Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.25.13

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

ENERGY POLICY 

EIA projects world energy consumption will increase 56% by 2040 (via US EIA)

Natural gas generation plummets 13.4% as coal surges 11% in US EIA data (via Facts of the Day)

GREEN BUSINESS 

UK green economy grows £6 billion according to government data (via BusinessGreen)

Intel, Microsoft, Kohl’s top EPA Green Power list (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

China’s coal-fired economy dying of thirst as mines lack water (via Bloomberg)

How the White House watered down rules on coal-plant water pollution (via Grist)

EPA Administrator McCarthy’s tenure to be tested by coal sector (via Forbes)

RENEWABLES 

EU-China solar deal hinges on price as deadline nears (via Reuters)

Report says EU tariffs ending the era of low-cost Chinese solar modules (via Solar Industry Magazine)

UK renewables output soars 19% in 2012 (via BusinessGreen)

India adds 566MW of green energy in Q1 (via Panchabuta)

Deepwater turbines “critical” for EU offshore wind (via Recharge)

Insurance costs for renewables may triple to $2.8 billion by 2020 (via Bloomberg)

Biofuel makers seek to ease mandates to avert Congressional overhaul (via Bloomberg)

US solar has best first half of all time in H1 2013 (via SNL)

Wind-bird debate flares with new fatality figure (via EarthTechling)

Solar leasing gains while costs to federal taxpayers falls (via Greentech Media)

The future of US solar power: opportunities in soft costs (via Climate Progress)

Virginia coastline could soon be home to 2GW of offshore wind (via CleanTechnica)

Colorado state capitol first to boast geothermal heating and cooling (via EarthTechling)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Polar thaw opens shortcut for Russian natural gas (via New York Times)

Chevron to promote shale drilling in Europe (via Houston Chronicle)

House bill would allow US to invest more in African natural gas facilities (via SNL)

DOJ probes US fracking market over antitrust issues (via Reuters)

Fire rages on Gulf rig leaking natural gas (via Washington Post)

Offshore drilling regulation critic runs company operating latest Gulf well blowout rig (via Houston Chronicle)

CLIMATE 

The North Pole is now a lake (via LiveScience)

A Republican Secretary of State urges action on climate change (via Scientific American)

Obama: Grow middle class to fight climate change (via The Hill)

Four designs for resilient neighborhoods after Sandy (via Good)

EMISSIONS 

Biden urges US-India cooperation on phasing out greenhouse gases (via Climate Progress)

Developing countries to vastly outpace OECD in emissions, says US EIA (via Reuters)

China investing $277 billion over five years to curb air pollution (via Reuters)

British Columbia’s carbon tax cut fuel use, didn’t hurt economy (via CBS News)

Federal court backs EPA ozone limit but orders review of public welfare standard (via Greenwire)

GRID 

Demand response sites to double worldwide by 2020 (via Renew Grid)

Germany’s energy storage subsidy is no solar miracle (via Greentech Media)

The true ROI of smart meter deployments (via Breaking Energy)

New energy storage testing center coming to New York State (via Renew Grid)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Port of Vancouver approves Northwest’s largest oil terminal amid safety concerns (via The Oregonian)

Keystone XL prompts Congress to let lobbyists write letters of support (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

Bell’s Brewery sues Enbridge over Kalamazoo River oil spill cleanup (via Michigan Live)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

America’s favorite way to save energy during summer is… (via Outlier)

Alabama state agencies cut energy costs by $3.9 million in 2012 (via Energy Manager Today)

NUCLEAR 

Fukushima nuclear cleanup to cost $58 billion (via Phys.org)

TRANSPORTATION 

Charger standards fight confuses EV drivers, puts car company investments at risk (via ClimateWire)

OPINION 

Three major energy trends to watch: efficiency, renewables, distributed power (via GreenBiz)

Did the Clean Air Act unleash Atlantic hurricanes? (via Washington Post)

Renewable fuels debate: cutting through the hype (via Breaking Energy)

What will replace the California Solar Initiative? (via Renewable Energy World)

