Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.5.14

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

CLIMATE 

World had sixth-hottest year on record in 2013, says UN (via Bloomberg)

2013 marked 37th consecutive year of above-average temperatures (via Grist)

Cities almost double climate actions over two years, says C40 (via Bloomberg)

Climate change means more wildfires, and that means lots more air pollution (via Grist)

Winter Olympics: A downhill forecast (via Nature)

White House to unveil “climate hubs” to aid farmers across country (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Global wind hits 318GW – GWEC report (via Recharge)

Morocco says investors lining up for $9 billion solar project (via Reuters)

SunEdison plans $6.4 billion PV manufacturing center in Saudi Arabia (via Solar Industry)

Iceland uses magma to create geothermal power for first time (via Climate Progress)

Israel wants to be the “startup nation” on clean technology (via ClimateWire)

Solar PV suppliers expected to enter new upturn in 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

COAL 

As shale gas blows worldwide, India can’t kick coal habit (via EnergyWire)

US not protecting taxpayers on coal exports, says report (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

EPA staff struggling to create pollution rule (via New York Times)

Poll finds most voters want EPA to limit carbon pollution from power plants (via Climate Progress)

How the Northeast could cut carbon pollution 75% in 5 steps (via Climate Progress)

NATURAL GAS 

Canadian regulators hid natural gas pipeline explosion for years (via CBC News)

House Republicans add pressure for gas exports (via National Journal)

ENERGY INDUSTRY 

Fitch Ratings says shareholder activism impacting U.S. energy sector cash flows (via BusinessWire)

Utilities want regulatory rescue from “death spiral” (via Forbes)

KEYSTONE XL 

The quietly important Keystone pipeline date (via National Journal)

Obama knocks high Keystone jobs estimate in interview (via Politico)

Chu: Keystone pipeline decision “political” (via The Hill)

ENVIRONMENT 

Sao Paulo’s biggest water-supply system may run dry within 45 days (via Bloomberg)

Farm bill headed to Obama after Senate passage (via USA Today)

Californians brace for year of “mega-drought” (via USA Today)

OIL 

US fines three oil companies in first move since derailments (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla breaks into top five brands in consumer reports survey (via Bloomberg)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.3.14

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone XL unites environmentalists and landowners in pipeline battle (via The Guardian)

Keystone pipeline inches toward green light with crucial climate finding (via National Journal)

Keystone report reignites battle over pipeline’s impact (via Houston Chronicle)

EPA review could be lynchpin to Keystone review process (via Reuters)

Pressure is on Kerry as Keystone pipeline decision nears (via Washington Post)

State Department Inspector General won’t release Keystone XL contractor report (via Washington Post)

Keystone foe Steyer urges review of “defective” analysis (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

EU wind market shrank 8% in 2013 (via Recharge)

Repowering boosts new German onshore wind capacity in 2013 (via Recharge)

Rooftop solar will soon be cheaper than coal in the EU (via Greentech Media)

Dong Energy to sell half of London Array offshore wind stake for £644 million (via BusinessGreen)

Canadian hydro gambles big on US export market – but at what cost? (via EnergyWire)

Goldman Sachs says renewables one of most compelling investment sectors (via CleanTechnica)

2014 wind boom: Record 12,000MW of wind now under construction (via Facts of the Day)

Solar continues to attract financing, M&A, and VC (via Greentech Media)

Price of solar much lower than solar savings (via CleanTechnica)

What does $2 million buy? How about 1,800GW of wind power (via CleanTechnica)

Is ethanol eating your car’s engine? (via Forbes)

Colorado PUC keeps net metering in place for now (via Renew Grid)

Solar thermal power poses challenges for drought-stricken California (via MIT Technology Review)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

CHP capacity will grow 16.3GW annually through 2023 (via Energy Manager Today)

Panama Canal expansion could increase LNG exports to Asia (via Houston Chronicle)

North Carolina fracking panel sets safe drilling distances from homes, streams (via Charlotte Observer)

