Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.27.14

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

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Shaheen, Portman finalize latest version of bill ahead of release (Via E&E Daily)

Opower’s evolution: Will the efficiency firm soon be a solar and EV integrator? (via Greentech Media)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

IG: State Dept did not break rules when hiring consultant for Keystone XL report (via Washington Post)

Corporation exploiting major loophole to quickly build 600-mile tar sands pipeline (via Climate Progress)

Canadian crude now moving through Keystone XL’s southern leg (via Houston Chronicle)

Kerry feels Keystone XL pressure from all sides (via National Journal)

Sen. Boxer raises health concerns about Keystone XL (via USA Today)

Youth plan major White House protest against Keystone XL (via Huffington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Solar set for record global expansion in 2014, led by China (via Houston Chronicle)

Germany must scrap its green energy law, say experts (via Reuters)

UK wind power output grew 38 percent in 2013 (via BusinessGreen)

IEA says wind, solar can carry bulk of energy transformation (via Recharge)

Midsize EPCs squeezed globally while the US and China nurture top firms (via Solar Industry)

Morocco opens final tender on wind farms worth $1.7 billion (via Reuters)

Large offshore wind farms could soften blow of hurricanes (via Yale e360)

Report: Solar paired with storage is a “real, near, and present” threat to utilities (via Greentech Media)

Oregon Senate passes bill to protect state renewable energy mandates (via The Oregonian)

Cape Wind expects to wrap financing in Q3 (via Recharge)

OIL 

Dream of US oil independence slams against shale costs (via Bloomberg)

Accidents spur US to mandate tests of oil by train (via Reuters)

Seismic troubles stir up trouble in offshore drilling debate (via National Journal)

Shippers confused by new federal order on oil transport (via National Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Obama proposed $302 billion transportation bill (via Washington Post)

Tesla Gigafactory will be capable of supplying 500,000 EVs a year (via Autoblog Green)

Honda to halt production of Insight hybrid vehicle (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

US, UK science academies say climate change is real (via Economic Times/Agence France-Presse)

Emerging economies lead climate action, says global study (via Bloomberg)

Climate change is increasing extreme heat globally (via Climate Central)

Report finds almost 500 laws to tackle climate change across world (via The Guardian)

COAL

Dollar value of US net coal exports has increase more than three-fold since 2005 (via US EIA)

ENVIRONMENT 

Radioactive water from Fukushima reaches Canada (via United Press International)

Ikea suspended by Forest Stewardship Council for illegal logging (via Environmental Leader)

California’s drought is extreme, but the government is making it worse (via Washington Post)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Light-duty natural gas vehicles worldwide will reach nearly 40 million by 2023 (via Navigant Research)

LA and California lawmakers move to impose fracking moratoriums (via Grist)

GRID 

Smart grid benefits could bypass consumers, warns report (via Phys.org)

Threats to power sector gleaned from other industries’ attacks (via EnergyWire)

OPINION 

Obama’s pipeline (via New York Times)

Reuters’ climate coverage continues to decline under “skeptic” editor (via Media Matters for America)

Are high natural gas prices here to stay? (via National Journal)

Stunning map shows what a worst case climate change scenario might look like (via Business Insider)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.21.14

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

CLIMATE 

Climate change a “national security” issue, say military experts (via RTCC)

Climate change brings more crime (via Los Angeles Times)

State Department review to emphasize effects of climate change on global conflict (via Huffington Post)

Obama says climate weighs on Keystone and other decisions (via Reuters)

U.S. billionaire to pour $100 million into climate change fight (via Reuters)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

As global gas output surges, U.S. seen to rival Russia in Europe (via Reuters)

Mexico’s drug cartels are standing in the way of a fracking bonanza (via National Journal)

Profits from natural gas exports could disappoint, says researcher (via Houston Chronicle)

Drilling-heavy Oklahoma ranked 2nd last year for quakes in U.S. (via EnergyWire)

Ohio governor reverses decision on fracking in state parks (via Columbus Dispatch)

RENEWABLES 

“Advanced energy” a $1.1 trillion global industry in 2013 (via Solar Industry)

Japan may cut solar tariff 14% as operating costs decline (via Bloomberg)

Biomass could provide 44% of UK energy by 2050 (via RTCC)

