Category Archives:Keystone XL

22
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.21.14

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

EMISSIONS 

China to let foreign investors trade in Shenzen carbon market (via Bloomberg)

Architects from 124 countries make “zero-carbon cities” pledge (via RTCC)

EPA report shows progress reducing urban air toxics across U.S.; 50% reduction from mobile sources since 1990 (via Green Car Congress)

Reducing NYC’s carbon emissions one building at a time (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Coal gas boom in China holds climate change risks (via Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

Canada’s largest port approves $15 million coal transfer project (via Reuters)

Oregon coal terminal decision highlights exports’ emissions (via Climate Central)

North Carolina lawmakers pass coal ash restrictions (via New York Times)

RENEWABLES 

Africa to add more renewables in 2014 than in past 14 years (via Bloomberg)

South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya lead renewables spurt in Africa (via Bloomberg)

Solar power poses lower risk to birds than cats or cars (via Bloomberg)

Renewable energy could hit 36% of global energy, but there’s a biomass catch (via The Energy Collective)

Solar PV helps eliminate kerosene lamps in Africa (via Navigant Research)

“World’s biggest” tidal array gets go ahead in Scotland (via BusinessGreen)

Japan to support PV on landfill sites (via Recharge)

Renewable energy accounts for 100% of all new U.S. power in July (via Renew Grid)

As small hydropower swells, so does caution over its impacts (via GreenBiz)

Are reverse auctions key to reforming solar energy subsidies? (via The Energy Collective)

How one wonky court decision could unlock our renewable energy future (via CleanTechnica)

ABB unveils cable innovation to increase offshore wind efficiency (via Reuters)

Vestas heads for 1st dividend in decade after turnaround (via Bloomberg)

NUCLEAR 

Tepco concedes failure of Fukushima ice wall (via CleanTechnica)

CLIMATE 

Antarctica and Greenland losing ice at fastest rate ever recorded (via Yale e360)

Study says answer to global warming slowdown lies in depths of Atlantic Ocean (via The Guardian)

Food and drink companies respond to consumer pressure on climate change (via The Guardian)

NATURAL GAS 

China’s natural gas production falls short in China (via New York Times)

Study to explore economic potential of Mexican shale (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy industry looks to develop better methane monitors (via Houston Chronicle)

At least 10 percent of fracking fluid is toxic, says LBNL analysis (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

Smart grid technology revenue will be $70.2 billion by 2023 (via Energy Manager Today)

A comeback for community energy storage (via Navigant Research)

Where is distributed energy storage being deployed in the U.S.? (via Greentech Media)

OIL 

Russia said to be near oil tax plan that may cost state $6.6 billion (via Bloomberg)

Western Gulf of Mexico offshore drilling lease sale results in $110 million in bids on 400,000 acres (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

Epic drought in U.S. West is literally moving mountains (via Climate Central)

63 trillion gallons of groundwater lost in Western U.S. drought (via Los Angeles Times)

California has given out rights to five times more water than it actually has (via Climate Progress)

Drought weighing you down? It’s lifting America up. (via Mother Jones)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Tar sands bitumen set to eclipse pipelines like Keystone XL (via DeSmog Blog)

Canada’s $24 million Keystone XL ad campaign falls flat (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Apple produces 134 out of 135 entries in EPEAT’s new green tablet registry (via Treehugger)

OPINION 

Could shale revive China’s flagging oil fields? (via Reuters)

Brace yourself for Solargeddon, Australia (via The Energy Collective)

Why EVs will make solar viable without subsidies (via Renew Economy)

Here’s why Solar City will move into Mexico (via Greentech Media)

Toyota could be wrong about the high cost of hydrogen (via CleanTechnica)

If you can’t take the heat, get off the island (via Bloomberg)

POLITICS 

McConnell promises spending standoff over Obama green agenda (via National Journal)

Meet the scientists who sat Rick Scott down and explained climate change to him (via Salon)

Posted:   |   Categories: ABB, africa, Antarctica, apple, australia, biomass, california, canada, Carbon market, China, climate, coal, coal ash, Coal export, Coal gas, drought, electric vehicles, emissions, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, environment, EPA, EPEAT, Ethiopia, EVs, fracking, fukushima, global warming, greenland, grid, hydrogen, Hydropower, japan, Kenya, Keystone XL, methane, mexico, Mitch McConnell, natural gas, New York City, News, North Carolina, nuclear, offshore drilling, offshore wind, oil, oregon, renewables, Reverse auction, Rick Scott, Russia, Scotland, Shale gas, smart grid, solar, Solar City, South Africa, Subsidies, tar sands, Tepco, tidal power, Toyota, vestas, Water rights, wind
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19
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.19.14

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

EMISSIONS 

Guandong Province adds 20 million permits to China’s biggest carbon market (via Reuters)

COAL 

UK lobbying to keep open one of Europe’s dirtiest coal power plants (via The Guardian)

China’s coal consumption just fell for the first time in a century (via Energy Collective)

Oregon Department of State Lands denies coal export terminal permit (via The Oregonian)

Did this smart business deal just end the South’s overdependence on coal? (via Forbes)

RENEWABLES 

Solar boom driving first global panel shortage since 2006 (via Bloomberg)

Abbott’s new attack on renewables may spark another solar boom (via Renew Economy)

Germany meets 75% of domestic electricity demand with renewables (via Renew Economy)

Biggest solar project falls as Australia reviews policy (via Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

Sunpower starts solar leasing program for Australian homes (via Bloomberg)

DOE report highlights strength of U.S. wind industry (via Energy.gov)

Price of wind power at all-time low of 2.5 cents per kilowatt hour (via Greentech Media)

Landmark court ruling opens U.S. grid to renewable energy (via SustainableBusiness)

Old car batteries could make cheaper, more efficient solar panels (via Washington Post)