EMISSIONS 

In China’s war on bad air, government decision to release data gives fresh hope (via Washington Post)

Canadian prime minister defers emissions rules in Obama Keystone standoff (via Bloomberg)

UK carbon capture industry potential estimated at up to £35 billion by 2030 (via The Guardian)

Lower emissions cap for RGGI takes effect in 2014 (via US EIA)

California carbon prices “will remain low” (via Environmental Leader)

California cities compete to see which can be “coolest” and cut emissions (via United Press International)

COAL 

Australia permits coal port dredge dumping near Barrier Reef (via Bloomberg)

GRID 

Indian microgrids seek to bring millions out of darkness (via GreenBiz)

Global smart meter installations to top 800 million by 2020 (via BusinessGreen)

Construction of wind-energy transmission line to create Missouri jobs (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

OIL 

BP digs in as last leg of Gulf oil spill trial approaches (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla aims for electric car coast-to-coast record (via USA Today)

BMW exec says public chargers not important for EV success (via Autoblog Green)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Philadelphia rates its buildings for energy consumption (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

ENVIRONMENT 

UK’s January flooding surpasses all 247 years of data on the books (via Climate Progress)

Severe drought has U.S. west fearing worst (via New York Times)

Congress tried to cut subsidies for homes in flood zones – it was harder than they thought (via Washington Post)

Leading scientists explain how climate change is worsening California’s epic drought (via Climate Progress)

California drought prompts unprecedented water conservation efforts (via Huffington Post/AP)

How a brewery might save one town during the California drought (via Huffington Post)

OPINION 

EU ETS isn’t out of trouble just yet (via Energy Collective)

No matter how you count them, fossil fuel subsidies are high as ever (via DeSmogBlog)

Long path still ahead for Keystone XL pipeline (via Houston Chronicle)

Five takeaways from State Department’s Keystone XL pipeline review (via Washington Post)

Keystone XL, a sorry symbol of continued fossil fuel reliance (via Los Angeles Times)

Approving Keystone XL could be the biggest mistake of Obama’s presidency (via The Guardian)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.31.14

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone XL review “to say pipeline will not appreciably increase emissions” (via The Guardian)

Oil sands opponents file challenge against European Commission (via Reuters)

Canada regulator approves Enbridge’s Alberta oil pipeline plan (via Reuters)

Obama Administration prepared to show cards on Keystone (via National Journal)

Keystone foes say two pipelines are worse than one (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

10 cities making massive emissions cuts through energy efficiency (via CleanTechnica)

Northeast, Mid-Atlantic invested $2.5 billion in energy efficiency during 2013 (via Energy Manager Today)

The ultimate guide to efficient light bulbs (via CleanTechnica)

RENEWABLES 

China installed record amounts of solar in 2013 – but coal is still winning (via Washington Post)

MoU signed for enormous 4,000MW solar project in India (via CleanTechnica)

Goldman Sachs sees “transformational moment” in renewables investment (via Renew Economy)

U.S. installed 1.08GW wind in 2013 (via Recharge)

Wind power supporters push Congress to revive expired tax credit (via Washington Post)

Renewable energy finance outlook for 2014: Where will the cash flow? (via Renewable Energy World)

Study finds carbon intensity of corn ethanol to be 43-60% lower than oil by 2022 (via Green Car Congress)

Biodiesel boom continues with eight straight months above 100 million gallons (via Facts of the Day)

Texas tops nation in new wind power construction (via Houston Chronicle)

Rooftop solar and net metering win big in Colorado (via Greentech Media)

Why New Jersey’s solar market just got hot again (via Renewable Energy World)

Eagle permits: A way forward for wind or a license to kill? (via Midwest Energy News)

EMISSIONS 

South Korea confirms 30% carbon reduction target by 2020 (via RTCC)

China unhappy with “carbon budget” reference in IPCC review (via RTCC)

EU panel votes to limit concessions on airline carbon curbs (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY POLICY 

New US generation capacity falls 54% in 2013 as new wind plunges (via Facts of the Day)

