Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.20.14

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

EMISSIONS 

China completes pilot carbon market rollout, but take up uncertain (via Reuters)

EPA starts taking comments on clean power plan (via Climate Central)

TVA plans significant cut in carbon emissions (via Environmental Leader)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Russia “secretly working with environmentalists to oppose fracking” (via The Guardian)

Sempra wins final U.S. FERC approval for LNG export plant (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

Germany may install least solar power capacity since 2008 (via Bloomberg)

Report: U.S. trade dispute will inflict pains on China solar manufacturers (via Forbes)

A simple solution to the complex problem of offshore wind costs? (via CleanTechnica)

Buying into solar power, no roof access needed (via New York Times)

The rise of solar co-ops (via Renewable Energy World)

COAL 

$10 billion Australian coal port expansion put on ice due to weak demand (via Reuters)

Duke Energy warned about pipe’s likelihood to leak in 1986 (via News-Record)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU energy chief rules out 40% energy savings goal (via Reuters)

Survey: Americans financially motivated to participate in demand response programs (via Renew Grid)

Green homes: 150,000 now LEED certified (via Environmental Leader)

Combined heat and power is a boon for Midwest steel mills (via Midwest Energy News)

LEDs to provide big savings for San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (via Energy Manager Today)

OIL 

Report: Most Iraq oil production unaffected by turmoil (via Houston Chronicle)

Deloitte: OPEC’s influence waning as U.S. shale surges (via Houston Chronicle)

Abandoned Pennsylvania oil wells may be major methane emitters (via Climate Central)

TRANSPORTATION 

Gasoline at U.S. pumps set to hit six-year seasonal high (via Bloomberg)

Harley-Davidson roars into future with first electric motorcycle (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

Energy storage: A different view from Germany (via Renewable Energy World)

California’s power grid operator, PacifiCorp win approval for western market (via Los Angeles Times)

Regulators approve novel plan for “real time” power sharing in the West (via Greenwire)

Building a wind-balancing grid, one island at a time (via Greentech Media)

ENVIRONMENT 

Brazil achieves 70% reduction in Amazon deforestation (via RTCC)

California’s drought getting even worse, experts say (via Los Angeles Times)

POLITICS 

Must-pass budget bill stalls in Senate over global-warming fight (via National Journal)

Why Jim Rubens stands out from all Republicans running for Senate (via Greentech Media)

OPINION 

Rough water ahead for Europe’s energy efficiency efforts (via Navigant Research)

U.S. policymakers falling behind corporate America on clean energy (via Huffington Post)

Obama’s carbon rules show bad arithmetic (via Time)

Words matter when talking global warming: The “good Anthropocene” debate (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.20.14

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

EMISSIONS 

China completes pilot carbon market rollout, but take up uncertain (via Reuters)

EPA starts taking comments on clean power plan (via Climate Central)

TVA plans significant cut in carbon emissions (via Environmental Leader)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Russia “secretly working with environmentalists to oppose fracking” (via The Guardian)

Sempra wins final U.S. FERC approval for LNG export plant (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

Germany may install least solar power capacity since 2008 (via Bloomberg)

Report: U.S. trade dispute will inflict pains on China solar manufacturers (via Forbes)

A simple solution to the complex problem of offshore wind costs? (via CleanTechnica)

Buying into solar power, no roof access needed (via New York Times)

The rise of solar co-ops (via Renewable Energy World)

COAL 

$10 billion Australian coal port expansion put on ice due to weak demand (via Reuters)

Duke Energy warned about pipe’s likelihood to leak in 1986 (via News-Record)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU energy chief rules out 40% energy savings goal (via Reuters)

Survey: Americans financially motivated to participate in demand response programs (via Renew Grid)

Green homes: 150,000 now LEED certified (via Environmental Leader)

Combined heat and power is a boon for Midwest steel mills (via Midwest Energy News)

LEDs to provide big savings for San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (via Energy Manager Today)

OIL 

Report: Most Iraq oil production unaffected by turmoil (via Houston Chronicle)

Deloitte: OPEC’s influence waning as U.S. shale surges (via Houston Chronicle)