Power surge coming in Minnesota’s solar industry (via Star-Tribune)

NATURAL GAS 

China’s natural gas demand continues to grow (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking could threaten air quality, workers’ health, says report (via Washington Post)

Pennsylvania Department of Health will note fracking complaints (via Pittsburgh Tribune)

CLIMATE 

The year in heat: World on track for third-hottest year ever (via Bloomberg)

Climate change to slash South Asian GDP, warns development bank (via Financial Times)

Water scarcity and climate change through 2095 (via Phys.org)

Australian climate scientist calls on colleagues to speak up on global warming (via Sydney Morning-Herald)

OIL 

Apache makes 300 million barrel oil reserve discovery off Australia (via Reuters)

EIA to cast new data into oil export debate (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking recycles during drought (via Forbes)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla announces infinite mile warranty for Model S EV (via Autoblog Green)

GM’s 200-mile EV for 2017: What we know so far (via Green Car Reports)

Possibly the world’s first battery-powered train undergoing trials (via Sustainable Cities Collective)

KEYSTONE XL 

Environmental groups demand State Department hand over Keystone XL docs (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Navigant says falling LED prices accelerate adoption in parking lots, outdoor systems (via Energy Manager Today)

Big data driving energy efficiency market, says report (via Energy Manager Today)

Opening the multi-trillion dollar energy management market (via Energy Collective)

After a slow start, PACE getting off the ground in Missouri (via Midwest Energy News)

9 of 10 New York City building plans fail basic energy code test (via Crain’s New York Business)

ENVIRONMENT 

“Severe” drought covers nearly 99.8% of California (via Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles dramatically increases "water cops" staffing as drought worsens (via Los Angeles Times)

POLITICS 

Behind closed doors, Obama crafts executive actions (via New York Times)

OPINION 

How to profit off global warming (via Vox)

The power of collective energy purchasing (via CleanTechnica)

Edelman PR firm scurries to fix climate change denial debate (via EcoWatch)

Warm seas keep world on track for a hot year (via Sydney Morning-Herald)

Posted:   |   Categories: Asia, australia, Batteries, california, Carbon market, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, Coal export, DOE, drought, eia, emissions, Energy Efficiency, Energy management, environment, Frackig, germany, global warming, GM, Guandong, Keystone XL, LED, los angeles, minnesota, Missouri, natural gas, New York City, News, offshore drilling, oil, oil export, oregon, PACE, pennsylvania, renewables, solar, solar leasing, SunPower, Tesla, Tesla Model S, Tony Abbott, Transportation, united kingdom, wind
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14
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.14.14

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

ENVIRONMENT 

Worst drought in 50 years hits China’s breadbasket (via Market Watch)

Brown signs $7.5 billion plan to ease California drought (via Bloomberg)

GRID 

Report: Some retiring U.S. power plants may not need to be replaced (via Renew Grid)

PJM may expand capacity market rules: Handout to fossil fuels, or needed reliability boost? (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Global renewable energy status uncovered (via Renewable Energy World)

Wave and tidal power costing more than forecast (via Bloomberg)

U.K. renewables industry celebrates record start to 2014 (via BusinessGreen)

Minnesota PUC passes on value of solar, but likely not for long (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Which solar company boasts the highest market cap? (via Greentech Media)

NRG’s portable solar deal gives it a new place in the sun (via Houston Chronicle)

More “Made in the USA” solar modules coming soon (via Renewable Energy World)

OIL 

Oil nationalism seen reversing by IEA amid shale boom (via Bloomberg)

Mexico opens oil fields to foreigners (via New York Times)

Mexico hopes to lure $50.5 billion in historic oil tender (via Reuters)

Feds urged to put Atlantic waters on auction block (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking opponents renew calls for moratorium amid drought (via CBS Los Angeles)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla Roadster to get replacement battery, 400-mile range (via Green Car Reports)

Chevy Volt: Only current GM model not recalled this year (via Green Car Reports)

COAL 

U.S. coal imports fall as natural gas advances (via Houston Chronicle)

North Carolina tells Duke Energy to submit ash removal plans (via Charlotte Observer)

EMISSIONS 

New CO2 satellite sends first data back to Earth (via Climate Central)

Will CO2 emissions standards spur carbon capture technology? (via Energy Collective)

Here’s one company that’s really psyched about EPA’s climate change rule (via National Journal)

Coal-fired rural co-ops dig in against EPA emission rules, but a few mavericks flirt with renewables (via ClimateWire)

NATURAL GAS 

Diesel is used in fracking without permits, says report (via Los Angeles Times)

Fracking operations get even closer to drinking water sources than we thought (via Grist)

Why railroads are taking a fresh look at natural gas (via Reuters)

Texas regulator unveils proposed rules on fracking disposal wells (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking companies fight Texas families’ air pollution suits, fearing precedent (via InsideClimate News)

Colorado senator defends fracking, says “burning water” helped Native Americans (via National Journal)

CLIMATE 

Antarctica may lift sea level faster in threat to megacities (via Bloomberg)

Expanding existing farmland would benefit climate (via Climate Central)

India PM Modi to miss UN climate change summit in New York (via Economic Times)

National parks could suffer due to climate change, says study (via AccuWeather)

Heavy downpours increasing in U.S. due to global warming

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Canadian oil sands crude is X factor in crude-by-rail rule (via EnergyWire)

Former Hillary aide sought to “neutralize” greens on Keystone XL (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU regulators say German, others in breach of energy efficiency law (via Reuters)

CBRE releases list of Top 30 cities for green real estate (via Triple Pundit)

POLITICS 

Sarah Palin jumps in, Mark Begich ducks on Alaska oil tax vote (via Politico)

Coal campaigns: Diverting the public from real issues (via Charleston Gazette)

OPINION 

How to stop tax inversions with a carbon levy. Seriously. (via Bloomberg)