Energy Secretary: ability to transport U.S. oil, gas lags booming output (via Reuters)

White House taps Norman Bay to head FERC (via Politico)

EPA prepares hundreds of regional buyouts in sweeping workforce overhaul (via Greenwire)

CLIMATE 

Lima talks should deliver first draft of 2015 UN climate deal, says Peru minister (via The Guardian)

Obama’s agenda: EPA leading the charge on climate change (via Politico)

EPA chief: Climate change regulation “done deal” despite Supreme Court review (via National Journal)

Green groups: Obama not doing enough on climate (via AP)

Business groups form multi-million dollar campaign to fight Obama climate plan (via Washington Post)

Bloomberg tapped to be UN cities, climate change envoy (via Reuters)

OIL 

White House willing to explore “policy options” on crude oil exports (via National Journal)

OPEC oil output rises in January from 2 ½-year low (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

White House releases plan to make Arctic shipping safer (via Reuters)

House Democrats demand better fuel efficiency from USPS vehicles (via The Hill)

Which state has the highest percentage of EVs? No, not California (via Green Car Reports)

ENVIRONMENT 

Its great lake shriveled, Iran confronts water supply crisis (via New York Times)

California may have hit its driest point in 500 years, and the effects are frightening (via Huffington Post)

For California, more wildfires mean more pollution and long-lasting health problems (via ClimateWire)

California snowpack hits record low (via Los Angeles Times)

GRID 

Return on investment from smart grid deployment is top priority for public power utilities (via Renew Grid)

OPINION 

The extraordinary climate and environmental legacy of Henry Waxman (via Climate Progress)

Supporters, opponents of Waxman’s climate agenda lament retirement (via SNL Energy)

Enlightened power: New eco warriors are really well armed (via Bloomberg)

Extreme weather is a reality – the insurance industry must adapt (via The Guardian)

Two things to know about Indonesia’s forest moratorium (via World Resources Institute)

Four insights on unlocking finance for clean energy access in Africa (via World Resources Institute)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.24.14

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Energy subsidies rebound to pre-financial crisis levels (via Houston Chronicle)

Russia to double oil and gas flows to Asia by 2035 (via Reuters)

Britain launches new tender for offshore oil and gas licenses (via Reuters)

Above and beyond: Green tariff design for traditional utilities (via World Resources Institute)

OIL 

Canada, U.S. agencies urge fast action on oil-by-rail safety (via Reuters)

NTSB urges oil trains be routed away from population centers (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)

Federal regulators check Eagle Ford shale oil flammability (via Houston Chronicle)

Tar sands backers say report on oil train risks boosts Keystone XL (via AP)

Record grain crop stuck on prairie as railways tap oil (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

China’s solar industry rebounds, but will boom-bust cycle repeat? (via Reuters)

Germany signs off on solar tax (via Climate Spectator)

Two countries dominate world’s green energy workforce, says report (via Houston Chronicle)

Why Latin America will be a tough solar market to crack (via Forbes)

Green bond market breaches $10 billion milestone (via BusinessGreen)

U.S. probes new dumping complaints on China solar products (via Reuters)

U.S. wind incentives among lowest in world (via Facts of the Day)

U.S. may lower 2013 cellulosic ethanol target (via Reuters)

Senators pressure EPA to revise 2014 Renewable Fuels Standard (via National Journal)

NREL finds wind turbines can boost grid system readiness (via Renew Grid)

Wind permits allowing eagle deaths face blowback (via National Journal)

Texas on the brink of a major wind energy milestone (via EcoWatch)

Solar PV installations up 39% in 2013 across Hawaiian utility service area (via Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

In Kansas, renewable energy standard again under attack (via Midwest Energy News/EnergyWire)

COAL 

China bank regulator said to issue alert on coal loans (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Obama says climate plan will help U.S. negotiate with China, India (via National Journal)

Climate change: The Winter Olympics’ great thaw (via Climate Central)

Arctic sea ice free fall is mirror image of carbon dioxide ascent (via Grist)

Industry awakens to threat of climate change (via New York Times)

