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 – 8.12.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Australia can achieve 25% emissions cut by 2020, says report (via RTCC)

Obama’s regulations chief plunges into carbon policy fray (via The Hill)

California to hold carbon auction as it considers giving away more allowances for free (via Bloomberg BNA)

GRID 

Flexible grid is the key to a clean energy future (via CleanTechnica)

633 energy storage projects now underway worldwide (via CleanTechnica)

White House calls for increased grid spending (via AP)

Ten years after northeast blackout, US power grid smarter and sturdier (via Reuters)

California aims to “bottle sunlight” in energy storage push (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Solar shipments surge in second quarter as demand rises in Asia (via Bloomberg)

Western Australia backs down on solar feed-in tariff (via Renewable Energy World)

Honda goes solar in Japan, will sell renewable energy in 2015 (via Autoblog Green)

Interior Department halfway to its renewables goal, but hurdles remain (via Center for American Progress)

Bid to repeal ethanol mandate seen diluted by EPA change (via Bloomberg)

US wind power prices down to $0.04 per kWh (via CleanTechnica)

Small wind makes big gains in US (via EarthTechling)

Wind power company Pattern Energy to seek IPO (via EarthTechling)

Stained glass windows on cathedral are solar panels (via CleanTechnica)

COAL 

Switch to coal power held back in gas-starved India (via Reuters)

EPA confirms coal ash contaminates water across the country (via Climate Progress)

Interior Department proposes changes to royalties, land restrictions for coal mines (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Arctic sea ice loss dramatically slows, record minimum unlikely in 2013 (via Washington Post)

Antarctic ozone layer hole may be adding to global warming (via NBC News)

Tiny Pacific islands make big plans for climate resilience (via ClimateWire)

Agriculture assets face $8 trillion risk from climate change, water scarcity (via Environmental Leader)

How two reservoirs have become billboards for what climate change is doing to the American West (via Climate Progress)

Prepare buildings to withstand climate change, says Boston study (via Energy Manager Today)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

California legislature faces bills on fracking (via Los Angeles Times)

Methane leaks could be big business (via Wyoming Star-Tribune)

ENVIRONMENT 

China plans to spend more to tackle environmental pollution (via Reuters)

Half of the US is under threat of floods (via ABC News)

To save water, parched southwest cities ask homeowners to lose the lawn (via New York Times)

OIL 

Mexico moves to relax decades-old grip on oil (via Houston Chronicle)

Is peak oil demand just around the corner? (via Washington Post)

Amid pipeline debate, two costly oil spill cleanups forever change towns (via New York Times)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla Model S hits the European market (via CleanTechnica)

Japan moves to become a plug-in EV leader (via Navigant Research)

Southern California utility girds for 350,000 electric cars (via Green Car Reports)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

States pressure feds to cut energy efficiency backlog (via Stateline)

NUCLEAR 

South Korea warns of power shortages amid nuclear shut downs (via Reuters)

Taiwan says nuclear water still leaking inside power plant (via Bloomberg)

Florida residents angered over scrapped nuclear plant (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

ENERGY POLICY 

German utilities hammered in market favoring renewables (via Bloomberg)

Finally, the US considers a national energy bill (via Navigant Research)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Oil sands industry turns to algae to appease Obama (via Bloomberg)

Exxon knew its Arkansas pipeline was old, defective and brittle, but still added new stresses (via InsideClimate News)

Who really discovered the 2011 Keystone leak? (via EnergyWire)

POLITICS 

In his second term, Obama becomes bolder on the environment (via Washington Post)

League of Conservation Voters launch $2 million campaign targeting climate change skeptics (via The Hill)

Ex-FERC commissioners defend nominee Binz (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Why the World Bank is taking on climate change (via National Journal)

Three ways ALEC will push its fossil fuel agenda this year (via Climate Progress)

Massive demand for solar in Asia shows us where the industry is headed (via Climate Progress)

The cellulosic ethanol industry faces big challenges (via MIT Technology Review)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.12.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Australia can achieve 25% emissions cut by 2020, says report (via RTCC)

Obama’s regulations chief plunges into carbon policy fray (via The Hill)

California to hold carbon auction as it considers giving away more allowances for free (via Bloomberg BNA)

GRID 

Flexible grid is the key to a clean energy future (via CleanTechnica)

