Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.16.13

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

CLIMATE 

Climate change may have ended late Bronze Age civilizations (via Los Angeles Times)

Apples losing their crunch to global warming (via Agence-France Presse)

Online map guides Great Lakes climate change adaptation planning (via CleanTechnica)

Climate change may be easing devastating 2012 drought (via Climate Central)

Plants in US Southwest moving higher as the climate warms (via Yale e360)

Researchers flying over Western wildfire sampling smoke to study role in climate change (via Washington Post/AP)

NUCLEAR 

US nuclear power plants vulnerable to 9/11-style attacks (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Brazil plans for 9GW wind energy tender across 377 locations (via Recharge)

Canadian solar sees grid parity for big projects in 5 years (via Renew Economy)

A novel way to cut the cost of advanced biofuels (via MIT Technology Review)

Investments in existing hydropower unlock more clean energy (via Energy.gov)

Proof that renewables can out-compete coal (via The Energy Collective)

White House solar panels being installed this week (via Washington Post)

Oklahoma wind developers say they’ll have enough projects for Clean Line transmission project (via The Oklahoman)

North Carolina coastal residents get glimpse of proposed offshore wind farm (via News Observer)

Four Texas wind projects will combine into world’s largest community-owned wind farm (via Plainview Daily Herald)

Clean Line “overwhelmed” by wind developer response to RFI (via Renew Grid)

Goodhue wind project foes ready to celebrate its defeat (via Minnesota Public Radio)

Wisconsin renewable energy firms, public urge state to rethink solar credit suspension (via Journal Sentinel)

OIL 

US and China oil consumption and imports: a tale of two very different countries (via Houston Chronicle)

Nicaragua to start exploring for oil in the Caribbean (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Ecuador scraps forest protection plan to drill for oil (via Reuters Point Carbon)

As railroad tank cars roll through, Texas towns prepare for accidents (via StateImpact Texas)

TRANSPORTATION 

US to bring gas mileage rule to hybrid era (via New York Times)

Could electric cars threaten the grid? (via MIT Technology Review)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Work begins as oil sands pipeline gains fast-track approval (via Midwest Energy News)

ExxonMobil may retire pipeline that burst in Arkansas (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

EMISSIONS 

New Zealand scales back 2020 carbon reduction target (via BusinessGreen)

Denmark publishes 78 ideas to curb emissions (via RTCC)

Redwood trees store triple the carbon (via Sustainable Business)

Texas businesses back greenhouse gas emissions law (via New York Times)

GRID 

FERC revises energy storage regulations to improve market competition (via Energy Manager Today)

New flow battery could enable cheaper, more efficient energy storage (via Phys.org)

Microgrids get big test in Connecticut (via EarthTechling)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Foreseeing trouble in exporting natural gas (via New York Times)

Could local politics derail West Coast LNG export plans? (via Breaking Energy)

Fracking boom could lead to housing bust (via Grist)

Pennsylvania will pass Louisiana to be second top US gas producing state in 2013 (via Facts of the Day)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Smart windows could spark energy efficiency revolution (via RTCC)

Energy Saver 101: Home energy audits (via Energy.gov)

OPINION 

Climate policy’s twin challenges (via Los Angeles Times)

Renewable fuels make a difference (via USA Today)

Separating fact from fiction in accounts of Germany’s renewable revolution (via RMI Outlet)

Top 8 things you didn’t know about distributed wind (via Department of Energy)

Are utilities ready for the coming death spiral? (via Greentech Media)

How utilities can adapt when big box retailers go solar (via GreenBiz)

How carbon dioxide regulations could actually hurt renewables (via MIT Technology Review)

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 – 8.8.13

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexican President Pena Nieto postpones landmark energy reform bill (via Los Angeles Times)

UK releases plans to drive clean energy investment (via RTCC)

US government approves third project to export US natural gas (via Houston Chronicle)

CLIMATE 

When global warming finally gets going, it could last for 200,000 years (via Quartz)

International climate talks could fail without action by more nations (via ClimateWire)

