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 – 11.1.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China, emerging economies “account for 48% of carbon emissions” (via The Guardian/Reuters)

Smaller rise in global CO2 emissions may be sign of permanent slowing (via Yale e360)

Labor party to challenge Australian carbon tax repeal (via Financial Review)

Netherlands town becomes first in Europe to vow fossil fuel divestment (via Climate Progress)

ENVIRONMENT 

Russia, Ukraine halt giant Antarctic marine sanctuary plan (via Reuters)

Interior Secretary Jewell lays out US conservation strategy (via Washington Post)

Officials search for plan as California reservoirs drop below half capacity (via Climate Progress)

RENEWABLES 

Wind turbine placement study yields staggering results (via EarthTechling)

Two US senators propose national renewable electricity standard (via Renew Grid)

Ethanol, oil groups blitz White House as biofuel rule nears (via Reuters)

More than 160 House members ask EPA to relax renewable fuel mandate (via Houston Chronicle)

Solar goes big: Launching the California Valley Solar Ranch (via Energy.gov)

How a speedy ship could cut the cost of offshore wind power (via BusinessGreen)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Mexico unlikely to tap its Eagle Ford Shale, expert says (via Houston Chronicle)

Marcellus Shale fracking wells use 5 million gallons of water apiece (via Grist)

Kentucky, where fracking is a curse (via National Journal)

Fracking faces judgment day Tuesday in four Colorado ballot initiatives (via Greenwire)

CLIMATE 

Climate change impacts to poor countries go far beyond money – report (via ClimateWire)

Pacific Ocean now warming 15x faster than in past 10,000 years (via Washington Post)

White House will focus on climate shifts while trying to cut emissions (via New York Times)

COAL 

Poland, wedded to coal, spurns Europe on clean energy targets (via New York Times)

Coal country’s decline has a long history (via National Journal)

NUCLEAR 

DOE Secretary Moniz offers Japan aid with Fukushima cleanup (via ABC News/AP)

OIL 

German spy agency says US shale will depress oil prices for decades (via Reuters)

North Dakota lawmakers want to make all oil spills public (via Climate Progress)

Montana, US to seek damages from 2011 Exxon Mobil spill (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla wins victory in Virginia, gets go-ahead to open store (via CleanTechnica)

Brookings: Cash for Clunkers was a lemon (via Politico)

TAR SANDS 

Shell joins energy rush, green lights new Alberta oil sands project (via Globe and Mail)

POLITICS 

Climate activists outspending big coal in crucial Washington State election (via Climate Progress)

Australia’s Labor Party signals carbon standoff by demanding emissions trading (via The Guardian)

OPINION 

Carbon emissions tied to stock valuations? (via BusinessGreen)

Almost anything would have been better stimulus than “Cash for Clunkers” (via Washington Post)

How much did the feds really help with fracking? (via Forbes)

What’s been going on with the US smart grid investment grant program (via Renew Grid)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.9.13

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

EMISSIONS 

When CO2 levels doubled 55 million years ago, Earth may have warmed 9 degrees F in 13 years (via Climate Progress)

Carbon markets 16 times cheaper than renewable aid, OECD says (via Bloomberg)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

UK shale drillers offered water cheaper than residents (via Bloomberg)

EIA raises 2013 US natgas production, demand (via Reuters)

Some foes of fracking reach out to drillers on safety (via National Journal)

GRID 

US smart grid could save each consumer $100 annually (via Energy Manager Today)

15 European national power markets set to link in search for best price (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

UK plans to increase solar power eight-fold by 2020 (via Bloomberg)

Renewable energy is taking a beating in Spain (via New York Times)

At what point will small-scale solar energy storage become viable? (via CleanTechnica)

Wind turbine blade maker ramps up in US (via Breaking Energy)

Oil industry sues EPA over Renewable Fuel Standard (via The Hill)

AWEA sees strong 2014 for US wind (via Recharge)

Boom and bust in New Jersey SREC market (via Renewable Energy World)

