Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.20.14

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

EMISSIONS

Shell says fossil fuel reserves won’t be “stranded” by climate regulation (via Reuters)

Emissions from 10 food and drink companies “higher than Scandinavia” (via BusinessGreen)

EPA carbon curbs to reach beyond power plant “fence,” aiding cap-and-trade (via Reuters)

Pundits weigh risks, benefits of Obama himself rolling out power plant rule (via Greenwire)

IEA graphic shows how to radically reduce CO2 (via Climate Central)

RGGI carbon market monitor releases report (via Environmental Leader)

RENEWABLES 

UK will be largest solar PV market in Europe in 2014 (via CleanTechnica)

German lesson for renewable power policies (via Energy Collective)

GE has invested $10 billion in clean energy (via CleanTechnica)

8GW of new US solar PV expected in 2014-2015 (via Recharge)

EPA mulls ethanol change as industry profits soar (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Maryland’s $200 million wind energy project will move forward thanks to governor’s veto (via Climate Progress)

When solar property taxes get personal (via Renewable Energy World)

COAL 

Inslee wants to wean electric utilities off coal (via The Columbian)

The coal ash sludge in North Carolina’s Dan River is finally getting vacuumed up (via Climate Progress)

CLIMATE 

Doubling of Antarctic ice loss revealed by European satellite (via The Guardian)

Greenland ice sheet melt could occur yearly by 2100 (via Climate Central)

Reports say collapse of West Antarctic Ice Sheet is unstoppable, may cause great flood (via Elite Daily)

North Korea: An unlikely champion in the fight against climate change (via The Guardian)

Vancouver wants review to examine economic effects of climate change (via Vancouver Sun)

Many U.S. landmarks threatened by climate change (via Gannett News)

Local leaders call for U.S. help to deal with climate change (via Bloomberg)

Study says cities depending on snowmelt for water could face problems (via Christian Science Monitor)

In landmark class action, Farmers Insurance sues local governments for ignoring climate change (via Climate Progress)

Kerry calls on U.S. college graduates to face down climate change (via Reuters)

ENERGY POLICY 

Chile gets an energy agenda, Costa Rica saves electricity, Mexico wants more renewables (via NRDC Switchboard)

Integrated resources planning in India could help with electricity shortages (via World Resources Institute)

Read the secret trade memo calling for more fracking and offshore drilling (via Huffington Post)

Former Mexican President calls for global green growth push (via BusinessGreen)

ENVIRONMENT 

Did scientists just solve the bee collapse mystery? (via Mother Jones)

Obama to declare largest national monument in his tenure in New Mexico (via Washington Post)

Drought could cost California Central Valley farms $1.7 billion and 14,500 jobs (via Los Angeles Times)

California governor on drought, wildfires: “Humanity is on a collision course with nature” (via Climate Progress)

TRANSPORTATION 

IHS says EV sales are better than you think (via Autoblog Green)

FTC staff comes out in favor of Tesla, direct vehicle sales (via Autoblog Green)

GM reduced energy and carbon intensity 3.5% per vehicle in 2013 (via Green Car Congress)

New Fisker owner ready to go broke building EVs, challenging Tesla (via Autoblog Green)

GRID

Solar and storage are pushing the market for distributed resource management tools (via Greentech Media)

UC San Diego is building the “Motel 6” of microgrids (via Greentech Media)

Ohio looks to fuel cells as economic catalyst (via Midwest Energy News)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Opower expands behavioral demand response to one million customers (via Greentech Media)

Keep your cool: Top five myths of summer energy efficiency (via Greentech Media)

Freezing Ohio energy efficiency standards will mean higher bills for customers (via Columbus Business First)

POLITICS 

Ontario election holds renewable energy impact (via Recharge)

The most interesting climate policy debate you haven’t heard of (via Climate Progress)

In Alaska senate race, fierce competition to prove who knows less about climate science (via Climate Progress)

Climate activist Members of Congress to “sound alarm” on Capitol Hill (via The Hill)

Biden to attend fundraiser with Keystone XL opponent Steyer (via Reuters)

OPINION 

Climate change: Get ready or get sued (via Washington Post)

Carbon pricing vs. regulation (via Energy Collective)

Trains and crude oil are too often an accident waiting to happen (via Los Angeles Times)

What the Farmers Insurance suit tells us about climate change (via NRDC Switchboard)