POLITICS 

Young US voters think Republican climate dissenters “crazy,” says poll (via The Guardian)

US Navy’s clean energy push to get focus at nomination hearing (via Wall Street Journal)

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 – 7.10.13

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

GRID 

India has €2 billion market potential for high-voltage transmission lines (via Hindu Business Line)

NRG Energy looks into solar-based microgrids in Australia (via Renew Economy)

Ontario ramps up smart grid investment as coal is phased out (via Triple Pundit)

Texas calls for 317MW of compressed air energy storage (via Greentech Media)

OIL 

OPEC to lose market share to shale in 2014 as rivals pump more (via Reuters)

Criminal investigation begun into deadly Canada train crash (via New York Times)

Quebec oil train explosion visible from space (via Climate Central)

North Dakota shale oil relies on rail for transport (via Grand Forks Herald)

Alaska pushing new plan for ANWR oil research (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

India’s first wind auction stalled by court case (via Bloomberg)

China won’t introduce duties on EU polysilicon imports (via Bloomberg)

Tidal energy could power half of Scotland (via RTCC)

Wind energy in Brazil: the country of the future? (via Renewable Energy World)

Records set to be smashed as Germany’s solar output soars (via RTCC)

US passes 10GW installed solar PV capacity milestone (via CleanTechnica)

Benefits of renewables in US better seen in eastern states (via EarthTechling)

EMISSIONS 

Air pollution causing higher risk of lung cancer and heart failure in Europe (via The Guardian)

Program begins large-scale CO2 injection in Michigan field test (via Green Car Congress)

COAL 

EIA estimates annual US coal burn, supply to drop; exports to increase (via Platts)

Recent coal export trends: Q1 2013 (via Sightline Daily)

FirstEnergy shuttering two western Pennsylvania coal plants (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

CLIMATE 

Study says small birds may be able to cope with climate change (via Los Angeles Times)

Water worries: climate change in the desert Southwest (via USA Today)

In the US heartland, a young conservative climate campaign launches (via ClimateWire)

Toronto deluged with its all-time record 1-day rainfall (via Weather Underground)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

EPA’s abandoned Wyoming fracking study one retreat of many (via High Country News)

Depleted offshore Gulf of Mexico natural gas well suffers blowout, leak (via Reuters)

Philadelphia may be marketed as natural gas hub (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

Amish debate fracking and temptation (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

Greener fuels at heart of EU’s €3.8 billion biotech package (via BusinessGreen)

US Department of Defense alternative drive vehicle spending will top $900 million by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Study finds pairing an EV with green electricity program increases buyer interest by 23% (via Green Car Congress)

TAR SANDS 

Canada tar sands expansion conditionally approved despite “significant” effects on wildlife (via Globe and Mail)

ENVIRONMENT 

Europe must tackle air pollution, warn UN scientists (via Climate Central)

Australia admits Barrier Reef environmental conditions are “poor” (via Phys.org)

Attitudes on GMO crops are modifying (via New York Times)

States falling short on Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

NUCLEAR 

Japan nuclear regulator alarmed at Fukushima contamination reports (via Reuters)

POLITICS 

Report shows remarkable “climate disconnect” in House GOP voting record (via Climate Progress)

Vitter drops filibuster threat on EPA nominee McCarthy (via Washington Post)

Wealthy donors in his corner as Obama comes out swinging on climate (via InsideClimate News)

Senate Dems huddle with Obama adviser on climate plan (via The Hill)

Top US offshore drilling regulator stepping down (via Houston Chronicle)

OPINION 

Can Germany afford its “energy bender” shift to green power? (via BBC News)

UK’s green industrial revolution at risk from government “dithering” (via BusinessGreen)

You can’t deny global warming after seeing this graph (via Washington Post)

California energy efficiency a national role model (via EarthTechling)

Connecticut moves (mostly) ahead on clean energy (via CLF Scoop)

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 – 6.4.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Airlines agree to curb their emissions by 2020 (via The Guardian)

UK confirms backing for stronger EU 2030 emissions targets (via BusinessGreen)

