Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.19.14

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

COAL 

US coal consumption rose 3.5% in 2013, projected 4.1% increase in 2014 (via Facts of the Day)

Army Corps plans narrow review of proposed coal export terminal (via The Olympian/AP)

Second coal ash dump leak sends toxins into North Carolina river (via Reuters)

Can coal ash waste be put to good use? (via Breaking Energy)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

China exceeds US on energy efficiency spending for first time (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

NUCLEAR 

DOE to ok $6.5 billion for Georgia nuclear plant (via AP)

RENEWABLES 

New US-China solar panel trade case gets ITC’s nod to continue (via Greentech Media)

London Array offshore wind farm phase two a no-go (via Recharge)

States brace for utility-solar advocate clashes (via Stateline)

Seattle company plans $200 million wind farm off Oregon coast (via GeekWire)

CLIMATE 

Warming winters send no love to 2022 Olympic bid cities (via Climate Central)

Australian cities already hotter than 2030 forecasts (via RTCC)

Climate change looming as threat to US national security (via The Weather Channel)

How Big Oil gave up on the climate (via Slate)

ENVIRONMENT 

Health experts warn of water contamination from California drought (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla stock gets another jolt (via Washington Post)

KEYSTONE XL 

Nebraska landowners slam TransCanada in anti-Keystone ads (via The Hill)

GRID 

Advanced batteries for utility-scale energy storage to see revenue surge (via Renew Grid)

US orders power grid to prepare for solar storms (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

Carbon futures climbing for EU ETS (via Environmental Leader)

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 – 10.1.13

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

EMISSIONS 

IPCC report recommends fossil fuels stay in the ground (via Huffington Post)

What the carbon budget means for business (via Environmental Leader)

EU carbon market main hurdle to aviation deal, India says (via Bloomberg)

COAL 

Europe whets appetite for coal as US eschews it (via Climate Central)

Stop funding coal, green groups tell European Bank (via BusinessGreen)

The local election that could determine the future of US coal (via Climate Progress)

Nebraska coal plant tests new pollution-control system (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

Offshore wind in Europe: Lessons for the US (via Huffington Post)

Deutsche Banks says China solar PV may reach 15GW in 2014 (via Renew Economy)

Brazil: Just not that into second-generation biofuels (via Energy Collective)

Movin’ and shakin’ – geothermal projects face a rocky road (via Renewable Energy World)

US renewables mid-year report: 10% energy consumption, 14% net electrical generation (via Renewable Energy World)

Tax credits to spur renewable energy seen set to end (via Bloomberg)

US Air Force trains for combat on wind power (via CleanTechnica)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

China faces steep climb to exploit its shale riches (via New York Times)

US gears up to be a prime natural gas exporter (via New York Times)

North Carolina rejects federal funds for fracking studies (via Grist)

CLIMATE 

“Climate refugee” fighting to stay in New Zealand goes to court (via ABC News)

The hard math of flood insurance in a warming world (via Time)

How farmworkers experience a warming climate (via EarthFix)

Bloomberg, Steyer, Paulson team up to gauge global warming’s economic toll (via The Hill)

New climate assessment likely to spark action by companies; Congress, not so much (via ClimateWire)

Resilient communities are the incentive for businesses to focus on climate change (via Triple Pundit)

“Atmospheric River” smashes storm records in Pacific Northwest (via Climate Central)

OIL 

An uphill climb for the oil giants (via New York Times)

Feds to release new rules for offshore emergency equipment this year (via Houston Chronicle)

Lawyers tell trial BP lied about size of US Gulf oil spill (via Reuters)

Texas regulators issue few fines for Eagle Ford pollution (via EnergyWire)

TRANSPORTATION 

Electric vehicles speeding toward 7% of all global sales by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

EV-wary consumers still want utilities to develop charging infrastructure (via Renew Grid)

BMW to electrify its entire lineup (via CleanTechnica)

Ford C-Max hybrid owners get rebate for disappointing mileage (via New York Times)