633 energy storage projects now underway worldwide (via CleanTechnica)

White House calls for increased grid spending (via AP)

Ten years after northeast blackout, US power grid smarter and sturdier (via Reuters)

California aims to “bottle sunlight” in energy storage push (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Solar shipments surge in second quarter as demand rises in Asia (via Bloomberg)

Western Australia backs down on solar feed-in tariff (via Renewable Energy World)

Honda goes solar in Japan, will sell renewable energy in 2015 (via Autoblog Green)

Interior Department halfway to its renewables goal, but hurdles remain (via Center for American Progress)

Bid to repeal ethanol mandate seen diluted by EPA change (via Bloomberg)

US wind power prices down to $0.04 per kWh (via CleanTechnica)

Small wind makes big gains in US (via EarthTechling)

Wind power company Pattern Energy to seek IPO (via EarthTechling)

Stained glass windows on cathedral are solar panels (via CleanTechnica)

COAL 

Switch to coal power held back in gas-starved India (via Reuters)

EPA confirms coal ash contaminates water across the country (via Climate Progress)

Interior Department proposes changes to royalties, land restrictions for coal mines (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Arctic sea ice loss dramatically slows, record minimum unlikely in 2013 (via Washington Post)

Antarctic ozone layer hole may be adding to global warming (via NBC News)

Tiny Pacific islands make big plans for climate resilience (via ClimateWire)

Agriculture assets face $8 trillion risk from climate change, water scarcity (via Environmental Leader)

How two reservoirs have become billboards for what climate change is doing to the American West (via Climate Progress)

Prepare buildings to withstand climate change, says Boston study (via Energy Manager Today)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

California legislature faces bills on fracking (via Los Angeles Times)

Methane leaks could be big business (via Wyoming Star-Tribune)

ENVIRONMENT 

China plans to spend more to tackle environmental pollution (via Reuters)

Half of the US is under threat of floods (via ABC News)

To save water, parched southwest cities ask homeowners to lose the lawn (via New York Times)

OIL 

Mexico moves to relax decades-old grip on oil (via Houston Chronicle)

Is peak oil demand just around the corner? (via Washington Post)

Amid pipeline debate, two costly oil spill cleanups forever change towns (via New York Times)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla Model S hits the European market (via CleanTechnica)

Japan moves to become a plug-in EV leader (via Navigant Research)

Southern California utility girds for 350,000 electric cars (via Green Car Reports)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

States pressure feds to cut energy efficiency backlog (via Stateline)

NUCLEAR 

South Korea warns of power shortages amid nuclear shut downs (via Reuters)

Taiwan says nuclear water still leaking inside power plant (via Bloomberg)

Florida residents angered over scrapped nuclear plant (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

ENERGY POLICY 

German utilities hammered in market favoring renewables (via Bloomberg)

Finally, the US considers a national energy bill (via Navigant Research)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Oil sands industry turns to algae to appease Obama (via Bloomberg)

Exxon knew its Arkansas pipeline was old, defective and brittle, but still added new stresses (via InsideClimate News)

Who really discovered the 2011 Keystone leak? (via EnergyWire)

POLITICS 

In his second term, Obama becomes bolder on the environment (via Washington Post)

League of Conservation Voters launch $2 million campaign targeting climate change skeptics (via The Hill)

Ex-FERC commissioners defend nominee Binz (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Why the World Bank is taking on climate change (via National Journal)

Three ways ALEC will push its fossil fuel agenda this year (via Climate Progress)

Massive demand for solar in Asia shows us where the industry is headed (via Climate Progress)

The cellulosic ethanol industry faces big challenges (via MIT Technology Review)

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 – 7.1.13

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

CLIMATE 

Obama plan could define 2015 UN climate deal (via RTCC)

Climate change poses grave threat to security: UK military commander (via BusinessGreen)

Climate change not something insurance is likely to cover (via EarthTechling)

Federal community-resilience investments swamped by disaster damages (via Climate Progress)

A new industry is born for the frontlines of climate change (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Coal-fired retrofit market “$523 billion by 2020” (via Environmental Leader)

In 2013, coal is winning the war on coal: generation jumps 13% as natural gas falls 10% (via Facts of The Day)

DOE Secretary Moniz rebuts “war on coal” (via The Hill)

Coal trains raise concerns in congested Northwest US cities (via Seattle Times)

