Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.12.13

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

CLIMATE 

Countries look to lay foundation for global pact at climate change summit (via Washington Post)

IPCC corrects carbon figures in landmark UN climate report (via The Guardian)

Researchers find tie between global precipitation and global warming (via Phys.org)

A climate jolt to complacency on food supply (via New York Times)

UN climate deal must be “tailored” to fit US and China (via RTCC)

Climate change report depicts a planet in peril (via Los Angeles Times)

US Chamber urges support for bill to thwart EPA climate rules (via The Hill)

Your city council may be a secret climate change hero (via Greentech Media)

OIL 

Shale’s effect on oil supply is not expected to last (via New York Times)

IEA says US to surpass Saudi Arabia as top oil producer by 2016 (via Reuters)

For OPEC, don’t call it a comeback (via The Hill)

In North Atlantic, world’s largest oil platform is getting a twin (via EnergyWire)

RENEWABLES 

German wind industry says too early for panic on subsidy cuts (via Bloomberg)

IEA says China will lead renewable energy output boom (via Recharge)

India to invite bids for 1 gigawatt solar plant (via Bloomberg)

The secret, dirty cost of Obama’s green power push (via AP)

Tea Party’s green faction fights for solar in red states (via Bloomberg)

Ethanol producers nervously await EPA ruling on 2014 target (via National Journal)

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack: “I don’t know” if ethanol helps climate (via The Hill)

Turning point for renewable energy storage (via Navigant Research)

Veterans and the clean energy workforce: The opportunity of a century (via Greentech Media)

Vanderbilt proposes building energy storage into solar cells (via Renewable Energy World)

Legislative glitch means Illinois not meeting solar energy goals (via Chicago Tribune)

COAL 

Report: TVA coal plants polluting groundwater (via USA Today)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Estimating appliance and home electronic energy use (via Energy.gov)

Planning for home renewable energy systems (via Energy.gov)

Home Depot will trade in your energy-wasting Christmas lights for LEDs (via Grist)

NATURAL GAS 

US Northeast grows increasingly reliant on natural gas for power generation (via US EIA)

TRANSPORTATION 

IKEA promises rollout of EV chargers at all UK stores by end of 2013 (via BusinessGreen)

EMISSIONS 

Bay Area pledges to slash greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 (via Mongabay)

GRID 

Utilities, regulators seek truce in net metering fight (via Navigant Research)

Installed smart meter base will surpass 1 billion by 2022 (via Navigant Research)

OPINION 

Why Obama can’t fix climate change (via National Journal)

The next big renewable energy innovation won’t be technological – it will be financial (via The Atlantic)

The case for ARPA-E: Government’s role in bridging the Valley of Death (via Energy Collective)

Climate change didn’t cause Supertyphoon Haiyan – but the storm is still a reason to fight warming (via Time)

The battle for FERC and the future of energy security (via Breaking Energy)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 11.6.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Global atmospheric CO2 levels hit record high (via The Guardian)

Study: Carbon tax revenues could dwarf fossil fuel losses (via Grist)

China’s smog reduction plan could add to water stress and boost emissions (via The Guardian)

Clashing views on climate, coal on display at EPA listening tour (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

NUCLEAR 

Environmental groups dispute climate scientists on nuclear power (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Hitting EU green energy goals “would save billions, boost GDP” (via Reuters)

Japan government’s green fund targets local investment model (via Bloomberg)

Japan’s largest solar PV plant comes online (via Renew Economy)

Report: Onsite renewables will save businesses £33 billion through 2030 (via BusinessGreen)

Clean energy’s next big market: Off-grid solar (via Greentech Media)

On-site power may weaken centrally generated wind and solar (via Forbes)

Robots can keep solar panels clean and more energy flowing into the grid (via Forbes)

Wind fight’s next round likely to wait until 2014 (via EarthTechling)

Court fight over biofuels mandate intensifies as Hill action stalls (via National Journal)

EPA lists top US organizations using most green power (via Solar Industry Magazine)

American Energy Alliance rallies opposition to wind tax credit (via National Journal)

Report: Michigan’s 30% renewable energy mandate achievable (via Detroit News)

Michigan about to join wind power “gigawatt club” (via CBS Detroit)