Hundred years of dry: How California’s drought could get much, much worse (via Time)

Poll shows Latinos overwhelmingly support climate action (via Grist)

GRID 

Smart grid venture capital funding hit $405 million in 2013 (via Renew Grid)

EIA now providing more detail on electric capacity additions and retirements (via US EIA)

$3.6 billion in transmission improvements on tap for ERCOT grid (via Renew Grid)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla Model S to sell for $121,000 in China (via San Jose Mercury News)

Tesla & China: Priced at $121,000 country could be biggest market, says Musk (via Green Car Reports)

EVs could be key part of changing electrical grid (via New York Times)

Virginia will scrap tax on hybrid vehicles (via Autoblog Green)

OPINION 

Four signs Africa could leapfrog fossil fuels – and one it won’t (via TreeHugger)

No one tries harder than Europe to fight climate change – the recession is testing that (via Washington Post)

How the federal ITC expiration could create a commercial solar market boom (via Renewable Energy World)

Obama’s State of The Union talking points: Saving the planet (via Washington Post)

Five reasons Obama may cave on the Keystone pipeline (via Forbes)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.22.14

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

CLIMATE 

NOAA: 2013 tied for fourth-warmest year on record (via The Guardian)

2013 timeline: A year of extreme weather events (via WRI Insights)

Report says China must spend $330 billion more to do fair share on climate (via Reuters)

Climate change: “Water supply at risk from back-to-back extreme events” (via The Guardian)

Extreme weather in Canada cost insurers billions in 2013 (via Climate Progress)

EMISSIONS 

EU sets targets of 40% carbon cut and 27% renewables by 2030 (via The Guardian)

China’s per capita CO2 emissions are now greater than Europe’s (via Energy Collective)

Europe divides over more ambitious pollution limits (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

China lifts 2014 solar PV installation target to 14GW (via Renew Economy)

Will Germany meet its renewable energy targets? (via Renew Economy)

China’s wind power sector foresees a recovery in 2014 (via Renewable Energy World)

Clean tech’s investment cycle: Don’t worry, think bigger (via Renewable Energy World)

Corn ethanol reduces emissions 32% compared to petroleum (via Environmental Leader)

California official: Utilities would like to “strangle” solar (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Community-owned solar creates a new business model in Massachusetts (via Greentech Media)

Lessons from Minnesota – an unexpected solar success (via CleanTechnica)

COAL 

India’s coal imports rise 21% in 2013 (via Reuters)

West Virginia spill just latest case of coal tainting U.S. waters (via AP)

Outside energy experts question EPA reliance on “unproven” clean coal technology (via National Journal)

Republicans’ strategy on new EPA coal rule: Kill it now before it’s finalized (via Inside Climate News)

GRID 

States to utilities: Modernize the grid (via Navigant Research)

ENVIRONMENT 

What Japan’s bloody dolphin hunt has in common with the BP oil spill (via Climate Progress)

West Virginia governor pushes bill tightening chemical storage regulations (via The Hill)

Houston’s ozone mystery: Pockets of pollution unlike other cities (via StateImpact Texas)

OIL 

U.S. oil demand grew faster than China’s in 2013 – that won’t last (via Time)

What happens when the shale oil boom ends? (via Christian Science Monitor)

More oil spilled from trains in 2013 than in previous four decades (via McClatchy)

Keystone XL’s southern leg to begin transporting oil to U.S. Gulf Coast (via Washington Post)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla expands Supercharger network in central Europe (via Autoblog Green)

Study shows recent increase in US households without a vehicle (via Green Car Congress)

Will “car rage” join “range anxiety” as EV owner emotion? (via Green Car Reports)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Saudi’s SABIC expects to enter US shale market this year (via Reuters)

Australia divided on fracking (via New York Times)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency is about to get a $200 million jolt from Wall Street (via Greentech Media)

More and more cities switching to LED street lighting (via Sustainable Cities Collective)

ASHRAE publishes fourth edition of green building GreenGuide (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

State of Green Business Report 2014 (via GreenBiz)