RENEWABLES 

India’s renewable energy potential remains untapped (via Triple Pundit)

Tensions laid bare as Desertec exits industrial solar consortium (via BusinessGreen)

Congress may change or even repeal 2007 ethanol mandate (via Autoblog Green)

Western governors unveil 10-year energy “vision” (via Houston Chronicle)

ACORE looks at how to scale US renewable energy investments (via Renewable Energy World)

World’s first wind-current generator could produce double the power (via TreeHugger)

Making small wind work takes big planning (via EarthTechling)

SolarCity plans solar power storage solution due in 2015 (via Los Angeles Times)

Connecticut Green Bank closes on $60 million solar lease financing (via Hartford Courant)

South Carolina regulators to re-examine solar power rules (via The State)

OIL 

Cheaper Canadian oil for Midwest refiners not reflected in price at the pump (via InsideClimate News)

BP report says Gulf oil spill only half as big as government claims (via Forbes)

Report shows ExxonMobil pipeline that spilled oil in Arkansas had at least 13 prior leaks (via The Republic)

TRANSPORTATION 

The future of solar and wind powered shipping (via MIT Technology Review)

Hertz 24/7 will make car-sharing available to most Americans by 2016 (via Autoblog Green)

Midwest seen as proving ground for biofuel-powered airliners (via Midwest Energy News)

California high-speed rail is moving forward (via Inhabitat)

Tesla Motors conquers North Carolina (via CleanTechnica)

NATURAL GAS 

China backs off shale gas targets (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Electricity market analytics could cut data center emissions 99% (via Energy Manager Today)

Energy Star updates Portfolio Manager for buildings (via GreenBiz)

Chicago to require benchmarking in large commercial buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

5 ways to engage low-income customers in efficiency (via Greentech Media)

GRID 

Algorithm identifies most danger power grid risks amid millions of possible failures (via Phys.org)

What’s the real cost of smart meters in Maine? (via Greentech Media)

EMISSIONS 

Is carbon pricing reducing Australia’s emissions? (via Renew Economy)

99% of Australian businesses back emissions trading scheme (via RTCC)

Some climate advocates open to idea of dumping Australian carbon tax (via The Guardian)

GREEN BUILDING 

Study: smart growth reduces risk of mortgage default (via Sustainable Cities Collective)

At Fort Bliss, an Army vision for a new shade of green (via Los Angeles Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Butterfly decline signals trouble in environment (via Washington Post)

In Texas, a push to show farmers how to save water (via Texas Tribune)

POLITICS 

Obama calls on voters to demand climate action at the ballot box (via The Hill)

Two insiders take the reins on Obama’s climate effort (via Greenwire)

Moderate Democrats, facing hard midterm elections, treat climate plan carefully (via ClimateWire)

Senate leans toward Gina McCarthy confirmation for EPA (via Politico)

OPINION 

Scientists predicted a decade ago Artic ice loss would worsen Western droughts – is that happening already? (via Climate Progress)

Obama’s Lincoln moment? (via Grist)

The biggest oversight in Obama’s climate plan is a doozy (via Grist)

Google’s green search (via Recharge)

The myriad benefits of a carbon tax (via New York Times)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.21.13

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

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

World’s cities improving energy efficiency, says report (via Phys.org)

Australia’s costly energy inefficiency (via Renew Economy)

Study: US utilities still lack incentives for efficiency investment (via Midwest Energy News)

UC Berkeley, MIT launch energy efficiency research project (via Energy Manager Today)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

US to face stiff competition in global LNG market (via Breaking Energy)

EPA abandons study that linked fracking, Wyoming water pollution (via The Hill)

EMISSIONS 

Historic day in China: cap-and-trade begins (via Sustainable Business)

Carbon tax proposed by National Research Council (via Politico)

Sen. Feinstein plans power plant carbon bill (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

China, EU solar trade talks get positive (via Renewable Energy World)

Why is China investing so much in US solar and wind? (via WRI Insights)

EU accused of “hampering” sustainable biofuels (via BusinessGreen)

Obama climate plan pushes renewables (via Recharge)

Small wind power systems will surpass $700 million in annual revenue by 2018 (via Navigant Research)

Hawaiian Electric asks to speed up purchase of renewable energy (via Renew Grid)

Houston to buy half its power from renewables (via Houston Chronicle)