How cap-and-trade helps forest and businesses grow together (via GreenBiz)

How your breakfast is fighting climate change (via The Hill)

U.S. students demand clean energy (via EcoWatch)

Posted:   |   Categories: alaska, battery, california, cap and trade, Capacity market, carbon capture, Carbon pricing, CBRE, chevy volt, China, Clean Power Plan, climate, Climate Change, coal, coal ash, colorado, diesel, drought, duke energy, Electric Vehicle, emissions, Energy Efficiency, environment, EPA, European Union, ev, Extreme weather, fracking, Fracking disposal well, germany, global warming, GM, green building, grid, IEA, india, Jerry Brown, Keystone XL, Mark Begich, mexico, minnesota, Narenda Modi, natural gas, News, North Carolina, NRG Energy, offshore drilling, oil, Oil trains, PJM Interconnection, renewables, Rural electric co-op, sarah palin, Sea level rise, Shale oil, solar, tar sands, Tesla, tesla roadster, texas, tidal power, Transportation, united kingdom, united nations, Value of solar tariff, wave power
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12
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.12.14

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

CLIMATE 

In the ocean, clues to climate change (via New York Times)

UN: Climate adaptation investment will ensure Africa’s growth (via BusinessGreen)

Report: Great Barrier Reef’s greatest threat is climate change (via The Guardian)

“Remarkable” warming reported in Central California coastal waters (via Los Angeles Times)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico opens gas and oil sectors to foreign, private firms (via ABC News/AP)

RENEWABLES 

Mexico and Central America – emerging clean energy powerhouses (via Bloomberg)

Japan challenges China to be world’s biggest solar market in 2014 (via Renew Economy)

Brazil readies big push on solar energy but companies are wary (via Reuters)

Mexico 2014 renewable investment may exceed $2.4 billion (via Bloomberg)

IRS guidance relaxed renewable energy tax credit (via The Hill)

Feds designate three North Carolina offshore wind areas (via The Hill)

Stacked solar cells could make solar power cheaper than natural gas (via Treehugger)

OIL 

IEA says world oil market will supplied despite conflicts (via Reuters)

ExxonMobil and Russia began drilling for oil in the Arctic on Saturday (via Climate Progress)

IEA: Weakest oil demand growth since 2012 allays supply risks (via Bloomberg)

North Dakota considers requiring treatment of Bakken crude oil (via Wall Street Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Annual sales of EVs in North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific will reach 1.8 million by 2023 (via Navigant Research)

Study: Airline ticket prices need to increase for climate policies to work (via Climate Progress)

EV makers and utilities unite to realize V2G potential (via Navigant Research)

Tesla Model S shows flaws over time, says Consumer Reports (via Bloomberg)

Income cap coming for California EV rebate, is Tesla most vulnerable? (via Green Car Reports)

Tesla gets legal approval to sell EVs in Pennsylvania (via Autoblog Green)

ENVIRONMENT 

Australia warns of poor outlook for Great Barrier Reef (via Reuters)

Study: Extreme summer heat, rain on rise as weather gets trapped (via Reuters)

Research project aims to lessen the surprise of extreme wildfires (via Los Angeles Times)

Gulf oyster harvest has nose-dived since BP oil spill (via Huffington Post/AP)

California’s governor reaches $7.2 billion drought bond deal (via Bloomberg)

Tall, ancient, and under pressure (via New York Times)

San Francisco poised to require water rationing in drought (via San Francisco Chronicle)

NATURAL GAS 

Government survey: UK opposition to fracking on the rise (via BusinessGreen)

Report: Too few drinking water safeguards near fracking wells (via Columbus Dispatch)

Ohio’s Utica region now included in EIA’s monthly drilling productivity report (via U.S. EIA)

Big natural gas trove for frackers at Pittsburgh International Airport (via New York Times)

COAL 

Russia ships coal to America despite sanctions (via Forbes)

Beijing cuts coal use 7% in H1 2014 in anti-smog push (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

Study examines “brown carbon” while over a dozen western fires burn (via Climate Progress)

Algae companies ask EPA to endorse carbon capture efforts (via Environmental Leader)

Is fight of California cap-and-trade gas prices aimed at scuttling climate law? (via ClimateWire)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Keystone XL could mean more carbon emissions than estimated, says study (via Los Angeles Times)

Nebraska court ruling on Keystone XL pipeline not expected until 2015 (via Reuters)

Environmental groups press Kerry on climate impact of Keystone (via The Hill)

GRID 

For microgrids, it’s not all about size (via Navigant Research)

New England effort to expand gas pipelines, transmission hits a snag (via EnergyWire)

California takes first step toward creating a distributed, intelligent grid of the future (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Los Angeles’ city-owned electric utility raises its energy efficiency ambitions (via NRDC Switchboard)

POLITICS 

Rick Perry and other Republicans are loving an Obama-backed green car company (via National Journal)

When did Republicans start hating the environment? (via Mother Jones)

OPINION 

Can we reach a global warming deal? (via National Journal)

Three ways oil matters for the crisis in Iraq (via Vox)

The 198 people who can transform America’s electric grid (via GreenBiz)

Could California become a leader in smart water management? (via Smart Grid Library)

Climate contrarians overrepresented in media coverage, says new survey (via InsideClimate News)

Posted:   |   Categories: algae, arctic, australia, Bakken Shale, Beijing, biofuel, Brazil, Brown carbon, california, Cap an trade, carbon capture, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, Coal exports, drought, eia, electric vehicles, emissions, Energy Efficiency, environment, EPA, EVs, Extreme weather, ExxonMobil, fracking, global warming, Great Barrier Reef, grid, Gulf of Mexico, IEA, iraq, IRS, japan, Jerry Brown, john kerry, Keystone XL, los angeles, mexico, Microgrid, natural gas, Nebraska, New England, News, North Carolina, north dakota, Ocean acidification, offshore drilling, offshore wind, Ohio, oil, oil spill, pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, production tax credit, renewables, Rick Perry, Russia, san francisco, Shale oil, solar, tar sands, Tesla, Tesla Model S, transmission, Transportation, united kingdom, Utica Shale, V2G, wildfires, wind
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11
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.11.14