Australia lacks resilience to climate change, says government report (via RTCC)

State agency finds climate change taking toll on California (via San Francisco Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

Value of listed clean tech firms up 18% in 2013 (via BusinessGreen)

Energy companies go back to college to cut offshore wind costs (via BusinessGreen)

Can “smart” turbines give renewables a second wind? (via Christian Science Monitor)

The wind industry gets its venture capital groove back (via Greentech Media)

Obama in center of green fight over eagle deaths (via The Hill)

The US is hitting its ethanol limit, so the EPA may relax its biofuel rules (via Washington Post)

EPA’s renewable volume obligations: experts and industry groups react (via Breaking Energy)

In Michigan, renewables costing utilities less than expected (via Midwest Energy News)

COAL 

Germany opening 10 coal plans totaling 11,000 MW (via Facts of the Day)

US coal-fired power plants scheduled to close (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

National Grid completes test drilling of North Sea carbon storage site (via RTCC)

Delta Airlines reduces emissions 18.4% since 2005 (via Environmental Leader)

OIL 

Judge orders BP to pay $130 million in fees to Gulf claims program (via Reuters)

Railroad company in Quebec derailment tragedy files for bankruptcy (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

South Korea tests “electric road” for public buses (via Phys.org)

DOT says it’s working to protect transit systems from climate change (via The Hill)

Nissan ready to increase US Leaf production, if sales are there (via Autoblog Green)

Record sales, upbeat Q2 earnings for EV maker Tesla (via GigaOm)

GRID 

The big picture for smart grid investments in Q2 (via Greentech Media)

Energy storage: Rural electrification’s backup (via Renewable Energy World)

TAR SANDS 

Exxon and Imperial to buy Conoco Alberta oil sands land for $720 million (via Houston Chronicle/Bloomberg)

Native Americans arrested protesting tar sands equipment transport through tribal lands (via Climate Progress)

OPINION 

Forget energy efficiency, think exergy (via Greentech Media)

Tesla, fast charging, and why it’s getting inconvenient for future EV drivers (via GigaOm)

How being frugal means going green (via The Good Human)

How powerful corporations tried to roll back clean energy standards and failed miserably (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.6.13

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

NUCLEAR 

Fukushima emergency declared as radioactive water spills into sea (via The Guardian)

EMISSIONS 

Interpol warns of criminal focus on $176 billion carbon market (via RTCC)

Carbon tax takes center stage as Australian election campaign starts (via RTCC)

Social cost of carbon draws coal, oil industry lobbying (via The Hill)

Virgin Australia blames carbon tax for some of its woes (via Environmental Leader)

COAL

Coal at risk as global lenders drop financing on climate (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

German utilities attack green policies that hurt their profits, hint at leaving (via Reuters)

Aging grid often leaves newly available wind power no place to go (via McClatchy)

K Street powerhouse lobbies for green energy tax bill (via The Hill)

Solar PV capacity expands quickly when states provides the right incentives (via Renewable Energy World)

Wind energy research facility launched to boost wind farm output (via CleanTechnica)

Texas breezes along as US wind power leader (via Houston Chronicle)

How rollover solar credits make a difference in California (via EarthTechling)

Solar net-metering fight flares in Colorado (via EarthTechling)

GRID 

Europe’s biggest energy storage project – yet (via Sustainable Business)

India’s blackout remedy tops $1.6 billion (via Bloomberg)

Climate change adaptations will force extensive changes to US power grid (via Smart Grid Library)

DOE spending $200 million on grid measurement units to avoid blackouts (via Energy Manager Today)

University of California to test energy storage grid services (via Renewable Energy World)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Censored EPA Pennsylvania fracking water contamination presentation published for first time (via DeSmog Blog)

FERC threatens BP with $29 million fine for natural gas market manipulation (via The Hill)

BP says will “vigorously defend” itself in gas manipulation case (via Reuters)

Workers begin relief well at site of Gulf of Mexico natural gas blowout (via Houston Chronicle)

Pennsylvania regulators nix gas drilling wastewater plant (via Houston Chronicle)