Abandoned Pennsylvania oil wells may be major methane emitters (via Climate Central)

TRANSPORTATION 

Gasoline at U.S. pumps set to hit six-year seasonal high (via Bloomberg)

Harley-Davidson roars into future with first electric motorcycle (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

Energy storage: A different view from Germany (via Renewable Energy World)

California’s power grid operator, PacifiCorp win approval for western market (via Los Angeles Times)

Regulators approve novel plan for “real time” power sharing in the West (via Greenwire)

Building a wind-balancing grid, one island at a time (via Greentech Media)

ENVIRONMENT 

Brazil achieves 70% reduction in Amazon deforestation (via RTCC)

California’s drought getting even worse, experts say (via Los Angeles Times)

POLITICS 

Must-pass budget bill stalls in Senate over global-warming fight (via National Journal)

Why Jim Rubens stands out from all Republicans running for Senate (via Greentech Media)

OPINION 

Rough water ahead for Europe’s energy efficiency efforts (via Navigant Research)

U.S. policymakers falling behind corporate America on clean energy (via Huffington Post)

Obama’s carbon rules show bad arithmetic (via Time)

Words matter when talking global warming: The “good Anthropocene” debate (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.19.14

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

CLIMATE 

Reagan, Nixon, and Bush officials push Congress to act on global warming (via National Journal)

More cities issuing green bonds to finance climate expansion (via Sustainable Cities Collective)

ENERGY POLICY 

France energy bill boosts renewables with no nuclear closures (via Reuters Point Carbon)

Obama pick to head FERC advances with compromise (via Bloomberg)

House panel approves energy spending bill (via The Hill)

GE to present improved offer for Alstom energy assets (via Bloomberg)

California approves $415 million for behind-the-meter storage, fuel cells, wind (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Germany breaks three solar power records in two weeks (via Treehugger)

China sets tariffs for offshore wind power generators (via Reuters)

Brazil to test higher ethanol requirement in gasoline (via Reuters)

Oil-rich United Arab Emirates aims to be a sustainable energy pioneer (via The Guardian)

UK approves plans for what could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm (via Climate Progress)

South Australia could be first mainland state to 100% renewables (via Renew Economy)

New tariffs on Chinese solar modules will raise U.S. price 14% (via Greentech Media)

Offshore wind leasing area doubles on East Coast (via Sustainable Business)

Texas utility doubles large-scale solar, says it will be coal-free by 2016 (via Climate Progress)

SolarCity buys solar maker, plans massive factory (via Breaking Energy)

Here’s why SolarCity plans to build a 1GW solar factory (via Greentech Media)

Los Angeles ready to add 300MW new solar capacity (via Renewable Energy World)

Cape Wind foe backs new offshore wind leasing plan (via Boston Globe)

Study shows wind turbines yield almost immediate net benefit (via CleanTechnica)

New energy maps show four cool things about renewables (via Climate Central)

EMISSIONS 

China to launch final CO2 exchange, national scheme uncertain (via Reuters Point Carbon)

Obama carbon rule backed by most Americans (via Wall Street Journal)

Coal company sues EPA over climate rules (via The Hill)

OIL 

Oil group: Biofuel delay risks gas price swings (via Houston Chronicle)

Why Big Oil is giving piles of money to the NRA (via Grist)

Breaking Bad meets Fargo at underbelly of shale oil boom (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla talking about first European factory, but it won’t happen soon (via Autoblog Green)

Senators call for 12-cent gas tax increase to replenish U.S. highway fund (via Los Angeles Times)

Massachusetts pushing to expand electric car use (via Boston Globe)

What Elon Musk did – and did not – do when he “opened Tesla’s patents (via GigaOm)

GRID 

Residential energy generation and storage will reach $71.6 billion annual revenue by 2023 (via Navigant Research)

Massachusetts orders state utilities to modernize grid (via Renew Grid)

COAL 

Russia considers $5 billion rescue for coal producer (via Reuters)

EPA: Climate rule won’t kill coal (via The Hill)

The end of the coal era in Massachusetts (via Boston Globe)