COAL 

Record US coal exports fuel climate change debate (via Christian Science Monitor)

CLIMATE 

UN says businesses must prepare for a changing climate (via BusinessGreen)

Profits rule as 110 cities worldwide plan for climate change (via RTCC)

May tied for third-warmest on record globally, says NOAA (via The Hill)

Will Obama’s new climate policy lead to a greener future? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Coming (very) soon: Obama’s climate strategy (via Greentech Media)

New Obama climate plan may draw from March panel recommendations (via Reuters)

ENERGY POLICY 

US government charges lower royalties than many states for oil and gas drilling (via Climate Progress)

North Dakota sees record oil shipments by rail (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Electricity costs 30% less today in US than in 1984 (via Facts of The Day)

GRID 

Energy storage moves wind to baseload power (via Renewable Energy World)

USDA issues another $15 million in smart grid funding (via Renew Grid)

KEYSTONE XL 

Canadian ambassador says Keystone denial won’t block mining (via Bloomberg)

145 former Obama campaign staffers urge him to reject Keystone XL (via Climate Progress)

Steyer rejects Obama climate change plan as Keystone deal (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

Pipeline foes say Obama’s climate plan no tradeoff for Keystone (via Reuters)

ENVIRONMENT 

Extreme weather cost US $110 billion in 2012 (via Mother Jones)

Raging Colorado, Arizona wildfires prompt evacuations (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

Policy is the muscle behind natural gas vehicles in China (via EnergyWire)

Nissan offers Leaf battery replacement plan: $100 a month (via Green Car Reports)

Ford cuts plan CO2 emissions a third since 2000, targets another third by 2025 (via Green Car Reports)

High-mileage hybrids have huge payoffs (via Phys.org)

Tesla shows off battery swap technology (via BusinessGreen)

POLITICS

Can Obama go post-partisan on climate to offer carbon power plant rules? (via ClimateWire)

White House preps carbon tax – let’s call it “ObamaAir” (via Forbes)

Tom Steyer hints at campaigns beyond Keystone – and Washington (via Politico)

Tom Steyer (and his jar of tar sands oil) comes to Washington (via Mother Jones)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 6.20.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Revised EU carbon market fix passes first hurdle (via RTCC)

Obama readying emissions limits on power plants (via New York Times)

Energy risk: the forgotten half of America’s carbon cuts (via Energy Collective)

GOP senators slam significant change to “social cost” of carbon (via The Hill)

US Forest Services study finds urban trees remove air pollution, save lives (via Phys.org)

NUCLEAR 

Japanese nuclear regulator announces safety guidelines overhaul (via New York Times)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

NREL provides open-source system for large-scale energy data collection (via Energy Manager Today)

Energy performance of 60,000 buildings now open to public (via Sustainable Business)

Energy use in US apartments drops nearly 40% (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Top wind power countries in world per capita (via CleanTechnica)

China and Japan drive Africa renewables investment (via Bloomberg)

Renewables offer least-cost option for Africa energy shortages (via Renew Economy)

Germany energy storage incentive could push PV market further (via Renewable Energy World)

Siemens to develop biofuel from steel industry gases (via BusinessGreen)

Optimizing small wind turbines (via Renewable Energy World)

US state-level renewables push is waning (via Reuters)

2013 state solar policy rankings show most solar-friendly states (via CleanTechnica)

COAL 

NW residents’ support for coal dropping (via Oregon Public Broadcasting)

CLIMATE 

Global warming threatens Africa food, Asia water within lifetime (via Bloomberg)

Germany insurance claims for flood damage may hit $8 billion (via Reuters)

New US climate strategy coming within weeks (via Reuters)

Ancient pollen in Brazilian rainforest offers climate clues (via BBC News)

Recent trends in climate change indicators (via Energy Collective)

6 of the world’s most extensive climate change adaptation plans (via InsideClimate News)

Report: building resilience to climate-fueled extreme weather “woefully underfunded” (via The Hill)

Mayors launch fight for climate change resiliency (via Energy Collective)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Israel to keep most its natural gas for domestic use (via Reuters)

Shale gas long-term US success poses interim challenges (via EnergyWire)

US gas reserves down amid shale boom (via Breaking Energy)

3.5MW of new US generation capacity added in May, 72% is natural gas (via Facts of the Day)