Brazil will install more wind capacity by 2022 than all other Latin American nations combined (via Navigant Research)

Brazil’s new 400MW of stranded wind capacity (via Recharge)

Chile connects more than 100MW of solar projects to grid (via PV Magazine)

Solar industry, utilities seek common ground (via National Journal)

Study: Wind turbines remain efficient for at least 25 years (via BusinessGreen)

NREL bioreactor uncovers how to get maximum fuel from algae (via Environmental Leader)

DOI approves 550MW of solar projects on public lands (via Renew Grid)

U.S. offshore wind inches closer to reality as Dominion places ocean lease bid (via Climate Progress)

State legislators mull Kansas renewable energy regulation (via AP)

Los Angeles solar feed-in tariff program represents 40MW (via Energy Manager Today)

GREEN BUILDING 

Top ten LEED states ranked (via Environmental Leader)

U.S. building efficiency was worth more than clean electricity in 2013 (via Greentech Media)

Battle of the buildings addresses split energy incentives (via Navigant Research)

COAL 

Flurry of coal power plant shutdowns expected by 2016 (via Climate Central)

Coal plants average 56% capacity factor – that has major implications (via Facts of the Day)

North Carolina coal ash spill investigation widens as federal prosecutors subpoena state records (via Huffington Post/AP)

Duke says its customers won’t pay for ash cleanup (via Charlotte Observer)

Illinois mine safety regulator took campaign cash from coal magnate (via Illinois Times)

EMISSIONS 

Denmark commits to setting carbon targets every five years (via BusinessGreen)

Supreme Court asked to clear the air about greenhouse gas rules (via McClatchy)

OIL 

New oil boom expected in the Ecuadorian Amazon (via The Guardian)

BNSF taking bids to buy up to 5,000 safer oil railcars (via Reuters)

North Dakota oil patch communities plea for more help (via Bismarck Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION 

Charge “sharing” by electric vehicles could ease power grid strain (via United Press International)

2014 Nissan Leaf named overall cleanest car in U.S. (via Autoblog Green)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Pipeline battles loom in Canada if Keystone XL stalled (via The Star)

Alberta oil sands study confirms tailings found in groundwater, river (via CBC News)

Keystone XL decision could drag past November after Nebraska pushback (via Greenwire)

TransCanada weighs next steps after U.S. court’s Keystone ruling (via Reuters)

Former U.S. Geological Survey head endorses Keystone XL (via Washington Post)

GRID 

China surpasses U.S. atop $15 billion global smart grid market (via Renew Grid)

State of green business: Energy storage becomes a game-changer (via GreenBiz)

Three states driving energy storage for utilities and customers (via Greentech Media)

TVA still has no deal to buy Clean Line’s wind energy (via The Commercial Appeal)

ENVIRONMENT 

Nine maps that explain the world’s forests (via WRI Insights)

U.S. West wildfire season “likely to set a record” (via CNBC)

OPINION 

Retirement of 20% U.S. coal fleet may not mean a power production decline (via Facts of the Day)

Ohio’s Utica Shale boom is not guaranteed (via Plain-Dealer)

USDA ups its climate game (via CLF Scoop)

Ethanol business recovers (via Environmental Leader)

Solving the Midwest’s ethanol problem (via The Energy Collective)

Did these Nebraska landowners just block the KXL pipeline? (via OnEarth)

Poll: Majority want answers on Keystone oil destination (via The Hill)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.21.14

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

CLIMATE 

Climate change a “national security” issue, say military experts (via RTCC)

Climate change brings more crime (via Los Angeles Times)

State Department review to emphasize effects of climate change on global conflict (via Huffington Post)

Obama says climate weighs on Keystone and other decisions (via Reuters)

U.S. billionaire to pour $100 million into climate change fight (via Reuters)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

As global gas output surges, U.S. seen to rival Russia in Europe (via Reuters)

Mexico’s drug cartels are standing in the way of a fracking bonanza (via National Journal)

Profits from natural gas exports could disappoint, says researcher (via Houston Chronicle)

Drilling-heavy Oklahoma ranked 2nd last year for quakes in U.S. (via EnergyWire)

Ohio governor reverses decision on fracking in state parks (via Columbus Dispatch)

RENEWABLES 

“Advanced energy” a $1.1 trillion global industry in 2013 (via Solar Industry)