CLIMATE 

Hopes for strong 2015 global climate deal fade as risks grow (via Reuters)

Britain’s new flood protection plan: Surrender to the ocean (via Climate Progress)

West Coast pact to cut, price carbon could have wider influence (via ClimateWire)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

UK “gets real” about shale gas (via Recharge)

China’s first floating LNG terminal to receive gas in December (via Reuters)

Chevron and Ukraine set shale gas deal (via New York Times)

Colorado’s elections were fracked (via National Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Beijing slashes car sales quota in anti-pollution drive (via Reuters)

Tesla posts smaller loss, but shares start to temper (via New York Times)

Tesla’s Elon Musk wants to build a giant battery factory (via San Francisco Chronicle)

GRID 

Mexico smart grid market will grow to $12.1 billion by 2023 (via Renew Grid)

Smart grid energy storage pilot deployed at Philadelphia Navy Yard (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy Star cable boxes saved $450 million in energy last year (via Energy Manager Today)

How Walmart brought low-cost LEDs to the mass market (via Forbes)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Survey says sustainability is stalled at most companies (via GreenBiz)

Dallas goes all-in on green building with mandatory regulations (via CleanTechnica)

Morgan Stanley launches institute for sustainable investing (via Sustainable Business)

OPINION 

Keep up the climate fight, Democrats (via Washington Post)

How the world is failing at its climate goals, in one chart (via Washington Post)

The 10 most polluted cities in America (via Time)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.25.13

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

TRANSPORTATION 

8 US states target 3.3 million electric vehicles on the road by 2025 (via CleanTechnica)

Pecan Street study shows EVs might not stress grids (via Austin-American Statesman)

EMISSIONS 

Wall Street demands answers from fossil fuel producers on “unburnable” carbon (via Inside Climate News)

71 institutional investors urge top oil, power companies to tap clean energy (via Pensions & Investments)

Canada falling far short on emission reduction goals (via Globe and Mail)

Response to a city’s smog points to change in Chinese attitude (via New York Times)

Legislative glitch could doom CO2 rules for existing power plants (via Greenwire)

Ann Arbor asks pension board to consider fossil fuel divestment (via Ann Arbor News)

Report: Smoke from wildfires poses health risks (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

IEA increases wind power target for global electricity by 2050 (via Phys.org)

GTM research exposes hidden solar growth markets (via Greentech Media)

Japan builds floating windmills to expand offshore power (via New York Times)

Leaked RFS proposal irks both oil and ethanol groups (via Houston Chronicle)

How the Department of Energy is reducing the cost of solar by 75% (via Climate Progress)

Colorado’s first solar rights auction on public lands draws no bids (via Denver Post)

KEYSTONE XL 

State Department to hand over Keystone XL documents to environmental group (via The Hill)

Obama’s former climate czar predicts president will reject Keystone XL (via The Hill)

GRID 

A guide to 123GW of grid-scale energy storage (via Greentech Media)

USDA awards $960 million for rural grid improvements (via Renew Grid)

One year later, Hurricane Sandy fuels grid innovation (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Poland could halve demand for coal by 2030, study says (via Reuters)

CLIMATE 

Arctic temperatures reach highest levels in 44,000 years (via Huffington Post)

West Coast states, British Columbia form climate pact (via National Journal)

Nebraska climate change study opposed by state scientists (via Omaha World-Herald)

Ernest Moniz sees Capitol Hill thaw on climate change (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

NYC is replacing its 250,000 streetlights with LEDs (via Gizmodo)

OPINION

Investors: Can oil companies thrive in a warming world? (via Climate Central)

5 things you didn’t know about green business in Brazil (via GreenBiz)

Why businesses need to avoid climate’s “inevitable surprise” (via GreenBiz)

Don’t extend the wind production tax credit, fix it (via MIT Technology Review)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.7.13

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

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN 

Government shutdown affects weather, climate programs (via Climate Central)

Federal shutdown vexes greens, pleases industry (via Politico)

Solar decathlon launches despite US government shutdown (via Renewable Energy World)

FRACKING 

US fracking industry has used 250 billion gallons of water since 2005 (via Oil Price)