Where should the investors divest? (via Resilience)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.3.14

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

EMISSIONS 

China may build biggest smog lab to control pollution (via Bloomberg)

Norwegian government reviews fossil fuel divestment plan (via BusinessGreen)

EPA set to reveal tough new sulfur emissions rule (via New York Times)

KEYSTONE XL 

Hundreds arrested at White House Keystone XL protest (via Politico)

Native Americans vow a last stand to block Keystone XL oil pipeline (via Washington Post)

Boxer joins Grivalja in push for Keystone XL contractor review probe (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

US biodiesel production sets annual and monthly records (via Facts of the Day)

Analysis finds some research studies may overstate energy crop yields by as much as 100 percent (via Green Car Congress)

Battle over renewable energy ahead in Kansas legislative session (via Lawrence Journal-World)

PUC pushes limits on Pennsylvania solar net metering actions (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Cape Wind finds cash, eyes 2016 for offshore wind operation (via EarthTechling)

Maine governor seeks to get rid of wind energy goals (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

CLIMATE 

Flood damage cost to rise fivefold across Europe by 2050 (via The Guardian)

Russia outlines plans to meet 2020 climate goals (via RTCC)

Apple CEO advises climate change deniers to get out of company stock (via CNET)

More companies face climate-related risks to supply chains (via GreenBiz)

GRID 

Joint-operating dispute reignites between Midwest grid operators (via EnergyWire)

Southwest Power Pool launches new market, is poised to double in size (via EnergyWire)

Energy storage: California’s new green tech battleground (via Forbes)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

IEA chief: Only a decade left in US shale boom (via Christian Science Monitor)

US natural gas prices rise a second day on winter storm, Ukraine escalation (via Bloomberg)

LA city council takes step toward fracking ban (via Los Angeles Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

EPA takes step toward restricting Pebble Mine project on Alaska’s Bristol Bay (via Washington Post)

California governor signs $687 million drought relief legislation (via Reuters)

California rain brings mudslides but no drought relief (via Time)

North Carolina regulators cite Duke Energy in coal ash spill (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Top 10 regions for EV growth in US – Atlanta crushing it! (via CleanTechnica)

Almost $1 billion in claims filed against bankrupt Fisker (via Autoblog Green)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico energy overhaul could renew interest in green power (via Houston Chronicle)

In search of new sales, defense contractors embrace energy market (via Washington Post)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

DOE steams ahead with third appliance standard in Obama’s “year of action” (via Greenwire)

OPINION 

Edison Electric Institute really does not want you to go solar (via Greentech Media)

Batteries combined with rooftop solar may speed grid’s “death spiral” (via EnergyWire)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.17.14

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Germany set to cut rebates for companies that generate own power (via Bloomberg)

Renewable mandates, subsidies: At war with each other? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Study highlights benefits of innovative pricing in competitive electricity markets (via COMPETE)

COAL 

EIA increases short-term coal retirement prediction 50% (via Greentech Media)

North Carolina governor denies Duke coal ash deal involvement (via ABC News/AP)

EMISSIONS 

Iran plans carbon emissions trading market (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Australia to review renewable energy target (via Reuters)

Climate skeptic to lead review of Australia’s renewable energy target (via The Guardian)

Wind turbines propel Michigan closer to 2015 renewable energy goal (via Detroit Free Press)

Property rights at heart of battles over Oklahoma wind farm regulation (via The Oklahoman)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas prices soar as U.S. stockpiles drop (via Wall Street Journal)

CLIMATE 

Sec. Kerry announces “unique co-operative effort” with China on climate change (via The Guardian)

Climate change an issue of national security, warns Milliband (via The Guardian)

Denmark about to set even more ambitious climate goals than Europe (via Climate Progress)

Kerry urges Indonesia to fight climate change (via Los Angeles Times)

Obama launches climate change fund (via The Hill)

Kerry to begin climate blitz (via The Hill)

Climate trends tell different story for Great Lakes ice (via Climate Central)

Climate change gets its 15 minutes on Sunday interview shows (via The Hill)

San Francisco announces 0-50-100 plan to fight climate change (via Sustainable Business)

Map: Here’s how climate change has impacted your city (via Climate Progress)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Canadian PM Harper will press Obama on Keystone (via The Hill)

Native Americans vow last stand to block Keystone XL (via Miami Herald/McClatchy)