Inside DOE, one of world’s biggest clean energy finance shops is back in business (via InsideClimate News)

CLIMATE 

OECD: “No bailout” for climate threat (via BBC News)

80% of ecosystems vulnerable to climate change, finds study (via Yale e360)

IMF director Lagarde sounds warning on climate action (via The Hill)

World Bank and IMF stress urgency of climate action (via RTCC)

Alaska sinks as climate change thaws permafrost (via Des Moines Register)

After Sandy, group calls for federal fund to deal with extreme weather (via Star-Ledger)

COAL 

Peak coal in China, or a long and high plateau? (via Energy Collective)

150 plants retired: Another major milestone in moving beyond coal (via Grist) 

New England’s largest coal-fired plant is shutting down (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY POLICY 

Official says Mexican energy reform will require new laws (via Houston Chronicle)

40% of utilities predict “complete transformation” by 2030 (via Greentech Media)

Keystone XL’s not the only cross-border energy fight (via Greenwire)

The South’s new power push: Natural gas and tiny nukes (via Climate Central)

Eight practical local energy policies to boost the economy (via CleanTechnica)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Sports beginning to see the energy-efficient light (via New York Times)

New York City apartment dwellers can compare energy, water use online (via Sustainable Business)

San Francisco public buildings’ energy use down 3.6% from 2011 (via Energy Manager Today)

OIL 

Analyst predicts growing North American production unless oil falls to $60 (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

EVs find a growing market in China (via Navigant Research)

California backs hydrogen stations in a big way (via EarthTechling)

NUCLEAR 

Report says a shortage of nuclear ingredient looms (via New York Times)

EU energy guidelines leave out nuclear in blow for Britain (via Reuters)

Nuclear plants vexed at prices that shift as demand does (via New York Times)

Small nuclear-fossil fuel reactors attracting attention but not capital (via Forbes)

POLITICS 

Germany’s Greens elect new leaders before talks with Merkel (via Reuters)

Poll: Plurality of Virginians favor EPA climate rule (via Politico)

OPINION 

Carbon emissions explained, with my son’s Legos (via Energy Collective)

US can still be the world’s solar manufacturing leader (via Sustainable Business)

Three models that could help utilities make money from solar (via Greentech Media)

The Model S fire was a good thing for Tesla (via Plugin Cars)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.23.13

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

EMISSIONS 

French carbon tax to raise €4 billion for green energy by 2016 (via Reuters)

Norway cancels carbon capture plan it likened to “Moon landing” (via Reuters)

Everything you need to know about the EPA’s carbon limits for new power plants (via Washington Post)

Emissions regulations are central battle in Obama climate agenda (via The Hill)

Feds promise to work with businesses on meeting emissions goals (via The Hill)

COAL 

EPA claims new power plan emission regulations offer coal lifeline (via InsideClimate News)

A changing market and dim future for coal in Texas (via StateImpact Texas)

RENEWABLES 

SEIA offers peace plan to avert US-China solar trade war (via Bloomberg)

India to build world’s largest power plant in Rajasthan (via India Economic Times)

Report: Old business models holding back clean energy shift (via Midwest Energy News)

Wind energy: Bigger isn't always better (via Breaking Energy)

Wicked green: Massachusetts clean economy grows 11.8% to 80,000 jobs (via CleanTechnica)

Renewables provide a growing share of California’s electricity (via US EIA)

New Jersey offshore wind proposal still seeks answers (via Renewable Energy World)

Michigan can triple its renewable energy production by 2035, finds report (via Detroit Free Press)

Lake Erie wind turbines viable (via Plain Dealer)

CLIMATE 

IPCC issues stark warning over global warming (via The Guardian/The Observer)

Global warming “hiatus” puts climate change scientists on the spot (via Los Angeles Times)

Big business funds effort to discredit climate science, warns UN official (via The Guardian)

Arctic alpine plants may survive in “micro refuges” as temperatures rise (via The Guardian)