ENVIRONMENT 

California lawmakers overhauling $11 billion water bond (via Bloomberg)

Ford cuts manufacturing water use two years ahead of schedule (via Green Car Congress)

How wasted gas from drilling could save millions of gallons of water in Texas (via StateImpact Texas)

NUCLEAR 

China regulators “overwhelmed” as reactors built at pace (via Bloomberg)

French energy law leaves EDF to plan nuclear retreat (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

As LED industry evolves, China elbows ahead (via New York Times)

University of Cincinnati reduces energy spend by $9 million per year (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

Republicans are talking differently about climate change (via National Journal)

GOP plays Tom Steyer card against Democrats (via Politico)

Keystone XL approval bill advances in Senate (via Houston Chronicle)

OPINION 

Is China on the brink of a solar power breakthrough? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Four lessons Pakistan’s off-grid solar market can teach the world (via Energy Collective)

Should climate change come with a warning label? (via National Journal)

Shifting to renewable energy can save U.S. consumers money (via WRI Insights)

Onsite energy generation is nice, but centralized transmission is here to stay (via Forbes)

Is SolarCity’s manufacturing strategy incredibly smart or wildly unrealistic? (via Greentech Media)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.18.14

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

CLIMATE 

NASA May anomaly hints 2014 will be hottest year on record (via InsideClimate News)

World’s energy systems vulnerable to climate impacts, warns report (via The Guardian)

EMISSIONS 

Japan, India near carbon offset deal (via Reuters)

US clean power plan exempts major CO2 emitters (via Climate Central)

Poll shows majority of Americans back Obama’s push to reduce carbon emissions (via Huffington Post)

TAR SANDS 

Canada approves Northern Gateway oil pipeline despite protests (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

China’s solar target crucial for the global industry (via South China Morning Post)

Solar home market begins to capture mainstream buyers (via ClimateWire)

ENVIRONMENT 

Icebergs take a bite out of Antarctic biodiversity (via Los Angeles Times)

Obama proposes vast expansion of Pacific Ocean marine life sanctuaries (via Washington Post)

Arizona could face cutbacks in Colorado River water, say officials (via New York Times)

Two California state fish hatcheries evacuated amid drought, rising temperatures (via Los Angeles Times)

Growing number of walkable urban areas signals “the end of sprawl” – report (via ClimateWire)

OIL 

Exxon chief hails Russia plans alongside sanctioned Rosneft CEO (via Bloomberg)

North Dakota oil production tops 1 million-barrels-a-day milestone (via Star-Tribune)

The new oil crisis: Exploding trains (via Politico)

GRID 

Microgrid sales rise alongside qualms about the power grid (via Los Angeles Times)

NATURAL GAS 

Europe’s swollen gas reserves guard against repeat of 2006 crisis (via Bloomberg)

POLITICS 

Obama’s coded climate politics (via National Journal)

The Kochs are cooking up a new dirty-energy political scheme (via Grist)

OPINION 

Like Keystone in the U.S., Canada’s pipeline to the Pacific is high-voltage politics (via InsideClimate News)

Obama is betting his environmental legacy on Hillary Clinton (via National Journal)

Why Cantor’s downfall is bad news for EPA (via National Journal)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.10.14

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

CLIMATE 

Global climate unity dealt blow as Australia and Canada put business first (via The Guardian)

Denmark set to approve new climate change law (via RTCC)

Hawaii governor signs climate change bill (via KITV.com)

NATURAL GAS 

IEA cuts gas use forecast through 2019 as coal, renewables gain (via Bloomberg)

Ukraine, Russia to continue gas price talks but no deal yet (via Reuters)

Netherlands offshore gas cache, now under shaky ground (via New York Times)

DOE says U.S. gas exports unlikely to help cut emissions (via BusinessGreen)

RENEWABLES 

India dumping duties risk choking Modi’s solar revolution (via Bloomberg)

Spain passes renewable energy reform decree (via Recharge)

Pakistan breaks ground on one of world’s largest solar parks (via Sustainable Business)

Buffett ready to double $15 billion solar, wind bet as Berkshire evolves (via Bloomberg)