GRID 

Will energy storage save the grid? (via Energy Collective)

New California net metering study appears to be DOA (via Greentech Media)

TAR SANDS 

Oil sands deals dive as foreign-state firms scrutinized by Canada (via Houston Chronicle)

British Columbia, Alberta move closer to tar sands pipeline agreement (via Globe and Mail)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency drive yields $1 billion, 11 million metric tons CO2 cuts for US manufacturers (via Triple Pundit)

POLITICS 

EIA can operate through October 11 under government shutdown (via Reuters)

EPA to be hit hard in shutdown, could delay renewable fuel standard (via Reuters)

FERC nominee Binz withdraws amid coal pushback (via Politico)

“No evidence” EPA used private emails to keep records secret (via The Hill)

Can Bob Inglis make the GOP relevant on climate and clean energy policy? (via Greentech Media)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.29.13

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

COAL 

Mercury fingerprint of Pacific fish points to Asian coal plants (via Los Angeles Times)

A war on coal, or just a different playing field? (via Breaking Energy)

CLIMATE 

Oceans storing Earth’s excess heat in leaked UN report (via Bloomberg)

Wildfires projected to worsen with climate change (via Phys.org)

La Nina-like conditions behind gentler global warming, study finds (via Washington Post)

Obama to name top climate-change regulator (via National Journal)

ENERGY POLICY 

China to add 1,500GW of power capacity by 2030 (via Phys.org)

Germany solar pushing fossil fuel plants to close (via EarthTechling)

On fracking rules, it’s states versus feds (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

EU-China solar deal highlights tough climate for green jobs (via Washington Post)

Wind energy taking flight in Europe and beyond (via Christian Science Monitor)

Growth seen picking up in Germany’s wind power sector (via Reuters)

Biomass power generation will reach $11.5 billion in annual revenue by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Cheap corn deters buyers in US sugar-for-ethanol plan (via Bloomberg)

Solar micro-inverter shipments to reach 2.1GW in 2017 (via Solar Industry Magazine)

DOE releases new clean energy finance guide (via Energy.gov)

Western states are going to become green energy powerhouses (via Mother Jones)

Solar industry establishes net metering principles (via Greentech Media)

Solar Exchange launching online solar marketplace (via Solar Industry Magazine)

“Solar gardens” put clean energy within reach of low-income families (via Climate Progress)

Ohioans promise to buy offshore wind from Lake Erie turbines (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

Ontario government backs new smart grid laboratory (via Renew Grid)

Wildfires blamed for massive blackout in northeastern Brazil (via Reuters)

Smart, flexible energy can help communities weather future storms (via GreenBiz)

DOE and New Jersey developing first US transit system microgrid (via CleanTechnica)

TRANSPORTATION 

100 times more EV fast chargers by 2020? (via Green Car Reports)

Toyota broadly outlines next-generation Prius (via Green Car Congress)

Chevy helps install EV chargers in California state parks (via Autoblog Green)

US extending vehicle-to-grid pilot program in Michigan (via Green Car Congress)

OIL 

Feds net $102.4 million in Gulf lease sale (via Houston Chronicle)

BP steers clear of Interior’s latest offshore drilling lease sale (via The Hill)

Judge rejects BP’s latest request to halt oil spill payments (via Houston Chronicle)

Coalition asks Gov. Brown to halt fracking in California (via Los Angeles Times)

EMISSIONS 

The world’s biggest importers and exporters of carbon pollution (via Renew Economy)

EU narrows down carbon market overhaul options (via Bloomberg)

Inside China’s emissions trading scheme: First steps and the road ahead (via WRI Insights)

RGGI provides almost $500 million to New York for cleaner air (via Albany Times-Union)

NUCLEAR 

Fukushima keeps leaking, Japan keeps issuing confusing explanations (via Grist)

Nuclear plant closures at all-time high (via Environmental Leader)

Report: Nuclear received four times more subsides than solar in California (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Top 10 smart building myths (via Energy Manager Today)