Enbridge pipeline joins Keystone XL in wait for U.S. permit (via Reuters)

Kerry burnishes his green badge in Asia ahead of Keystone call (via Bloomberg)

Canadian company named U.S. Oil Sands will soon start extracting Utah’s tar sands (via DeSmog Blog)

ENVIRONMENT 

More than 140 Brazilian cities rationing water due to drought (via AZ Central/AP)

Desalination plants a pricey option if drought persists (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Water cleaning technology could help farmers (via New York Times)

In California’s parched Central Valley, a message of aid and a warning from Obama (via Los Angeles Times)

OIL 

US oil demand returns to growth (via Energy Collective)

TRANSPORTATION

World’s largest EV fast charger network to roll out in China (via CleanTechnica)

Wanxiang wins bid for Fisker at $149.2 million (via Autoblog Green)

POLITICS 

Harper government makes moves to silence Canada’s leading environmental groups (via InsideClimate News)

Obama wants Congress to help with climate agenda after all (via National Journal)

John Kerry mocks those who deny climate change (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.17.14

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Germany set to cut rebates for companies that generate own power (via Bloomberg)

Renewable mandates, subsidies: At war with each other? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Study highlights benefits of innovative pricing in competitive electricity markets (via COMPETE)

COAL 

EIA increases short-term coal retirement prediction 50% (via Greentech Media)

North Carolina governor denies Duke coal ash deal involvement (via ABC News/AP)

EMISSIONS 

Iran plans carbon emissions trading market (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Australia to review renewable energy target (via Reuters)

Climate skeptic to lead review of Australia’s renewable energy target (via The Guardian)

Wind turbines propel Michigan closer to 2015 renewable energy goal (via Detroit Free Press)

Property rights at heart of battles over Oklahoma wind farm regulation (via The Oklahoman)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas prices soar as U.S. stockpiles drop (via Wall Street Journal)

CLIMATE 

Sec. Kerry announces “unique co-operative effort” with China on climate change (via The Guardian)

Climate change an issue of national security, warns Milliband (via The Guardian)

Denmark about to set even more ambitious climate goals than Europe (via Climate Progress)

Kerry urges Indonesia to fight climate change (via Los Angeles Times)

Obama launches climate change fund (via The Hill)

Kerry to begin climate blitz (via The Hill)

Climate trends tell different story for Great Lakes ice (via Climate Central)

Climate change gets its 15 minutes on Sunday interview shows (via The Hill)

San Francisco announces 0-50-100 plan to fight climate change (via Sustainable Business)

Map: Here’s how climate change has impacted your city (via Climate Progress)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Canadian PM Harper will press Obama on Keystone (via The Hill)

Native Americans vow last stand to block Keystone XL (via Miami Herald/McClatchy)

Enbridge pipeline joins Keystone XL in wait for U.S. permit (via Reuters)

Kerry burnishes his green badge in Asia ahead of Keystone call (via Bloomberg)

Canadian company named U.S. Oil Sands will soon start extracting Utah’s tar sands (via DeSmog Blog)

ENVIRONMENT 

More than 140 Brazilian cities rationing water due to drought (via AZ Central/AP)

Desalination plants a pricey option if drought persists (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Water cleaning technology could help farmers (via New York Times)

In California’s parched Central Valley, a message of aid and a warning from Obama (via Los Angeles Times)

OIL 

US oil demand returns to growth (via Energy Collective)

TRANSPORTATION

World’s largest EV fast charger network to roll out in China (via CleanTechnica)

Wanxiang wins bid for Fisker at $149.2 million (via Autoblog Green)

POLITICS 

Harper government makes moves to silence Canada’s leading environmental groups (via InsideClimate News)

Obama wants Congress to help with climate agenda after all (via National Journal)

John Kerry mocks those who deny climate change (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.20.14

Marcacci Communications publishes a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. 