NRG YieldCo makes largest wind farm in U.S. available to investors (via Sustainable Business)

Could this odd-looking wind turbine reach 80% efficiency? (via Washington Post)

Virginia governor pushes renewable energy development (via Recharge)

New program solves stranded solar meter problem for California farms (via Renewable Energy World)

ENERGY POLICY 

U.S. reaches highest energy independence in decades (via The Hill)

Moody’s: Oil and gas sector to grow through 2015 (via Houston Chronicle)

U.S. House introduces $34 billion energy and water spending bill (via The Hill)

Aubrey McClendon announces $4 billion in new oil and gas deals (via Forbes)

COAL 

China’s clean-fuel focus tests U.S. coal-export lifeline (via Bloomberg)

Australian PM Abbott seeks coal comfort in fossil-friendly “Canadia” (via Renew Economy)

EMISSIONS 

Chinese official plays down emission cut expectations (via Reuters)

U.S. states considering carbon trading schemes (via Financial Times)

Latin American nations forge ahead with CO2 reduction plans (via ClimateWire)

OIL 

World needs record Saudi oil supply as OPEC convenes (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

Inaction on climate change could cost auto industry millions (via Autoblog Green)

Wireless EV charging set for massive growth by 2020 (via Autoblog Green)

Proposed EPA emissions changes would add just $7 to car prices (via CleanTechnica)

U.S. drivers’ wait for electric SUVs continues (via Navigant Research)

GRID 

German grid braces for partial solar eclipse in 2015 (via Renew Economy)

Energy storage reduces diesel use in microgrids (via Navigant Research)

Ohio utilities try end run around PJM capacity auction (via Midwest Energy News)

ENVIRONMENT 

Obama: Brace for rough wildfire season out West (via The Hill)

Electronics companies form e-waste recycling coalition (via Environmental Leader)

POLITICS 

Democrats see winning issue in EPA carbon plan (via New York Times)

Inside a green billionaire’s brain trust (via National Journal)

Hillary Clinton steers clear of Keystone pipeline in new book (via National Journal)

How Mary Landrieu is escaping her Democratic shadow (via National Journal)

OPINION 

Exporting U.S. natural gas isn’t as “clean” as you think (via Washington Post)

Why Barclays’ downgrade of entire U.S. electricity sector is an upgrade for consumers (via RMI Outlet)

Fracking’s war on coal (via Energy Collective)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.9.14

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

CLIMATE 

G7 nations vow to produce climate pledges by March (via Bloomberg)

China says climate deal hinges on aid to emerging economies (via Huffington Post/Reuters)

Researchers penetrate one of darkest climate change mysteries – clouds (via ClimateWire)

Military bases brace for slow-motion war on climate change (via NBC News)

As Louisiana wrangles, its coast is swept out to sea (via National Journal)

COAL 

China coal cap could strand assets around the world (via EcoWatch)

RENEWABLES 

Global renewables report card, map highlight China (via Climate Central)

Spain caps earnings from renewables in subsidy overhaul (via Bloomberg)

Sungevity partners with E.ON in Netherlands to scale residential solar (via Greentech Media)

Obama’s Power Africa effort takes off with $1 billion invested (via Sustainable Business)

Brazil auction nets 551MW wind power at $58/MWh (via Recharge)

The federal government just announced the biggest clean energy boost since the stimulus (via Greentech Media)

USDA plants seed funding for rural clean energy (via Clean Energy Finance Forum)

EPA extends compliance deadlines for 2013 Renewable Fuels Standard (via Green Car Congress)

Distributed solar thrives online in deregulated electricity markets (via Solar Industry)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

First major tar sands oil shipment arrives in Europe amid protests (via The Guardian)

Tar sands score win in Europe as EU removes key hurdle (via Globe and Mail)

Why we still don’t know exactly where Keystone XL pipeline will go (via StateImpact Texas)

EPA EMISSIONS RULE 

Interactive map details EPA CO2 emissions plan (via Climate Central)

Key concession in EPA emissions rule could be its curse (via The Hill)