DOE may be inflating the cost of efficiency standards tenfold (via Greentech Media)

Designing more energy-efficient suburbs (via Midwest Energy News)

Hyatt invests over $37 million in more than 200 energy efficiency projects (via TriplePundit)

Is California breaking the dam that restricts energy efficiency financing? (via Energy Manager Today)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Poland starts shale gas extraction (via Phys.org)

Proposed US LNG exports would exceed 25% of today’s domestic consumption (via Forbes)

Study documents Kentucky fish kill from fracking fluid spill (via Houston Chronicle)

ENVIRONMENT 

Nearly half of all western wildfire costs go to California (via Climate Central)

Fertilizer spread research aims to boost crop yields (via Phys.org)

KEYSTONE XL 

Keystone XL seen as no local job starter along prairie route (via Bloomberg)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Boosting sustainability policy in Russia (via Phys.org)

Should climate risks be included in sustainability reports? (via TriplePundit)

POLITICS 

For Louisiana’s senators, one lease sale and two interpretations (via The Hill)

Sen. Begich’s campaign says he opposes carbon tax (via The Hill)

OPINION 

In solar trade dispute’s wake, what’s next for EU markets? (via Greentech Media)

Why big, intense wildfires are the new normal (via National Geographic)

Fracking contracts can leave landowners high and dry (via Washington Post)

Why EVs are the smart grid’s killer app (via GreenBiz)

Five things automakers should do to make EVs mainstream (via Plugin cars)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.28.13

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

NUCLEAR 

Japan: Nuclear plant operator found leak too slowly (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Vermont Yankee plant to close next year as nuclear industry retrenches (via New York Times)

EMISSIONS 

UN says early action needed to curb rise in aviation emissions (via Reuters Point Carbon)

China’s emissions could peak by 2023 with introduction of ETS (via RTCC)

EU states to start CO2 market fix talks after German election (via Reuters Point Carbon)

California cap and trade comes to a crossroads as carbon prices fall (via CleanTechnica)

RENEWABLES 

EU says China guilty of giving illegal aid to solar industry (via Reuters)

India may beat US in wind capacity installations for first time (via Bloomberg)

Central America to see $320 million clean energy boost (via EarthTechling)

India’s Gujarat waives renewable targets for utilities (via Bloomberg)

Germany adds 1.14 GW of wind in H1 2013 (via Recharge)

US DOE loan program financed $16 billion in renewables and more coming (via Renewable Energy World)

US Army set for $7 billion solar spree (via Recharge)

297,000 US homes solar net metered in 2012, including 1% of California and 5% of Hawaii (via Facts of the Day)

Americans want more wind, less costs (via Houston Chronicle)

NREL study says wind turbines don’t hurt home values (via Los Angeles Times)

Construction begins on massive Nevada solar plant that will power 80,000 homes (via Climate Progress)

In Nebraska, farmers hope to take control of wind production (via Midwest Energy News)

A tale of two solar cities: Two California communities vie for “Solar Capital of US” (via RMI Outlet)

ENERGY POLICY 

Ballooning costs threaten Merkel’s bold energy overhaul (via Reuters)

Filling in some blanks to Obama’s “All of the Above” energy policy (via Climate Central)

Energy Department lands new coal, oil-and-gas officials (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Leaked UN report says oceans storing Earth’s excess heat (via Bloomberg)

The ocean is going to start confusing fish and dissolving seashells (via Climate Progress)

Drought and heat waves costing federal government billions in crop insurance payouts (via Climate Progress)

Climate change washes away partisanship for South Carolina tourism (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Chinese coal price war to dampen coal imports (via Reuters)

New coal plants may kill 16,000 in China’s Guandong region (via Bloomberg)

Federal judge says regulators don’t have to consider overall health impacts of coal mines (via Lexington Herald Leader)

GRID 

The inside story of the world’s biggest “battery” and the future of renewables (via Climate Progress)