ENERGY POLICY 

US surpasses Russia as world’s top oil and natural gas producer (via The Guardian)

94% of utilities say distributed generation is a “game changer” (via BusinessGreen)

Embattled DOE clean energy loan program restarts under new management (via InsideClimate News)

RENEWABLES 

OECD-FAO projects global ethanol production to increase 67% over next 10 years to 44 billion gallons (via Green Car Congress)

Cost of PV cells drops 99% since 1977, bringing solar to grid parity (via Climate Progress)

Russia backs 504MW of wind and solar in first clean power auction (via CleanTechnica)

India invites national solar bids after 2-year gap (via Bloomberg)

South Pacific island nation becomes first to 100% renewables (via Facts of the Day)

As Sun shines on solar industry, power companies fret (via National Journal)

Wind turbine bird threat overstated, study suggests (via EarthTechling)

Florida utility offers $9 million in solar rebates (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Consumers Energy closing in on Michigan’s RPS (via Renew Grid)

OIL 

Economist: US jobs climb along with oil boom (via Houston Chronicle)

BP trial to focus on scientists’ spill estimates (via Houston Chronicle)

Court orders closer scrutiny of oil-spill claims against BP (via Washington Post)

TRANSPORTATION 

Putting all 20,000 electric car charging stations on the map (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

US gas prices drop 14 cents over past 2 weeks (via Houston Chronicle)

Volkswagen XL1, world’s most efficient car, makes its US debut (via CleanTechnica)

Hertz starts renting Tesla Model S electric cars (via Breaking Energy)

Ford doubles US electric drive market share from 2012 to 2013 (via Green Car Congress)

EMISSIONS 

IPCC report contains “grave” carbon budget message (via Climate Central)

EU carbon advances as policy makers consider supply flexibility (via Bloomberg)

US Supreme Court today may decide whether to hear greenhouse gas case (via Bloomberg BNA)

World’s carbon budget to be spent in three decades (via CleanTechnica)

Harvard won’t divest from fossil fuels, Faust says (via Bloomberg)

“Cynical” market shrugs off latest climate warning on fossil fuels (via EnergyWire)

ENVIRONMENT 

Scientists call for more controlled burns in West’s forests (via Los Angeles Times)

Let it burn: Changing firefighting techniques for a warming world (via Time)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Solar heating and cooling could save $61 billion in energy costs (via Energy Manager Today)

Popularity of federal energy efficiency program among farmers put it at risk (via Christian Science Monitor/AP)

Walmart sells LEDs for less than $10 (via Energy Manager Today)

COAL 

Q2 2013 coal export trends: Shipments fall nationally, rise in West (via Sightline Daily)

POLITICS 

German Greens mull new identity and coalition with Merkel (via Reuters)

Tony Abbott may have enough support to repeal Australian carbon tax (via ABC News)

FERC front-runner may be clean slate Obama’s looking for (via Greenwire)

Debt ceiling isn’t place for climate fight, says House Republican (via The Hill)

Decades in decline, issue of coal is in crosshairs for Virginia governors race (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

For insurers, climate risk is becoming a matter of policy (via GreenBiz)

When will we reach an electric vehicle tipping point? (via Greentech Media)

Hawaii’s smart grid a matter of necessity (via Navigant Research)

Is fossil fuel divestment a sound financial play? (via Triple Pundit)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.25.13

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

CLIMATE 

New map shows world’s most climate-vulnerable regions (via Climate Progress)

Major wind and rain belts could shift north as Earth warms (via Yale e360)

Stanford: Climate change occurring 10 times faster than any time in past 65 million years (via DeSmog Blog)

HSBC: Australian economy badly exposed to climate change (via Renew Economy)

EPA chief hits road for climate rule sales pitches (via The Hill)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Top US trade official lobbies for tar sands oil in EU negotiations (via Huffington Post)

Canadian company to drain Alberta lake due to oil sands leak (via Reuters)

Keystone XL: Five years later, a changed energy dynamic (via Christian Science Monitor)

RENEWABLES 

500MW expected in first Russian renewable energy auction (via Recharge)

Sun begins to shine again on UK solar market (via EarthTechling)

