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 – 7.9.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China says it will not set carbon cap (via Renewable Energy World)

Blueprint for Russia’s carbon market should be ready by end of 2013 (via RTCC)

DOE fielding aircraft-based study of aerosols generated by wildfires in US (via Green Car Congress)

Colorado mulls oil and gas air pollution rules as residents erupt (via Denver Post)

Website tracks 20 Minnesota cities’ greenhouse gas emissions (via Star-Tribune)

COAL 

China’s reliance on coal reduces life expectancy 5.5 years (via The Guardian)

RENEWABLES 

Navigant: Solar price to reach grid parity worldwide in 2020 (via Energy Manager Today)

Future of UK offshore wind power in “serious doubt” (via The Guardian)

Germany to pull plug on solar subsidies by 2018 (via Phys.org)

Renewables rise to 15% in Australia as power demand and emissions fall (via Renew Economy)

India risks Spain’s solar slump with move to cut tariff (via Bloomberg)

Los Angeles kicks off second round of solar feed-in tariff (via CleanTechnica)

Georgia Power to buy output from 38MW solar project (via Renew Grid)

NUCLEAR 

Nearly half of Japanese cities near nuclear plants would allow resumption (via United Press International)

Japan moves closer to restarting its nuclear reactors (via The Guardian)

World’s first floating nuclear power plant to begin operating in Russia in 2016 (via Russia Times)

CLIMATE 

Climate change to spawn more and stronger hurricanes (via USA Today)

Pacific Island nations meet in Fiji to discuss 2015 climate adaptation strategy (via RTCC)

Nigeria kickstarts adaptation efforts to head off climate disasters (via Thompson-Reuters)

Stressed native UK trees on the march as climate change collapses seasons (via ClimateWire)

Climate change could spark small mammal invasion (via Scientific American)

Climate change might be enabling beetles’ rise against pine trees (via MPR News)

OIL 

US well sites in 2012 discharged more oil than Valdez (via EnergyWire)

Quebec disaster highlights risk of moving crude oil by rail (via Washington Post)

TRANSPORTATION 

ABB to build world’s largest network of EV fast-charging stations in Netherlands (via Green Car Congress)

Ethanol critics rev up efforts to repeal biofuel rules on gasoline (via Omaha World-Herald)

Tesla Motors to join Nasdaq 100 (via Bloomberg)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Fracking ban halts first shale gas project in Spain (via Christian Science Monitor)

West Virginia natural gas well explosion kills at least five (via Reuters)

ENVIRONMENT 

Insurance companies given severe weather warning (via Climate Central)

Southwest US forests may never recover from megafires (via The Atlantic)

Hundreds evacuated as wildfire threatens Alaskan towns (via Anchorage Daily News)

KEYSTONE XL 

Obama’s Keystone approval could hinge on Canada’s climate measures (via Houston Chronicle)

State Department admits it doesn’t know exact Keystone XL route (via DeSmog Blog)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency saves Scottish homeowners £1 billion (via BusinessGreen)

DOE to toughen energy efficiency standards for new federal buildings (via The Hill)

World’s largest LED retrofit saves 80% for GM (via CleanTechnica)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Majority of EU citizens back green product labeling; 77% would pay premium (via BusinessGreen)

POLITICS 

Obama waves veto pen at House Energy Department spending bill (via The Hill)

Utility 2.0: Can political activism and microtargeting boost clean energy? (via Greentech Media)

“Nuclear option” decision arrives for Sen. Reid on Obama nominations (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Solar costs and grid prices on collision course (via CleanTechnica)

Google becomes a big energy player (via Houston Chronicle)

Survey: 76% of consumers don’t trust their utility (via Greentech Media)

Why France is the next big smart meter market (via Navigant Research)

Divestment: old tactic in new climate campaign (via New York Times)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.5.13

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

EMISSIONS 

EU Parliament approves backloading fix to cap-and-trade market (via CleanTechnica)

Russia edges closer to carbon market pilot (via RTCC)

China’s carbon emissions could peak in 2025 (via RTCC)

Emissions trading reforms raise price of EU pollution permits (via The Guardian)

Study says deep soils store up to five times more carbon than thought (via Phys.org)

Temperature linked carbon tax could be effective (via Thompson-Reuters)

GRID 

India and Pakistan discuss joint power grid (via Wall Street Journal)

Ontario announces $50 million in smart grid funds (via Renew Grid)