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Canada ignores climate warnings in drive for tar sands oil (via RTCC)

Keystone XL carbon emissions “would be four times higher than U.S. thought” (via The Guardian)

CLIMATE 

EPA roadshow highlights polarized U.S. climate debate (via RTCC)

Planners in southeast Florida try to awaken their state to sea level rise (via ClimateWire)

EPA chief: Teach global warming in schools (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

China will install more solar in 2014 than the U.S. ever has (via Climate Progress)

Japan solar industry forecasts 100GW capacity by FY 2030 (via Bloomberg)

U.K. wind power surge sees renewables outstrip coal (via BusinessGreen)

Over 3GW of large-scale U.S. solar PV projects at risk from anti-dumping actions (via Solar Industry Magazine)

U.S. installs 835MW new wind energy so far in 2014, 14.6GW on the way (via CleanTechnica)

U.S. IRS clarifies wind PTC eligibility rules (via Recharge)

States dangle property tax abatements to draw new solar customers (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Chill from Ohio RPS freeze extends to neighboring solar markets (via Renewable Energy World)

Wyoming regulators give key approval for America’s largest wind farm (via Casper Star-Tribune)

A landmark deal in Mississippi could give a big boost to utility-scale solar (via Greentech Media)

South Carolina will let people lease equipment for solar energy (via Washington Post)

Report says Wisconsin solar growth has been hampered by policy, utilities (via Wisconsin Public Radio)

OIL 

U.S. oil falls to six-month low on refinery outlook (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

EV car sales are up over 70% in Europe and the U.S. (via Climate Progress)

The challenge for EV sales is car dealers, again (via Green Car Reports)

EV charging stations sprouting all over California (via Sacramento Bee)

COAL 

Waste Management sees growth with EPA coal-ash disposal rule (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

EMISSIONS 

Texas may refuse to follow EPA climate rules (via Texas Tribune)

Obama action group joins fight against Christie’s climate pact exit (via InsideClimate News)

NATURAL GAS 

What’s fueling the fracking boom? Debt (via Christian Science Monitor)

GAO criticizes EPA’s fracking injection well oversight (via Environmental Leader)

Northeast U.S. natural gas spot prices particularly sensitive to temperature swings (via U.S. EIA)

FERC authorizes Texas LNG export terminal (via Breaking Energy)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s coastal economic boom on track to “burn out” its marine resources (via ClimateWire)

California drought transforms global food market (via Bloomberg)

Bottled water comes from the most drought-ridden places in America (via Mother Jones)

California lawmakers consider historic rules to limit groundwater pumping (via San Jose Mercury-News)

Lightning-sparked California wildfires burn more than 134,000 acres (via Los Angeles Times)

GRID 

China’s State Grid quietly builds Mediterranean power network (via Reuters)

Can we make America’s power grid blackout-proof? (via GreenBiz)

POLITICS 

Obama’s offshore drilling move opens rift with environmental groups (via The Hill)

House Republicans to combine energy, jobs efforts (via Politico)

Colorado’s frack-free movement sacrificed for Democrats facing re-election (via InsideClimate News)

OPINION 

What’s driving millions of dollars back into energy efficiency? (via The Guardian)

Why creative industries won’t follow PR lead on climate change (via The Guardian)

The contentious, complicated fight for water in California (via Los Angeles Times)

Posted:   |   Categories: Blackout, california, canada, China, Chris Christie, climate, Climate Change, coal, coal ash, colorado, drought, electric vehicles, emissions, Energy Efficiency, environment, EPA, EVs, FERC, Florida, fracking, GAO, Gina McCarthy, grid, Injection well, IRS, japan, Keystone XL, LNG exports, Mississippi, natural gas, new jersey, News, offshore drilling, Ohio, oil, production tax credit, ptc, regional greenhouse gas initiative, renewable portfolio standard, renewables, rggi, rps, Sea level rise, solar, Solar trade war, south carolina, tar sands, texas, Transportation, united kingdom, Waste Management, wildfires, wind, Wisconsin, wyoming
0
11
Aug

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.11.14

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Canada ignores climate warnings in drive for tar sands oil (via RTCC)

Keystone XL carbon emissions “would be four times higher than U.S. thought” (via The Guardian)

CLIMATE 

EPA roadshow highlights polarized U.S. climate debate (via RTCC)

Planners in southeast Florida try to awaken their state to sea level rise (via ClimateWire)

EPA chief: Teach global warming in schools (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

China will install more solar in 2014 than the U.S. ever has (via Climate Progress)

Japan solar industry forecasts 100GW capacity by FY 2030 (via Bloomberg)

U.K. wind power surge sees renewables outstrip coal (via BusinessGreen)

Over 3GW of large-scale U.S. solar PV projects at risk from anti-dumping actions (via Solar Industry Magazine)

U.S. installs 835MW new wind energy so far in 2014, 14.6GW on the way (via CleanTechnica)

U.S. IRS clarifies wind PTC eligibility rules (via Recharge)

States dangle property tax abatements to draw new solar customers (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Chill from Ohio RPS freeze extends to neighboring solar markets (via Renewable Energy World)

Wyoming regulators give key approval for America’s largest wind farm (via Casper Star-Tribune)

A landmark deal in Mississippi could give a big boost to utility-scale solar (via Greentech Media)

South Carolina will let people lease equipment for solar energy (via Washington Post)

Report says Wisconsin solar growth has been hampered by policy, utilities (via Wisconsin Public Radio)

OIL 

U.S. oil falls to six-month low on refinery outlook (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