Compressed air energy storage to grow dramatically over the next decade (via CleanTechnica)

OIL 

Crude oil prices reach 18-month high (via Washington Post)

Western Gulf offshore drilling lease sale draws tepid interest (via Houston Chronicle)

Oil industry groups seek RFS mandate waiver (via Breaking Energy)

North Dakota saves for the future with today’s oil riches (via Stateline)

Study says oil extraction linked to earthquakes in South Texas (via Wall Street Journal)

Acidizing for oil could rival fracking in California’s Monterey Shale (via San Francisco Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Americans won’t buy EVs until they are a lot cheaper (via EarthTechling)

Nissan Leaf sales ready to expand beyond early adopter markets in US (via Autoblog Green)

Free EV charging courtesy of ads on chargers (via EarthTechling)

KEYSTONE XL 

Will the Keystone XL decision be based on incorrect assumptions? (via Energy Collective)

Former Romney advisor Hamm: Keystone isn’t needed for US oil (via The Hill)

GREEN BUSINESS 

EPA launches online green sports resource directory (via Environmental Leader)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

DEP attempted to suppress controversial study that criticized shale gas (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ENVIRONMENT 

Rim fire spreads deeper into Yosemite (via Los Angeles Time)

Ogallala Aquifer: Could critical water source run dry? (via Christian Science Monitor)

POLITICS 

GOP targets Alaska’s Mark Beigich over carbon tax (via Politico)

Sen. Coburn: I am a global warming denier (via The Hill)

OPINION 

I have a (climate) dream (via Climate Progress)

How to convince Wall Street to invest in energy efficiency (via The Guardian)

Carbon targets, carbon taxes, and the search for Archimedes’ lever (via Grist)

Is Keystone still needed to transport US oil? (via National Journal)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.28.13

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

NUCLEAR 

Japan: Nuclear plant operator found leak too slowly (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Vermont Yankee plant to close next year as nuclear industry retrenches (via New York Times)

EMISSIONS 

UN says early action needed to curb rise in aviation emissions (via Reuters Point Carbon)

China’s emissions could peak by 2023 with introduction of ETS (via RTCC)

EU states to start CO2 market fix talks after German election (via Reuters Point Carbon)

California cap and trade comes to a crossroads as carbon prices fall (via CleanTechnica)

RENEWABLES 

EU says China guilty of giving illegal aid to solar industry (via Reuters)

India may beat US in wind capacity installations for first time (via Bloomberg)

Central America to see $320 million clean energy boost (via EarthTechling)

India’s Gujarat waives renewable targets for utilities (via Bloomberg)

Germany adds 1.14 GW of wind in H1 2013 (via Recharge)

US DOE loan program financed $16 billion in renewables and more coming (via Renewable Energy World)

US Army set for $7 billion solar spree (via Recharge)

297,000 US homes solar net metered in 2012, including 1% of California and 5% of Hawaii (via Facts of the Day)

Americans want more wind, less costs (via Houston Chronicle)

NREL study says wind turbines don’t hurt home values (via Los Angeles Times)

Construction begins on massive Nevada solar plant that will power 80,000 homes (via Climate Progress)

In Nebraska, farmers hope to take control of wind production (via Midwest Energy News)

A tale of two solar cities: Two California communities vie for “Solar Capital of US” (via RMI Outlet)

ENERGY POLICY 

Ballooning costs threaten Merkel’s bold energy overhaul (via Reuters)

Filling in some blanks to Obama’s “All of the Above” energy policy (via Climate Central)

Energy Department lands new coal, oil-and-gas officials (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Leaked UN report says oceans storing Earth’s excess heat (via Bloomberg)

The ocean is going to start confusing fish and dissolving seashells (via Climate Progress)

Drought and heat waves costing federal government billions in crop insurance payouts (via Climate Progress)

Climate change washes away partisanship for South Carolina tourism (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Chinese coal price war to dampen coal imports (via Reuters)

New coal plants may kill 16,000 in China’s Guandong region (via Bloomberg)

