tech tests if solar power works up north (via Miami Herald/AP)

How whiskey makers could soon be providing a superior biofuel (via Climate Progress)

COAL

UN climate chief warns of financial risk to coal’s future (via BusinessGreen)

King coal enjoys an unexpected renaissance in the UK (via Financial Times)

The death of coal (via The Atlantic)

CLIMATE

Insurance shortfall hits poorest and most vulnerable (via Climate Central)

Super typhoon Haiyan: Realities of a warmed world (via Huffington Post)

Climate change rallies staged across Canada (via CBC News)

Thousands rally in Australia for climate action (via Phys.org)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Shale revolution spreads with record wells outside US (via Bloomberg)

Water shortages could dry up shale gas craze (via Forbes)

The backdoor bid to ban fracking (via National Journal)

Breaking down the new proposed fracking rules released in Illinois and California (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

As utility efficiency programs grow, some industries want out (via Midwest Energy News)

PNNL’s lab homes run energy efficient technologies through the paces (via Breaking Energy)

NUCLEAR

Workers begin removing fuel rods at Fukushima (via National Journal)

GREEN BUILDING

Tool measures building materials’ environmental impact (via Environmental Leader)

TRANSPORTATION

Fast charging key to EV adoption, finds study (via Greentech Media)

6,554 Tesla Model S units sold in California through September 2013 (via San Jose Mercury News)

POLITICS

House GOP revives energy battles with Obama (via The Hill)

Sen. Stabenow criticizes proposed EPA fuel mandate (via The Hill)

OPINION

Are UN global warming talks futile? (via National Journal)

UN’s Ban Ki-moon says Philippines typhoon a “warning” on climate change (via Phys.org)

Global warming pragmatism (via Washington Post)

Is business leading the way in developing off-grid energy? (via The Guardian)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.15.13

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

COP 19 

US, EU reject Brazil’s call for climate equity metric (via Bloomberg)

US envoys told to block climate compensation plans at UN (via RTCC)

COAL 

China’s smog threatens health of global coal projects (via Reuters)

Tennessee Valley Authority to close eight large coal-fired power plants (via Washington Post)

Coal-free power from Constellation will save Chicago $1.2 million over two years (via Energy Manager Today)

RENEWABLES 

Global PV module pricing to stay flat in 2014, polysilicon pricing to increase 25% (via Greentech Media)

Bonds backed by solar power payments get nod (via New York Times)

US EPA to unveil biofuel rules as soon as Friday (via Reuters)

32 US senators urge administration to support US biodiesel (via National Journal)

Clean Energy Pipeline reports US clean tech project investment falloff (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Google to invest in six more large solar panel farms in the Southwest US (via GigaOm)

Arizona preserves net metering by charging a small fee to solar owners (via Greentech Media)

Clean energy adds jobs, growth to Michigan and New York (via EarthTechling)

Top 10 things you didn’t know about concentrating solar power (via Breaking Energy)

Are solar panels facing the wrong direction? (via Greentech media)

OIL 

Bakken oil production forecast to top 1 million barrels per day in December (via US EIA)

Exxon overlooked, masked safety threats in years before Pegasus pipeline burst (via InsideClimate News)

TRANSPORTATION 

Study: US drivers have fewer cars, drive them less, use less gas (via Green Car Reports)

Can California charge ahead to one million EVs within ten years? (via CleanTechnica)

EPA chief: Fuel mandate safe for cars (via The Hill)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Gas exports could put nation in “danger zone,” trade group tells Moniz (via Houston Chronicle)

Colorado’s new fracking bans may be on shaky legal ground (via Denver Business Journal)

EMISSIONS 

Japan slashes climate reduction target amid nuclear shutdown (via BBC News)

California approves offsets to ease compliance with carbon rules (via Sacramento Bee)

California court upholds state’s right to sell carbon permits (via Reuters)

California marks first anniversary of cap-and-trade (via Energy Collective)