Japan may cut solar tariff 14% as operating costs decline (via Bloomberg)

Biomass could provide 44% of UK energy by 2050 (via RTCC)

Brazil will install more wind capacity by 2022 than all other Latin American nations combined (via Navigant Research)

Brazil’s new 400MW of stranded wind capacity (via Recharge)

Chile connects more than 100MW of solar projects to grid (via PV Magazine)

Solar industry, utilities seek common ground (via National Journal)

Study: Wind turbines remain efficient for at least 25 years (via BusinessGreen)

NREL bioreactor uncovers how to get maximum fuel from algae (via Environmental Leader)

DOI approves 550MW of solar projects on public lands (via Renew Grid)

U.S. offshore wind inches closer to reality as Dominion places ocean lease bid (via Climate Progress)

State legislators mull Kansas renewable energy regulation (via AP)

Los Angeles solar feed-in tariff program represents 40MW (via Energy Manager Today)

GREEN BUILDING 

Top ten LEED states ranked (via Environmental Leader)

U.S. building efficiency was worth more than clean electricity in 2013 (via Greentech Media)

Battle of the buildings addresses split energy incentives (via Navigant Research)

COAL 

Flurry of coal power plant shutdowns expected by 2016 (via Climate Central)

Coal plants average 56% capacity factor – that has major implications (via Facts of the Day)

North Carolina coal ash spill investigation widens as federal prosecutors subpoena state records (via Huffington Post/AP)

Duke says its customers won’t pay for ash cleanup (via Charlotte Observer)

Illinois mine safety regulator took campaign cash from coal magnate (via Illinois Times)

EMISSIONS 

Denmark commits to setting carbon targets every five years (via BusinessGreen)

Supreme Court asked to clear the air about greenhouse gas rules (via McClatchy)

OIL 

New oil boom expected in the Ecuadorian Amazon (via The Guardian)

BNSF taking bids to buy up to 5,000 safer oil railcars (via Reuters)

North Dakota oil patch communities plea for more help (via Bismarck Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION 

Charge “sharing” by electric vehicles could ease power grid strain (via United Press International)

2014 Nissan Leaf named overall cleanest car in U.S. (via Autoblog Green)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Pipeline battles loom in Canada if Keystone XL stalled (via The Star)

Alberta oil sands study confirms tailings found in groundwater, river (via CBC News)

Keystone XL decision could drag past November after Nebraska pushback (via Greenwire)

TransCanada weighs next steps after U.S. court’s Keystone ruling (via Reuters)

Former U.S. Geological Survey head endorses Keystone XL (via Washington Post)

GRID 

China surpasses U.S. atop $15 billion global smart grid market (via Renew Grid)

State of green business: Energy storage becomes a game-changer (via GreenBiz)

Three states driving energy storage for utilities and customers (via Greentech Media)

TVA still has no deal to buy Clean Line’s wind energy (via The Commercial Appeal)

ENVIRONMENT 

Nine maps that explain the world’s forests (via WRI Insights)

U.S. West wildfire season “likely to set a record” (via CNBC)

OPINION 

Retirement of 20% U.S. coal fleet may not mean a power production decline (via Facts of the Day)

Ohio’s Utica Shale boom is not guaranteed (via Plain-Dealer)

USDA ups its climate game (via CLF Scoop)

Ethanol business recovers (via Environmental Leader)

Solving the Midwest’s ethanol problem (via The Energy Collective)

Did these Nebraska landowners just block the KXL pipeline? (via OnEarth)

Poll: Majority want answers on Keystone oil destination (via The Hill)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.18.14

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

COAL 

Coal generation to rise above 40% market share for first time since 2011 (via Facts of the Day)

Coal burns bright as utilities switch from gas (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Bloomberg)

Switch to gas from coal may threaten water supply (via Climate Central)

Regulators, Duke assure North Carolina lawmakers coal ash spill poses no immediate health threat (via News-Observer)

EMISSIONS 

EU leaders said to delay decision on 2030 carbon target (via Bloomberg)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

As fracking booms, growing concerns about wastewater (via Yale e360)

Pro-fracking landowners sue New York State over drilling decision delay (via New York Daily News)

Ohio officials made plan to promote fracking while regulating it (via Columbus Dispatch)