Wind turbines quieter than a heartbeat, acoustical experts find (via Climate Progress)

Cost to add more solar, wind to US West power grid is small – study (via Reuters)

US Senator asks CFTC to look into biofuel credit pricing (via Reuters)

Ivanpah solar project “syncs” to grid for first time (via KCET)

EPA announces Green Power Leadership awards (via Environmental Leader)

Solar Decathlon 2013: Let the building begin (via Energy.gov)

270MW of new renewable energy coming to Connecticut’s grid (via Renew Grid)

OIL 

Obama vows to protect “free flow” of Middle East oil (via The Hill)

High oil costs hitting nation’s wallet, too (via Houston Chronicle)

Research: Deep sea ecosystem may take decades to recover from Deepwater Horizon spill (via Phys.org)

TRANSPORTATION 

High-speed rail transforms China (via New York Times)

RFS: Ethanol cuts gas prices by up to $1.50 a gallon (via Autoblog Green)

EMISSIONS 

EPA rules on emissions at existing coal plants may give states leeway (via New York Times)

Carbon offset market alive and well in California (via Energy Manager Today)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas generation lower than last year because of differences in relative fuel prices (via US EIA)

GRID 

Remote microgrids will surpass $8.4 billion in annual revenue by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Remote microgrid revenues will top $8 billion by 2020 (via Energy Manager Today)

In China’s hinterland, microgrids emerge (via Navigant Research)

Skinny grids: LEDs harness more distributed energy for less (via Greentech Media)

ENVIRONMENT 

Ocean acidification “refugees” move to Hawaii (via Seattle Times)

Battle lines form as EPA hints at revised Clean Water Act (via Greenwire)

OPINON 

Is natural gas “clean”? (via New York Times)

EPA rules open new era for clean energy in US (via Navigant Research)

How a former EPA official became the “Michael Jordan of solar policy” (via Greenwire)

What are the impacts of high wind and solar penetration on the grid? (via Greentech Media)

Why sustainability indexes miss the mark (via BusinessGreen)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.11.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Markets bet on Australian carbon repeal…and a new carbon price (via Renew Economy)

EU Parliament votes to tackle biofuel emissions from 2020 (via BusinessGreen)

Biggest polluters in US ranked by emissions in new report (via Huffington Post)

California cap-and-trade may be hurt as emissions drop off (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Oil industry touts $81 billion in carbon-cutting efforts (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Batteries and plug-ins dominate Frankfurt Auto Show (via Climate Progress)

CA, NY, WA, FL will lead US in plug-in EV sales through 2022 (via Navigant Research)

Average fuel economy for new US vehicles hits high of 24.9 mpg (via Green Car Congress)

RENEWABLES 

Development banks lend record $108.9 billion to clean energy in 2012 (via Bloomberg)

Report: Offshore wind can be installed in deeper waters at cheaper cost (via Greentech Media)

China to back 50MW Kazakhstan wind farm (via Recharge)

3D-printing robots could enable solar arrays to self-fabricate in space (via Treehugger)

Coupled solar and energy storage market to grow (via Renewable Energy World)

Talking windmills herald gust of US productivity growth (via Bloomberg)

Cuomo starts $1 billion New York State green bank for energy lending (via Bloomberg)

Energy bill in California gets a rooftop solar-friendly makeover (via Renewable Energy World)

North Dakota county approves $350-million wind farm (via Bismarck Tribune)

Minnesota opens state’s first community solar installation (via Minnesota Public Radio)

From sunlight to farm waste, small Minnesota cities create energy from what’s on hand (via Minnesota Public Radio)

Greensburg, Kansas: A high-renewables tomorrow today (via RMI Outlet)

Solar Decathlon 2013: Raising more than just walls (via Energy.gov)

NFL goes solar, who’s in the lead? (via Renewable Energy World)

Solar panel is next granite countertop for homebuilders (via Bloomberg)

GRID 

Renewable energy boom could create $90 billion global HVDC transmission market (via BusinessGreen)

London Array to sell its substations and cables for £459 million (via BusinessGreen)

In Germany, a yellow light for smart meters (via Navigant Research)

USDA provides new funding for grid improvements in eight states (via Renew Grid)