NUCLEAR 

Last shipment of nuclear fuel from Russian bombs heads to US (via New York Times)

In Illinois, nuclear industry sees no urgency on waste storage (via Midwest Energy News)

CLIMATE 

Panel warns of “catastrophic” gap in weather satellite data (via Climate Central)

Want to piss off the White House? Talk about climate change (via Mother Jones)

Delaware governor links typhoon and climate change (via Politico)

GRID 

CEOs of 16 largest power grid operators call for greater investment in reliability and resilience (via Renew Grid)

Tennessee Valley Authority move demonstrates market for Clean Line project (via The Oklahoman)

ENVIRONMENT 

These maps show where the Earth’s forests are vanishing (via Washington Post)

Amazon deforestation increases by nearly a third in one year (via The Guardian)

POLITICS 

Obama filling out energy team (via The Hill)

Chief of Natural Resources Defense Council to retire in 2014 (via The Hill)

The four most frustrating moments from Thursday’s EPA hearing (via Climate Progress)

OPINION 

Is nuclear power the answer? (via New York Times)

Five ways buildings have reached a “GREEN” tipping point (via GreenBiz)

Variety is critical to growing EV charging market (via Navigant Research)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.1.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China, emerging economies “account for 48% of carbon emissions” (via The Guardian/Reuters)

Smaller rise in global CO2 emissions may be sign of permanent slowing (via Yale e360)

Labor party to challenge Australian carbon tax repeal (via Financial Review)

Netherlands town becomes first in Europe to vow fossil fuel divestment (via Climate Progress)

ENVIRONMENT 

Russia, Ukraine halt giant Antarctic marine sanctuary plan (via Reuters)

Interior Secretary Jewell lays out US conservation strategy (via Washington Post)

Officials search for plan as California reservoirs drop below half capacity (via Climate Progress)

RENEWABLES 

Wind turbine placement study yields staggering results (via EarthTechling)

Two US senators propose national renewable electricity standard (via Renew Grid)

Ethanol, oil groups blitz White House as biofuel rule nears (via Reuters)

More than 160 House members ask EPA to relax renewable fuel mandate (via Houston Chronicle)

Solar goes big: Launching the California Valley Solar Ranch (via Energy.gov)

How a speedy ship could cut the cost of offshore wind power (via BusinessGreen)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Mexico unlikely to tap its Eagle Ford Shale, expert says (via Houston Chronicle)

Marcellus Shale fracking wells use 5 million gallons of water apiece (via Grist)

Kentucky, where fracking is a curse (via National Journal)

Fracking faces judgment day Tuesday in four Colorado ballot initiatives (via Greenwire)

CLIMATE 

Climate change impacts to poor countries go far beyond money – report (via ClimateWire)

Pacific Ocean now warming 15x faster than in past 10,000 years (via Washington Post)

White House will focus on climate shifts while trying to cut emissions (via New York Times)

COAL 

Poland, wedded to coal, spurns Europe on clean energy targets (via New York Times)

Coal country’s decline has a long history (via National Journal)

NUCLEAR 

DOE Secretary Moniz offers Japan aid with Fukushima cleanup (via ABC News/AP)

OIL 

German spy agency says US shale will depress oil prices for decades (via Reuters)

North Dakota lawmakers want to make all oil spills public (via Climate Progress)

Montana, US to seek damages from 2011 Exxon Mobil spill (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla wins victory in Virginia, gets go-ahead to open store (via CleanTechnica)

Brookings: Cash for Clunkers was a lemon (via Politico)

TAR SANDS 

Shell joins energy rush, green lights new Alberta oil sands project (via Globe and Mail)

POLITICS 

Climate activists outspending big coal in crucial Washington State election (via Climate Progress)

Australia’s Labor Party signals carbon standoff by demanding emissions trading (via The Guardian)

OPINION 

Carbon emissions tied to stock valuations? (via BusinessGreen)

Almost anything would have been better stimulus than “Cash for Clunkers” (via Washington Post)