Arctic on course for ice-free summer “within decades”, scientists say (via The Guardian)

Hunger to worsen as climate change heats up world (via Bloomberg)

Study says children will bear brunt of climate change impact (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Not business as usual: China’s oil majors are no longer invincible (via Houston Chronicle)

Federal standards needed for safe Arctic drilling, Pew says (via Houston Chronicle)

Eagle Ford’s future might lie in Mexico’s oil demand (via Houston Chronicle)

California law to regulate fracking signed by governor (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

China to raise prices for clean fuel to boost production (via Reuters)

US gasoline prices fall 6.4 cents as crude declines (via Reuters)

Green parking: Not just a concept anymore (via New York Times)

Tesla’s feat of (financial) engineering (via Washington Post)

NUCLEAR 

France to tax nuclear output to fund shift to renewables (via Bloomberg)

US DOE invests $60 million in nuclear technology research and training (via Green Car Reports)

GRID 

Vehicle-to-grid charging coming of age (via EarthTechling)

Top 9 things you didn’t know about America’s power grid (via Energy.gov)

KEYSTONE XL 

Hundreds of events “Draw the Line” against Keystone XL and tar sands (via Huffington Post)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Why are some airlines better at saving fuel than others? (via Washington Post)

Siemens installing energy saving measures for US Coast Guard (via Energy Manager Today)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Money flowing to build pipelines (via Houston Chronicle)

Sites sought for Marcellus Shale region’s fracking residue (via Columbus Dispatch)

POLITICS 

Merkel romps to victory but faces tough coalition choices (via Reuters)

Republicans pounce on Obama’s global warming regulations for political fodder (via National Journal)

White House “War on Coal” no slam dunk for GOP in 2014 (via Politico)

White House: No retreat on troubled FERC nominee Binz (via The Hill)

OPINION 

What climate scientists should talk about: Their personal stories (via The Guardian)

Beleaguered CEOs say they can’t save the planet by themselves (via Bloomberg)

A reality check on offshore wind in Virginia (via Washington Post)

How big an impact will EVs have on the grid and your wallet? (via Greentech Media)

Will offshore wind finally take off on US East Coast? (via Yale e360)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.13.13

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

EMISSIONS 

EU carbon hits 8 month high on jump in energy prices (via Reuters Point Carbon)

Will Costa Rica’s new voluntary carbon trading system work? (via Climate Progress)

Big business fights Obama Administration’s calculations on carbon costs (via Grist)

California carbon allowances retreat to $12.30 as bearish sentiment grows (via Reuters Point Carbon)

COAL 

China bans new coal-fired plants in 3 regions (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Air pollution waiver may decide fate of Illinois coal plants (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

RENEWABLES 

Solar-Energy Storage market to reach $2.8 billion by 2018 (via Energy Manager Today)

UK hits 1GW of installed offshore wind capacity (via RTCC)

Hydroelectric power makes big comeback at US dams (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Report: $603 million in DOE biofuels funding fails to meet goals (via The Hill)

60GW of new hydropower projects pending approval by FERC (via Facts of the Day)

US solar PV grows 15% in second quarter (via EarthTechling)

California passes 600MW shared renewables program (via CleanTechnica)

South Carolina rural electrical cooperatives back solar farm (via The State)

California regulators say proposed large-scale solar project could harm eagles (via Greenwire)

CLIMATE 

Progress at UN climate cash talks sets stage for ministers (via Reuters Point Carbon)

Unprecedented rate and scale of ocean acidification found in Arctic (via Phys.org)

Never-released DOE report predicts increasing domestic conflicts over water, energy (via DeSmog Blog)

US tree migration is not keeping pace with warming (via Yale e360)

Kentucky governor stands up to climate deniers, defends teaching science (via Climate Progress)

Global warming’s denier elite (via Rolling Stone)

KEYSTONE XL 

Canada touts carbon pollution cuts as Keystone XL pressure builds (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