10 things you didn’t know about Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (via Energy.gov)

Five big questions about the massive West Virginia chemical spill (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.22.14

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

CLIMATE 

NOAA: 2013 tied for fourth-warmest year on record (via The Guardian)

2013 timeline: A year of extreme weather events (via WRI Insights)

Report says China must spend $330 billion more to do fair share on climate (via Reuters)

Climate change: “Water supply at risk from back-to-back extreme events” (via The Guardian)

Extreme weather in Canada cost insurers billions in 2013 (via Climate Progress)

EMISSIONS 

EU sets targets of 40% carbon cut and 27% renewables by 2030 (via The Guardian)

China’s per capita CO2 emissions are now greater than Europe’s (via Energy Collective)

Europe divides over more ambitious pollution limits (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

China lifts 2014 solar PV installation target to 14GW (via Renew Economy)

Will Germany meet its renewable energy targets? (via Renew Economy)

China’s wind power sector foresees a recovery in 2014 (via Renewable Energy World)

Clean tech’s investment cycle: Don’t worry, think bigger (via Renewable Energy World)

Corn ethanol reduces emissions 32% compared to petroleum (via Environmental Leader)

California official: Utilities would like to “strangle” solar (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Community-owned solar creates a new business model in Massachusetts (via Greentech Media)

Lessons from Minnesota – an unexpected solar success (via CleanTechnica)

COAL 

India’s coal imports rise 21% in 2013 (via Reuters)

West Virginia spill just latest case of coal tainting U.S. waters (via AP)

Outside energy experts question EPA reliance on “unproven” clean coal technology (via National Journal)

Republicans’ strategy on new EPA coal rule: Kill it now before it’s finalized (via Inside Climate News)

GRID 

States to utilities: Modernize the grid (via Navigant Research)

ENVIRONMENT 

What Japan’s bloody dolphin hunt has in common with the BP oil spill (via Climate Progress)

West Virginia governor pushes bill tightening chemical storage regulations (via The Hill)

Houston’s ozone mystery: Pockets of pollution unlike other cities (via StateImpact Texas)

OIL 

U.S. oil demand grew faster than China’s in 2013 – that won’t last (via Time)

What happens when the shale oil boom ends? (via Christian Science Monitor)

More oil spilled from trains in 2013 than in previous four decades (via McClatchy)

Keystone XL’s southern leg to begin transporting oil to U.S. Gulf Coast (via Washington Post)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla expands Supercharger network in central Europe (via Autoblog Green)

Study shows recent increase in US households without a vehicle (via Green Car Congress)

Will “car rage” join “range anxiety” as EV owner emotion? (via Green Car Reports)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Saudi’s SABIC expects to enter US shale market this year (via Reuters)

Australia divided on fracking (via New York Times)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency is about to get a $200 million jolt from Wall Street (via Greentech Media)

More and more cities switching to LED street lighting (via Sustainable Cities Collective)

ASHRAE publishes fourth edition of green building GreenGuide (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

State of Green Business Report 2014 (via GreenBiz)

10 things you didn’t know about Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (via Energy.gov)

Five big questions about the massive West Virginia chemical spill (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.21.14

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

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s exports linked to western U.S. air pollution (via CNN)

Study finds handful of species most important to ecosystem health (via Mongabay)

NUCLEAR 

Japan says new leak detected at Fukushima reactor (via New York Times)

Texas company, alone in US, cashes in on nuclear waste (via New York Times)

RENEWABLES 

World can double renewables share at low cost, says report (via RTCC)

Germany’s offshore wind capacity hits 520MW (via Recharge)

4,000MW of new solar PV capacity added in Japan (via CleanTechnica)

India surpasses 2013 solar energy goal, adds 1GW to grid (via EcoBusiness)

Solar PV clipped Australia’s peak demand by 4.6% during heat wave (via Renew Economy)

Germany’s industrial base at risk if green energy shift fails (via Reuters)

A new way to harvest more light and make solar cells more efficient (via GigaOm)