Traffic gridlock grows in African cities, expanding once-tiny carbon footprint (via ClimateWire)

Hotels work together to standardize measuring carbon footprint (via Sustainable Business)

CLIMATE 

US and China intensify climate cooperation (via RTCC)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency retrofits ramp up in China (via GreenBiz)

Energy efficiency firms are eating European utilities’ lunch (via Reuters)

Vehicle program to be stripped from Senate efficiency bill to shrink price tag (via E&E Daily)

COAL 

A little less coal in China – 6 ways it is lowering consumption (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

European Union backs down on China solar tariffs (via New York Times)

Climate change likely to thwart biofuel goals (via Houston Chronicle)

Harnessing India’s clean energy Tower Power (via Renew Economy)

Japanese solar industry soaring (via CleanTechnica)

Solar, biomass push out offshore wind in EU targets (via Reuters)

Could climate bonds become a major force in green finance? (via Environmental Leader)

States buffeted by turbulent wind industry (via Stateline)

State renewable energy laws survive repeal attempts – so far (via Midwest Energy News/Greenwire)

Interior Department to unveil plans for offshore wind leases (via The Hill)

Interior Department approves 520MW of renewables (via Greentech Media)

Solar executives okay with declining incentives in Colorado (via Denver Post)

OIL 

Russia joins forces with Scandinavia to finance Arctic oil rush (via Bloomberg)

Kinder Morgan to extend Eagle Ford pipeline (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

EVs are getting as cheap as gasoline rivals (via Los Angeles Times)

Nissan Leaf continues strong sales with 2,138; Chevy Volt moves 1,607 (via Autoblog Green)

EV sales in May on pace for 80,000 per year (via Facts of the Day)

Battery advice from Elon Musk: plugged in at full charge is worst thing to do (via San Jose Mercury News)

ENERGY POLICY 

Energy companies call regulatory changes their greatest threat (via Houston Chronicle)

House GOP dusts off energy bills to expand drilling, pipelines (via Politico)

Tea Party targeting Southern Company over solar and nuclear (via San Francisco Chronicle/AP)

Massachusetts launches green bond program to fund clean energy projects (via Bloomberg)

ENVIRONMENT 

China says rural environmental problems and pollution worsened in 2012 (via Reuters)

Extreme weather worsens US wheat production, cuts market share (via Bloomberg)

Severe storms bring more “weather whiplash” to US (via Climate Central)

NUCLEAR 

Worldwide capacity of small modular reactors could pass 18GW by 2030 (via Navigant Research)

Scientists say Fukushima radioactivity in seafood poses minimal health risk (via Phys.org)

Plans for Iowa nuclear power plant scrapped over design, cost concerns (via Des Moines Register)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Illinois must adopt fracking rules, hire experts before expanding drilling (via Houston Chronicle)

GRID 

Farmers oppose expanding Kansas wind power transmission line (via Topeka Capital-Journal)

POLITICS 

Sen. Alexander proposes “grand principles” for cheaper sustainable energy (via The Hill)

Billionaire Steyer to target Obama supporters in anti-Keystone effort (via The Hill)

OPINION 

3 reasons Chinese solar inverters are half the cost of American inverters (via Breaking Energy)

How to settle the US-China solar war (via Greentech Media)

Tesla was not, in fact, worse than Solyndra (via Grist)

What’s good for Arizona Public Service Isn’t Good for Arizona – or solar (via Greentech Media)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.12.13

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

CLIMATE

New research challenges assumptions about global warming effects on mountain tree lines (via Phys.org)

G8 ministers argue climate action must “intensify as a matter of urgency” (via BusinessGreen)

Greenhouse gases make high temperatures hotter in China (via Phys.org)

Rising sea levels could cost UK “billions” (via RTCC)

Climate change keeps expanding Canada’s epidemic of forest-destroying beetles (via Climate Progress)

Federal report: global warming didn’t cause US drought (via AP)

COAL

Chinese coal producer plans $1.7 billion investment in Australian wind (via Bloomberg)