FERC approves Cal-ISO-PacfiCorp energy imbalance market implementation (via Wall Street Journal)

BLM advances major Wyoming-to-Nevada wind power transmission project (via Greenwire)

Texas smart meter opponents to get opt-out provision (via Austin American-Statesman)

RENEWABLES 

More than 1GW of concentrating solar power headed for MENA (via Renewable Energy World)

Aggressive development in China and Japan drive 35GW solar PV demand in 2013 (via CleanTechnica)

241GW new wind capacity forecast from 2012 to 2017 (via CleanTechnica)

EU and China close in on solar panel deal (via Reuters)

Persian Gulf states plan $155 billion in solar energy projects (via Khaleej Times)

India may impose solar anti-dumping duty on four countries (via EnergyNext)

India’s renewable energy certificate market crashes (via Renewable Energy World)

Desertec’s collapse unlikely to affect EU energy plans (via RTCC)

Brazil sugar cane for fuel use seen beating outlook (via Bloomberg)

Argentina files World Trade Organization claim over biofuels duties (via Renewable Energy World)

EPA approves biofuels feedstocks from two invasive plants despite warnings (via Greenwire)

Congress could lower alt-fuel requirements in new Open Fuel Standard Act (via Autoblog Green)

Invasive species approved for renewable fuel program (via The Hill)

Flexible glass solar cells boost solar shingle effectiveness (via Yale e360)

Solar towers and storage – about to change the energy game? (via Renew Economy)

Idaho PUC to utility: don’t burn solar users (via Idaho Statesman)

US floating offshore wind pilot project put on hold (via Renewable Energy World)

OIL 

Shell says Gulf of Mexico find may hold 100 million barrels of oil (via Houston Chronicle)

Oil heads near $101 ahead of US jobs report (via Yahoo! News/AP)

US crude oil prices top $100 a barrel (via Washington Post)

TRANSPORTATION 

June green car sales jump 35% over 2012 numbers (via Autoblog Green)

Toyota Prius sales cross three million mark (via EarthTechling)

CLIMATE 

As Arizona fire rages, scientists warn of more unpredictable blazes (via Los Angeles Times)

US drought expands for 3rd straight week (via Retuers)

Incident meteorologists are on wildfire front lines (via Climate Central)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Lithuania seeks energy independence through LNG (via New York Times)

Water conflicts escalate in fracking regions (via Greentech Media)

Chesapeake nets another $1 billion from asset sales (via The Oklahoman)

ENERGY POLICY 

Obama administration’s new African energy efforts expected to benefit US companies (via SNL)

In 1776, US energy use was rooted in wood (via Houston Chronicle)

NUCLEAR 

Japan says building nuclear safety culture will take a long time (via Reuters)

POLITICS 

French president fires energy minister amid nuclear power debate (via Bloomberg)

GOP sees opportunity for election gains in Obama’s climate change policy (via New York Times)

OPINION 

What now for the EU ETS? (via Recharge)

Why carbon’s greening effect isn’t a good news story (via Renew Economy)

Is Obama setting real climate goals? (via Renewable Energy World)

Why the military is a game changer for clean power (via GigaOm)

How higher education is powering the renewables market (via GreenBiz)

Is the United States becoming more energy efficient? (via CleanTechnica)

How hard is it to integrate renewables into the electric grid? (via Energy Collective)

How Texas won the race to harness wind power (via StateImpact Texas)

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 – 7.1.13

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

CLIMATE 

Obama plan could define 2015 UN climate deal (via RTCC)

Climate change poses grave threat to security: UK military commander (via BusinessGreen)

Climate change not something insurance is likely to cover (via EarthTechling)

Federal community-resilience investments swamped by disaster damages (via Climate Progress)

A new industry is born for the frontlines of climate change (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Coal-fired retrofit market “$523 billion by 2020” (via Environmental Leader)

In 2013, coal is winning the war on coal: generation jumps 13% as natural gas falls 10% (via Facts of The Day)

DOE Secretary Moniz rebuts “war on coal” (via The Hill)

Coal trains raise concerns in congested Northwest US cities (via Seattle Times)

RENEWABLES 

India’s renewable energy potential remains untapped (via Triple Pundit)

Tensions laid bare as Desertec exits industrial solar consortium (via BusinessGreen)

Congress may change or even repeal 2007 ethanol mandate (via Autoblog Green)

Western governors unveil 10-year energy “vision” (via Houston Chronicle)