Report reveals U.S. military’s renewable energy victories (via GreenBiz)

Study: Active power control of wind turbines can improve grid reliability (via NREL)

Explosive growth for California’s surviving solar firms (via San Francisco Chronicle)

New York PSC signals big changes to prioritize clean energy (via Breaking Energy)

OIL 

Domestic oil output surge puts pressure on decades-old export ban (via National Journal)

Price-rigging probes jammed by oil industry bid to protect its secrets (via EnergyWire)

TRANSPORTATION 

New data shows electric cars won’t be a problem for utilities (via Green Car Reports)

More than 25,000 Teslas on road as company sets sales record in 4Q (via Facts of the Day)

EMISSIONS 

China’s carbon markets risk missteps without transparent data (via Reuters)

Europe split over stronger pollution limits (via The Hill)

Europe energy investment seen at risk without 2030 carbon target (via Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

CLIMATE 

Soil microbes alter DNA in response to climate change, says study (via Yale e360)

Climate change: Don't get scared, get ready (via The Guardian)

As uses of biochar expand, climate benefits still uncertain (via Yale e360)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Final specifications released for ENERGY STAR version 6.0 (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

Buy green, sell stranded (via Slate)

Clean-energy experts offer Obama a path forward without Congress (via National Journal)

New research: How to move Americans on climate (via EcoAffect)

Washington is silent on West Virginia’s chemical spill (via Washington Post)

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 – 1.17.14

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

ENVIRONMENT 

Earth’s record 41 billion-dollar weather disasters of 2013 (via Weather Underground) 

California drought expands, fueling heat and fire (via Climate Central)

West Virginia spill heightens concerns about Ohio waterways (via Public News Service)

What Californians can expect from the drought (via Significant Figures)

COAL 

Japan utilities December coal use rises 15% year-over-year (via Reuters)

First lawsuit against Obama’s new coal limits just got filed (via Mother Jones)

Despite decline, states still spending billions to import coal (via Midwest Energy News)

Feds pledge $1 billion to build FutureGen 2.0 (via Springfield State Journal-Register)

RENEWABLES 

India could reach 100% renewables by mid-century (via CleanTechnica)

Deutsche Bank projects 56GW of solar to be installed in 2015 (via Facts of the Day)

John Hancock backs US solar PV build (via Recharge)

Solar on a grand scale: Big power plants coming online in the West (via Washington Post)

Military deployment of clean technology accelerates (via San Jose Mercury-News)

US Marine ExFOB 2014 seeks next-gen energy harvesting systems (via CleanTechnica)

California gives go-ahead to Blythe solar plan (via Renewable Energy World)

New Mexico joins the geothermal power ranks (via EarthTechling)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Europe to America: We want your natural gas (via National Journal)

UK thwarts EU plan to create binding fracking rules (via EnergyWire)

Report predicts 20 years of stable natural gas prices (via Houston Chronicle)

Cold weather led to record-high natural gas storage withdrawals (via US EIA)

Oklahoma regulators consider new rules for wastewater disposal wells (via The Oklahoman)

Study finds 5,893 natural gas leaks in Washington DC (via USA Today)

CLIMATE 

Climate protection may cut world GDP 4% by 2030, says UN (via Bloomberg)

Sluggish economy prompts Europe to reconsider its climate change intentions (via New York Times)

Environmental groups say Obama needs to address climate change more aggressively (via Washington Post)

Extreme weather wreaking havoc on food as farmers suffer (via Bloomberg)

US Chamber’s new energy plan disregards previous climate change concerns (via SNL Energy)

Climate change will cut California’s ability to make electricity just as more is needed (via ClimateWire)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Canada loses patience on Keystone XL, tells US to decide (via Chicago Tribune)

Canadian support of Keystone XL pipeline is falling, says new poll (via Climate Progress)

EMISSIONS 

EPA chief: No politics behind delay in climate rule (via National Journal)

Mitch McConnell aims to torpedo EPA carbon rules with obscure legislative tool (via Huffington Post)