CPUC proposes 1.325GW energy storage target by 2020 (via Renew Grid)

Hawaii governor vows to link islands via undersea cable despite opposition (via Star-Advertiser)

CLIMATE 

EU limbers up for fight over new climate targets (via Renew Economy)

Australian military: Climate change will “exacerbate existing problems” (via ABC)

Drought helped cause Syria’s war – will climate change bring more like it? (via Washington Post)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Secrets of fracking fluids pave way for cleaner recipe (via Nature)

Gas flaring responsible for 42% of black carbon in the Arctic (via RTCC)

North Dakota senators seek state exemption from Interior Department fracking rules (via The Hill)

As gas continues to go up in the air, North Dakota moves to tighten loose flaring rules (via EnergyWire)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

US decision on Keystone XL pipeline likely to slip to 2014 (via Reuters)

No Keystone, no problem: TransCanada pushing another tar sands pipeline (via Climate Progress)

Neil Young on tar sands: “Fort McMurray looks like Hiroshima” (via Globe and Mail)

ENERGY INDUSTRY 

Moody’s: Bankruptcy of Energy Future Holdings is imminent (via Houston Chronicle)

California lawmakers close to passing energy reform bill (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy management app turns off the heat when you leave the house (via Treehugger)

LED streetlights save Las Vegas $2 million per year (via Energy Manager Today)

NUCLEAR 

Japan ponders Fukushima options, but Tepco too big to fail (via Reuters)

ENVIRONMENT 

As drought continues, Texas reservoirs could hit all-time lows (via StateImpact Texas)

OPINION 

Australia proposal to ditch carbon pricing is another nail in cap and trade (via Reuters)

Coalition wants US EIA to revamp renewable energy estimates (via Platts)

Why utilities and EV owners need demand response (via Navigant Research)

Imagining a cyberattack on the US power grid (via New York Times)

New York’s ongoing wind energy mistakes (via Breaking Energy)

How the West Texas drilling boom could go bust again (via StateImpact Texas)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.15.13

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone XL decision seen as climate change test for Obama abroad (via InsideClimate News)

Canada’s tar sands could blow its 2020 climate target (via RTCC)

Railway chief says Keystone XL pipeline would cut freight revenues (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Building energy management market worth “$5.6 billion by 2020” (via Energy Manager Today)

Americans spend $2,000 on home energy costs annually (via Mother Nature Network)

LEDs still gaining efficiency (via Navigant Research)

How time-of-use pricing works to cut power bills (via Renew Economy)

Texas develops statewide “PACE in a box” (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Global cleantech industry growing despite challenging conditions (via CleanTechnica)

EU-China trade settlement leaves many Chinese solar firms in the dark (via ClimateWire)

Global offshore wind market to grow 32% year-on-year (via BusinessGreen)

How real is the South African PV market? (via Greentech Media)

New analysis shows India’s “huge” offshore wind power potential (via Renewable Energy World)

Intermittent nature of green power is challenge for utilities (via New York Times)

Iowa will add 1.05GW new wind energy capacity by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

BLM approves new solar, geothermal development plan in California desert (via Greenwire)

Rhode Island amends FIT to require bids for small solar projects (via Renewable Energy World)

Arizona fights for its solar energy rights (via Renewable Energy World)

Biofuels on the verge (via Greentech Media)

CLIMATE 

Heat waves to quadruple by 2040, regardless of emissions cuts (via RTCC)

As Northeast Asia bakes, climate scientists predict more extreme heat waves on the horizon (via Time)

UN officials warn talks on 2015 climate deal must “shift gear” (via RTCC)

Obama reframes his approach to climate change (via Washington Post)

DOE’s Moniz heading to Brazil for climate talks (via The Hill)

EPA’s McCarthy: “Responsible” gas production key to climate strategy (via The Hill)

Interactive map supports climate change adaptation planning in Great Lakes region (via Phys.org)

NUCLEAR 

Vogtle nuclear project could face more delays (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Appeals court blocks attempt by Vermont to close nuclear plant (via New York Times)

GRID 

Japan solar energy soars, but grid needs to catch up (via National Geographic)

High-speed monitors keep watch over today’s complicated grid (via EnergyWire)