How much did the feds really help with fracking? (via Forbes)

What’s been going on with the US smart grid investment grant program (via Renew Grid)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.31.13

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Looking for a way around Keystone XL, Canadian oil hits the rails (via New York Times)

Canadian emissions report undermines pipeline pitch to Washington (via InsideClimate News)

TransCanada CEO: Keystone process has been “circus” (via Politico)

CLIMATE 

Pacific Ocean may be “hiding” global warming (via RTCC)

In Sandy’s wake, flood zones and insurance rates re-examined (via NPR)

Climate change risks hiding in investment portfolios, says Gore (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

In Brazil, wind blowing in a new era of renewable energy (via Washington Post)

Renewables support here to stay, says UK government (via BusinessGreen)

2013 to be a record year for offshore wind (via Grist/Earth Policy Institute)

Renewable energy for mining industry will reach $4 billion in annual market value by 2022 (via Navigant Research)

Ethanol, oil groups blitz White House as biofuel rule nears (via Reuters)

Solar rebound beating Dot.Com recovery as demand surges (via Bloomberg)

New wind energy research focuses on turbine arrangement, wind seasonality (via Phys.org)

Study: 30% renewables in PJM would cut costs, emissions (via Midwest Energy News/EnergyWire)

Solar advocates and Xcel spar over future of rooftop solar (via Denver Post)

COAL 

The war on the “War on Coal” (via Marketplace)

Peak coal: Will the US run out of coal in 20 years or 200 years? (via Greentech Media)

GRID 

States receive grades on net metering and interconnection policies (via Renew Grid)

8 charts that illustrate progress on DOE’s smart grid investment grants (via Greentech Media)

Want to opt out of a smart meter in Texas? It will cost you (via StateImpact Texas)

OIL 

Poll: Oil to fall to $80 in real terms by 2020 (via Reuters)

Shell announces return to Arctic in 2014 despite mishaps (via Houston Chronicle)

North Dakota oil spill spotlights Obama delay on pipeline rules (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

US Department of Defense will acquire 92,000 EVs by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

How “smart parking” could save a million barrels of oil every day (via Christian Science Monitor)

Panasonic to supply more battery cells to Tesla (via San Jose Mercury News)

EMISSIONS 

GE says Australia headed for cap-and-trade (via Environmental Leader)

Germany’s Merkel faces internal opposition to EU carbon backloading fix (via Reuters)

74% of voters back EPA power plant emissions regulation (via CleanTechnica)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Russian government passes law to open up LNG exports (via Reuters)

UK government review says shale gas fracking a low risk to public health (via Reuters)

New natural gas pipeline should help reduce flaring in North Dakota (via Dickinson Press)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

PACE projects on a roll: $43 million and counting (via Greentech Media)

Dallas rolls out US green building code (via Sustainable Business)

OPINION 

How climate change threatens the ability of global populations to rise out of poverty (via Climate Progress)

Should we use geoengineering to cool the planet? (via Washington Post)

Why the new biofuel feedstocks deserve investment, incentives (via National Geographic)

Top 9 things you didn’t know about concentrating solar power (via Energy.gov)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.18.13

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

GRID 

Worldwide smart meter shipments for first half 2013 surpass 51 million (via Navigant Research)

Will smart meters change consumer habits? Early indicators say yes (via Midwest Energy News)

California adopts first-in-nation energy storage plan (via Contra Costa Times)

Construction begins on landmark Panhandle wind transmission project (via Houston Chronicle)

Texas cranks up $7 billion CREZ wind power transmission project (via CleanTechnica)

EMISSIONS 

China tests carbon markets before tax, says government official (via Bloomberg)

Fossil fuel divestment campaign spreads to Europe (via Huffington Post)

Microsoft drives home sustainability with internal carbon pricing (via GreenBiz)

RENEWABLES 

Wind at wholesale price parity in world’s major markets (via Renew Economy)