Rhetoric of Obama’s climate plan vs. reality (via Washington Post)

How Obama’s climate rule could change the U.S. job market (via Climate Progress)

How much cleaner will Obama’s climate rules make your state? (via Mother Jones)

U.S. mayors act to support EPA climate regulations (via EcoAffect)

NATURAL GAS 

Huge Russia-China gas deal leaves door open to Japan (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

China’s new CO2 offset market set for conversion of UN projects (via Bloomberg)

China official plays down emission cut expectations (via Reuters)

The “cap” matters most in cap-and-trade markets (via FiveThirtyEight)

Planned US coal-power plant closings won’t cut CO2 much (via USA Today)

In some states, emission cuts defy skeptics (via New York Times)

Northeast US’s cap-and-trade system just had its most successful auction ever (via Climate Progress)

Southeast carbon market could be a struggle, but groundwork exists (via EnergyWire)

Texas cash-from-carbon program lures climate skeptics (via Houston Chronicle/Bloomberg)

Is Massachusetts going to divest from fossil fuels? (via TreeHugger)

OIL 

Texas, North Dakota tell happier shale tales than California (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla “seriously considering” R&D center in UK (via Green Car Reports)

Nissan Leaf electric vehicle goes on sale in Mexico (via Autoblog Green)

Nissan could offer plug-in hybrids by 2016 (via Autoblog Green)

Here’s where green cars are most popular (via Autoblog Green)

Tesla makes improvements to Model S electric car (via USA Today)

LA mayor endorses funding mass transit with cap-and-trade revenue (via Los Angeles Times)

California makes big play for Tesla battery Gigafactory (via GigaOm)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Demand response programs will reach nearly $10 billion in annual revenue by 2023 (via Navigant Research)

EPA pollution rules could be energy efficiency boon (via Energy Manager Today)

Green residential building on the rise (via Environmental Leader)

POLITICS 

Obama climate chief John Podesta issues 2016 warning to GOP (via MSNBC)

Obama is sabotaging Democratic senate hopes (via National Journal)

The politics of being green: EPA regulations may exacerbate red-blue split (via National Journal)

Senate Democrats invite GOP to climate debate (via The Hill)

Tom Steyer’s slow and ongoing conversion from fossil fuels investor to climate activist (via Washington Post)

Big money effort aims to make climate change key issue in Florida governor’s race (via Sun-Sentinel)

OPINION 

Global energy demand growth? Follow shovels in the ground (via Breaking Energy)

How doubling renewable energy worldwide could save $470 billion per year (via EcoWatch)

Why the EPA regulations go easy on coal states (via MIT Technology Review)

Is Obama’s biggest climate move already done? (via National Journal)

Why Buffett, Apple, Google love solar power (via USA Today/CNBC)

Best state in America: New York, for its shrinking carbon footprint (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.30.14

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

EPA EMISSIONS PLAN 

Obama to unveil historic plan to cut U.S. carbon pollution by up to 25% (via The Guardian)

How Obama’s power plant emission rules will work (via Washington Post)

EPA’s approach on carbon limits to spark court challenges (via Wall Street Journal)

GAO shuts down McConnell’s push to block EPA carbon regulations (via The Hill)

NRDC says Obama climate rule will save consumers $37 billion (via The Hill)

EPA may nod to nuclear in carbon rules as generators fear closures (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

China expects to launch national carbon market in 2018 (via RTCC)

CO2 monitoring could be “space-based” in the future (via Climate Central)

RENEWABLES 

Brazil expects 3GW new wind power in auctions this year (via Recharge)

UK solar capacity passes 3GW (via RTCC)

Japan wind lobby boosts wind capacity target by half (via Bloomberg)

Iceland moves closer to power Europe with geothermal power (via Bloomberg)

UK radar fix could open up 1GW of onshore wind potential (via BusinessGreen)

Rooftop solar’s emerging markets are in middle-class neighborhoods (via Climate Progress)

Connecting the dots: How fossil-fuel interests are funding state RPS battles (via Greentech Media)

Biodiesel producers push for higher mandate (via The Hill)

Ohio freezes standards for renewable energy in landmark vote (via Bloomberg)