ACORE looks at how to scale US renewable energy investments (via Renewable Energy World)

World’s first wind-current generator could produce double the power (via TreeHugger)

Making small wind work takes big planning (via EarthTechling)

SolarCity plans solar power storage solution due in 2015 (via Los Angeles Times)

Connecticut Green Bank closes on $60 million solar lease financing (via Hartford Courant)

South Carolina regulators to re-examine solar power rules (via The State)

OIL 

Cheaper Canadian oil for Midwest refiners not reflected in price at the pump (via InsideClimate News)

BP report says Gulf oil spill only half as big as government claims (via Forbes)

Report shows ExxonMobil pipeline that spilled oil in Arkansas had at least 13 prior leaks (via The Republic)

TRANSPORTATION 

The future of solar and wind powered shipping (via MIT Technology Review)

Hertz 24/7 will make car-sharing available to most Americans by 2016 (via Autoblog Green)

Midwest seen as proving ground for biofuel-powered airliners (via Midwest Energy News)

California high-speed rail is moving forward (via Inhabitat)

Tesla Motors conquers North Carolina (via CleanTechnica)

NATURAL GAS 

China backs off shale gas targets (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Electricity market analytics could cut data center emissions 99% (via Energy Manager Today)

Energy Star updates Portfolio Manager for buildings (via GreenBiz)

Chicago to require benchmarking in large commercial buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

5 ways to engage low-income customers in efficiency (via Greentech Media)

GRID 

Algorithm identifies most danger power grid risks amid millions of possible failures (via Phys.org)

What’s the real cost of smart meters in Maine? (via Greentech Media)

EMISSIONS 

Is carbon pricing reducing Australia’s emissions? (via Renew Economy)

99% of Australian businesses back emissions trading scheme (via RTCC)

Some climate advocates open to idea of dumping Australian carbon tax (via The Guardian)

GREEN BUILDING 

Study: smart growth reduces risk of mortgage default (via Sustainable Cities Collective)

At Fort Bliss, an Army vision for a new shade of green (via Los Angeles Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Butterfly decline signals trouble in environment (via Washington Post)

In Texas, a push to show farmers how to save water (via Texas Tribune)

POLITICS 

Obama calls on voters to demand climate action at the ballot box (via The Hill)

Two insiders take the reins on Obama’s climate effort (via Greenwire)

Moderate Democrats, facing hard midterm elections, treat climate plan carefully (via ClimateWire)

Senate leans toward Gina McCarthy confirmation for EPA (via Politico)

OPINION 

Scientists predicted a decade ago Artic ice loss would worsen Western droughts – is that happening already? (via Climate Progress)

Obama’s Lincoln moment? (via Grist)

The biggest oversight in Obama’s climate plan is a doozy (via Grist)

Google’s green search (via Recharge)

The myriad benefits of a carbon tax (via New York Times)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.28.13

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Environmentalists demand new climate analysis for Keystone XL (via Washington Post)

First Nations group calls for BC to reject Northern Gateway pipeline permits (via Vancouver Sun)

Oil sands leak on northern Alberta weapons range (via CBC News)

EMISSIONS 

World’s highest carbon price faces Australia’s new leader (via Bloomberg)

EU plans to make it mandatory for ship owners to measure carbon emissions (via The Guardian)

US CO2 emissions on the rise again (via Navigant Research)

Why a carbon tax isn’t in Obama’s climate plan (via Energy Collective)

RENEWABLES 

UK boosts Green Bank by £800 million (via Recharge)

India and Turkey to enhance cooperation on renewables (via EnergyNext)

UK green electricity generation leaps 10% (via BusinessGreen)

China plans large-scale solar PV pilot projects (via CleanTechnica)

UK shows offshore wind more costly than solar (via Reuters)

Chinese firm charged in theft of US company’s turbine software (via New York Times)

US military faces trio of renewable energy goals (via EarthTechling)

EPA says ethanol bounty may push refiners over 10% blend wall (via Bloomberg)

A whole new way of thinking about geothermal (via Greentech Media)

After much delay, US offshore wind power set to sail (via Politico)

LA launches nation’s largest solar rooftop program (via Grist)

COAL 

India to eclipse China as world’s largest coal power (via Bloomberg)

The US will stop financing coal plants abroad – that’s a huge shift (via Washington Post)

Coal exports have doubled during Obama’s so-called “war on coal” (via The Week)