Germany expects 28.7% renewables in 2014 (via Renew Economy)

EU biofuel regulations set to be delayed until 2015 (via BusinessGreen)

Brazil’s wind tender price cap set at $58 per MWh (via Recharge)

India’s biofuel moves help offset swelling oil-import bill (via Panchabuta)

Southwest Power Pool keeps breaking wind records (via Renew Grid)

Institutional investors look toward the Sun, away from fossil fuels (via Solar Industry Magazine)

OIL 

Report: Pipelines pose less risk than trains or trucks in carrying oil (via The Hill)

Texas oil production could double by 2020, says industry regulator (via Houston Chronicle)

In North Dakota, new concerns over mixing oil and wheat (via New York Times)

US Coast Guard discovers 4,000-pound tar mat in Gulf of Mexico (via Climate Progress)

TRANSPORTATION 

Vehicle-to-grid market to reach $190 million by 2022 (via Energy Manager Today)

Most drivers expect all vehicles to be at least partly electrified in 20 years (via CleanTechnica)

Volvo turns vehicle body panels into batteries (via Autoblog)

KEYSTONE XL 

Harold Hamm: Hope dwindling for Keystone XL pipeline (via Houston Chronicle)

CLIMATE 

Climate change to cost East Asia 5.3% of GDP by 2100 (via Bloomberg)

Report: Western wildfires growing more intense, insurers deeply concerned (via Washington Post)

Britain warming faster than global average (via The Telegraph)

Raging Australian wildfires leave Sydney shrouded in smoke (via The Telegraph)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

North Dakota landowners sue fossil fuel companies over wasted natural gas (via Climate Progress)

Oklahoma is next destination for shale revolution (via Reuters)

Police arrest 40 as Canada shale gas protest turns violent (via Reuters)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

US and world are actually making big strides in energy efficiency (via Climate Progress)

Building energy management systems market to surpass $23 billion by 2017 (via Renew Grid)

The bright future of energy-efficient Walmart stores (via Green Room)

COAL 

AEP takes coal “out of the picture” as it plans for future (via Columbus Business Journal)

NUCLEAR 

China set to invest in UK nuclear industry (via RTCC)

POLITICS 

The big no: Republicans on science panel reject budget deal (via Science)

GOP to California governor: Don’t spoil fracking potential (via National Journal)

OPINION 

Are the days of fossil fuel subsidies numbered? (via EarthTechling)

Europe’s advanced biofuels innovation: Following overambitious US example? (via Energy Collective)

Debate about future of utilities moves deeper into world of regulation (via Greentech Media)

Let’s prevent this crisis: A letter to Harvard’s President Faust (via Huffington Post)

Legacy of 1970’s oil embargo energy crisis still lingers today (via Houston Chronicle)

Poll: Majority wanted EPA open during federal shutdown (via The Hill)

5 reasons to care about California’s new energy storage mandate (via GigaOm)

Cost of West Texas power lines could shock ratepayers (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.17.13

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

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN 

Shutdown’s science fallout could last for years (via Politico)

Obama plans to renew immigration, climate change efforts (via Washington Post)

States won’t get paid back for reopening national parks (via Politico)

EMISSIONS 

Angela Merkel signals hope for EU carbon market fix (via BusinessGreen)

Repealing Australia’s carbon tax: Hidden costs, unanswered questions (via Recharge)

Harvard: University endowments shouldn’t be ruled by climate change (via Triple Pundit)

Refiners join “social cost of carbon” lobbying fray (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Report: Grid parity for renewables “a reality in coming years” (via BusinessGreen)

Onshore wind closes in on fossil fuel costs (via Recharge)

Ocean energy technologies speeding toward commercialization (via Renewable Energy World)

Small wind sees big UK growth (via Recharge)

Phasing out the PTC as wind nears grid parity (via Breaking Energy)

US biodiesel production to surpass RFS target for second straight year (via Green Car Congress)

US ethanol in throes of tumult (via EarthTechling)