US federal buildings brace for deep energy retrofits (via EarthTechling)

A bid to “shame” building owners into energy efficiency (via National Journal)

While one Ohio utility fights efficiency, another embraces it (via Midwest Energy News)

OIL 

Norway’s new government may bar oil firms from Arctic islands (via Reuters)

BP starts drilling at “giant” Gulf of Mexico oil field after spill setback (via Reuters)

Environmental groups bail on California fracking bill (via Huffington Post)

California fracking oversight bill nears final passage even as greens cancel support (via EnergyWire)

TRANSPORTATION 

Can DOE build a better EV battery? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Bumps in the road as Hawaii plugs into EVs (via Plugin Cars)

GRID 

Demand response hits a new record in PJM (via Greentech Media)

California proposes framework for energy storage procurement program (via Breaking Energy)

Texas shows transmission upgrade benefits for wind power (via Reuters)

NATURAL GAS 

US LNG exports will be higher than expected (via Reuters)

GREEN BUSINESS 

BG Group, Nestle, SAP named among world’s most sustainable companies (via BusinessGreen)

Millennials may not be as green as you think (via GreenBiz)

Why colleges should add green to their school colors (via BusinessGreen)

ENERGY POLICY 

Senate panel explores US-Mexico offshore drilling deal (via The Hill)

US to pass Russia in liquid fuels production, says IEA (via Wall Street Journal)

California lawmakers move to reform state’s electricity rate structure (via Reuters)

Arizona regulators drop retail electricity deregulation push (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

OPINION 

Canada’s climate actions sharply diverge from government promises (via Energy Collective)

Global warming is very real (via Rolling Stone)

Don’t believe the coal industry’s warnings (via Bloomberg)

How solar remains attractive without key incentives in California (via Forbes)

How long before the Great Plains runs out of water? (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.13.13

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

EMISSIONS 

EU carbon hits 8 month high on jump in energy prices (via Reuters Point Carbon)

Will Costa Rica’s new voluntary carbon trading system work? (via Climate Progress)

Big business fights Obama Administration’s calculations on carbon costs (via Grist)

California carbon allowances retreat to $12.30 as bearish sentiment grows (via Reuters Point Carbon)

COAL 

China bans new coal-fired plants in 3 regions (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Air pollution waiver may decide fate of Illinois coal plants (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

RENEWABLES 

Solar-Energy Storage market to reach $2.8 billion by 2018 (via Energy Manager Today)

UK hits 1GW of installed offshore wind capacity (via RTCC)

Hydroelectric power makes big comeback at US dams (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Report: $603 million in DOE biofuels funding fails to meet goals (via The Hill)

60GW of new hydropower projects pending approval by FERC (via Facts of the Day)

US solar PV grows 15% in second quarter (via EarthTechling)

California passes 600MW shared renewables program (via CleanTechnica)

South Carolina rural electrical cooperatives back solar farm (via The State)

California regulators say proposed large-scale solar project could harm eagles (via Greenwire)

CLIMATE 

Progress at UN climate cash talks sets stage for ministers (via Reuters Point Carbon)

Unprecedented rate and scale of ocean acidification found in Arctic (via Phys.org)

Never-released DOE report predicts increasing domestic conflicts over water, energy (via DeSmog Blog)

US tree migration is not keeping pace with warming (via Yale e360)

Kentucky governor stands up to climate deniers, defends teaching science (via Climate Progress)

Global warming’s denier elite (via Rolling Stone)

KEYSTONE XL 

Canada touts carbon pollution cuts as Keystone XL pressure builds (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

US federal buildings brace for deep energy retrofits (via EarthTechling)

A bid to “shame” building owners into energy efficiency (via National Journal)

While one Ohio utility fights efficiency, another embraces it (via Midwest Energy News)

OIL 

Norway’s new government may bar oil firms from Arctic islands (via Reuters)

BP starts drilling at “giant” Gulf of Mexico oil field after spill setback (via Reuters)