EMISSIONS 

CO2 emissions being “outsourced” by rich countries to rising economies (via The Guardian)

Church of England says unlikely to quit fossil fuel investment (via Reuters)

COAL 

Value of coal assets “could be halved” if world goes low-carbon (via RTCC)

FutureGen gets key US Energy Department approval (via Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

RENEWABLES 

19 countries join forces to develop Africa Clean Energy Corridor (via GreenBiz)

India and UAE agree to partner on renewable energy development (via India.com)

German economy minister plans prompt cut to renewable energy tariffs (via Reuters)

Kenya to generate over half its electricity through solar power by 2016 (via The Guardian)

China sets final duties on US solar materials (via Reuters)

Island channel tidal energy could power about half of Scotland (via Phys.org)

How the Army became a leader in third-party clean energy financing (via Greentech Media)

Bill would reward Wisconsin power companies exceeding renewable energy targets (via Wisconsin Rapids Tribune)

California Energy Commission to award up to $24 million for new biofuel projects (via Green Car Congress)

ERCOT boosts wind energy use to record 9.9% in 2013 (via Recharge)

New York sets California-like path for solar energy (via Sustainable Business)

In coal-reliant Missouri, “market rush” leaves solar push in limbo (via EnergyWire)

KEYSTONE XL 

Canadian Prime Minster still expects US approval of Keystone XL (via Reuters)

Kerry will deliberate on Keystone XL after environmental impact analysis is done (via Washington Post)

Canadian environment groups challenge oil pipeline approvals (via Reuters)

Kerry not pressured by Canada’s Keystone XL push (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Davos: Climate impacts pose severe global economic risk (via BusinessGreen)

Climate impacts could push up food prices by 25% (via BusinessGreen)

Peru’s farmers fight climate change using modern and Inca techniques (via The Guardian)

Climate change alters land map of India (via Hindustan Times)

Extreme El Nino events could double over 100 years, experts warn (via The Independent)

Climate-proofing of farms seen too slow as industry faces havoc (via Bloomberg)

Study finds growing doubt on climate change (via The Hill)

Alleging “malpractice” with climate skeptic papers, publisher kills journal (via Science Insider)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Emails reveal UK helped shale gas industry manage fracking opposition (via The Guardian)

ENVIRONMENT

More than 90 wildfires rage in Australia’s New South Wales (via Huffington Post/AP)

Drought disaster declared in Utah, 10 other states (via Salt Lake Tribune)

Chemical-related hospital admissions in West Virginia double since water deemed safe (via Climate Progress)

Freedom Industries files for bankruptcy protection (via Wall Street Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Fisker bankruptcy auction scheduled for February 12th (via Autoblog Green)

Effort to halt bullet train for “Hyperloop”-like options aims for California ballot (via ClimateWire)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Innovative financing spurs energy efficiency in rural communities (via GreenBiz)

Speaking the CFO’s language: The case for energy efficiency (via Energy Manager Today)

GRID 

Load curtailment from demand response programs will triple by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Dueling charts of the day: Peaker plants vs. green power (via Greentech Media)

OPINION 

Can we sever the link between energy and economic growth? (via Washington Post)

EPA climate rules: Too much, too little, or just right? (via National Journal)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.11.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Fossil fuel divestment spreading faster than any previous campaign – even Apartheid (via CleanTechnica)

Could China’s carbon emissions peak sooner than expected? (via RTCC)

Number of new carbon capture and storage plants drops 10% (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Southern leg of Keystone XL pipeline nearly complete (via The Oklahoman)

North Dakota pipeline spills over 20,000 barrels of crude oil (via Climate Progress)

RENEWABLES 

Citibank: Renewables will get bulk of world’s new power investment (via Houston Chronicle)

UK offshore wind industry calls for 14GW by 2022 (via Recharge)

This is how much and where algae fuel could be grown on the planet (via GigaOm)

Siemens seeks 30% cost cut in offshore wind (via Recharge)

Next-generation biofuels inching toward reality, gallon by gallon (via Time)

EPA may reduce ethanol blending volumes for 2014 (via Reuters)

Cracking the code of residential solar power (via CleanTechnica)

Quest for cheap, nonfood biofuel starts with a brewery (via ClimateWire)

California’s 600MW shared renewables law targets distributed solar in low-income areas (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Gulf Coast beckons wind farms when West Texas gusts fade (via Houston Chronicle)

Ohio business group opposes rollback of renewable energy rules (via Columbus Dispatch)

Google invests another $103 million in renewable power (via San Francisco Chronicle)

New York State’s Green Bank casts wide net over clean energy sector (via GreenBiz)

ENERGY POLICY 

Canadian spies met with energy firms, documents reveal (via The Guardian)

FERC seeks order enforcing Barclays $488 million fine (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Floods could have catastrophic impact on Australia’s east coast (via The Guardian)