Solazyme opens commercial algae oil factory in Brazil (via GigaOm)

California moves closer to streamlined solar permitting (via Greentech Media)

COAL 

AEP foresees coal plant closures on Obama plan (via Bloomberg)

Testing shows slow movement of coal ash in Dan River (via Roanoke Times)

Coal ash spill upends North Carolina politics, but will substantive legislation result? (via E&E Daily)

CLIMATE 

Fishing industry is poised to lose billions due to climate change (via Climate Progress)

Markey meets Pope to make common cause on climate (via Boston Globe)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Russia’s energy minister says no gas payments from Ukraine (via Reuters)

Pro-fracking bill flies through North Carolina legislature (via Climate Progress)

ENVIRONMENT 

Study: Species disappearing far faster than before (via AP)

Brazil drought fuels World Cup blackout fears (via RTCC)

KEYSTONE 

TransCanada credibility dented by Keystone defects (via Forbes)

TRANSPORTATION 

California, seven other states ready for 3.3 million EVs by 2025 (via Autoblog Green)

GRID 

Advanced battery capacity for utility-scale storage will grow 71% per year through 2023 (via Navigant Research)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Missouri utility to make up for lost time on energy efficiency (via Midwest Energy News)

POLITICS 

Republicans on climate science: Don’t ask us (via Politico)

The House Science Committee spent yesterday in a climate change denial echo chamber (via Motherboard)

Harry Reid’s attacks on Koch Brothers sends GOP donors into shadows (via Washington Post)

Big money, the Koch Brothers, and me (via Politico)

OPINION 

Obama is planning his biggest climate policy yet – and he doesn’t need Congress (via Vox)

Wonks collide as Obama climate plan prompts new ideas (via Forbes)

Evolving the conversation on climate change (via Washington Post)

Lies, damn lies, and global warming rules (via National Journal)

You down with LCOE? Maybe you, but not me (via RMI Outlet)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.29.14

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

EMISSIONS 

Obama to offer rule that sharply curb power plant emissions (via New York Times)

U.S. Chamber says new EPA rule could cost economy $51 billion a year (via Los Angeles Times)

America’s top 100 power producers already reducing emissions (via The Hill)

COAL 

Alberta renewables seen cheaper than coal in coming decades (via Bloomberg)

As EPA carbon rules loom, North Dakota clings to coal (via Midwest Energy News)

RENEWABLES 

13.5GW of solar PV estimated for China this year (via CleanTechnica)

UK wind and hydropower surges 55% in first quarter 2014 (via BusinessGreen)

Solar PV may hit $83/MWh in Brazil auction (via Recharge)

French court annuls wind power decree, ending legal saga (via Reuters)

Wind power most popular source of energy in UK (via The Guardian)

U.S. set to install 6.6GW of solar in 2014 as residential market booms (via BusinessGreen)

A PV market first: Residential solar in U.S. beats commercial installations (via Greentech Media)

Hannon Armstrong buys $107 million renewable energy portfolio (via Bloomberg)

SolarCity tries first-ever online solar offer with Groupon (via Greentech Media)

Show me solar: Missouri’s opportunity for solar power (via CleanTechnica)

Solar roadways smashes crowdfunding target, still raising more (via Green Car Reports)

ENERGY POLICY 

EU eyes plan to diversify energy supply but sees no easy fixes (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Ohio Governor Kasich will sign two-year freeze on renewables, energy efficiency standards (via Plain-Dealer)

Ohio freezes standards for renewable energy in landmark vote (via Bloomberg)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Mexico’s energy ministry projects rapid near-term growth of natural gas imports from U.S. (via US EIA)

Natural gas boom presents a conundrum for British Columbia (via New York Times)

Bill that would have sped up fracking in Illinois dies in legislature (via Chicago Tribune)

CLIMATE 

Fewer polar bear cubs being born on Arctic islands, finds survey (via The Guardian)

New environment ministry in India puts climate change atop agenda (via Economic Times)

Big waves bust up sea ice, may be playing role in melt (via Climate Central)