CLIMATE

China leading the US on climate-change action (via The Nation/McClatchy)

US-China cooperation turns page in climate diplomacy (via Reuters)

Montreal Protocol may have prevented accelerated climate change (via RTCC)

Marine life reacts faster to warming than land species (via Bloomberg)

Arctic ice grows darker and less reflective (via New Scientist)

Munich Re profits fall sharply on flood claims (via Reuters)

Only 3% of youth are climate deniers, poll says (via EcoAffect)

ENVIRONMENT 

Drought in China leaves nearly 6 million lacking water (via United Press International)

Drought-stricken New Mexico farmers drain aquifer to sell water for fracking (via Climate Progress)

OIL 

Lightning leads to spills and fires in western North Dakota oil patch (via Bismarck Tribune/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

Exploring the adoption of EVs in US, Europe, China: changing scenarios and infrastructure (via Green Car Congress)

Electric car sales accelerating through 2013 (via BusinessGreen)

SoCal Edison white paper shares data about PEV usage and charging (via Green Car Reports)

Chevy Volt plug-in EVs now have battery cells made in US (via Green Car Reports)

Tesla could take a financial hit from likely loss of ZEV credits (via Plugin Cars)

GM cuts the 2014 Chevy Volt price tag by $5,000 (via GigaOm)

TAR SANDS

TransCanada to face hurdles in quest for eastern pipeline (via Houston Chronicle)

Arkansas residents home to keep oil spill suit alive (via Houston Chronicle) 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Near real-time energy use tracked in Washington DC (via Energy Manager Today)

One demand response platform to rule them all in Austin (via Greentech Media)

Zero home is most energy efficient house in America (via EarthTechling)

OPINION 

Will Ukraine be the next energy hub? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Will global warming lead to more war? It’s not that simple. (via Washington Post)

The case for exporting US natural gas (via Breaking Energy)

Beware energy efficiency overpromises (via Energy Collective)

The future of energy: Why power density matters (via Energy Collective)

Duke Energy nuke rip-off costs three times Solyndra but media and Congress yawn (via Green Car Congress)

Will Harvard divest after hiring a new VP of sustainable investing? (via TriplePundit)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.26.13

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Fossil fuels to dominate world energy use through 2040 (via Climate Central)

White House to focus comprehensive energy review on infrastructure (via The Hill)

White House aides, utility reps huddle on power plant carbon regulations (via The Hill)

OIL 

European oil demand continues to shrivel in 2013 (via Reuters)

Halliburton to plead guilty to destroying evidence in BP oil spill (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Solar, wind could replace all fossil fuels in Australia by 2040 (via Renew Economy)

Philippines plan shift to 100% renewables in 10 years (via Renew Economy)

EU seeks last-minute China PV deal (via Recharge)

Floating wind farms could provide EU with 40GW by 2020 (via RTCC)

India faces short-term setback in renewable energy investment (via Panchabuta)

Scotland could receive roughly 50% its electricity from tidal energy (via CleanTechnica)

Sao Paulo sets 70% renewables target (via Renewable Energy World)

Dominion watching first US wind energy lease sale (via Richmond Times Dispatch)

Big geothermal getting bigger at Ball State (via EarthTechling)

COAL 

Coal market fundamentals changed, yet spot prices remained stable (via US EIA)

Buffett says coal’s decline in U.S. to be gradual yet permanent (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

GOP launches bid to block environmental restrictions on mountaintop coal removal (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Global warming and the future of storms (via The Guardian)

Norway issues shipping warning as Arctic sea lanes open (via RTCC)

NASA climate change video: This is the U.S. in 2100 (via Mother Nature Network)

Dems’ recess game plan: Push climate message (via Politico)

Maryland governor unveils strongest US plan to fight climate change (via CleanTechnica)

A climate action plan for affordable multifamily housing (via Center for American Progress)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

DOE official: Chinese natural gas could “wreak havoc” on markets (via The Hill)

Wyden floats fracking regulation framework (via The Hill)