US coal producers scrambling in face of skyrocketing production costs (via SNL Energy)

Coal to stay important in US energy mix, says EPA pick (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Libya aims to get a fifth of its power from solar by 2020 (via Reuters)

France’s geothermal fracking conundrum (via Christian Science Monitor)

Alberta looks at renewable energy amid push for Keystone (via Bloomberg)

(more…)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.12.13

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

CLIMATE

New research challenges assumptions about global warming effects on mountain tree lines (via Phys.org)

G8 ministers argue climate action must “intensify as a matter of urgency” (via BusinessGreen)

Greenhouse gases make high temperatures hotter in China (via Phys.org)

Rising sea levels could cost UK “billions” (via RTCC)

Climate change keeps expanding Canada’s epidemic of forest-destroying beetles (via Climate Progress)

Federal report: global warming didn’t cause US drought (via AP)

COAL

Chinese coal producer plans $1.7 billion investment in Australian wind (via Bloomberg)

US coal producers scrambling in face of skyrocketing production costs (via SNL Energy)

Coal to stay important in US energy mix, says EPA pick (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Libya aims to get a fifth of its power from solar by 2020 (via Reuters)

France’s geothermal fracking conundrum (via Christian Science Monitor)

Alberta looks at renewable energy amid push for Keystone (via Bloomberg)

(more…)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.21.13

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

TAR SANDS 

Canada’s First Nations say they will fight oil sands, pipeline (via CBC News)

Michigan oil spill cleanup may exceed insurance (via Reuters)

CLIMATE 

World Bank to prioritize support for climate vulnerable states (via RTCC)

Americans’ belief in global warming rises with thermometer (via Times-Picayune/AP)

If you thought 2012 was hot, just wait a few years (via Climate Central)

GRID

Grid operator warns of future power problems in New England (via Boston Globe/AP)

Texas legislature approves electric market cost-benefit measure (via Houston Chronicle)

California lawmakers hammer utilities panel for shoddy forecasting (via Sacramento Bee)

RENEWABLES 

China’s wind power production increased more than coal power did for first time ever in 2012 (via Climate Progress)

India to install 1.3-1.4GW solar power in 2013 (via Panchabuta)

Australia sticks with renewable energy target (via Recharge)

1GW of new PV seen in Mideast and Africa in 2013 (via Recharge)

German insurers urge easing green energy investment rules (via Reuters)

US Senate rejects amendment gutting military biofuels program by 40-59 vote (via The Hill)

Small wind power annual installations will double in capacity by 2018 (via Navigant Research)

OIL 

Oil companies bid $1.6 billion for Gulf drilling rights (via Houston Chronicle)

Coastal states want more offshore drilling revenue (via Politico)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s coastal waters increasingly polluted (via Phys.org)

New pope: “let us be protectors of creation” (via Mongabay)

Four ways to harvest rainwater and save resources (via The Good Human)

NUCLEAR 

Nuclear regulators under fire for delay of post-Fukushima safety requirement (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

NRC: Car petroleum use, GHG emissions could drop 80% (via Environmental Leader)

US lawmakers say ethanol mandate may hike gasoline price (via Reuters)

Study says EV drivers will pay more per kWh to charge at work (via Green Car Reports)

DOE tool scores EV readiness for cities, counties, states (via EarthTechling)

SuperTruck semi achieves 54-percent increase in fuel economy (via Autoblog)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

UK budget promises shale gas tax breaks, public benefits (via Reuters)

Pact reached on voluntary standards for fracking in Northeast US (via New York Times/AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Study shows energy-efficient homes are 32% less risky for lenders (via Greentech Media)

Walgreens launches first net-zero retail store in US (via Sustainable Business)

New reasons to change light bulbs (via New York Times)

COAL 

Coal plants belching out less mercury (via Forbes)

How coal affects water quality: state of the science (via Sightline Daily)

POLITICS 

The wealth of business connections for Obama’s Energy pick (via ProPublica)

Keystone XL pipeline debate rattles Massachusetts Senate race (via Reuters)