Emails between EPA, Sierra Club become talking point in emissions rule battle (via Greenwire)

OIL 

How the oil boom could change US foreign policy (via Washington Post)

Investigation shows feds knew of risks ahead of crude-by-rail accidents (via National Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Toyota pledges to top US effort to double fuel economy by 2025 (via Bloomberg)

GRID 

IHS says grid-connected energy storage set to “explode” (via Solar Industry Magazine)

GREEN BUILDING 

Net-zero energy buildings double in 2013 (via Sustainable Business)

Bringing a touch of green to American capitals (via EarthTechling)

OPINION 

How the SEC can fight climate change (via Huffington Post)

The most impressive clean tech comeback story you haven’t heard (via CleanTechnica)

National “Shout Out for Solar” day enjoys broad support (via Renewable Energy World)

Better to export natural gas fracking or advanced coal technologies? (via Forbes)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.16.14

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

CLIMATE 

UN climate experts warn geoengineering may be essential for 2C world (via RTCC)

Australian heatwaves getting hotter and longer, says Climate Council (via The Guardian)

Seven US weather and climate disasters exceeded $1 billion in damages in 2013 (via NOAA)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Half of Britons opposed to shale gas drilling within 10 miles of their homes (via Reuters)

EPA vows action on fracking rules, policy (via National Journal)

Mixing hazardous drainage from mining operations cuts fracking waste’s radioactivity (via ABC News/AP)

Shale plays? There’s an app for that (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

France-Germany energy plan to focus on renewables (via Reuters)

These charts show how solar demand has shifted around the world (via Greentech Media)

India proposes new national offshore wind energy agency (via India Briefing)

Clean energy investment down, but not out (via Christian Science Monitor)

BP sees renewables outpacing fossil fuels, eclipsing nuclear (via Bloomberg)

10 ways to generate $36 trillion in green investments by 2050 (via RTCC)

SolarCity wants to raise billions of dollars in capital – from you (via Quartz)

COAL 

China coal output seen up 2.7% in 2014 (via Reuters)

White House: International coal policy intact despite GOP rider (via National Journal)

EMISSIONS 

BP study predicts greenhouse gas emissions will rise by almost a third in 20 years (via The Guardian)

Hydroelectric dams said to be “hotspots” of greenhouse gas methane (via United Press International)

Study: Low-cost measures could cut EU emissions 40% by 2030 (via BusinessGreen)

Beijing has worst smog in a year (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Fracking chemicals may make oil extra explosive (via Grist)

Cities boost work on oil-train safety as production surges (via National Journal)

North Dakota’s top oil regulator is also its top oil promoter (via Grist)

OPEC outages cut its oil output to below 2014 demand (via Reuters)

On oil exports, it’s US Chamber vs. AFL-CIO – but Keystone XL brings harmony (via Greenwire)

TRANSPORTATION 

The trillion-dollar question: Where does transport investment come from? (via World Resources Institute)

Ford wants to double hybrid offerings by 2020 (via Autoblog Green)

Boeing seeks approval this year for direct blending of renewable diesel in jet fuel (via Green Car Congress)

KEYSTONE XL 

TransCanada will look at rail if Keystone XL is rejected (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Keystone XL southern leg near activation (via Texas Tribune)

Additional comment period may prolong Keystone review (via Bloomberg)

ENVIRONMENT 

Sea ice cracks causing mercury buildup in Arctic air (via Climate Central)

Obama Administration seen as retreating on environment in Pacific trade talks (via New York Times)

Alaska’s Bristol Bay region could be devastated by mining, says EPA report (via The Guardian)

Trees accelerate growth as they get older and bigger, finds study (via The Guardian)

Holes in chemical regulations hampered West Virginia spill response (via Politico)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Google and Nest: The big picture for home automation competitors (via Greentech Media)

Better Buildings Alliance unveils Green Lease Leaders program (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

America’s energy boom (via Washington Post)

WikiLeaks exposes what Obama’s secret trade deal would do to the environment (via Mother Jones)

A big test for Obama on the environment (via Washington Post)