Republicans launch legislative assault on BLM fracking rules (via Greenwire)

UPS says natural gas “game changer” for cutting emissions (via Bloomberg)

Antitrust probe targets Halliburton’s fracking business (via Bloomberg)

Colorado congressman files lawsuit to prevent fracking near his property (via Houston Chronicle)

EMISSIONS 

Trading halt could show UN carbon market in jeopardy (via Bloomberg)

Europe’s carbon problem is now Australia’s, too (via Environmental Leader)

Investment firms call for more carbon accounting (via Environmental Leader)

The positive economic impact of a carbon tax in 10 charts (via Grist)

O’Malley releases greenhouse gas reduction plan at climate change summit (via Washington Post/AP)

ENVIRONMENT

Russia’s weather to limit crops again after last year’s drought (via Bloomberg)

What cities are doing to become water smart (via EarthTechling)

GRID 

FERC order increases opportunity for energy storage (via Breaking Energy)

Forward operating solar: military microgrids lead the way (via Solar Industry Magazine)

States weigh compact to bolster energy grid (via Stateline)

MISO uses real-time synchrophasor tech to improve grid reliability (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

31 states now support utility energy efficiency investments (via Energy Manager Today)

A closer look at the Shaheen-Portman energy efficiency bill (via WRI Insights)

More states join the regulatory push for utility efficiency (via Greentech Media)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric cars could be cost-competitive with gas-powered in 2017 (via Los Angeles Times)

Which EV model will be the first to break into top 10 of global auto sales? (via CleanTechnica)

100% increase in electric car sales in 2013 (via CleanTechnica)

RINs ethanol credits below $1, U.S. gasoline future fall 7 cents (via Reuters)

Plug-in electric vehicle buyers very satisfied with cars: report (via Green Car Reports)

OPINION 

EIA’s most important insights about our energy future (via Climate Central)

Can renewables grow fast enough to make a difference? (via Greentech Media)

The great Texas wind rush (via Huffington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.16.13

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

CLIMATE 

Sea levels set for continuing rise in warming world (via Climate Central)

Study: sand dunes, coral reefs protect coasts against climate change (via The Hill)

Colorado wildfire costs insurers $292.8 million (via Bloomberg)

UMass researchers study link between allergies and global warming (via CBS News)

Evangelical scientists issue faith-base call for climate action (via Climate Progress)

OIL 

BP looks to shave more money off Gulf oil spill fines tab (via Houston Chronicle)

Shell’s biggest oil platform heads for deep-water Gulf (via Houston Chronicle)

Alaskan voters will weigh in on tax cut for oil industry (via Stateline)

Exxon won’t disclose inspection results of ruptured Arkansas pipeline’s condition (via InsideClimate News)

RENEWABLES 

China becomes first country to hit 3GW solar milestone (via CleanTechnica)

No quick end to EU-China solar trade war, says EPIA (via Recharge)

India tells wind farms to forecast power or face fines (via Panchabuta)

What’s next for the EU’s renewable energy targets? (via Renewable Energy World)

These maps show the best places to put solar and wind – it’s not where you think (via Washington Post)

Forest biomass loses in US Appeals Court ruling (via EarthTechling)

How much backup does wind power need? (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

Australian PM replaces fixed-price carbon tax with cap-and-trade ahead of elections (via Washington Post)

Rising coal, falling gas jump US emissions by 280 million tons (via Facts of the Day)

Change in social cost of carbon under scrutiny (via Politico)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

US to begin exporting fracked gas (via BBC News)

Fracking research: what’s behind EPA’s abandoned studies? (via Christian Science Monitor)

TRANSPORTATION 

A guide to every hybrid car on sale in the US (via Green Car Reports)

Gasoline prices surge nationwide (via Houston Chronicle)

All of a sudden, Nissan doesn’t have enough Leafs to go around (via Autoblog Green)

Midwest gas prices would rise if Keystone pipeline is built (via Kansas City Star)

California high-speed rail to have net zero emissions (via CleanTechnica)

ENVIRONMENT 

India declares 5,748 missing in Himalayan floods (via New York Times)