Melting Arctic ice may release 1 trillion tiny pieces of plastic into oceans, say researchers (via Huffington Post)

U.S. industry gears up to fight Obama’s climate rules (via Reuters)

OIL 

Oil-by-rail protests planned to mark Canadian disaster (via Houston Chronicle)

Report: Exporting U.S. oil would be economic boom (via Houston Chronicle)

How extreme heat could lead to more oil rail car derailments (via Climate Progress)

TRANSPORTATION 

Car2go car sharing service withdrawing from UK (via Green Car Congress)

TAR SANDS 

TransCanada’s safety promises draw scrutiny even as they multiply (via Greenwire)

POLITICS 

Obama raises the stakes against GOP climate deniers (via National Journal)

Pregame scuffle breaks out on EPA climate rule (via Politico)

The ongoing political explosion over climate change (via Washington Post)

Obama seeks climate legacy as coal-state Democrats cringe (via Bloomberg)

OPINION 

Barclays just threw gasoline on the fire in the battle between utilities and solar industry (via Energy Trends Insider)

Did Obama’s West Point speech make his climate case? (via New York Times)

The battle against Obama’s climate proposals has already begun (via Washington Post)

How the U.S. energy mix made a U-turn from California to Texas (via EnergyWire)

Cutting carbon: States can use what they’ve already got to lower power plant emissions (via WRI Insights)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.28.14

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

EMISSIONS 

World Bank: Carbon price efforts hurt by Australia, Russia policies (via Bloomberg)

Australia’s opposition leader concedes carbon, mining taxes to go (via Reuters)

South Korea releases tough CO2 caps on utilities, industry (via Reuters)

China’s Shenzen province to hold its first carbon permit auction (via Reuters)

Algeria site offers note of caution to storing carbon dioxide underground (via Christian Science Monitor)

Wind giant Texas stands tall as emissions rule change looms (via Houston Chronicle)

Cap and trade lives on through the states (via Politico)

Fossil fuel divestment spreads in Massachusetts: Three towns in ten days (via Treehugger)

RENEWABLES 

Lessons from South Africa: Mobilizing renewable energy investment (via WRI Insights)

Consumer solar sales will hit $2.4 billion by 2024 (via Energy Manager Today)

U.S. seeks offshore wind investments near New York coast (via Bloomberg)

Big business buys into big wind (via Navigant Research)

How a little-used NREL tool could have saved the U.S. solar industry $6 billion (via Renewable Energy World)

Capitol One, SolarCity create $100 million investment fund (via CleanTechnica)

Barclays downgrades entire utility sector because of solar’s rise (via Sustainable Business)

Siemens plans to unveil 10MW offshore wind turbine by 2020 (via Recharge)

ENERGY POLICY

White House releases sweeping regulatory agenda (via Greenwire)

NATURAL GAS 

Ukraine, Russia near deal to avoid natural gas cutoff (via The Hill)

Japanese lawmakers to lobby Abe for Russian gas pipeline (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Light-colored insects surviving warming conditions in Europe (via Science World Report)

Pentagon “clear” climate change is a national security issue (via RTCC)

Yale poll: Americans much more worried about global warming than climate change (via Climate Progress)

Climate change officially now more divisive than abortion (via Climate Progress)

U.S. industry gears up to fight Obama’s climate change rules (via Huffington Post/Reuters)

Las Vegas water czar warns other U.S. cities to gear up for climate change (via Inhabitat)

Florida Governor Rick Scott won’t say if he things manmade climate change is real, significant (via Miami Herald)

OIL 

Mexico’s oil production fell 25% in last decade, says EIA (via Houston Chronicle)

SEC writing new rules for foreign oil payment disclosures (via Houston Chronicle)

BP loses bid to stall oil spill payments during court appeal (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

Top eight automakers all reduced vehicle emissions in 2013 (via The Hill)

Men and women drive, enjoy their EVs differently (via Autoblog Green)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Pipeline defects lead to new federal safety mandates on Keystone XL (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Koch Brothers get rolling on their first tar sands project (via Grist)

GRID 

Wall Street steps up warnings on distributed energy’s threat to utilities (via Greentech Media)