Moniz sees coal’s significant role (via AP)

CLIMATE 

Researchers say global warming may affect soil microbe survival (via Phys.org)

More species at risk from climate change than thought (via CBS News)

UN climate chief welcomes Obama plan, wants US energy czar (via Reuters)

Calgary floods spotlight cities’ costly failure to plan for climate change (via CBC News)

OIL 

House advances plan to expand drilling on US-Mexico maritime border (via Houston Chronicle)

House votes to double oil revenue cap for Gulf states (via The Hill)

Deepwater drilling expansion will strain workforce, says study (via Houston Chronicle)

Texas oil output surges past North Dakota (via Reuters)

BP report could cut Gulf oil spill penalties by up to $7 billion (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

EU delays CO2 car targets after fierce lobbying from Germany (via BusinessGreen)

BMW forecast for doubled EV range spurs more debate than conclusions (via Autoblog Green)

Anthony Foxx, Charlotte’s transit-friendly mayor, nominated for transportation secretary (via Grist)

Nissan offers up new Leaf battery replacement program (via EarthTechling)

Ikea to add EV charging stations in Houston, nationwide (via Houston Chronicle)

Tesla Motors wins in North Carolina, anti-competitive legislation dropped (via Autoblog Green)

NUCLEAR 

UK nuclear expansion advances with $15 billion loan backing (via Bloomberg)

Senate OKs Macfarlane for full term as NRC chairwoman (via The Hill)

Quarrels continue over nuclear waste repository (via New York Times)

GRID 

Microgrids and energy security: the business case (via Breaking Energy)

California’s timely demand response roadmap (via Navigant Research)

Solar PV, energy storage combine in commercial-scale Maryland microgrid (via Sustainable Business)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Cloud computing can reduce GHGs 95%, save $2.2 billion (via Environmental Leader)

Obama’s Better Buildings program celebrates first year (via Greentech Media)

Energy efficiency saves AT&T at least $151 million (via Mother Nature Network)

Staples reaches milestone of 500 Energy Star buildings (via Sustainable Business)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Obama’s climate plan silent on exports but pledges support for global gas markets (via EnergyWire)

Methane scrutiny in Obama climate plan may cost drillers (via Bloomberg)

Ohio law shielding fracking chemical details may violate federal statute (via Columbus Dispatch)

POLITICS 

GOP to make EPA spending bill a climate battleground (via The Hill)

Obama’s EPA nominee in jeopardy from Senate Republicans (via Reuters)

Obama to tap Colorado regulator Binz as new FERC chief (via The Hill)

Moniz optimistic on Obama’s plan to reduce emissions (via New York Times)

OPINION 

India’s EV market falling short (via Navigant Research)

Will Obama’s climate policy spur new energy technologies? (via MIT Technology Review)

US takes key climate change steps, but the world must do more (via Washington Post)

Sports world teams up against climate change (via GreenBiz)

Figures: no country doing enough on climate change (via RTCC)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.25.13

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

OBAMA CLIMATE PLAN 

Obama’s second-term plan to address climate change (via Climate Progress)

The White House’s big new climate change plan (via Washington Post)

Obama’s climate change plan tackles power plants – not refineries (via Houston Chronicle)

Obama takes on power plant emissions as part of climate plan (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

EU emissions trading scheme oversupply may cancel out renewable gains (via The Guardian)

British Columbia plans to promote carbon taxes in other North American jurisdictions (via Globe and Mail)

US Supreme Court agrees to hear EPA appeal over air pollution rule (via Reuters)

Shadow environmental campaign ramps up to support coming power plant rules (via E&E Daily)

Massachusetts may become first state to adopt direct carbon tax (via Boston Globe)

RENEWABLES 

India set to revive wind energy tax break (via Recharge)

Japan’s high renewable energy costs curb subsidy impact (via Bloomberg)

How wind and solar broke the world’s electricity markets (via Renew Economy)

Sharp hits record 44.4% efficiency for triple-junction solar cell (via Greentech Media)

State renewable energy incentives survive lobby attack (via Stateline)

Houston, Palo Alto make big renewable energy buys (via Sustainable Business)

Solar coming to 200 more Walgreens roofs (via EarthTechling)

Solar gardens give green energy access to more in Colorado (via Denver Post)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Methane found in drinking water near Pennsylvania natural gas wells (via Reuters)

CLIMATE 

Insurance firms press governments on climate adaptation (via RTCC)