EV car sales are up over 70% in Europe and the U.S. (via Climate Progress)

The challenge for EV sales is car dealers, again (via Green Car Reports)

EV charging stations sprouting all over California (via Sacramento Bee)

COAL 

Waste Management sees growth with EPA coal-ash disposal rule (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

EMISSIONS 

Texas may refuse to follow EPA climate rules (via Texas Tribune)

Obama action group joins fight against Christie’s climate pact exit (via InsideClimate News)

NATURAL GAS 

What’s fueling the fracking boom? Debt (via Christian Science Monitor)

GAO criticizes EPA’s fracking injection well oversight (via Environmental Leader)

Northeast U.S. natural gas spot prices particularly sensitive to temperature swings (via U.S. EIA)

FERC authorizes Texas LNG export terminal (via Breaking Energy)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s coastal economic boom on track to “burn out” its marine resources (via ClimateWire)

California drought transforms global food market (via Bloomberg)

Bottled water comes from the most drought-ridden places in America (via Mother Jones)

California lawmakers consider historic rules to limit groundwater pumping (via San Jose Mercury-News)

Lightning-sparked California wildfires burn more than 134,000 acres (via Los Angeles Times)

GRID 

China’s State Grid quietly builds Mediterranean power network (via Reuters)

Can we make America’s power grid blackout-proof? (via GreenBiz)

POLITICS 

Obama’s offshore drilling move opens rift with environmental groups (via The Hill)

House Republicans to combine energy, jobs efforts (via Politico)

Colorado’s frack-free movement sacrificed for Democrats facing re-election (via InsideClimate News)

OPINION 

What’s driving millions of dollars back into energy efficiency? (via The Guardian)

Why creative industries won’t follow PR lead on climate change (via The Guardian)

The contentious, complicated fight for water in California (via Los Angeles Times)

Posted:   |   Categories: Blackout, california, canada, China, Chris Christie, climate, Climate Change, coal, coal ash, colorado, drought, electric vehicles, emissions, Energy Efficiency, environment, EPA, EVs, FERC, Florida, fracking, GAO, Gina McCarthy, grid, Injection well, IRS, japan, Keystone XL, LNG exports, Mississippi, natural gas, new jersey, News, offshore drilling, Ohio, oil, production tax credit, ptc, regional greenhouse gas initiative, renewable portfolio standard, renewables, rggi, rps, Sea level rise, solar, Solar trade war, south carolina, tar sands, texas, Transportation, united kingdom, Waste Management, wildfires, wind, Wisconsin, wyoming
0
14
Jul

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.14.14

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

CLIMATE 

New climate models predict an Australian perma-drought (via Motherboard)

Southern Australia faces water crisis by 2100 due to climate change (via The Guardian)

Carbon import tariffs could torpedo climate deal, says EU official (via Reuters)

Obama to push climate resilience at state, local level (via The Hill)

Climate change has created a new literary genre (via Washington Post)

COAL 

Beijing to enforce use of clean coal in anti-pollution drive (via Reuters)

Coal mining ruling: Another legal win for Obama EPA (via Charleston Gazette)

RENEWABLES 

Global solar module prices just reached a record low (via Climate Progress)

Global biofuel output expansion to slow by 2023, says OECD (via Reuters)

Led by Chile, Latin America solar PV pipeline nears 20GW (via Greentech Media)

BNEF: Europe to invest $1 trillion in renewables by 2030 (via CleanTechnica)

Indian PM Modi doubles down on country’s solar revolution (via BusinessGreen)

Russia’s state-supported renewable energy auction heavily favored solar (via Renewable Energy World)

$1 billion geothermal project brings Costa Rica closer to 100% renewables (via Renew Economy)

Zurich Insurance to double investment in green bonds (via Bloomberg)

PV industry sees a “second gold rush” coming in solar sector (via Solar Industry Magazine)

USDA plants seed funding for rural clean energy (via Renewable Energy World)

Solar vs. utility battles heating up in Iowa, Wisconsin (via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

CPUC report highlights California’s continued solar success (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Is Texas souring on wind power? (via Forbes)

Iowa Supreme Court rules in favor of third-party solar (via Midwest Energy News)

Huge North Carolina solar project could “move the needle” for solar possibilities (via Renewable Energy World)

Inside Yingli, the giant Chinese solar company sponsoring the World Cup (via Mother Jones)

EMISSIONS 

China could reveal carbon cap by first quarter 2015 (via RTCC)

EU pollution permits to gain 28% as regulators cut supply glut (via Bloomberg)

London projected to fail EU air quality limits until 2030 (via Bloomberg)

Group representing half a billion Christians says it will no longer support fossil fuels (via Climate Progress)

Texas, U.S. leader in emissions stands vulnerable to their effects (via New York Times)

The plan to get New Jersey back into RGGI that Chris Christie can’t veto (via Climate Progress)

University of Dayton divests from fossil fuels (via Midwest Energy News)

OIL 

OPEC’s oil market share to shrink in 2015, despite growing demand (via Reuters)

Oil demand up fastest since 2010 on China growth, says IEA (via Houston Chronicle/Bloomberg)

China, U.S. to cooperate on strategic oil reserves (via Reuters)

Global oil exploration nears $1 trillion, but where are the finds? (via Reuters)

Crumbling roads in oil fields slow U.S. energy boom (via Bloomberg)

New York State won’t keep oil train details secret (via Huffington Post/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

There are now more than 500,000 EVs on Earth (via Autoblog Green)

Report: Electric vehicle market to hit $500 billion by 2025 (via BusinessGreen)

China requires 30% of state vehicles use alternative energy (via Bloomberg)

Helsinki, Finland plans on making private car ownership obsolete in 10 years (via Time)

U.S. fuel economy improvements show diminishing fuel savings (via US EIA)

Tesla’s chargers now moving a gigawatt-hour of electricity per month (via GigaOm)