Perry renews drought disaster for much of Texas (via ABC News)

25 years after Exxon Valdez oil spill, company still hasn’t paid for long-term environmental damages (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

Plans to boost US grid hampered by fragmented ownership (via Energy Manager Today)

Grid resiliency doesn't come cheap in New Jersey (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY POLICY 

Oil industry launches new attack against ethanol mandate (via Reuters)

Canada’s train disaster could inspire new US regulations (via Houston Chronicle)

Low Great Lakes levels raise concerns for Midwest power plants (via Midwest Energy News)

Pennsylvania oil and gas industry caused 365 spills in 2012, but few fines levied (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US universities commit to graduate majors in green chemistry (via Sustainable Business)

POLITICS 

White House, environmentalists met before renewable fuel program crop approval (via The Hill)

Conservative energy group launches anti-carbon tax campaign (via The Hill)

For McCarthy, it’s all over but the regulating (via The Hill)

Senate climate showdown takes shape (via The Hill)

OPINION 

From fixed price to ETS: the complications of reducing emissions (via Renew Economy)

10 ways wind power is beating fossil fuel in India (via GigaOm)

Is solar cheaper than grid electricity? Yes and no. (via Grist)

What we can learn from the electric vehicle shakeout (via GigaOm)

Solar power has gotten so good we can use it to power airplanes (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.11.13

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

EMISSIONS 

US, China agree on climate steps to curb emissions (via Washington Post)

Australia carbon emissions fell 7% in first year of carbon tax (via Platts)

A new one-stop shop for greenhouse gas emissions data (via WRI Insights)

Use of coal to generate power rises; greenhouse gas emissions next? (via Los Angeles Times)

Nanomaterials could accelerate CO2 removal from coal power plants (via RTCC)

Two more financial institutions divest from fossil fuels (via Energy Collective)

NATURAL GAS 

China wants bigger share of US shale revolution (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Clean energy investment rises 22% led by US, China (via Bloomberg)

Wind to double and solar to triple in 6 years, says IEA (via Greentech Media)

Worldwide solar PV market will pass $134 billion in annual revenue by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

HSBC: wind at parity with new coal in India, solar to join by 2018 (via Renew Economy)

Peru to use solar panels to provide electricity to 2 million people (via Latin American Herald Tribune)

EU parliament approve proposals to reduce biofuels emissions (via BusinessGreen)

Uncertainty over Australian Renewable Energy Target delays 1GW new wind (via Recharge)

State RPSs hold steady or expand in 2013 (via Energy Manager Today)

DoD, Interior inch closer to cooperation on renewable energy projects (via Federal Times)

Six Sioux tribes collaborate on biggest US wind farm (via Sustainable Business)

$1 billion cost to meet Colorado’s renewable-energy goal (via Denver Business Journal)

Rooftop solar takes off across California as costs come down (via San Jose Mercury News)

New York awards $54 million for 79 solar projects (via Solar Industry Magazine)

Texas A&M plans world’s largest solar testing center (via Sustainable Business)

OIL 

IEA says US oil boom to erode OPEC market share in 2014 (via Reuters)

Russia to lift oil exports to Asia at expense of Europe (via Reuters)

Report says feds should expand damage assessment of BP oil spill (via Greenwire)

Canadian officials: death toll from train crash presumed at 50 (via Los Angeles Times)

TRANSPORTATION 

China widens car-purchase restrictions to fight pollution (via Bloomberg)

Upgraded urban travel could save $70 trillion by 2050 (via Phys.org)

European Commission launches $1.8 billion fuel cell and hydrogen research initiative (via Green Car Congress)

Ford refocuses, cuts price of 2014 electric car by 10% (via NBC News/Reuters)

GRID 

Climate change will cause more energy system breakdowns, warns US (via New York Times)

Power grids to spend $64 billion on new gear by 2020 (via Reuters)

Japan sets up hydrogen “task force” to advance fuel-cell infrastructure (via Autoblog Green)

Canada represents $7 billion in smart grid potential (via Renew Grid)