Air pollution may have suppressed storms in North Atlantic (via New York Times)

Hundreds of small US firms demand climate action (via GreenBiz)

Nebraska trees still dying after 2012 drought (via Lincoln Journal-Star)

OIL 

Exxon to spend $3.2 billion on Russian offshore exploration (via Houston Chronicle)

The Northwest’s pipeline on rails (via Sightline)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Empire State Building exceeds energy efficiency savings (via Energy Manager Today)

Washington DC signs its first major PACE deal for efficiency and solar (via Greentech Media)

TRANSPORTATION 

NREL drives toward the future with fuel cell EVs (via Renewable Energy World)

GRID 

Average US residential summer 2013 electric bill expected to be lowest in four years (via US EIA)

Texas grid operator weighed down by peak electricity demand (via Houston Chronicle)

KEYSTONE XL 

Keystone XL pipeline protesters stage largest action yet in Oklahoma (via The Oklahoman)

OPINION 

President Obama’s race against time on climate (via Politico)

Obama’s energy push could loom large in 2014 elections (via Politico)

Why we need a national plan on climate change (via EarthTechling)

The one thing Obama’s climate policy can’t leave out (via CleanTechnica)

Obama tries the kitchen-sink approach to global warming (via Washington Post)

No-drama Obama unveils series of modest, sensible steps on climate change (via Grist)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.24.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Report: world facing “climate bomb” of super-greenhouse gases from China, India (via BusinessGreen)

Australian factories meet carbon deadline ahead of cap-and-trade (via Bloomberg)

EU carbon permits fall for first time in six weeks as traders close higher prices (via Bloomberg)

Kerry urges India to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY POLICY 

Report: Brazil at an energy-climate change crossroads (via RTCC)

Military report: US has “misguided” fixation with domestic drilling (via InsideClimate News)

The gradual greening of American college campuses (via EarthTechling)

RENEWABLES 

Wind industry “to spend €150 billion” developing global offshore (via Recharge)

World Bank to developing nations: first find your green energy, then develop it (via Christian Science Monitor)

Solar energy spurs a power struggle (via Wall Street Journal)

Tax programs to finance clean energy catch on (via New York Times)

(more…)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.10.13

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

EMISSIONS 

IEA says global carbon emissions hit record high in 2012 (via Reuters)

US and China agree to wind down production and use of greenhouse gas (via Washington Post)

RGGI carbon auction raises a record $124.5 million (via Bloomberg)

College fossil fuel divestments don’t harm oil and gas or school fund performance (via Environmental Leader)

NUCLEAR 

Nuclear plant closures show industry’s struggles (via Yahoo!/AP)

California’s San Onofre nuclear plant to close for good (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

China invests billions in US, European renewable energy projects (via CleanTechnica)

Wind generates 38% more than nuclear in India during first half of FY2013 (via Panchabuta)

Chile’s businesses set for 600MW renewable energy boost (via BusinessGreen)

WWF campaign calls for $40 billion in renewable energy investments (via Renew Grid)

Utilities and solar advocates square off over future (via Washington Post)

Oxford PV touts 15.4% efficiency record for solar glass technology (via BusinessGreen)

New solar guide could tap 3.3GW potential of HOA communities (via CleanTechnica)

Minnesota to define the value of solar power (via Midwest Energy News)

Wind turbines withstand E5 Oklahoma tornadoes (via BusinessGreen)

CLIMATE

IEA outlines global climate action plan (via BusinessGreen)

Climate change causing Pentagon planning shift, says DOD strategist (via The Hill)

Study: most investors don’t support climate-related shareholder resolutions (via TriplePundit)

Tough spot for farmers: adapting to climate change they don’t believe in (via Grist)

OIL 

OPEC’s slipping grasp on the world’s oil market (via Globe and Mail)

US shale boom putting OPEC on the defense (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking foes push California governor on ban (via Houston Chronicle)

Abandoned Texas oil wells raise fears of pollution (via New York Times)

GRID 

More utilities set to pursue advanced distribution management systems (via Renew Grid)

Texas grid girds for summer onslaught (via Houston Chronicle)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Shale exploration in China set to explode, says analyst (via Houston Chronicle)

OPINION 

What’s the future of electric cars? (via National Journal)

California is closing a huge nuclear plant, so what will replace it? (via Washington Post)

What happens when California’s 33% renewable mandate is met? (via Greentech Media)

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)