Bay Area governments make America’s biggest-yet EV purchase (via CleanTechnica)

Chicago wants more residents to drive electric vehicles (via Southern Illinoisan)

Audi preparing an entire lineup of PHEV models (via Autoblog Green)

NATURAL GAS 

Seven earthquakes hit Oklahoma in less than a day – is fracking to blame? (via Time)

Ohio fracking water reuse questioned (via Columbus Dispatch)

Former Pennsylvania health secretary: State failed to address fracking concerns (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ENVIRONMENT 

The soil pollution crisis in China: Cleanup presents daunting challenge (via Yale e360)

California braces as drought sparks early fire season (via Sacramento Bee)

Firefighters battling seven wildfires in Washington State (via Los Angeles Times)

New data says huge West Virginia chemical spill may have been more toxic than reported (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY POLICY 

India PM Modi accelerates solar revolution, doubles tax on coal (via Renew Economy)

Why were this company’s computers attacked millions of times this year? Algae. (via Washington Post)

Wells Fargo’s focus on energy shows growth strategy (via Reuters)

KEYSTONE XL 

Lopsided lobbying on Keystone XL pipeline (via Washington Post)

Keystone XL backers want to keep pipeline in the public eye (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Data shows some energy retrofits actually increase energy usage (via Energy Manager Today)

ACEEE urges EPA to add building codes to Clean Power Plan (via Environmental Leader)

NUCLEAR 

Russia signs nuclear energy deal with Argentina (via Reuters)

GRID 

Blackout-plagued India moves toward a smarter grid (via Navigant Research)

Stanford working on “reversible” fuel cells for energy storage (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

2014’s sleeper campaign issue: A bank nobody’s heard about (via Politico)

House GOP votes to thwart imaginary offshore drilling restriction (via National Journal)

Influence game: Shaping railroad safety rules (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Coal-reliant Pennsylvania faces election showdown over EPA, natural gas, carbon trading (via ClimateWire)

OPINION 

Six trends illustrating the US-China trade case’s impact on the solar market (via Greentech Media)

Here’s what the fossil fuel industry thinks of the carbon bubble (via Renew Economy)

What’s at stake with the Ex-Im Bank? (via National Journal)

Will Nissan’s free EV charging rival Tesla’s Supercharger network? (via Greentech Media)

Five reasons U.S. solar installers are vertically integrating…for now (via RMI Outlet)

NY Times gets it wrong with attacks on Steyer and divestment (via EcoWatch)

Posted:   |   Categories: ACEEE, Algae biofuel, Argentina, audi, australia, Beijing, biofuel, BNEF, california, California Public Utilities Commission, cap and trade, Carbon bubble, chicago, Chile, China, Chris Christie, Clean Power Plan, climate, Climate Change, coal, Costa rica, Divestment, drought, earthquakes, electric vehicles, emissions, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, environment, EPA, EU ETS, europe, ev charging, EVs, Ex-Im Bank, Finland, Fossil fuel divestment, fracking, Fuel Cells, Fuel Economy, geothermal, grid, india, Iowa, Keystone XL, Latin America, London, mountaintop removal, natural gas, new jersey, new york state, News, Nissan, North Carolina, nuclear, OECD, offshore drilling, Ohio, oil, Oil trains, oklahoma, OPEC, pennsylvania, renewables, rggi, Russia, solar, Solar trade war, Tesla, Tesla Supercharger, texas, Tom Steyer, Transportation, University of Dayton, usda, Washington State, Wells Fargo, West Virginia, Wildfire, wind, Wisconsin, Yingli, Zurich Insurance
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10
Jul

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.10.14

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

CLIMATE 

From Sao Paulo to Hong Kong, cities report economic climate threat (via Bloomberg)

UK defense ministry details global security impacts of climate change (via ClimateWire)

Loss of snowpack and glaciers in Rockies poses water threat (via Yale e360)

Sea level rise cuts across political divide in Norfolk, Va (via GreenBiz)

ENERGY POLICY 

Why China’s energy consumption will keep rising (via Energy Collective)

U.S. public lands fading as fossil fuels source (via Climate Central)

Federal government still spending billions to subsidize fossil fuels (via Huffington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Solar, wind to beat coal on costs in China, India by 2020 (via Renew Economy)

One-third of Germany’s power came from renewables in first half 2014 (via Yale e360)

Upcoming auctions position Brazil for major solar growth (via Solar Industry Magazine)

EIA projections show hydropower growth limited by economics, not resources (via US EIA)

Mercom Capital charts top solar deals of second quarter (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Chicago to announce new rooftop solar discount program (via Chicago Tribune)

Food waste is so yesterday – think biogas instead (via GreenBiz)

What you need to know about how clean energy yielcos work (via Greentech Media)

COAL 

Coal’s last gasp in Europe (via The Economist)

Most U.K. coal plants to shut by 2023 on climate rules (via Bloomberg)

Mountaintop removal coal mining decimates Appalachian fish populations (via EcoWatch)

Missouri governor signs law blocking coal-related ballot measures (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

EMISSIONS 

Zero carbon and economic growth can go together, says UN study (via The Guardian)

Australian Senate rejects carbon tax repeal (via Reuters)

Australian PM seeks carbon price repeal next week after losing vote (via Bloomberg)

EU Parliament to consider carbon price fix this fall (via The Hill)

China’s Tianjin carbon market extends permit deadline again (via Reuters)

The shocking truth about British Columbia’s carbon tax: It works (via The Globe and Mail)

OIL 

Swaps could be next way around oil export ban (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

China makes new electric vehicles tax-free (via The Guardian)

Nissan launches “no charge to charge” program for Leaf buyers (via CleanTechnica)

ENVIRONMENT 

One-fifth of the Amazon may have been savannah before Europeans arrived (via Mongabay)