What the court decision on FERC Order 745 means for demand response (via Greentech Media)

NUCLEAR 

Power market auction results place Exelon nuclear plants in jeopardy (via Chicago Tribune)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Efficiency directive could boost energy services in Europe (via Navigant Research)

States examine energy efficiency resource standards (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

Emissions markets with Chinese characteristics, or how transparency is key (via Energy Collective)

On oil and mining rules, should progressives be worried? (via National Journal)

New utility models require new understanding of customers (via Navigant Research)

How much difference can a year make? A lot, where emissions are concerned (via ClimateWire)

Four reasons why small solar installers will rise again (via Greentech Media)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.28.14

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

EMISSIONS 

World Bank: Carbon price efforts hurt by Australia, Russia policies (via Bloomberg)

Australia’s opposition leader concedes carbon, mining taxes to go (via Reuters)

South Korea releases tough CO2 caps on utilities, industry (via Reuters)

China’s Shenzen province to hold its first carbon permit auction (via Reuters)

Algeria site offers note of caution to storing carbon dioxide underground (via Christian Science Monitor)

Wind giant Texas stands tall as emissions rule change looms (via Houston Chronicle)

Cap and trade lives on through the states (via Politico)

Fossil fuel divestment spreads in Massachusetts: Three towns in ten days (via Treehugger)

RENEWABLES 

Lessons from South Africa: Mobilizing renewable energy investment (via WRI Insights)

Consumer solar sales will hit $2.4 billion by 2024 (via Energy Manager Today)

U.S. seeks offshore wind investments near New York coast (via Bloomberg)

Big business buys into big wind (via Navigant Research)

How a little-used NREL tool could have saved the U.S. solar industry $6 billion (via Renewable Energy World)

Capitol One, SolarCity create $100 million investment fund (via CleanTechnica)

Barclays downgrades entire utility sector because of solar’s rise (via Sustainable Business)

Siemens plans to unveil 10MW offshore wind turbine by 2020 (via Recharge)

ENERGY POLICY

White House releases sweeping regulatory agenda (via Greenwire)

NATURAL GAS 

Ukraine, Russia near deal to avoid natural gas cutoff (via The Hill)

Japanese lawmakers to lobby Abe for Russian gas pipeline (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Light-colored insects surviving warming conditions in Europe (via Science World Report)

Pentagon “clear” climate change is a national security issue (via RTCC)

Yale poll: Americans much more worried about global warming than climate change (via Climate Progress)

Climate change officially now more divisive than abortion (via Climate Progress)

U.S. industry gears up to fight Obama’s climate change rules (via Huffington Post/Reuters)

Las Vegas water czar warns other U.S. cities to gear up for climate change (via Inhabitat)

Florida Governor Rick Scott won’t say if he things manmade climate change is real, significant (via Miami Herald)

OIL 

Mexico’s oil production fell 25% in last decade, says EIA (via Houston Chronicle)

SEC writing new rules for foreign oil payment disclosures (via Houston Chronicle)

BP loses bid to stall oil spill payments during court appeal (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

Top eight automakers all reduced vehicle emissions in 2013 (via The Hill)

Men and women drive, enjoy their EVs differently (via Autoblog Green)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Pipeline defects lead to new federal safety mandates on Keystone XL (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Koch Brothers get rolling on their first tar sands project (via Grist)

GRID 

Wall Street steps up warnings on distributed energy’s threat to utilities (via Greentech Media)

What the court decision on FERC Order 745 means for demand response (via Greentech Media)

NUCLEAR 

Power market auction results place Exelon nuclear plants in jeopardy (via Chicago Tribune)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Efficiency directive could boost energy services in Europe (via Navigant Research)

States examine energy efficiency resource standards (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

Emissions markets with Chinese characteristics, or how transparency is key (via Energy Collective)

On oil and mining rules, should progressives be worried? (via National Journal)

New utility models require new understanding of customers (via Navigant Research)

How much difference can a year make? A lot, where emissions are concerned (via ClimateWire)

Four reasons why small solar installers will rise again (via Greentech Media)