Continuous test operation begins for large-format Li-ion energy storage system (via Green Car Congress)

CLIMATE 

New report tracks decades of climate change (via Rolling Stone)

Study says some trees use less water amid rising carbon dioxide (via New York Times)

A scientific storm is brewing over the hurricane-climate connection (via Mother Jones)

Dangerous global warming could be reversed, say scientists (via The Guardian)

Chicago-sized iceberg calves off Antarctic glacier (via The Guardian)

NUCLEAR 

Japanese nuclear plant may have been leaking for two years (via New York Times)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

New EIA inventory tracks state energy efficiency programs (via US EIA)

House votes to block light bulb efficiency standards (via Climate Progress)

Nest and Opower talk strategy for residential demand response (via Greentech Media)

Curtailing energy during “peak power hour” reduces next year’s rates (via Energy Manager Today)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Carbon Trust unveils supplier directory for green businesses (via BusinessGreen)

Report: reducing emissions and increasing manufacturing can go hand in hand (via Greentech media)

Nike’s new “Making” app shows sustainability of clothing material (via Inhabitat)

Sustainability exchange for cities to collaborate on best practices (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

Battle rages over Obama’s climate standards for Keystone XL pipeline (via Washington Post) 

What David Vitter got for blocking Gina McCarthy (via Politico)

Conservative climate hawks to GOP: wake the hell up (via Mother Jones)

GOP aide writing anonymously: party should “reclaim” climate debate (via The Hill)

House panel approves bill curtailing EPA power on climate regulations (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Bad news: fossil fuels are more than keeping up with clean energy (via Washington Post)

The money behind fossil fuel exports (via Sightline Daily)

Green energy policy matters in selling EVs (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.2.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China’s CO2 growth has turned a corner (via Reuters)

EU ministers urge ETS yes vote (via Recharge)

EPA sends climate rule to White House (via Politico)

New Jersey may rejoin Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (via Bloomberg)

OIL 

Saudi Arabia taps new oil areas in plan to preserve capacity (via Reuters)

Moniz: CO2 could enhance US oil production by millions of barrels a day (via Houston Chronicle)

Big lenders wary of following oil money to North Dakota (via Reuters)

Two major lawsuits filed against ExxonMobil for Arkansas tar sands spill (via DeSmog Blog)

RENEWABLES 

California advances pioneering shared renewables bill (via Climate Progress)

Is anything stopping a massive build-out of desert solar? (via Scientific American)

Germany to add 6.5GW of renewable energy this year (via Recharge)

Can Europe meet its 2020 offshore wind targets? (via Renewable Energy World)

Rise in wind and solar expected to boost energy storage market (via Renew Grid)

Austin Energy adds 570MW to wind portfolio (via Renew Grid)

Tennessee public schools to generate nearly $1 million with solar (via Renewable Energy World)

CLIMATE 

Obama seeks to reassert US role in climate debate (via New York Times)

Ocean acidification threatens billion-dollar oyster business (via Climate Central)

Climate change driving more active El Nino cycles (via Yale e360)

Cities lead: preparing for climate change impacts (via EcoAffect)

The climate context behind the deadly Arizona wildfire (via Climate Central)

NRDC releases online tool to track local effects of climate change (via Inhabitat)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas exporters to defend pricing as courts reject oil link (via Houston Chronicle)

Natural gas production remains stable despite low price (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric vehicle drive motor revenue will surpass $2.8 billion annually by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Airbus and Rolls-Royce to build plane powered by algae (via International Business Times)

Biodiesel production nears record output (via Facts of the Day)

Tesla officially gets behind White House petition to allow direct EV sales (via Autoblog Green)

DOE to award up to $13 million to four advanced biofuels projects (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

As China’s demand for coal soars, so does its water scarcity (via ClimateWire)

Deadly heat wave in the West brings fires and travel delays (via New York Times)

Experts see new normal as a hotter, drier West faces more huge fires (via New York Times)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Do green jobs come in any other color? (via Renewable Energy World)