OPINION 

A Chinese solar giant goes bankrupt, and that’s a good thing (via GigaOm)

UK budget sets green alarm bells ringing (via Recharge)

Protecting renewable portfolio standards from cynical attacks (via Forbes)

How to cut US gasoline use in half by 2030 (via Washington Post)

Two ways Americans may get more ownership of their energy future (via CleanTechnica)

More coal-fired idiocy and mendacity in Nevada (via Grist)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.18.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China to more than double air monitoring network (via Phys.org)

EPA likely to delay climate rules for new power plants (via Washington Post)

Dow Chemical to offset Olympic carbon emissions (via Environmental Leader)

RGGI auction raises $106 million for green reinvestment (via Environmental Leader)

Can a divestment campaign move the fossil fuel industry? (via Yale e360)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Natural gas export debate heats up over economic benefits (via Houston Chronicle)

Intrigue in Illinois after House Speaker calls for fracking moratorium (via Midwest Energy News)

RENEWABLES 

$1 trillion projected German fossil fuel import savings from Energiewende (via CleanTechnica)

Indian solar boom boosting materials market (via BusinessGreen)

DOE leaves $51 billion in loan funds unused, says GAO (via The Hill)

Using robots to drive down the cost of solar (via San Jose Mercury News)

Days of promise fade for ethanol (via New York Times)

Bipartisan bill aims to streamline hydropower development (via Renew Grid)

Ten states get 10% of electricity from wind (via Sustainable Business)

Finding happy ground between wind turbines and birds (via Earth Techling)

Arizona wins back its renewables standard (via Greentech Media)

Proposed bill looks to light up Wisconsin’s solar sector (via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

Offshore wind research takes a step forward in Virginia (via Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Ohio legislature re-examines renewable energy mandate (via Columbus Dispatch)

OIL 

Soaring oil prices fuels second North Sea boom (via Daily Express)

North Dakota oil production reaches new high in 2012 (via US EIA)

ENVIRONMENT 

Greening tundra shows impacts of spreading warmth (via Climate Central)

Record cesium level detected in fish caught near Fukushima (via Japan Times)

New Zealand suffering worst drought in 30 years (via Inhabitat)

In drought-ravaged plains, efforts to save a vital aquifer (via Stateline)

Recent storms highlight flaws in top US weather model (via Climate Central)

TRANSPORTATION 

EPA finds 2012 fuel economy was highest ever, 23.8 mpg (via Autoblog Green)

Fuel economy: small decline in 2011 and a probable climb in 2012 (via New York Times)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Market access issues weigh on oil sands developers (via AOL Energy)

Unions split on plans for Keystone XL pipeline (via Houston Chronicle)

House to vote before Memorial Day on Keystone pipeline (via The Hill)

White House: Keystone XL pipeline not a climate change cure (via Time)

House bill would reroute Keystone pipeline around Obama (via Bloomberg)

Enbridge ordered to complete cleanup of massive Michigan oil spill (via CTV/AP)

Enbridge seeks approval to nearly double tar sands pipeline capacity (via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

GRID 

Energy storage technology to surge worldwide (via Houston Chronicle)

Microgrids by mail can contribute to rural electrification in India (via Renewable Energy World)

Risky energy: cyber-security and the nation’s infrastructure (via National Journal)

Fast demand response helps balance the grid (via Navigant Research)

POLITICS 

Obama starts unveiling his plans for climate change, clean energy (via GigaOm)

Congress moves to close tax loopholes for fossil fuels (via Grist)

White House: green investments trump Keystone decision (via USA Today)

How the White House thinks about climate change, in 7 charts (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

Why Obama’s Energy Security Trust is a bad idea (via Forbes)

Why we need more solar companies to fail (via MIT Technology Review)

Ten reasons why fracking for dirty oil in California is a stupid idea (via Grist)

What do young conservatives at CPAC think about climate change? (via Grist)

Rebuild vs. retreat: Christie and Cuomo offer contrasting plans in wake of Sandy (via Bergen Record)