Solving energy poverty with solar light bulbs: Nokero product review (via CleanTechnica)

KEYSTONE XL 

TransCanada expects US decision on Keystone XL by end of March (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

EU auto emissions rule: First the announcement, then the uproar (via New York Times)

Commercial fleets leading US move away from oil-based vehicle fuels (via Houston Chronicle)

Fuel economy of new vehicles continues to improve (via EarthTechling)

Tesla leads in transfer of California ZEV credits for year ending September 30, 2013 (via Green Car Congress)

Repeal of Virginia hybrid vehicle tax in the works (via Richmond Times-Dispatch)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Asian investors, LNG buyers look to North America as Australia taps out (via Reuters)

Marcellus gas about to enter New York City, but New England is a tougher sell (via EnergyWire)

Groups claim Ohio becoming “radioactive waste dump” for fracking companies (via Columbus Business Journal)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Low natural gas price to hamper US energy efficiency, says IEA (via Bloomberg)

World’s largest net zero building opens in Los Altos, California (via EarthTechling)

GRID 

Why colleges are big believers in microgrids (via GreenBiz)

Corporations embrace microgrids in threat to utilities (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY POLICY 

California’s top oil regulator on fracking, climate change, fossil fuels (via National Journal)

OPINION 

What oil-hungry China means for the rest of the world (via Christian Science Monitor)

Is the hub of corporate sustainability moving toward Asia? (via The Guardian)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.11.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Markets bet on Australian carbon repeal…and a new carbon price (via Renew Economy)

EU Parliament votes to tackle biofuel emissions from 2020 (via BusinessGreen)

Biggest polluters in US ranked by emissions in new report (via Huffington Post)

California cap-and-trade may be hurt as emissions drop off (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Oil industry touts $81 billion in carbon-cutting efforts (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Batteries and plug-ins dominate Frankfurt Auto Show (via Climate Progress)

CA, NY, WA, FL will lead US in plug-in EV sales through 2022 (via Navigant Research)

Average fuel economy for new US vehicles hits high of 24.9 mpg (via Green Car Congress)

RENEWABLES 

Development banks lend record $108.9 billion to clean energy in 2012 (via Bloomberg)

Report: Offshore wind can be installed in deeper waters at cheaper cost (via Greentech Media)

China to back 50MW Kazakhstan wind farm (via Recharge)

3D-printing robots could enable solar arrays to self-fabricate in space (via Treehugger)

Coupled solar and energy storage market to grow (via Renewable Energy World)

Talking windmills herald gust of US productivity growth (via Bloomberg)

Cuomo starts $1 billion New York State green bank for energy lending (via Bloomberg)

Energy bill in California gets a rooftop solar-friendly makeover (via Renewable Energy World)

North Dakota county approves $350-million wind farm (via Bismarck Tribune)

Minnesota opens state’s first community solar installation (via Minnesota Public Radio)

From sunlight to farm waste, small Minnesota cities create energy from what’s on hand (via Minnesota Public Radio)

Greensburg, Kansas: A high-renewables tomorrow today (via RMI Outlet)

Solar Decathlon 2013: Raising more than just walls (via Energy.gov)

NFL goes solar, who’s in the lead? (via Renewable Energy World)

Solar panel is next granite countertop for homebuilders (via Bloomberg)

GRID 

Renewable energy boom could create $90 billion global HVDC transmission market (via BusinessGreen)

London Array to sell its substations and cables for £459 million (via BusinessGreen)

In Germany, a yellow light for smart meters (via Navigant Research)

USDA provides new funding for grid improvements in eight states (via Renew Grid)

CPUC proposes 1.325GW energy storage target by 2020 (via Renew Grid)

Hawaii governor vows to link islands via undersea cable despite opposition (via Star-Advertiser)

CLIMATE 

EU limbers up for fight over new climate targets (via Renew Economy)

Australian military: Climate change will “exacerbate existing problems” (via ABC)