Tens of thousands flee vast cyclone bearing down on India (via Reuters)

Seven mostly awful climate change winners (via Weather Underground)

Texas compares to Midwest and West in climate attitudes (via EcoAffect)

Pennsylvania publishes climate change impacts report 18 months late (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency is one of the hottest clean tech sectors (via Greentech Media)

Could the US Navy lead the way on energy efficiency? (via Breaking Energy)

The “other” type of commercial financing: PACE (via Renewable Energy World)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

France’s fracking ban “absolute” after court upholds law (via Bloomberg)

Ohio considers rule for fracking wastewater sites (via Houston Chronicle

TRANSPORTATION 

California initiative will streamline permitting of new hydrogen and EV fueling stations (via Green Car Congress)

Fisker government loan heads to auction block today (via Reuters)

OPINION 

European electricity providers face an existential threat: How to lose half a trillion euros (via The Economist)

Time for governments to end energy subsidies (via Reuters)

Politics is poorly suited to address global warming (via Washington Post)

Media sowed doubt in coverage of IPCC climate report (via Media Matters)

Parks take center stage in shutdown fight (via The Hill)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.18.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China to publish monthly list of 10 worst polluted cities (via Reuters)

Human fingerprints visible in atmospheric changes (via Climate Central)

Latest RGGI auction: Time to reconsider “success” in carbon markets? (via CleanTechnica)

NUCLEAR 

Japan to switch off last operational nuclear power plant (via Reuters)

COAL 

In Australia, an uphill battle to rein in the power of coal (via Yale e360)

US coal companies scale back export goals (via New York Times)

Mississippi coal plant overruns show risks of carbon rules (via Bloomberg)

Is the writing on the wall for US coal? (via Green Car Reports)

RENEWABLES 

China to slap anti-subsidy duties on US solar material (via Reuters)

Japan solar PV installations reach 10GW milestone (via CleanTechnica)

2.7GW of solar PV up for grabs at upcoming Brazilian renewable auction (via CleanTechnica)

Europe’s largest tidal power array surges forward (via BusinessGreen)

Blend wall closes in and lobbies spar over impact (via Breaking Energy)

Wall Street exploits ethanol credits and prices spike (via New York Times)

Refiners lobbying lawmakers to repeal renewable fuel law (via Houston Chronicle)

Case study: Wind lags responding to a power demand spike (via Breaking Energy)

Most new residential solar PV projects in California program not owned by homeowners (via US EIA)

California sets up $162 million annual clean energy research fund (via EarthTechling)

Maine’s offshore wind development becomes a bidding war (via Renewable Energy World)

Google now buying enough wind energy to power 170k homes (via GigaOm)

ENERGY POLICY 

Germany plans $3.5 billion support for energy and climate fund (via Bloomberg)

Study: Clean energy best answer for US power costs (via United Press International)

America’s Power Plan: The crucial role of distributed resources (via RMI Outlet)

California bills shape new energy world (via Navigant Research)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Study: Methane leaks from gas drilling not as large as feared (via AP)

North Dakota officials say regulation needed to curb flaring (via Midwest Energy News)

CLIMATE 

Antarctic ice sheet melting from below, scientists say (via Christian Science Monitor)

Australia ditches climate minister position in cabinet (via BusinessGreen)

South Africa set to be hit by climate-related migration (via RTCC)

California and China sign climate change pact (via RTCC)

Study: Majority of climate change news stories focus on uncertainty (via The Guardian)

Case for climate change is overwhelming, say scientists (via The Guardian)

Coastal communities in Virginia lead the way on local climate action (via WRI Insights)

KEYSTONE XL 

Obama’s ex-climate czar: Canadian CO2 offer would change debate on Keystone (via The Hill)

Keystone soon will carry crude through Texas, with or without Obama (via Houston Chronicle)

GRID

UK’s smart meter plan kicks into high gear (via GigaOm)

Study: Battery energy storage benefits solar, not wind (via CleanTechnica)

USDA provides $136 million in grid improvement funding (via Renew Grid)

Microgrids: A new kind of power struggle in New York and Connecticut (via Greentech Media)

California ISO approves three-year grid plan (via Renew Grid)

Net metering grows some muscles in California (via Greentech Media)

OIL 

Colorado and industry working to assess damage in flooded oil fields (via Denver Post)