Federal judge says regulators don’t have to consider overall health impacts of coal mines (via Lexington Herald Leader)

GRID 

The inside story of the world’s biggest “battery” and the future of renewables (via Climate Progress)

Compressed air energy storage to grow dramatically over the next decade (via CleanTechnica)

OIL 

Crude oil prices reach 18-month high (via Washington Post)

Western Gulf offshore drilling lease sale draws tepid interest (via Houston Chronicle)

Oil industry groups seek RFS mandate waiver (via Breaking Energy)

North Dakota saves for the future with today’s oil riches (via Stateline)

Study says oil extraction linked to earthquakes in South Texas (via Wall Street Journal)

Acidizing for oil could rival fracking in California’s Monterey Shale (via San Francisco Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Americans won’t buy EVs until they are a lot cheaper (via EarthTechling)

Nissan Leaf sales ready to expand beyond early adopter markets in US (via Autoblog Green)

Free EV charging courtesy of ads on chargers (via EarthTechling)

KEYSTONE XL 

Will the Keystone XL decision be based on incorrect assumptions? (via Energy Collective)

Former Romney advisor Hamm: Keystone isn’t needed for US oil (via The Hill)

GREEN BUSINESS 

EPA launches online green sports resource directory (via Environmental Leader)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

DEP attempted to suppress controversial study that criticized shale gas (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ENVIRONMENT 

Rim fire spreads deeper into Yosemite (via Los Angeles Time)

Ogallala Aquifer: Could critical water source run dry? (via Christian Science Monitor)

POLITICS 

GOP targets Alaska’s Mark Beigich over carbon tax (via Politico)

Sen. Coburn: I am a global warming denier (via The Hill)

OPINION 

I have a (climate) dream (via Climate Progress)

How to convince Wall Street to invest in energy efficiency (via The Guardian)

Carbon targets, carbon taxes, and the search for Archimedes’ lever (via Grist)

Is Keystone still needed to transport US oil? (via National Journal)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.20.13

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

OIL 

China oil imports to overtake US by 2017 (via Reuters)

GREEN BUSINESS 

India passes world’s first corporate responsibility law (via GreenBiz)

Green buildings could be half US construction and worth $248 billion by 2016 (via CleanTechnica)

Redirect, don’t divest: New guides for climate change investment (via GreenBiz)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

War over fracking comes to the English countryside (via Time)

Marcellus Shale gas production numbers surge (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

Ohio fracking operations triggered 100 earthquakes in a year (via New Scientist)

Wyoming GOP lawmakers press for exemption from proposed fracking rule (via The Hill)

New York governor won’t join Obama to tour fracking hotbed sites (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

RENEWABLES 

Germany breaks monthly solar generation record, ~6.5 times more than US best (via CleanTechnica)

Wind supplied 47% of South Australia’s energy last week (via Renew Economy)

India plans “green energy corridor” to boost renewables capacity (via RTCC)

The solar industry’s new dirty secret (via Mother Jones)

A solar system is installed in the US every four minutes (via Greentech Media)

In Texas, oil is big but solar is cheap (via Climate Progress)

Arizona solar tariffs to replace net metering could create tax headaches (via Greentech Media)

Geothermal and solar put Oregon Tech on all-renewables course (via EarthTechling)

EMISSIONS 

Researchers find Europe’s forests moving toward carbon sink saturation point (via Phys.org)

EPA’s pending CO2 rules will need flexibility to deal with uneven state actions (via ClimateWire)

Greens press EPA to revoke “outdated” emissions exemption (via The Hill)

GAO to review how administration developed “social cost” of carbon (via The Hill)

Economics and politics in California: Cap and trade and trade exposure (via Energy Collective)

Researchers study how to accurately measure a city’s greenhouse gas emissions (via Phys.org)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Nebraska trial could delay Keystone XL pipeline (via Washington Post)

Keystone XL foes to build barn in pipeline’s path (via Journal-Star/AP)