Study finds consensus on shale drilling’s biggest risks (via Phys.org/Akron Beacon Journal)

ENVIRONMENT 

Philippines financial capital bans plastic bags (via Phys.org)

Study maps likely wildlife migration corridors as climate warms (via Yale e360)

Biologists worried by starving migratory birds tied to climate change (via Washington Post)

Wind-wildlife group begins building bird-death database (via Midwest Energy News)

Seabirds face big problems as sea levels rise (via Mongabay)

Southwest US mega-drought: a bad omen for global forests (via Yale e360)

TRANSPORTATION 

New gas mileage rules will reshape what Americans drive (via Green Car Reports)

Power consumption on Ecotricity’s UK’s electric highway increases 45-fold (via CILT-UK)

Why Tesla thinks it can make battery swapping work (via MIT Technology Review)

US researchers create “green” battery using wood (via United Press International)

OIL 

Norway opens Arctic border area to oil drilling (via Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

GRID 

EPRI software quantifies value of energy storage (via Energy Manager Today)

Will summer blackouts doom the Texas boom? (via Forbes)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Americans buy green to save money, not the climate (via Mother Jones)

OPINION 

Is Japan solar’s real deal? (via Renewable Energy World)

The time for climate action is now (via Los Angeles Times)

Increased “social cost” of carbon could affect Keystone XL (via CBC News)

The 10 dumbest things ever said about global warming (via Rolling Stone)

Four ways the government subsidizes risky coastal rebuilding (via ProPublica)

Is NYC’s climate plan enough to win the race against rising seas? (via InsideClimate News)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.30.13

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

EMISSIONS

Global carbon dioxide concentration now at highest level in 5 million years (via USA Today)

Global carbon dioxide levels set to pass 400ppm milestone (via The Guardian)

EU uncertainty likely to affect global carbon markets (via RTCC)

COAL 

In the Northwest, rising coal exports to Asia stir huge fight (via Seattle Times)

Bank of America and Citigroup biggest lenders to coal industry (via Bloomberg)

Patriot Coal warns of liquidation without major cuts to labor (via Reuters)

GRID 

Ethiopia getting Chinese funds for $1 billion hydropower line (via Renewable Energy World)

DOE: $2.9 billion in smart grid investment yields $6.8 billion in economic output (via AOL Energy)

RENEWABLES 

Latin American clean energy investment surged 127% in 2012 (via CleanTechnica)

India’s clean power capacity races past 28GW in 2012-2013 (via Panchabuta)

Masdar to invest £1 billion with UK Green Investment Bank (via BusinessGreen)

Obama Administration limits mining on potential renewable energy sites (via The Hill)

Largest solar power plant in world now under construction in California (via Renew Economy)

Seven US offshore wind demonstration projects (via Renewable Energy World)

New wind industry CEO to mix business with environment (via Greentech Media)

Reshuffling the top 5 micro wind turbines (via CleanTechnica)

Website aims to become Yelp of solar power (via Midwest Energy News)

Very small wind hopes to power you up (via EarthTechling)

Colorado wins stronger solar mandate (via Greentech Media)

Slowing clean energy investing rush could hurt Sacramento industry (via Sacramento Bee)

OIL 

China is using up oil faster than we can produce it (via Washington Post)

Saudi-US relations to withstand North American oil boom (via Reuters)

Latest government data shows Canadian oil exports to US rising (via Wall Street Journal)

As shale booms, US crude exports jump to 13-year high (via Reuters)

BP hit by wave of new spill lawsuits ahead of April deadline (via Reuters)

California lawmakers advance bill to halt oil fracking in state (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Texas shale boom has major impact on state budget (via Texas Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION 

Fleet owners driven toward natural gas vehicles as oil prices soar (via Bloomberg)

Diesel, hybrid sales rocket past overall US market growth rate (via Autoblog Green)

Remember: DOE rejected most of the EV startups that wanted loans (via GigaOm)

Tesla Motors offers unlimited battery warranty (via Plugin Cars)

Nissan Leaf time lapse shows the EV being built (via Autoblog Green)

CLIMATE 

Rich countries blamed for setting climate talks “back a decade” (via RTCC)

Climate change compounds rising threats to koala (via The Guardian)

Report links rise in US disaster relief spending to climate change (via Climate Progress)

Along New Jersey bay, rising sea draws ever closer (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

