Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.7.15
A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.
EMISSIONS
China carbon trading to almost double in 2015 (via RTCC)
California carbon market off to strong start in 2015 (via Reuters)
Low gas prices smooth path for carbon add-on in California (via Scientific American/ClimateWire)
COAL
China’s declining coal dependence is evident in the data (via Renew Economy)
RENEWABLES
India cuts floor price for solar energy credits to boost demand (via Bloomberg)
Denmark delivers “one-of-a-kind” wind power record (via BusinessGreen)
Pakistan to pull solar energy into national power grid (via Reuters)
Residential FiT aims to make Thailand the ASEAN solar leader in 10 years (via PV Tech)
Brazil approves $9.6 million financing for solar panel factory (via Bloomberg)
Solar cements status as low-risk investment in 2014 (via PV Tech)
U.S. solar tariff review hints at halved Chinese cells rate (via Bloomberg)
Fact sheet: Renewable energy job numbers (via Renewable Energy World)
Major setback for Cape Wind as two utilities opt out of power purchase agreement (via Boston Globe)
New York State solar growth is 63% per year (via CleanTechnica)
Republican-led group launches ballot petition to boost solar power in Florida (via Tampa Bay Times)
SolarCity inks $350 million solar fund deal with JP Morgan (via PV Tech)
OIL
Oil extends drop below $48 as U.S. stockpiles seen rising (via Bloomberg)
Oil lobby sets sights on export ban (via The Hill)
TRANSPORTATION
Solar-powered EV charging network takes shape in Jordan (via Navigant Research)
December 2014 EV sales hit record high in U.S. – almost 120,000 sold for year (via Inside EVs)
Clean energy banks could foster private investment (via Energy Manager Today)
California groundbreaking marks true beginning of high-speed rail in America (via Climate Progress)
KEYSTONE XL
White House: Obama won’t sign Keystone XL pipeline bill (via National Journal)
White House riles new GOP-led Congress with threat to veto Keystone XL pipeline bill (via Washington Post)
Obama Keystone veto threat spurs Democrat’s plea for deal (via Bloomberg)
Keystone bill said to be four votes shy of a veto-proof majority (via Bloomberg)
CLIMATE
Machu Picchu threatened by climate change (via Euronews)
Ken Cuccinelli’s new business will not survive climate change (via Climate Progress)
NATURAL GAS
Senators introduce bill to speed natural gas exports (via The Hill)
Fracking ban bill introduced in Florida (via EcoWatch)
GRID
Germany solar power storage system prices drop 25% (via CleanTechnica)
Which solar companies are active in the solar-plus-storage market today? (via Greentech Media)
Going off-grid might mean staying on grid in Germany (via Renewables International)
PG&E partners with BMW to test how EVs perform in demand response programs (via Greentech Media)
ENVIRONMENT
China to boost support for NGOs that sue environmental polluters (via Bloomberg)
Limits on rare-earth metals to end after China loses global trade case (via Green Car Reports)
OPINION
Going solar: From Millennials to Baby Boomers (via Renewable Energy World)
Seven surprise Republicans to watch if you care about climate change (via National Journal)
U.S. oil production will be falling by end of 2015 (via Reuters)