Blood tests show elevated health risks for Gulf oil spill cleanup workers (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Scotland plans to go electric, ban gas-burners by 2050 (via Autoblog Green)

12 million carsharing users predicted by 2020, 2.3 million today (via Autoblog)

Report: Biofuel could cut CO2 cheaper than electric cars (via BusinessGreen)

Ford launches employee EV charging network (via Environmental Leader)

US to sell nonperforming Fisker Auto loans next month (via Reuters)

National Plug-In Day will hit 75+ US cities (via CleanTechnica)

GM triples size of its Michigan electric vehicle battery laboratory (via CleanTechnica)

Coastal states will lead plug-in vehicle adoption through 2022 (via Autoblog Green)

US gas prices set record: 1,000 straight days above $3 a gallon (via Christian Science Monitor)

POLITICS 

An unusual public battle over an energy nomination (via New York Times)

Senate Leader Reid offers path forward on stalled energy bill (via The Hill)

OPINION 

How science denial is going to affect today’s big climate hearing (via Climate Progress)

Climate hawks vs. climate deniers: “Denial is not just a river in Egypt” (via Climate Progress)

The era of unlimited carbon pollution is over (via Politico)

5 stages of climate denial on display ahead of IPCC report (via The Guardian)

Four charts prove the future of clean energy is arriving (via Greentech Media)

Will Germany reject smart meters? (via Renewable Energy World)

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 – 4.30.13

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

EMISSIONS

Global carbon dioxide concentration now at highest level in 5 million years (via USA Today)

Global carbon dioxide levels set to pass 400ppm milestone (via The Guardian)

EU uncertainty likely to affect global carbon markets (via RTCC)

COAL 

In the Northwest, rising coal exports to Asia stir huge fight (via Seattle Times)

Bank of America and Citigroup biggest lenders to coal industry (via Bloomberg)

Patriot Coal warns of liquidation without major cuts to labor (via Reuters)

GRID 

Ethiopia getting Chinese funds for $1 billion hydropower line (via Renewable Energy World)

DOE: $2.9 billion in smart grid investment yields $6.8 billion in economic output (via AOL Energy)

RENEWABLES 

Latin American clean energy investment surged 127% in 2012 (via CleanTechnica)

India’s clean power capacity races past 28GW in 2012-2013 (via Panchabuta)

Masdar to invest £1 billion with UK Green Investment Bank (via BusinessGreen)

Obama Administration limits mining on potential renewable energy sites (via The Hill)

Largest solar power plant in world now under construction in California (via Renew Economy)

Seven US offshore wind demonstration projects (via Renewable Energy World)

New wind industry CEO to mix business with environment (via Greentech Media)

Reshuffling the top 5 micro wind turbines (via CleanTechnica)

Website aims to become Yelp of solar power (via Midwest Energy News)

Very small wind hopes to power you up (via EarthTechling)

Colorado wins stronger solar mandate (via Greentech Media)

Slowing clean energy investing rush could hurt Sacramento industry (via Sacramento Bee)

OIL 

China is using up oil faster than we can produce it (via Washington Post)

Saudi-US relations to withstand North American oil boom (via Reuters)

Latest government data shows Canadian oil exports to US rising (via Wall Street Journal)

As shale booms, US crude exports jump to 13-year high (via Reuters)

BP hit by wave of new spill lawsuits ahead of April deadline (via Reuters)

California lawmakers advance bill to halt oil fracking in state (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Texas shale boom has major impact on state budget (via Texas Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION 

Fleet owners driven toward natural gas vehicles as oil prices soar (via Bloomberg)

Diesel, hybrid sales rocket past overall US market growth rate (via Autoblog Green)

Remember: DOE rejected most of the EV startups that wanted loans (via GigaOm)

Tesla Motors offers unlimited battery warranty (via Plugin Cars)

Nissan Leaf time lapse shows the EV being built (via Autoblog Green)

CLIMATE 

Rich countries blamed for setting climate talks “back a decade” (via RTCC)

Climate change compounds rising threats to koala (via The Guardian)

Report links rise in US disaster relief spending to climate change (via Climate Progress)

Along New Jersey bay, rising sea draws ever closer (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

ENERGY POLICY 

Japan utilities post $16 billion loss, outlook clouded on reactor restarts (via Reuters)

California nuclear shutdown offset low 2012 natgas prices (via Reuters)