ENERGY POLICY 

Japan utilities post $16 billion loss, outlook clouded on reactor restarts (via Reuters)

California nuclear shutdown offset low 2012 natgas prices (via Reuters)

Marcellus Shale cities, entwined with gas, among latest to join fossil fuel divestment push (via EnergyWire)

ENVIRONMENT 

EU votes to ban bee-killing pesticides (via BusinessGreen)

US Defense Department becomes a wildlife protector (via Los Angeles Times)

5 butterfly species just went extinct while no one was looking (via Mother Jones)

KEYSTONE XL 

Nearly 50 groups lobbying for Keystone XL (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Nest Labs updates smart thermostat for summer (via Greentech Media)

Ohio industry backs state energy efficiency standards (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

The politics of climate change (via Phys.org)

House GOP demands details on DOE loan guarantees (via The Hill)

How “green” is new Interior Secretary Sally Jewell? (via Christian Science Monitor)

New Interior Department chief savors a steep learning curve (via New York Times)

Landrieu primed to lead Senate Energy panel – if she wins re-election (via National Journal)

Sen. Boxer finds herself at odds with environmentalists (via Los Angeles Times)

Zukerberg group draws fire over pro-fossil fuel ads (via Politico)

OPINION 

Why do conservatives like to waste energy? (via Mother Jones)

How the political crusade against Fisker Automotive stifles innovation (via OnEarth)

Carbon market crossroads: new ideas for harnessing global markets to confront climate change (via Climate Progress)

Climate myths: how climate deniers are getting away with bad science (via Mongabay)

How to spot greenwashing (via The Good Human)

The limits of climate adaptation are social, not physical or economic (via Grist)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.21.13

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

TAR SANDS 

Canada’s First Nations say they will fight oil sands, pipeline (via CBC News)

Michigan oil spill cleanup may exceed insurance (via Reuters)

CLIMATE 

World Bank to prioritize support for climate vulnerable states (via RTCC)

Americans’ belief in global warming rises with thermometer (via Times-Picayune/AP)

If you thought 2012 was hot, just wait a few years (via Climate Central)

GRID

Grid operator warns of future power problems in New England (via Boston Globe/AP)

Texas legislature approves electric market cost-benefit measure (via Houston Chronicle)

California lawmakers hammer utilities panel for shoddy forecasting (via Sacramento Bee)

RENEWABLES 

China’s wind power production increased more than coal power did for first time ever in 2012 (via Climate Progress)

India to install 1.3-1.4GW solar power in 2013 (via Panchabuta)

Australia sticks with renewable energy target (via Recharge)

1GW of new PV seen in Mideast and Africa in 2013 (via Recharge)

German insurers urge easing green energy investment rules (via Reuters)

US Senate rejects amendment gutting military biofuels program by 40-59 vote (via The Hill)

Small wind power annual installations will double in capacity by 2018 (via Navigant Research)

OIL 

Oil companies bid $1.6 billion for Gulf drilling rights (via Houston Chronicle)

Coastal states want more offshore drilling revenue (via Politico)

ENVIRONMENT 

China’s coastal waters increasingly polluted (via Phys.org)

New pope: “let us be protectors of creation” (via Mongabay)

Four ways to harvest rainwater and save resources (via The Good Human)

NUCLEAR 

Nuclear regulators under fire for delay of post-Fukushima safety requirement (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

NRC: Car petroleum use, GHG emissions could drop 80% (via Environmental Leader)

US lawmakers say ethanol mandate may hike gasoline price (via Reuters)

Study says EV drivers will pay more per kWh to charge at work (via Green Car Reports)

DOE tool scores EV readiness for cities, counties, states (via EarthTechling)

SuperTruck semi achieves 54-percent increase in fuel economy (via Autoblog)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

UK budget promises shale gas tax breaks, public benefits (via Reuters)

Pact reached on voluntary standards for fracking in Northeast US (via New York Times/AP)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Study shows energy-efficient homes are 32% less risky for lenders (via Greentech Media)

Walgreens launches first net-zero retail store in US (via Sustainable Business)

New reasons to change light bulbs (via New York Times)

COAL 

Coal plants belching out less mercury (via Forbes)

How coal affects water quality: state of the science (via Sightline Daily)

POLITICS 

The wealth of business connections for Obama’s Energy pick (via ProPublica)