BLM seeks input on proposed TransWest transmission project (via Renew Grid)

PSEG’s 2013 sustainability report focuses on grid infrastructure (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY POLICY 

IBM expert says utilities should become “energy malls” (via Midwest Energy News)

How Big Box going solar could impact utilities (via EarthTechling) 

OIL 

Gulf oil spill settlement payment offers rise to $4.4 billion (via Houston Chronicle)

California regulators take up offshore fracking (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US gas prices falling – does it matter for green cars? (via Green Car Reports)

Could outmoded phone booths become EV charging stations? (via New York Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Great Barrier Reef dredging could be more damaging than thought (via The Guardian)

China’s environmental future: The power of the people (via Council on Foreign Relations)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US green investors secure near-record corporate climate commitments (via BusinessGreen)

Sierra Club ranks greenest US universities (via Breaking Energy)

Princeton Review announces green honor roll (via Environmental Leader)

OPINION 

“War on Coal” gains steam amid wars on terror, crime, drugs, science, Christmas (via Bloomberg)

Are fracking proponents wrestling enough with the environmental risks? (via Washington Post)

The futility of “just the facts” climate science (via Grist)

Why Australian rooftop solar PV prices are cheaper (via Renew Economy)

“No” is really not an option on Yucca Mountain (via Houston Chronicle)

Can extreme weather make climate change worse? (via Climate Central)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.15.13

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone XL decision seen as climate change test for Obama abroad (via InsideClimate News)

Canada’s tar sands could blow its 2020 climate target (via RTCC)

Railway chief says Keystone XL pipeline would cut freight revenues (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Building energy management market worth “$5.6 billion by 2020” (via Energy Manager Today)

Americans spend $2,000 on home energy costs annually (via Mother Nature Network)

LEDs still gaining efficiency (via Navigant Research)

How time-of-use pricing works to cut power bills (via Renew Economy)

Texas develops statewide “PACE in a box” (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Global cleantech industry growing despite challenging conditions (via CleanTechnica)

EU-China trade settlement leaves many Chinese solar firms in the dark (via ClimateWire)

Global offshore wind market to grow 32% year-on-year (via BusinessGreen)

How real is the South African PV market? (via Greentech Media)

New analysis shows India’s “huge” offshore wind power potential (via Renewable Energy World)

Intermittent nature of green power is challenge for utilities (via New York Times)

Iowa will add 1.05GW new wind energy capacity by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

BLM approves new solar, geothermal development plan in California desert (via Greenwire)

Rhode Island amends FIT to require bids for small solar projects (via Renewable Energy World)

Arizona fights for its solar energy rights (via Renewable Energy World)

Biofuels on the verge (via Greentech Media)

CLIMATE 

Heat waves to quadruple by 2040, regardless of emissions cuts (via RTCC)

As Northeast Asia bakes, climate scientists predict more extreme heat waves on the horizon (via Time)

UN officials warn talks on 2015 climate deal must “shift gear” (via RTCC)

Obama reframes his approach to climate change (via Washington Post)

DOE’s Moniz heading to Brazil for climate talks (via The Hill)

EPA’s McCarthy: “Responsible” gas production key to climate strategy (via The Hill)

Interactive map supports climate change adaptation planning in Great Lakes region (via Phys.org)

NUCLEAR 

Vogtle nuclear project could face more delays (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Appeals court blocks attempt by Vermont to close nuclear plant (via New York Times)

GRID 

Japan solar energy soars, but grid needs to catch up (via National Geographic)

High-speed monitors keep watch over today’s complicated grid (via EnergyWire)

BLM seeks input on proposed TransWest transmission project (via Renew Grid)

PSEG’s 2013 sustainability report focuses on grid infrastructure (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY POLICY 

IBM expert says utilities should become “energy malls” (via Midwest Energy News)

How Big Box going solar could impact utilities (via EarthTechling) 

OIL 

Gulf oil spill settlement payment offers rise to $4.4 billion (via Houston Chronicle)

California regulators take up offshore fracking (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US gas prices falling – does it matter for green cars? (via Green Car Reports)

Could outmoded phone booths become EV charging stations? (via New York Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Great Barrier Reef dredging could be more damaging than thought (via The Guardian)