Freedom Industries fined $11,000 for historic West Virginia chemical spill (via Climate Progress)

The weird and wonderful world of indoor farming (via Think Progress)

NATURAL GAS 

Fracking could supply one-third of UK gas by 2035, says National Grid (via RTCC)

GRID 

Modi budget plans $250 million to boost solar, grid to end India blackouts (via Bloomberg)

Transmission issues plague power-starved southern India states (via Panchabuta)

Washington State grants $14.3 million for energy storage systems (via Bloomberg)

NUCLEAR 

Tepco says it has turned corner on Fukushima nuclear cleanup (via Bloomberg)

Wisconsin reactor’s demise shows plight of nuclear towns (via Bloomberg)

KEYSTONE XL 

Nebraska court date pushes final Keystone XL decision past midterms (via Washington Post)

POLITICS 

House Republicans threaten to subpoena EPA over carbon rules (via The Hill)

White House threatens to veto energy spending bill over environmental riders (via The Hill)

Forget LeBron, it’s free agency season for green groups (via National Journal)

Study says rich Republicans are the worst climate deniers (via Mother Jones)

OPINION 

Here’s what the world would look like if we took global warming seriously (via Vox)

Sixty years after birth, it’s time for solar cells to get serious (via GigaOm)

Why we need a carbon tax (via Huffington Post)

Fix the climate problem? Easy – cut U.S. emissions to 1901 levels (via Bloomberg)

How Silveo could succeed where Solyndra failed (via Greentech Media)

Why Washington State’s $14.3 million energy storage program is so different from others (via Greentech Media)

Posted:   |   Categories: amazon, Appalachia, australia, Biogas, Brazil, british columbia, cap and trade, carbon tax, chicago, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, drought, eia, electric vehicles, emissions, energy storage, environment, EPA, EU ETS, europe, ev, ev charging, fracking, fukushima, germany, grid, Hong Kong, Hydropower, india, Keystone XL, LED, Mercom Capital, Missouri, mountaintop removal, national grid, natural gas, Nebraska, News, nissan LEAF, Norfolk, nuclear, oil, Oil exports, renewables, Sao Paulo, Sea level rise, Silveo, solar, solyndra, Subsidies, Tepco, Tianjin, Tony Abbott, transmission, Transportation, united kingdom, united nations, virginia, Washington State, West Virginia, wind, Wisconsin, Yieldcos
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09
Jul

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.9.14

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

CLIMATE 

UN issued roadmap on how to avoid climate catastrophe (via The Guardian)

U.S., China ink coal, clean energy deals but climate differences remain (via Reuters)

Arctic warming upsetting birds’ breeding calendar, warns study (via The Guardian)

You may be denying climate change, but the U.S. military isn’t (via Business Insider)

COAL 

Sen. Manchin intends to block anti-coal policy at Export-Import Bank (via Huffington Post)

Tribes oppose Columbia River coal export terminal (via Seattle Times)

RENEWABLES 

International trade talks aim to end tariffs on $1 trillion in solar panels, wind turbines (via The Hill)

Deal set to rescue Australian Renewable Energy Agency (via The Guardian)

EU reaches deal with Germany on green energy law (via Reuters)

India targets 485GW renewable capacity by 2050 (via Climate Connect)

EU offshore wind targets look iffy as France, Germany fall behind (via ClimateWire)

European Commission and industry investing $5 billion in biomass (via Bloomberg)

Saudi solar robot cleans desert PV panels – water free (via Renew Economy)

Aviation offers a way forward in biofuels research (via Phys.org)

Hey haters, RGGI cap-and-trade powered 800MW new renewables in 2013 (via CleanTechnica)

Can Sungevity win solar customers with rooftop imagery and data? (via Greentech Media)

Enphase, Mosiac join forces in bid to push solar loans and supplant the lease (via Greentech Media)

Nevada solar net metering will save the grid $36 million, says state report (via Renewable Energy World)

Apple building third massive solar farm in North Carolina (via GigaOm)

Two solar giants aim to own it all (via EnergyWire)

NATURAL GAS 

Ukraine’s gas dispute could mean cold winter for Europe (via Reuters)

Surge of industrial projects could lift U.S. gas demand 19-31% by 2020 (via Houston Chronicle)

Incoming EU President Junker says he opposes fracking (via RTCC)

Ohio study finds more costs than benefits in shale gas drilling (via Midwest Energy News)

Texas sheriff wants criminal charges filed in fracking pollution case (via InsideClimate News)

In rare effort, Ohio scientist to test water before fracking starts (via InsideClimate News)

EMISSIONS 

New report outlines “pathways” to cut CO2 emissions (via Climate Central)

Singapore outlines plans to fine foreign air polluters (via RTCC)

NJ governor again pursues withdrawal from regional climate initiative (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

U.S. Conference of Mayors scraps cap-and-trade support (via Governing)

OIL 

Chevron admits oil shale production will use huge amounts of western water (via Climate Progress)

TRANSPORTATION 

Li-ion batteries to dominate EV market until 2020 (via Environmental Leader)

In new twist, Renewable Fuels Standard could boost electric vehicles (via Greenwire)

Bay Area governments make big EV purchase (via Phys.org)

Another Tesla crash, another Wall Street knee-jerk overreaction (via San Jose Mercury-News)

GRID 

How three states are moving forward with microgrids (via GreenBiz)

73% of small businesses want fixed-price electricity supply contracts (via Energy Manager Today)

Texas studying if wind generators should pay for transmission line use (via Houston Chronicle)

At big solar show, batteries take center stage (via GigaOm)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Environmental free-trade deal could help tar-sands producers (via Grist)

Keystone route legal, Nebraska tells state’s high court (via Bloomberg)

ENVIRONMENT 

How green is the 2014 World Cup? (via GreenBiz)

Japan’s prime minister confirms whale hunt will resume in 2015 (via Huffington Post)