Environmental groups bail on California fracking bill (via Huffington Post)

California fracking oversight bill nears final passage even as greens cancel support (via EnergyWire)

TRANSPORTATION 

Can DOE build a better EV battery? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Bumps in the road as Hawaii plugs into EVs (via Plugin Cars)

GRID 

Demand response hits a new record in PJM (via Greentech Media)

California proposes framework for energy storage procurement program (via Breaking Energy)

Texas shows transmission upgrade benefits for wind power (via Reuters)

NATURAL GAS 

US LNG exports will be higher than expected (via Reuters)

GREEN BUSINESS 

BG Group, Nestle, SAP named among world’s most sustainable companies (via BusinessGreen)

Millennials may not be as green as you think (via GreenBiz)

Why colleges should add green to their school colors (via BusinessGreen)

ENERGY POLICY 

Senate panel explores US-Mexico offshore drilling deal (via The Hill)

US to pass Russia in liquid fuels production, says IEA (via Wall Street Journal)

California lawmakers move to reform state’s electricity rate structure (via Reuters)

Arizona regulators drop retail electricity deregulation push (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

OPINION 

Canada’s climate actions sharply diverge from government promises (via Energy Collective)

Global warming is very real (via Rolling Stone)

Don’t believe the coal industry’s warnings (via Bloomberg)

How solar remains attractive without key incentives in California (via Forbes)

How long before the Great Plains runs out of water? (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.30.13

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

Marcacci Communications publishes a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. 

COAL 

Doctors petition state regulators to curtail emissions at three Texas coal plants (via Dallas Star-Telegram)

EMISSIONS 

EU seeks more feedback on carbon permit proposal from central bank (via Reuters Point Carbon)

Billions wiped from blue-chips as carbon tax hits Australia’s top companies (via The Telegraph)

California water district dumps fossil fuel investments (via Environmental Leader)

New technology said to neutralize carbon fuel pollution emissions (via TreeHugger)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Report: Keystone XL will drive oil sands growth, boost emissions (via The Hill)

Bipartisan senators to Obama: Don’t let Keystone decision drag into 2014 (via The Hill)

Enbridge gets approval for some Michigan dredging activity (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

UK’s clean power output rises 30% in 1Q 2013 compared to last year (via BusinessGreen)

Quebec outlines 450MW wind power tender (via Recharge)

Kenya scaling up its wind power program (via Renewable Energy World)

Germany sets another record: 5.1TWh of solar in July (via Greentech Media)

Renewable energy mandatory for all India utilities (via The Times of India)

NREL study says solar & wind to be cost-competitive without subsides by 2025 (via CleanTechnica)

US DOE taps into 1,400TWh of clean ocean power (via CleanTechnica)

NREL patents catalyst that boosts economics of biofuels (via Green Car Congress)

Carnegie Wave Energy plans world’s first wave-powered desalination plant (via Inhabitat)

A startup that would be the eBay of solar (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY POLICY 

Will Mexico’s energy reform hamper its climate change legislation? (via Breaking Energy)

New ideas in energy finance: Crowd-funding (via Energy Trends Insider)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US creates 38,600 new clean tech jobs in Q2 (via Environmental Leader)

Excessive water consumption puts American businesses at risk (via EarthTechling)

Sports sustainability gurus share their all-star plays (via GreenBiz)

OIL 

Saudi Arabia lifts oil output to record 10.5 million bpd (via Reuters)

Feds launch “Bakken Blitz” of oil-by-rail inspections (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

Americans are driving less in nearly every state (via Climate Progress)

Nissan joins Tesla selling California green car credits (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Department of Energy unveils new efficiency regulations (via The Hill)

Why are some states trying to ban LEED green building standards? (via Atlantic Cities)

Big US utilities add negawatts to their gigawatts (via Renew Economy)

Hidden barriers to energy efficiency (via Energy Manager Today)

GRID 

Grid congestion for renewables may expand to South Japan (via Bloomberg)

