Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.25.13
A daily roundup of the most important energy, environment, and climate news from around the world.
EMISSIONS
German greenhouse gas emissions rise 1.6% in 2012 (via Reuters)
“Internet of things” promises nine billion tons of carbon savings (via BusinessGreen)
California’s second carbon permit auction beats expectations (via Reuters)
Seen as nature lovers’ paradise, Utah struggles with air quality (via New York Times)
OIL
Gulf oil spill trial set to start with no settlement in sight (via Houston Chronicle)
US oil demand fell to 18-year low in January, API says (via Bloomberg)
US Coast Guard documented 16 deficiencies on Arctic drillship (via Houston Chronicle)
ENERGY POLICY
China’s energy consumption rose 3.9% in 2012 (via Yahoo! News/IANS)
US quadruples pipeline tax break cost to $7 billion through 2016 (via Bloomberg)
The next big thing in energy: decentralization (via Grist)
Coastal governors unite in push for offshore revenue-sharing bill (via The Hill)
RENEWABLES
Deutsche sees “sustainable” global solar market in 2014 (via Renew Economy)
Report: more than 100 gigawatts in the China wind pipeline (via Greentech Media)
Indian Gujarat state to have country’s first offshore wind farm (via Panchabuta)
Inside the US military’s clean-energy revolution (via Mother Jones)
The breezy option has become a serious power source (via Globe and Mail)
Big Solar looks to grow with precise cloud forecasts (via EarthTechling)
As economics shift, wind developers see the light on solar power (via Midwest Energy News)
Minnesota lawmakers propose statewide 10% solar renewable energy standard (via Renew Grid)
Five surprising facts about wind energy in Texas (via Sustainable Cities Collective)
Cape Wind: regulation, litigation, and the struggle to develop offshore wind in the US (via Huffington Post)
KEYSTONE XL-TAR SANDS
Canadian officials make climate case in DC ahead of Keystone pipeline decision (via The Hill)
New study to examine health impact of Alberta oil sands (via Edmonton Journal)
Southern segment of Keystone XL is halfway finished (via AP/Houston Chronicle)
What will Obama’s “green quarterback” mean for Keystone XL? (via Canadian Press)
CLIMATE
UN sustainable energy initiative could put world on path to climate targets (via Phys.org)
Hotter, wetter climate slashes labor capacity 10%, says study (via Reuters)
Hawaii to suffer most as global sea levels rise, study says (via NBC News)
Lifting a town to escape the next storm (via New York Times)
NATURAL GAS/FRACKING
Gaps found in EPA drilling emissions reporting (via The Hill)
Fracking emissions get review after EPA watchdog report (via Bloomberg)
West Texas shale could dwarf Eagle Ford (via Houston Chronicle)
GRID
Silicon Valley investors shifting to power grid after solar sours (via Bloomberg)
Germany unveils first North Sea offshore wind power network plan (via Bloomberg)
COAL
Coal demand falls in the US, rises everywhere else (via MIT Technology Review)
As EPA delays new coal ash rules, residents turn to courts for relief (via Center for Public Integrity)
TRANSPORTATION
Why have US gasoline prices risen since the start of 2013? (via US EIA)
Obama’s plan to fund clean cars with oil royalties faces tough test (via InsideClimate News)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Japan moving forward on smart cities (via GreenBiz)
Downtown Pittsburgh to halve energy consumption by 2030 (via Good)
DC unveils sustainability plan (via Environmental Leader)
POLITICS
Interior secretary nomination become embroiled in fight over Alaska refuge (via Washington Post)
Not-so-smart ALEC: how the lobbying group uses bad data to fight clean energy (via Grist)
OPINION
What does the Keystone XL pipeline represent? (via National Journal)
How the US military repelled the GOP’s attack on biofuels (via Mother Jones)
Video: Wait until China acts on Climate. What? They are!? (via Mother Jones)
9 in 10 French favor renewables but perceive high costs