Half of all US retail and hotel projects to be green buildings by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

New coalition aims to accelerate sustainable purchasing (via Sustainable Industries)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Wireless control systems for smart buildings will reach nearly $295 million in annual revenue by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

8 surprising energy hogs in your home (via Greentech Media)

POLITICS 

Obama says ravages of climate change is make-or-break issue (via AP)

Koch pledge tied to Congressional climate inaction (via The New Yorker)

Conservatives seek alternatives to climate denialism, come up short (via Grist)

OPINION 

Kevin Rudd needs to seize the moment on climate (via Renew Economy)

How Obama could approve Keystone (via National Journal)

Can Obama’s Africa power plan hold a candle to China? (via Reuters)

Ron Binz will continue FERC’s leadership toward a clean energy future (via Climate Progress)

New Jersey’s new development bill could endanger families, businesses, and first responders (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.2.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China’s CO2 growth has turned a corner (via Reuters)

EU ministers urge ETS yes vote (via Recharge)

EPA sends climate rule to White House (via Politico)

New Jersey may rejoin Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (via Bloomberg)

OIL 

Saudi Arabia taps new oil areas in plan to preserve capacity (via Reuters)

Moniz: CO2 could enhance US oil production by millions of barrels a day (via Houston Chronicle)

Big lenders wary of following oil money to North Dakota (via Reuters)

Two major lawsuits filed against ExxonMobil for Arkansas tar sands spill (via DeSmog Blog)

RENEWABLES 

California advances pioneering shared renewables bill (via Climate Progress)

Is anything stopping a massive build-out of desert solar? (via Scientific American)

Germany to add 6.5GW of renewable energy this year (via Recharge)

Can Europe meet its 2020 offshore wind targets? (via Renewable Energy World)

Rise in wind and solar expected to boost energy storage market (via Renew Grid)

Austin Energy adds 570MW to wind portfolio (via Renew Grid)

Tennessee public schools to generate nearly $1 million with solar (via Renewable Energy World)

CLIMATE 

Obama seeks to reassert US role in climate debate (via New York Times)

Ocean acidification threatens billion-dollar oyster business (via Climate Central)

Climate change driving more active El Nino cycles (via Yale e360)

Cities lead: preparing for climate change impacts (via EcoAffect)

The climate context behind the deadly Arizona wildfire (via Climate Central)

NRDC releases online tool to track local effects of climate change (via Inhabitat)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas exporters to defend pricing as courts reject oil link (via Houston Chronicle)

Natural gas production remains stable despite low price (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric vehicle drive motor revenue will surpass $2.8 billion annually by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Airbus and Rolls-Royce to build plane powered by algae (via International Business Times)

Biodiesel production nears record output (via Facts of the Day)

Tesla officially gets behind White House petition to allow direct EV sales (via Autoblog Green)

DOE to award up to $13 million to four advanced biofuels projects (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

As China’s demand for coal soars, so does its water scarcity (via ClimateWire)

Deadly heat wave in the West brings fires and travel delays (via New York Times)

Experts see new normal as a hotter, drier West faces more huge fires (via New York Times)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Do green jobs come in any other color? (via Renewable Energy World)

Half of all US retail and hotel projects to be green buildings by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

New coalition aims to accelerate sustainable purchasing (via Sustainable Industries)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Wireless control systems for smart buildings will reach nearly $295 million in annual revenue by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

8 surprising energy hogs in your home (via Greentech Media)

POLITICS 

Obama says ravages of climate change is make-or-break issue (via AP)

Koch pledge tied to Congressional climate inaction (via The New Yorker)

Conservatives seek alternatives to climate denialism, come up short (via Grist)

OPINION 

Kevin Rudd needs to seize the moment on climate (via Renew Economy)

How Obama could approve Keystone (via National Journal)

Can Obama’s Africa power plan hold a candle to China? (via Reuters)

Ron Binz will continue FERC’s leadership toward a clean energy future (via Climate Progress)

New Jersey’s new development bill could endanger families, businesses, and first responders (via Climate Progress)