Drought helped cause Syria’s war – will climate change bring more like it? (via Washington Post)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Secrets of fracking fluids pave way for cleaner recipe (via Nature)

Gas flaring responsible for 42% of black carbon in the Arctic (via RTCC)

North Dakota senators seek state exemption from Interior Department fracking rules (via The Hill)

As gas continues to go up in the air, North Dakota moves to tighten loose flaring rules (via EnergyWire)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

US decision on Keystone XL pipeline likely to slip to 2014 (via Reuters)

No Keystone, no problem: TransCanada pushing another tar sands pipeline (via Climate Progress)

Neil Young on tar sands: “Fort McMurray looks like Hiroshima” (via Globe and Mail)

ENERGY INDUSTRY 

Moody’s: Bankruptcy of Energy Future Holdings is imminent (via Houston Chronicle)

California lawmakers close to passing energy reform bill (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy management app turns off the heat when you leave the house (via Treehugger)

LED streetlights save Las Vegas $2 million per year (via Energy Manager Today)

NUCLEAR 

Japan ponders Fukushima options, but Tepco too big to fail (via Reuters)

ENVIRONMENT 

As drought continues, Texas reservoirs could hit all-time lows (via StateImpact Texas)

OPINION 

Australia proposal to ditch carbon pricing is another nail in cap and trade (via Reuters)

Coalition wants US EIA to revamp renewable energy estimates (via Platts)

Why utilities and EV owners need demand response (via Navigant Research)

Imagining a cyberattack on the US power grid (via New York Times)

New York’s ongoing wind energy mistakes (via Breaking Energy)

How the West Texas drilling boom could go bust again (via StateImpact Texas)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.9.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Japan ramps up deals in carbon credits within more emerging economies (via TriplePundit)

Ukraine to come under fire for $500 million carbon permit deal (via Reuters Point Carbon)

California’s cap and trade isn’t a game – except when it is (via CleanTechnica)

Cut emissions? Congress itself keeps burning dirtier fuel (via New York Times)

COAL 

Global coal consumption up 50% in 10 years (via Facts of the Day)

Goldman Sachs: window for profitable investment in coal mining is closing (via Climate Progress)

US coal exports growing (via Huffington Post)

Coal lobbyists bend White House hear on carbon rule (via The Hill)

Coalition aims to get Nebraska utility off coal (via Midwest Energy News)

RENEWABLES 

EPA maps renewable power potential on scarred land (via EarthTechling)

Using technology to get more renewable energy onto the grid (via Breaking Energy)

Western US utilities call for widespread adoption of smart solar inverters (via Renew Grid)

State renewable-energy laws turn out to be incredibly hard to repeal (via Washington Post)

Sewage-powered biofuels plant claims major breakthrough (via BusinessGreen)

Small wind turbines harnessing gusts of solar’s lease success (via Bloomberg)

Renewable diesels could score big thanks to renewable fuel standard fight (via Greentech Media)

Bill would let Kansas utilities buy renewable energy credits (via Wichita Eagle)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Leak at Alberta tar sands project heightens conservationists’ concerns (via New York Times)

How shoddy science almost led one agency to use flawed map in Keystone XL review (via Greenwire)

Industry report says Keystone XL won’t impact greenhouse gas emissions (via The Hill)

Enbridge asks EPA for extension to finish oil spill dredging (via Houston Chronicle)

CLIMATE 

Climate change pace now fastest in 65 million years (via Facts of the Day)

Research suggests manmade emissions may have very long-term impacts (via ClimateWire)

Rebranding climate change as a public health issue (via Time)

The trouble with beekeeping in the Anthropocene (via Time)

OIL 

China poised to become the world’s largest net oil importer this year (via US EIA)

North American oil boom eases OPEC supply problems (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Conventional hybrids better for climate than EVs in most states (via Yale e360)

Average US vehicle now 11.4 years old, oldest since WWII (via Green Car Reports)

Electric roads could make plugging in your EV a thing of the past (via Grist)