China’s environmental future: The power of the people (via Council on Foreign Relations)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US green investors secure near-record corporate climate commitments (via BusinessGreen)

Sierra Club ranks greenest US universities (via Breaking Energy)

Princeton Review announces green honor roll (via Environmental Leader)

OPINION 

“War on Coal” gains steam amid wars on terror, crime, drugs, science, Christmas (via Bloomberg)

Are fracking proponents wrestling enough with the environmental risks? (via Washington Post)

The futility of “just the facts” climate science (via Grist)

Why Australian rooftop solar PV prices are cheaper (via Renew Economy)

“No” is really not an option on Yucca Mountain (via Houston Chronicle)

Can extreme weather make climate change worse? (via Climate Central)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.1.13

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

COAL 

Environmentalists sue Export-Import Bank over loan to domestic coal broker (via Washington Post)

New US coal plants built in 1H 2013 will generate more than new wind and solar combined (via Facts of the Day)

Scope of export proposal analysis is bad news for the coal industry (via Sightline Daily)

ENERGY POLICY 

Germany boosts energy research funding 77% to $938 million (via Bloomberg)

McKinsey: Shale, related industries could add $700 billion to US economy by 2020 (via Houston Chronicle)

Maryland’s new climate plan could lower energy costs (via Climate Progress)

RENEWABLES 

Wind and solar lead global renewables pack (via Recharge)

Morocco to tender 2 solar plants totaling 300MW (via Reuters)

German solar subsidy to drop to a third of Japan’s on installs (via Bloomberg)

Ireland to set wind energy export rules (via Recharge)

US wind industry poised for robust recovery (via BusinessGreen)

Deepwater Wind wins auction for first US offshore wind leases (via Bloomberg)

Regulators avoid the ire of solar proponents (via Breaking Energy)

Property taxes could be the next obstacle for solar PV (via Greentech Media)

Sediment trapped behind dams makes them emissions “hot spots” (via Phys.org)

New solar energy index ranks yields on residential solar investment (via Solar Industry Magazine)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

China fracking quake-prone province shows zeal for gas (via Bloomberg)

Marcellus Shale hospitals claw toward better data on gas field health issues (via EnergyWire)

Ohio state forest fracking plan halted for now (via Columbus Dispatch)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

California could set the bar for America with 15 new efficiency standards (via Greentech Media)

Los Angeles completes world’s largest LED street light retrofit (via Forbes)

Sacramento unveils nation’s largest clean energy PACE retrofit (via Forbes)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Small businesses especially vulnerable to climate change impacts (via TriplePundit)

GRID 

Japan to test large-capacity electricity storage system (via Jiji Press)

Germany makes big industry pay more for power grid (via Reuters)

North America, Asia names government-backed energy storage hot spots (via Energy Manager Today)

Growth slows for smart meters in North America but overall trend is still upward (via Energy Manager Today)

Smart meters for commercial and industrial markets will total $19.1B in revenue from 2012-2020 (via Navigant Research)

New tools to help grid operators keep the lights on (via New York Times)

Microgrids: very expensive, seriously necessary (via Forbes)

TRANSPORTATION 

American driving may have peaked in 2004 (via Autoblog)

Texas energy provider gives free power at night to EV owners (via Plugin Cars)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Setting sustainability goals “improves bottom line” for firms (via Environmental Leader)

Will campus activism reach the C-suite? (via GreenBiz)

Harvard endowment hires environment head amid divestment demands (via Bloomberg)

POLITICS 

House set for carbon tax showdown (via The Hill)

Obama emphasizes Keystone XL emissions potential with Senate Dems (via The Hill)

Conservatives ID next confirmation fight: FERC (via Politico)

5 things you don’t know about EPA’s Gina McCarthy but should (via Washington Post)

OPINION

We are consigning hundreds of coastal cities to destruction – who cares? (via Grist)

What we can learn from the world’s greenest companies (via Environmental Leader)

Spain’s offshore wind win is Virginia’s loss (via Breaking Energy)

Microgrids can help developing nations leapfrog the landline (via GreenBiz)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.18.13

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

EMISSIONS 

UN carbon’s longest rally to persist on supply crunch (via Bloomberg)