Proposal for Enbridge pipeline route surprises Minnesota landowners (via Duluth New Tribune)

ENERGY POLICY 

Electric utilities must evolve or die: Are they up to the task? (via Energy Collective)

With proposed rail expansion, Northwest confronts its clean image (via New York Times)

Capacity markets for Texas electricity: the real story (via Houston Chronicle)

NUCLEAR 

Fukushima springs another leak in battle with radiated water (via Houston Chronicle)

Troubled Nebraska nuclear plant making slow progress toward restarting (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

A nuclear reactor competitive with natural gas? (via MIT Technology Review)

ENVIRONMENT 

China, US, Qatar singled out on “Earth Overshoot Day” (via Phys.org)

More than half of India’s rivers too polluted to drink (via Bloomberg)

Indian farmers cope with climate change and falling water tables (via National Geographic)

To help the environment, watch sports at your neighborhood bar (via Think Progress)

US military moves toward lead-free ammunition (via Sustainable Business)

COAL 

Ohio environmental regulator: Coal industry forced his resignation (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla Model S gets highest safety-test score ever awarded by NHTSA (via Green Car Reports)

POLITICS

Are climate deniers the new birthers in Obama’s playbook? (via Greenwire)

Democrats will soon have a big-fat fight over fracking (via Grist)

Coal foe named to FERC is latest Obama pick drawing ire (via Bloomberg)

OPINION 

Population plus climate: Why coastal cities will face increased risks from floods (via Time)

How a leaderless climate change movement can survive (via Mother Jones)

Harold Hamm on oil, climate change, and his divorce (via National Journal)

Earth’s environmental account moves into the red (via BusinessGreen)

Ethanol mandates creating an economic car-wreck (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.9.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Japan ramps up deals in carbon credits within more emerging economies (via TriplePundit)

Ukraine to come under fire for $500 million carbon permit deal (via Reuters Point Carbon)

California’s cap and trade isn’t a game – except when it is (via CleanTechnica)

Cut emissions? Congress itself keeps burning dirtier fuel (via New York Times)

COAL 

Global coal consumption up 50% in 10 years (via Facts of the Day)

Goldman Sachs: window for profitable investment in coal mining is closing (via Climate Progress)

US coal exports growing (via Huffington Post)

Coal lobbyists bend White House hear on carbon rule (via The Hill)

Coalition aims to get Nebraska utility off coal (via Midwest Energy News)

RENEWABLES 

EPA maps renewable power potential on scarred land (via EarthTechling)

Using technology to get more renewable energy onto the grid (via Breaking Energy)

Western US utilities call for widespread adoption of smart solar inverters (via Renew Grid)

State renewable-energy laws turn out to be incredibly hard to repeal (via Washington Post)

Sewage-powered biofuels plant claims major breakthrough (via BusinessGreen)

Small wind turbines harnessing gusts of solar’s lease success (via Bloomberg)

Renewable diesels could score big thanks to renewable fuel standard fight (via Greentech Media)

Bill would let Kansas utilities buy renewable energy credits (via Wichita Eagle)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Leak at Alberta tar sands project heightens conservationists’ concerns (via New York Times)

How shoddy science almost led one agency to use flawed map in Keystone XL review (via Greenwire)

Industry report says Keystone XL won’t impact greenhouse gas emissions (via The Hill)

Enbridge asks EPA for extension to finish oil spill dredging (via Houston Chronicle)

CLIMATE 

Climate change pace now fastest in 65 million years (via Facts of the Day)

Research suggests manmade emissions may have very long-term impacts (via ClimateWire)

Rebranding climate change as a public health issue (via Time)

The trouble with beekeeping in the Anthropocene (via Time)

OIL 

China poised to become the world’s largest net oil importer this year (via US EIA)

North American oil boom eases OPEC supply problems (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Conventional hybrids better for climate than EVs in most states (via Yale e360)

Average US vehicle now 11.4 years old, oldest since WWII (via Green Car Reports)