Tesla stock surges as company beats the odds (via Christian Science Monitor)

As GM cuts Volt price, EV bargains multiply (via Navigant Research)

GRID 

Japanese battery trial seeks to transform how grids work (via Bloomberg)

Nearly 40 new advanced energy storage projects kicked off in first half 2013 (via Navigant Research)

Building public support for power cables (via Reuters)

Texas power use hits summer high, third-highest ever (via Houston Chronicle)

FOSSIL FUEL POLICY 

Mexico energy reform to target deepwater oil and gas (via Reuters)

US EIA: oil and gas jobs up 40% since 2007 (via The Hill)

California lawmakers seek probe of hydraulic fracturing offshore (via Houston Chronicle)

Colorado fracking stresses regulators as permit bids soar (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Research says lack of energy efficiency holds back entire economy (via Energy Manager Today)

ENVIRONMENT 

NOAA trims forecast for busy hurricane season (via New York Times)

Heavy rains unleash deadly flooding in Midwest (via USA Today)

New Mexico is the driest of the dry (via Los Angeles Times)

OPINION 

Should the US have a natural gas sovereign wealth fund? (via Washington Post)

3 key initiatives from Australia’s climate change policy (via WRI Insights)

What will it take for airline emissions reductions to get off the ground? (via GreenBiz)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.5.13

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Growing concern on water use of tar sands development (via Yale e360)

Canada’s Harper insists Keystone XL is important for jobs (via Reuters)

Little-known pipeline nearly as big as Keystone could win race to Gulf (via InsideClimate News)

Nebraska trial could delay Keystone XL pipeline (via Washington Post)

State Department watchdog launches inquiry into Keystone environmental report (via The Hill)

NUCLEAR 

South Korean scandal over nuclear safety revelations (via New York Times)

Amid concerns, nuclear advocates pin their hopes on new designs (via Time)

RENEWABLES 

Australia’s solar revolution has been led by its suburbs (via Renew Economy)

Finland scientists turn dead wood into cheap biofuels (via RTCC)

South Korea completes first solar PV plant (via RTCC)

Spain seeks to charge for on-site renewables (via BusinessGreen)

US solar targets could save Americans $20 billion annually by 2050 (via CleanTechnica)

PUCs on the front lines of brewing net metering battle (via Energy Collective)

Solar innovation gets new ARPA-E funding chance (via EarthTechling)

DOE issues RFI for next-generation solar PV technology (via Green Car Congress)

US to hold second auction for offshore wind on Outer Continental Shelf (via Green Car Congress)

Solazyme’s twisted path to an algae-based future (via GreenBiz)

Inadequate transmission lines keeping some Maine wind power off the grid (via Portland Press Herald)

Minnesota utility will meet its renewable energy mandate 10 years early (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)

CLIMATE 

Climate change pushing marine life toward the poles, says study (via The Guardian)

Ecosystems face unprecedented “climate change velocity” (via Climate Central)

Australia faces increased disease from climate change, reports find (via The Guardian)

Models for a more effective response to climate change (via Phys.org)

Fund managers worth $14 trillion say climate change influences investments (via RTCC)

US companies don’t want to talk about preventing climate change disaster (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Despite boom, higher costs push Big Oil into slump (via Houston Chronicle)

In wake of Canadian disaster, US issues emergency rules for trains (via Houston Chronicle)

BLM approves environmental probe on public land drilling in California (via Greenwire)

Oil companies used fracking in coastal waters off California (via Houston Chronicle)

Police in California arrest over 200 at Chevron refinery protest (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Kick starting Europe’s electric vehicle industry (via Phys.org)

A hankering for hybrids in America (via New York Times)

Jump-starting EV sales with workplace charging stations (via Los Angeles Times)

Burlington-Montreal EV fast-charging corridor opening this fall (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

How 10 Western US cities are dealing with water scarcity and drought (via StateImpact Texas)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Earthquakes “may contribute to methane leaks” (via Climate Central)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency market “hard to reach” in multi-tenant buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