Australia carbon link may spur EU management panel, says Accenture (via Bloomberg)

EU-Australia CO2 union shows price tension (via Reuters)

Geology matters when it comes to storing carbon (via Climate Central)

21% of households account for 50% of greenhouse gas emissions (via Phys.org)

White House regulatory chief defends “social cost of carbon” boost (via The Hill)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

How will cheaper natural gas affect business and the economy? (via Washington Post)

Interior Secretary defends federal fracking regulations (via Bloomberg)

California officials wrestle with handling fracking trade secrets (via Los Angeles Times)

RENEWABLES 

Saudi Arabia aims to be world’s largest renewable energy market (via Arab News)

China hits US and South Korea with solar material duties, skirts EU decision (via Reuters)

India unveils plans for massive concentrated solar power (via RTCC)

Is Germany the hot spot for battery-backed solar? (via Greentech Media)

New wind and solar can supply 100% of annual US electricity load growth (via Facts of the Day)

CLIMATE 

NASA: Globally, June was second warmest on record (via Climate Progress)

Researchers project ice-free Arctic by 2058 (via Phys.org)

EU hails China’s commitment to climate change (via Fox News/Agence-France Presse)

Fossil fuels tax to fund climate efforts proposed at UN talks (via RTCC)

Bill to shift NOAA resources to weather marches on (via Climate Central)

Zichal: Climate rules can be finished during Obama’s term (via Politico)

Reid blames climate change for wildfires: “West is burning” (via Las Vegas Review-Journal)

CIA backs $630,000 study on controlling climate change (via Grist)

After wildfire tragedy, talk of global warming’s contribution a delicate matter (via InsideClimate News)

OIL 

China pumps crude at fastest pace since 2010 as oil prices climb (via Bloomberg)

US Gulf oil profits will lure $16 billion in more rigs by 2015 (via Houston Chronicle)

US ranks #5 on petroleum risk list (via Breaking Energy)

Exxon secrecy over ruptured pipeline may mask national danger (via Houston Chronicle)

Gulf of Mexico oil sheen traced to Deepwater Horizon rig wreckage (via Los Angeles Times)

Enbridge seeks swift approval of 600-mile Midwest oil pipeline, pitches project at open houses (via Washington Post)

Anadarko, unshaken by Deepwater Horizon legacy, builds big in Gulf of Mexico (via Forbes)

US Air Force to study drilling for oil off California coast (via Los Angeles Times)

TRANSPORTATION 

United Kingdom invests £1 billion in low-carbon auto manufacturing (via CleanTechnica)

Comparing driving costs of EVs and conventional cars (via Energy Collective)

Report says efficient urban transportation could save world $70 trillion (via Inhabitat)

“Dreamliner” nightmare continues: 787 catches fire in London (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Creating climate wealth through energy efficient buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

LED lights saved $675 million in energy costs in 2012 (via The Good Human)

Obama’s plan for energy-efficient federal buildings powered by clean energy (via Climate Progress)

New federal buildings face higher efficiency standard (via EarthTechling)

GRID 

Electricity prices soar past $200 per MWh as heatwave hits Eastern US (via Energy Collective)

USDA awards another $18 million in smart grid funding to rural utilities (via Renew Grid)

ENVIRONMENT 

World Bank: environmental damage costing India nearly 6% of GDP (via BusinessGreen)

Interior Secretary says drought may cause record wildfires in US (via Bloomberg)

Texas ranks last on US green state list (via Houston Chronicle)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Sustainable manufacturing “can boost profits $15 billion annually” (via Environmental Leader)

Green consumers are brand loyal (via Mother Nature Network)

Report: companies see climate risks but few take action (via The Hill)

OPINION 

The World Bank cuts off coal funding – how big an impact will it have? (via Washington Post)

UK government over-estimating future fuel prices (via Reuters)

US can’t afford to cede green energy industry to competitors (via Christian Science Monitor)

Burning fossil fuels imperils our ability to burn fossil fuels (via Mother Jones)

The carbon footprints lead to you (via Washington Post)

Global warming is making life hell for firefighters (via Motherboard)

Will bioenergy with carbon capture save us? (via EarthTechling)