Norway approves Arctic transmission line to boost new wind power (via Recharge)

New York State builds smart city technology hub (via GreenBiz)

WILDFIRES 

Future wildfire seasons to be longer, smokier, cover more area (via Yale e360)

Let it burn? Yosemite park officials won’t say that, but it’s policy (via Los Angeles Times)

Gripping time-lapse video of Yosemite wildfire (via Climate Central) 

POLITICS 

Scientists leaving GOP due to attitudes toward science (via Salt Lake Tribune)

Virginia gubernatorial candidates spar over energy issues (via Politico)

OPINION 

It’s God’s creation – let’s protect it (via Washington Post)

Why Terry McAuliffe is in a box on climate change (via National Journal)

See what 1,000 tiny, fracking-caused earthquakes can do to a home (via Atlantic Cities)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.14.13

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

NUCLEAR 

Government must continue review of Yucca Mountain, court says (via New York Times)

EMISSIONS 

Brokered EU carbon trade plunges as banks scale back (via Bloomberg)

Green investors push firms on emissions, supply chains (via GreenBiz)

Google’s footprint falls as users emit eight grams of CO2 per day (via BusinessGreen)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

China approves first floating terminal for LNG imports (via Reuters)

Energy independence in the age of natural gas exports (via Christian Science Monitor)

Pennsylvania residents ask EPA to reopen fracking probe (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

2/3 of global solar PV has been installed in the last 2.5 years (via Greentech Media)

EU countries to cut renewable support further (via Reuters)

Is Japan’s solar bubble about to burst? (via Renew Economy)

It keeps getting cheaper to install solar panels in the US (via Climate Progress)

President Obama signs legislation to promote small hydropower projects (via Renew Grid)

Small wind makes big gains in US (via EarthTechling)

Nevada tribe to build 1.5GW of new renewables (via Bloomberg)

New wind farms coming in five Iowa counties (via Des Moines Register)

Solar charger with tracking comes in a briefcase (via EarthTechling)

Solar PV installer among best jobs in energy industry (via Solar Industry Magazine)

COAL 

Huge China coal plant shelved over pollution concerns (via Renew Economy)

Coal mine fight embodies an economic struggle in rural Australia (via New York Times)

GRID 

Smart grid market to surpass $400 billion worldwide by 2020 (via Greentech Media)

A next-generation transmission line technology grows in China (via Greentech Media)

Nearly 100,000 Texans have selected a TXU time-of-use pricing plan (via TXU Energy)

OIL 

Mexico’s oil reforms may upend global markets (via New York Times)

Oil lobbying groups ask EPA for relief from biofuel mandate (via The Hill)

BP oil spill cleanup: US says coast is nearly clear, but is it? (via Christian Science Monitor)

North Dakota oil boom adding costs for rail safety (via Bloomberg)

A Texas tragedy: Ample oil, no water (via The Guardian)

TRANSPORTATION 

EU to ban CHAdeMO EV chargers by 2018 (via CleanTechnica)

EPA: 10% of all US fuel now renewable, but that might be our limit (via Autoblog Green)

Strong sales, market traction, lower battery costs highlight new EV report (via CleanTechnica)

Electric cars clean today, even cleaner tomorrow (via Midwest Energy News)

Half of all American EV sales are in five cities (via Green Car Reports)

Maine utility offers $15,000 for EV purchases (via EarthTechling)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Alberta rail oil terminal capacity to rise 700,000 bpd, rivaling Keystone XL (via Financial Post)

 Crunch time for Keystone XL (via The Hill)

TransCanada rejects Steyer’s debate challenge (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

This is what global warming looks like (via Climate Central)

Harry Reid: “Don’t be afraid to talk about climate change” (via The Hill)

Climate change in NJ: State report details what’s happened, what’s coming (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

Severe weather changing climate change perceptions in Iowa (via Cedar Rapids Gazette)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Global air conditioning needs could grow 50x greater than US demand (via Greentech Media)