Marcellus Shale cities, entwined with gas, among latest to join fossil fuel divestment push (via EnergyWire)

ENVIRONMENT 

EU votes to ban bee-killing pesticides (via BusinessGreen)

US Defense Department becomes a wildlife protector (via Los Angeles Times)

5 butterfly species just went extinct while no one was looking (via Mother Jones)

KEYSTONE XL 

Nearly 50 groups lobbying for Keystone XL (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Nest Labs updates smart thermostat for summer (via Greentech Media)

Ohio industry backs state energy efficiency standards (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

The politics of climate change (via Phys.org)

House GOP demands details on DOE loan guarantees (via The Hill)

How “green” is new Interior Secretary Sally Jewell? (via Christian Science Monitor)

New Interior Department chief savors a steep learning curve (via New York Times)

Landrieu primed to lead Senate Energy panel – if she wins re-election (via National Journal)

Sen. Boxer finds herself at odds with environmentalists (via Los Angeles Times)

Zukerberg group draws fire over pro-fossil fuel ads (via Politico)

OPINION 

Why do conservatives like to waste energy? (via Mother Jones)

How the political crusade against Fisker Automotive stifles innovation (via OnEarth)

Carbon market crossroads: new ideas for harnessing global markets to confront climate change (via Climate Progress)

Climate myths: how climate deniers are getting away with bad science (via Mongabay)

How to spot greenwashing (via The Good Human)

The limits of climate adaptation are social, not physical or economic (via Grist)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.25.13

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

ENERGY POLICY 

By 2023, a changed world in energy (via New York Times)

EU faces energy policy vacuum after 2020 (via Reuters)

Europe struggles in shale gas race (via New York Times)

Biggest energy private equity deal is on verge of collapse, and it’s a big deal (via Energy Trends Insider)

EMISSIONS 

China to phase out production of super greenhouse gas (Mongabay)

Keeling Curve website wants you to know when CO2 levels hit 400 PPM (via Climate Progress)

Scientist says China’s pollution is killing Japan’s trees (via New York Times)

COAL

Exploring prospects for US coal exports to China (via WRI Insights)

Federal study says many coal sludge ponds have weak walls (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Anonymous donors fund solar projects across the US (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewable energy parks: a blueprint for locally produced clean energy (via Energy Manager Today)

North Carolina rejects cuts to renewable energy mandates (via Bloomberg)

Last gasp for controversial Minnesota wind farm? (via Midwest Energy News)

TRANSPORTATION 

Chinese airline to start biofuel-powered commercial flights (via BusinessGreen)

How to charge millions of electric cars? Not all at once (via New York Times)

Honda boss says Chinese drivers don’t want green cars (via Autoblog)

Swerving around barriers and moving electric cars (via Forbes)

Chevy Spark EV rated at 82 miles, 119 MPGe combined (via Autoblog Gren)

Fisker hearing kicks off as unhappy customers emerge (via GigaOm)

OIL 

Rosneft plans more Arctic exploration to boost share value (via Bloomberg)

Gulf oil spill trial judge poses questions on gross negligence issue (via Houston Chronicle)

CLIMATE 

US should do more on climate change to aid economy: UN official (via Scientific American/Reuters)

Pakistan’s farmers grapple with climate change (via Al-Jazeera)

US East Coast cities confront global warming-induced sea level rise (via Union of Concerned Scientists)

Fires burn more fiercely as northern forests warm (via Yale e360)

GRID 

Demand response cuts the need for new generation in PJM (via Greentech Media)

New York State approves $2.2 billion power line from Quebec (via AOL Energy)

POLITICS 

Energy boom strengthens US clout in world, Obama advisor says (via Reuters)

LNG, Keystone XL emerge as central issues in British Columbia election (via Vancouver Sun)

Bipartisan group of lawmakers float renewable energy finance bill (via The Hill)

Billionaire climate activist backing old-line and new-school tactics in Mass. Senate primary (via E&E Daily)

Baucus to lean heavily into land conservation before retiring (via E&E Daily)

OPINION 

Finding a new direction in climate change policy (via The Innovation Files)

Utilities have far to go in smart grid maturity (via Greentech Media)

What Fisker’s failure tells us about Obama’s clean energy programs (via Washington Post)

If Keystone XL gets blocked, can trains save Canada’s tar sands? (via Washington Post)

Why we don’t need Fisker (via MIT Technology Review)