Electric roads could make plugging in your EV a thing of the past (via Grist)

Tesla stock surges as company beats the odds (via Christian Science Monitor)

As GM cuts Volt price, EV bargains multiply (via Navigant Research)

GRID 

Japanese battery trial seeks to transform how grids work (via Bloomberg)

Nearly 40 new advanced energy storage projects kicked off in first half 2013 (via Navigant Research)

Building public support for power cables (via Reuters)

Texas power use hits summer high, third-highest ever (via Houston Chronicle)

FOSSIL FUEL POLICY 

Mexico energy reform to target deepwater oil and gas (via Reuters)

US EIA: oil and gas jobs up 40% since 2007 (via The Hill)

California lawmakers seek probe of hydraulic fracturing offshore (via Houston Chronicle)

Colorado fracking stresses regulators as permit bids soar (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Research says lack of energy efficiency holds back entire economy (via Energy Manager Today)

ENVIRONMENT 

NOAA trims forecast for busy hurricane season (via New York Times)

Heavy rains unleash deadly flooding in Midwest (via USA Today)

New Mexico is the driest of the dry (via Los Angeles Times)

OPINION 

Should the US have a natural gas sovereign wealth fund? (via Washington Post)

3 key initiatives from Australia’s climate change policy (via WRI Insights)

What will it take for airline emissions reductions to get off the ground? (via GreenBiz)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.5.13

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Growing concern on water use of tar sands development (via Yale e360)

Canada’s Harper insists Keystone XL is important for jobs (via Reuters)

Little-known pipeline nearly as big as Keystone could win race to Gulf (via InsideClimate News)

Nebraska trial could delay Keystone XL pipeline (via Washington Post)

State Department watchdog launches inquiry into Keystone environmental report (via The Hill)

NUCLEAR 

South Korean scandal over nuclear safety revelations (via New York Times)

Amid concerns, nuclear advocates pin their hopes on new designs (via Time)

RENEWABLES 

Australia’s solar revolution has been led by its suburbs (via Renew Economy)

Finland scientists turn dead wood into cheap biofuels (via RTCC)

South Korea completes first solar PV plant (via RTCC)

Spain seeks to charge for on-site renewables (via BusinessGreen)

US solar targets could save Americans $20 billion annually by 2050 (via CleanTechnica)

PUCs on the front lines of brewing net metering battle (via Energy Collective)

Solar innovation gets new ARPA-E funding chance (via EarthTechling)

DOE issues RFI for next-generation solar PV technology (via Green Car Congress)

US to hold second auction for offshore wind on Outer Continental Shelf (via Green Car Congress)

Solazyme’s twisted path to an algae-based future (via GreenBiz)

Inadequate transmission lines keeping some Maine wind power off the grid (via Portland Press Herald)

Minnesota utility will meet its renewable energy mandate 10 years early (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)

CLIMATE 

Climate change pushing marine life toward the poles, says study (via The Guardian)

Ecosystems face unprecedented “climate change velocity” (via Climate Central)

Australia faces increased disease from climate change, reports find (via The Guardian)

Models for a more effective response to climate change (via Phys.org)

Fund managers worth $14 trillion say climate change influences investments (via RTCC)

US companies don’t want to talk about preventing climate change disaster (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Despite boom, higher costs push Big Oil into slump (via Houston Chronicle)

In wake of Canadian disaster, US issues emergency rules for trains (via Houston Chronicle)

BLM approves environmental probe on public land drilling in California (via Greenwire)

Oil companies used fracking in coastal waters off California (via Houston Chronicle)

Police in California arrest over 200 at Chevron refinery protest (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Kick starting Europe’s electric vehicle industry (via Phys.org)

A hankering for hybrids in America (via New York Times)

Jump-starting EV sales with workplace charging stations (via Los Angeles Times)

Burlington-Montreal EV fast-charging corridor opening this fall (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