The surprisingly large energy footprint of our digital economy (via Time)

California schools reap energy efficiency dollars from Prop 39 (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

Why blackouts are becoming more common, in two charts (via Washington Post)

Reform flood and wind insurance programs to reduce risk and taxpayer costs (via Union of Concerned Scientists)

Unfair share: How oil and gas drillers avoid paying royalties (via ProPublica)

New EnergyStar rules raise the question of how to make energy efficiency accessible to all (via Climate Progress)

The elevator pitch for why electric cars are greener (via Plugin Cars)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.14.13

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

NUCLEAR 

Government must continue review of Yucca Mountain, court says (via New York Times)

EMISSIONS 

Brokered EU carbon trade plunges as banks scale back (via Bloomberg)

Green investors push firms on emissions, supply chains (via GreenBiz)

Google’s footprint falls as users emit eight grams of CO2 per day (via BusinessGreen)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

China approves first floating terminal for LNG imports (via Reuters)

Energy independence in the age of natural gas exports (via Christian Science Monitor)

Pennsylvania residents ask EPA to reopen fracking probe (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

2/3 of global solar PV has been installed in the last 2.5 years (via Greentech Media)

EU countries to cut renewable support further (via Reuters)

Is Japan’s solar bubble about to burst? (via Renew Economy)

It keeps getting cheaper to install solar panels in the US (via Climate Progress)

President Obama signs legislation to promote small hydropower projects (via Renew Grid)

Small wind makes big gains in US (via EarthTechling)

Nevada tribe to build 1.5GW of new renewables (via Bloomberg)

New wind farms coming in five Iowa counties (via Des Moines Register)

Solar charger with tracking comes in a briefcase (via EarthTechling)

Solar PV installer among best jobs in energy industry (via Solar Industry Magazine)

COAL 

Huge China coal plant shelved over pollution concerns (via Renew Economy)

Coal mine fight embodies an economic struggle in rural Australia (via New York Times)

GRID 

Smart grid market to surpass $400 billion worldwide by 2020 (via Greentech Media)

A next-generation transmission line technology grows in China (via Greentech Media)

Nearly 100,000 Texans have selected a TXU time-of-use pricing plan (via TXU Energy)

OIL 

Mexico’s oil reforms may upend global markets (via New York Times)

Oil lobbying groups ask EPA for relief from biofuel mandate (via The Hill)

BP oil spill cleanup: US says coast is nearly clear, but is it? (via Christian Science Monitor)

North Dakota oil boom adding costs for rail safety (via Bloomberg)

A Texas tragedy: Ample oil, no water (via The Guardian)

TRANSPORTATION 

EU to ban CHAdeMO EV chargers by 2018 (via CleanTechnica)

EPA: 10% of all US fuel now renewable, but that might be our limit (via Autoblog Green)

Strong sales, market traction, lower battery costs highlight new EV report (via CleanTechnica)

Electric cars clean today, even cleaner tomorrow (via Midwest Energy News)

Half of all American EV sales are in five cities (via Green Car Reports)

Maine utility offers $15,000 for EV purchases (via EarthTechling)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Alberta rail oil terminal capacity to rise 700,000 bpd, rivaling Keystone XL (via Financial Post)

 Crunch time for Keystone XL (via The Hill)

TransCanada rejects Steyer’s debate challenge (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

This is what global warming looks like (via Climate Central)

Harry Reid: “Don’t be afraid to talk about climate change” (via The Hill)

Climate change in NJ: State report details what’s happened, what’s coming (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

Severe weather changing climate change perceptions in Iowa (via Cedar Rapids Gazette)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Global air conditioning needs could grow 50x greater than US demand (via Greentech Media)

The surprisingly large energy footprint of our digital economy (via Time)

California schools reap energy efficiency dollars from Prop 39 (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

Why blackouts are becoming more common, in two charts (via Washington Post)