Climate-linked drought cutting forests’ carbon-storing ability (via Mongabay)

Obama seeks $615 million to fight wildfires (via The Hill)

POLITICS 

House GOP launches assault on EPA climate rules (via The Hill)

Kentucky senator on global warming: “There are no coal mines on Mars” (via National Journal)

OPINION 

How opposite energy policies turned the Fukushima disaster into a loss for Japan and a win for Germany (via RMI Outlet)

Climate skeptics are losing their grip (via Financial Times)

If it’s a war on coal, coal is winning (via Bloomberg)

The EPA is swimming in murky water (via Washington Post)

The end of sustainability (via Ensia)

Posted:   |   Categories: apple, arctic, australia, Batteries, biofuels, biomass, cap and trade, Chevron, China, Chris Christie, climate, Climate Change, coal, Coal export, CREZ, drought, electric vehicles, emissions, Enphase, environment, EU, European Union, EVs, Ex-Im Bank, fracking, France, fukushima, germany, global warming, grid, india, japan, Joe Manchin, Kentucky, Keystone XL, Microgrid, Mosaic, natural gas, Nebraska, Net metering, Nevada, new jersey, News, North Carolina, offshore wind, Ohio, oil, oil shale, Renewable Fuels Standard, renewables, RFS, rggi, solar, Sugnevity, tar sands, Tesla, texas, transmission, Transportation, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Ukraine, UN, united nations, wildfires, wind
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01
Jul

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.1.14

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

CLIMATE 

India plans to overhaul approach to UN climate talks (via RTCC)

Besieged by rising tides of climate change, Kiribati buys land in Fiji (via The Guardian)

Pentagon to escalate global warming preparations for bases (via U.S. News & World Report)

Wall Street’s climate war intensifies with new weapons (via National Journal)

The fine line between sugarcoating and panic on climate change (via Washington Post)

KEYSTONE XL 

Tar sands expansion cools down without Keystone XL (via NRDC Switchboard)

RENEWABLES 

EU states avoid green energy overhaul after court backs Swedish scheme (via Reuters)

Renewables to get most of $7.7 trillion new power plant investments by 2030 (via Bloomberg)

China becomes world’s largest solar PV market (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewable energy saves Fortune 500 companies over $1 billion (via CleanTechnica)

Bangladesh to receive $78.4 million from World Bank for solar home systems (via Shanghai Daily)

The rise of Big Solar in Chile (via Forbes)

Solar companies sue to stop property taxes on leased rooftop panels (via Arizona Republic)

Six trailblazers banking on clean energy finance (via GreenBiz)

NRG Yield adds new solar assets (via Recharge)

Two-bladed wind turbines make a comeback (via MIT Technology Review)

Illinois putting $30 million into solar investments (via Southern Illinoisan)

Receding Lake Mead poses challenges to Hoover Dam’s power output (via EnergyWire)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

China fuels new boom in natural gas (via ClimateWire)

New York’s top court says towns can ban fracking (via Financial Post/Reuters)

Fracking study finds new natural gas wells leak more than older ones (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

FERC approves second LNG export project (via Breaking Energy)

Shale’s junk debt at risk if Fed raises rates (via Houston Chronicle)

EMISSIONS 

Carbon has best quarter in six years amid EU permit-supply curbs (via Bloomberg)

Court blocks Arch Coal mine expansion for not counting costs of carbon pollution (via Climate Progress)

Basis for EPA Clean Power Plan cuts a “mystery” (via Climate Central)

GRID 

Here’s where solar, storage, and microgrids are taking hold in the U.S. (via Greentech Media)

Symantec warns of hacker threat against energy companies (via Bloomberg)

OIL 

Capacity of U.S. petroleum refineries increases by 101,000 barrels per day (via Environmental Leader)

North Dakota and Texas now provide nearly half U.S. crude oil production (via U.S. EIA)

TRANSPORTATION 

Supreme Court won’t hear dispute over California fuel standard (via Greenwire)

2015 Toyota Prius launch pushed back six months: Report (via Green Car Reports)

ENVIRONMENT 

Plastic debris widespread on ocean surface, finds study (via Huffington Post)

Indonesia now has the highest rate of deforestation in the world (via Time)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU leaders divided on 2030 energy efficiency target (via RTCC)

Energy efficiency investments create 17 jobs per one million dollars in U.S. Southeast (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

Report: Voters more likely to back climate-friendly candidate (via The Hill)

All policy is local: 2014 Congressional races defined by energy issues (via Politico)

Coal fires up West Virginia House of Representatives race (via Politico)

Sen. Beigich talks climate change (via KCAW)

FERC Commissioner Norris expects not to seek another term (via SNL Energy)

OPINION 

U.S. steps toward more China solar tariffs – for the wrong reasons? (via Breaking Energy)

Happy birthday carbon tax….been god to know you (via Renew Economy)

Is climate change destabilizing Iraq? (via Mother Jones)

Closing the renewable energy investment gap (via WRI Insights)

What’s next for U.S. oil exports? (via National Journal)

Australia Institute director says Gore-Palmer ploy reset climate debate (via The Guardian)

Posted:   |   Categories: Arch Coal, australia, Bangladesh, california, Carbon market, carbon tax, Chile, China, climate, Climate Change, coal, deforestation, emissions, Energy Efficiency, energy storage, environment, EPA, EU, EU ETS, European Union, FERC, fracking, grid, Hoover Dam, Hydropower, Illinois, india, Indonesia, iraq, John Norris, Keystone XL, Lake Mead, LNG, Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Mark Beigich, methane, Microgrids, natural gas, Natural gas exports, new york state, News, north dakota, NRG Energy, oil, renewables, Sea level rise, solar, Solar trade war, Sweden, tar sands, texas, Toyota prius, Transportation, West Virginia, wind, World Bank, YieldCo
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