Keystone XL pipeline debate rattles Massachusetts Senate race (via Reuters)

OPINION 

A Chinese solar giant goes bankrupt, and that’s a good thing (via GigaOm)

UK budget sets green alarm bells ringing (via Recharge)

Protecting renewable portfolio standards from cynical attacks (via Forbes)

How to cut US gasoline use in half by 2030 (via Washington Post)

Two ways Americans may get more ownership of their energy future (via CleanTechnica)

More coal-fired idiocy and mendacity in Nevada (via Grist)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.8.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Global carbon market value drops 35 percent (via Environmental Leader)

Carbon price suffers “dramatic and enduring” slump (via BusinessGreen)

RGGI calls for 45% cut in amount of carbon emissions allowed (via New York Times)

Utilities prepare for federal carbon rules on power plants (via ClimateWire)

Americans want carbon regulations but not taxes (via United Press International)

COAL 

Green Europe’s dirty secret: it’s consuming more coal (via Washington Post)

CLIMATE 

Could climate change be Al-Qaida’s best friend in Africa? (via Slate)

EPA to issue climate change plan on Friday (via The Hill)

Senior Dem: Obama vows to tackle climate – eventually (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

India rebuffs US solar complaint at WTO (via Wall Street Journal)

Wind power markets grow where the Iron Curtain fell (via Greentech Media)

Deadly China pollution breathes new life into solar debt (via Bloomberg)

Intel and Wal-Mart lead EPA’s green power partnership list (via CleanTechnica)

Wind industry moves to standardize site assessments (via BusinessGreen)

Biomass breathing new life into coal plants (via Forbes)

Broad coalition working against ethanol, says it’s “worse than tar sands” (via Autoblog Green)

Despite tarnished reputation, small wind advocates still see opportunity (via Midwest Energy News)

California sets a new solar power record (via Greentech Media)

Apple eyes another patent patent for solar-powered iPhone (via CNET)

ENERGY INDUSTRY 

Chu bets big on batteries, predicts new energy business models (via SNL Energy)

7 major energy trends to watch in 2013, via DOE’s David Sandalow (via GigaOm)

EIA begins posting daily energy prices online (via US EIA)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Extracting Europe’s shale gas will be slow and difficult (via The Economist)

North Dakota bill cuts tax exemption for natural gas flaring (via Dickinson Press)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency may cut $169 billion in business costs (via Bloomberg)

$150 million in US tax credits available for energy efficiency projects (via Energy Manager Today)

Which is better for efficiency: retrofits or behavior change? (via Greentech Media)

87% of Seattle’s large buildings report energy usage (via Energy Manager Today)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

First Nations question Northern Gateway experts on oil spill impacts (via Globe and Mail)

Pressure on Kerry ahead of meeting with Canada counterpart (via The Guardian)

TransCanada CEO urges permit for Keystone XL (via Washington Post)

TRANSPORTATION

Hybrids, EVs don’t see big sales boost from higher gas prices (via Reuters)

Ford expects 900 US dealers for its plug-ins by Spring 2013 (via New York Times)

Lawmakers pitch plan to tweak Renewable Fuel Standard (via Houston Chronicle)

AeroVironment bundles home charger, installation, warranty with EV purchase (via Green Car Congress)

ENVIRONMENT 

UK to start construction of 93 new flood defense projects in 2013 (via BusinessGreen)

Two Great Lakes hit record low levels: climate crisis or natural cycle? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Westerners agree protected public lands create jobs, oppose state/private ownership (via Climate Progress)

In California, reading the snow to tell future for water supply (via New York Times)

GRID 

How will smart grid transformer technologies stabilize the aging US grid? (via Greentech Media)

US electricity system: over-engineered and vulnerable (via Grist)

NUCLEAR 

Exelon cuts nuclear upgrade spending amid low gas prices (via Reuters)

POLITICS

Can Obama pair Keystone XL and climate action? (via Politico)

Murkowski mulls “hold” on Interior nominee over road’s rejection (via The Hill)

Gore backs Harvard divestment campaign (via Mother Jones)

OPINION 

Renewables cheaper than coal in Australia- a preview of things to come (via Grist)

The other resource curse (via Council on Foreign Relations)

How long before fracking spreads to Europe? At least a decade (via Washington Post)

Climate message essentials for all six “Americas” (via Sightline Daily)