How 10 Western US cities are dealing with water scarcity and drought (via StateImpact Texas)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Earthquakes “may contribute to methane leaks” (via Climate Central)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency market “hard to reach” in multi-tenant buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

August recess now high season for interests lobbying lawmakers (via Washington Post)

Congress can’t agree on most energy issues, but it loves dams (via Washington Post)

House slams door on carbon tax (via The Hill)

Billionaire environmentalist goes big in Virginia governor’s race (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

Ill wind blows for German offshore industry (via Der Spiegel)

Wind power is killing birds and bats – so what? (via Navigant Research)

The rise and rise of American carbon (via The Guardian)

How coal imports are adding to India’s energy security problems (via Renew Economy)

As temperatures rise, empires fall: heat and human behavior (via Time)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.5.13

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

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Growing concern on water use of tar sands development (via Yale e360)

Canada’s Harper insists Keystone XL is important for jobs (via Reuters)

Little-known pipeline nearly as big as Keystone could win race to Gulf (via InsideClimate News)

Nebraska trial could delay Keystone XL pipeline (via Washington Post)

State Department watchdog launches inquiry into Keystone environmental report (via The Hill)

NUCLEAR 

South Korean scandal over nuclear safety revelations (via New York Times)

Amid concerns, nuclear advocates pin their hopes on new designs (via Time)

RENEWABLES 

Australia’s solar revolution has been led by its suburbs (via Renew Economy)

Finland scientists turn dead wood into cheap biofuels (via RTCC)

South Korea completes first solar PV plant (via RTCC)

Spain seeks to charge for on-site renewables (via BusinessGreen)

US solar targets could save Americans $20 billion annually by 2050 (via CleanTechnica)

PUCs on the front lines of brewing net metering battle (via Energy Collective)

Solar innovation gets new ARPA-E funding chance (via EarthTechling)

DOE issues RFI for next-generation solar PV technology (via Green Car Congress)

US to hold second auction for offshore wind on Outer Continental Shelf (via Green Car Congress)

Solazyme’s twisted path to an algae-based future (via GreenBiz)

Inadequate transmission lines keeping some Maine wind power off the grid (via Portland Press Herald)

Minnesota utility will meet its renewable energy mandate 10 years early (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)

CLIMATE 

Climate change pushing marine life toward the poles, says study (via The Guardian)

Ecosystems face unprecedented “climate change velocity” (via Climate Central)

Australia faces increased disease from climate change, reports find (via The Guardian)

Models for a more effective response to climate change (via Phys.org)

Fund managers worth $14 trillion say climate change influences investments (via RTCC)

US companies don’t want to talk about preventing climate change disaster (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Despite boom, higher costs push Big Oil into slump (via Houston Chronicle)

In wake of Canadian disaster, US issues emergency rules for trains (via Houston Chronicle)

BLM approves environmental probe on public land drilling in California (via Greenwire)

Oil companies used fracking in coastal waters off California (via Houston Chronicle)

Police in California arrest over 200 at Chevron refinery protest (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Kick starting Europe’s electric vehicle industry (via Phys.org)

A hankering for hybrids in America (via New York Times)

Jump-starting EV sales with workplace charging stations (via Los Angeles Times)

Burlington-Montreal EV fast-charging corridor opening this fall (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

How 10 Western US cities are dealing with water scarcity and drought (via StateImpact Texas)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Earthquakes “may contribute to methane leaks” (via Climate Central)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency market “hard to reach” in multi-tenant buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

August recess now high season for interests lobbying lawmakers (via Washington Post)

Congress can’t agree on most energy issues, but it loves dams (via Washington Post)

House slams door on carbon tax (via The Hill)

Billionaire environmentalist goes big in Virginia governor’s race (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

Ill wind blows for German offshore industry (via Der Spiegel)

Wind power is killing birds and bats – so what? (via Navigant Research)

The rise and rise of American carbon (via The Guardian)

How coal imports are adding to India’s energy security problems (via Renew Economy)

As temperatures rise, empires fall: heat and human behavior (via Time)