August recess now high season for interests lobbying lawmakers (via Washington Post)

Congress can’t agree on most energy issues, but it loves dams (via Washington Post)

House slams door on carbon tax (via The Hill)

Billionaire environmentalist goes big in Virginia governor’s race (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

Ill wind blows for German offshore industry (via Der Spiegel)

Wind power is killing birds and bats – so what? (via Navigant Research)

The rise and rise of American carbon (via The Guardian)

How coal imports are adding to India’s energy security problems (via Renew Economy)

As temperatures rise, empires fall: heat and human behavior (via Time)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.5.13

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Growing concern on water use of tar sands development (via Yale e360)

Canada’s Harper insists Keystone XL is important for jobs (via Reuters)

Little-known pipeline nearly as big as Keystone could win race to Gulf (via InsideClimate News)

Nebraska trial could delay Keystone XL pipeline (via Washington Post)

State Department watchdog launches inquiry into Keystone environmental report (via The Hill)

NUCLEAR 

South Korean scandal over nuclear safety revelations (via New York Times)

Amid concerns, nuclear advocates pin their hopes on new designs (via Time)

RENEWABLES 

Australia’s solar revolution has been led by its suburbs (via Renew Economy)

Finland scientists turn dead wood into cheap biofuels (via RTCC)

South Korea completes first solar PV plant (via RTCC)

Spain seeks to charge for on-site renewables (via BusinessGreen)

US solar targets could save Americans $20 billion annually by 2050 (via CleanTechnica)

PUCs on the front lines of brewing net metering battle (via Energy Collective)

Solar innovation gets new ARPA-E funding chance (via EarthTechling)

DOE issues RFI for next-generation solar PV technology (via Green Car Congress)

US to hold second auction for offshore wind on Outer Continental Shelf (via Green Car Congress)

Solazyme’s twisted path to an algae-based future (via GreenBiz)

Inadequate transmission lines keeping some Maine wind power off the grid (via Portland Press Herald)

Minnesota utility will meet its renewable energy mandate 10 years early (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)

CLIMATE 

Climate change pushing marine life toward the poles, says study (via The Guardian)

Ecosystems face unprecedented “climate change velocity” (via Climate Central)

Australia faces increased disease from climate change, reports find (via The Guardian)

Models for a more effective response to climate change (via Phys.org)

Fund managers worth $14 trillion say climate change influences investments (via RTCC)

US companies don’t want to talk about preventing climate change disaster (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Despite boom, higher costs push Big Oil into slump (via Houston Chronicle)

In wake of Canadian disaster, US issues emergency rules for trains (via Houston Chronicle)

BLM approves environmental probe on public land drilling in California (via Greenwire)

Oil companies used fracking in coastal waters off California (via Houston Chronicle)

Police in California arrest over 200 at Chevron refinery protest (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Kick starting Europe’s electric vehicle industry (via Phys.org)

A hankering for hybrids in America (via New York Times)

Jump-starting EV sales with workplace charging stations (via Los Angeles Times)

Burlington-Montreal EV fast-charging corridor opening this fall (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

How 10 Western US cities are dealing with water scarcity and drought (via StateImpact Texas)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Earthquakes “may contribute to methane leaks” (via Climate Central)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency market “hard to reach” in multi-tenant buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

August recess now high season for interests lobbying lawmakers (via Washington Post)

Congress can’t agree on most energy issues, but it loves dams (via Washington Post)

House slams door on carbon tax (via The Hill)

Billionaire environmentalist goes big in Virginia governor’s race (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

Ill wind blows for German offshore industry (via Der Spiegel)

Wind power is killing birds and bats – so what? (via Navigant Research)

The rise and rise of American carbon (via The Guardian)

How coal imports are adding to India’s energy security problems (via Renew Economy)

As temperatures rise, empires fall: heat and human behavior (via Time)