Reform flood and wind insurance programs to reduce risk and taxpayer costs (via Union of Concerned Scientists)

Unfair share: How oil and gas drillers avoid paying royalties (via ProPublica)

New EnergyStar rules raise the question of how to make energy efficiency accessible to all (via Climate Progress)

The elevator pitch for why electric cars are greener (via Plugin Cars)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.13.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China will spend roughly the GDP of Hong Kong to fight air pollution (via Washington Post)

Dumping Australia’s carbon price would drive up power bills (via Renew Economy)

US 2013 carbon emissions up 4% - nearly double EIA projections (via Facts of the Day)

Electric co-ops come out swinging against Obama emissions plan (via The Hill)

Carbon offsets plan stirs up controversy in California (via Grist)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Environmental, First Nations groups question safety of TransCanada’s Energy East pipeline (via The Globe and Mail)

College students, clergy denounce Keystone XL at State Department (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Solar module market looking up due to Japan (via Reuters)

India may decide on solar dumping case next week (via Bloomberg)

100% of new Australian power plants are wind or solar (via Renew Economy)

HyRef technology revolutionizes renewable energy forecasting (via CleanTechnica)

NanoTags used to site offshore wind turbines away from bird populations (via Sustainable Business)

Iowa approves MidAmerican 1.05GW wind energy plan (via Recharge)

Environmental attacks on wind power keep coming, with New England the eye of the storm (via Facts of the Day)

The intermittency of wind and solar: is it only intermittently a problem? (via CleanTechnica)

OIL 

Mexico president submits bill to end country’s oil monopoly (via Houston Chronicle)

China looks to further open crude oil import market (via Reuters)

BP sues US government over suspension from new federal contracts (via Houston Chronicle)

My week in oil boom country (via National Journal)

Water demand falls in North Dakota shale oil patch (via Dickinson Press)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

DOE commits to unleashing delayed efficiency standards (via Greentech Media)

Columbia University saves $700,000 a year via energy efficiency (via Energy Manager Today)

Tips to save power (and money) in the summer heat (via Houston Chronicle)

COAL 

Japan’s Tepco doubles coal consumption in July after starting new units (via Bloomberg)

Patriot Coal and union reach a deal on cutbacks (via New York Times)

Do Illinois coal-fired plants have a future? (via Chicago Tribune)

ENERGY POLICY 

Push to form a Minneapolis public utility slows down (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)

GRID 

UK government to announce new energy storage “catapult” (via BusinessGreen)

DoD spars with BLM over SunZia transmission route, possible impacts to New Mexico missile range (via Greenwire)

Everything you ever wanted to know about electricity storage (via Breaking Energy)

CLIMATE 

What the melting Arctic means for the world’s economy (via GreenBiz)

New map reveals how prepared UK cities are for climate change (via Phys.org)

Timing a rise in sea level (via New York Times)

Cutting soot and methane may not give hoped-for climate help (via Reuters)

Flood insurance prices surge (via Wall Street Journal)

Typhoon Utor swamps Philippines, heads for southern China (via Washington Post)

Meet the companies that are going to get rich from global warming (via The Verge)

UK farmers report increase in extreme weather (via RTCC)

OFA: “Gravity exists. The Earth is round. Climate change is happening.” (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

Elon Musk unveils plans for hyperloop high-speed train (via New York Times)

Will 2040 see all non-hybrids banned from British roads? (via Green Car Reports)

EV charger manufacturer Ecototality says may file for bankruptcy (via Reuters)

What if everyone plugs in their cars at once? (via Seattle Times)

OPINION 

How bright is renewable energy’s future? (via National Journal)

Bureaucrats, not Big Oil, stand in the way of a solar future (via Quartz)

A hyperloop might be far more expensive than Elon Musk thinks (via Washington Post)

Hyperloop faces technical hurdles (via Navigant Research)

Why do Californians use less electricity than everyone else? (via Washington Post)

Cuomo: Look beyond fracking in New York State (via Albany Times-Union)