RENEWABLES 

How the UK can unlock community benefits of renewable energy (via Triple Pundit)

OIL 

US crude oil ban confusion intensifies, except in Alaska (via Houston Chronicle)

Texas heading for major water shortage with limited oil field recycling (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Obama set to order new fuel standards for U.S. trucks (via Reuters)

Apple’s merger chief met in secret with Tesla CEO Elon Musk (via Autoblog Green)

China’s EV subsidies have been extended, but is that enough? (via CleanTechnica)

GRID 

How safe and reliable is America’s electric grid? (via National Journal)

ENVIRONMENT 

China announces $330 billion water cleanup effort in latest environmental crackdown (via BusinessGreen)

New Mexico in its worst drought since 1880s (via Albuquerque Journal)

Texas drought returns, little relief in sight (via Houston Chronicle)

KEYSTONE XL 

Environmentalists debate substance of Keystone XL fight (via Houston Chronicle)

POLITICS 

Climate activist plans $100 million election year push (via National Journal)

Could Tom Steyer’s anti-Keystone campaign help Mary Landrieu? She thinks so. (via National Journal)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.17.14

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Germany set to cut rebates for companies that generate own power (via Bloomberg)

Renewable mandates, subsidies: At war with each other? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Study highlights benefits of innovative pricing in competitive electricity markets (via COMPETE)

COAL 

EIA increases short-term coal retirement prediction 50% (via Greentech Media)

North Carolina governor denies Duke coal ash deal involvement (via ABC News/AP)

EMISSIONS 

Iran plans carbon emissions trading market (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Australia to review renewable energy target (via Reuters)

Climate skeptic to lead review of Australia’s renewable energy target (via The Guardian)

Wind turbines propel Michigan closer to 2015 renewable energy goal (via Detroit Free Press)

Property rights at heart of battles over Oklahoma wind farm regulation (via The Oklahoman)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas prices soar as U.S. stockpiles drop (via Wall Street Journal)

CLIMATE 

Sec. Kerry announces “unique co-operative effort” with China on climate change (via The Guardian)

Climate change an issue of national security, warns Milliband (via The Guardian)

Denmark about to set even more ambitious climate goals than Europe (via Climate Progress)

Kerry urges Indonesia to fight climate change (via Los Angeles Times)

Obama launches climate change fund (via The Hill)

Kerry to begin climate blitz (via The Hill)

Climate trends tell different story for Great Lakes ice (via Climate Central)

Climate change gets its 15 minutes on Sunday interview shows (via The Hill)

San Francisco announces 0-50-100 plan to fight climate change (via Sustainable Business)

Map: Here’s how climate change has impacted your city (via Climate Progress)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Canadian PM Harper will press Obama on Keystone (via The Hill)

Native Americans vow last stand to block Keystone XL (via Miami Herald/McClatchy)

Enbridge pipeline joins Keystone XL in wait for U.S. permit (via Reuters)

Kerry burnishes his green badge in Asia ahead of Keystone call (via Bloomberg)

Canadian company named U.S. Oil Sands will soon start extracting Utah’s tar sands (via DeSmog Blog)

ENVIRONMENT 

More than 140 Brazilian cities rationing water due to drought (via AZ Central/AP)

Desalination plants a pricey option if drought persists (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Water cleaning technology could help farmers (via New York Times)

In California’s parched Central Valley, a message of aid and a warning from Obama (via Los Angeles Times)

OIL 

US oil demand returns to growth (via Energy Collective)

TRANSPORTATION

World’s largest EV fast charger network to roll out in China (via CleanTechnica)

Wanxiang wins bid for Fisker at $149.2 million (via Autoblog Green)

POLITICS 

Harper government makes moves to silence Canada’s leading environmental groups (via InsideClimate News)

Obama wants Congress to help with climate agenda after all (via National Journal)

John Kerry mocks those who deny climate change (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.17.14

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

ENERGY POLICY 

Germany set to cut rebates for companies that generate own power (via Bloomberg)

Renewable mandates, subsidies: At war with each other? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Study highlights benefits of innovative pricing in competitive electricity markets (via COMPETE)

COAL 

EIA increases short-term coal retirement prediction 50% (via Greentech Media)

North Carolina governor denies Duke coal ash deal involvement (via ABC News/AP)

EMISSIONS 

Iran plans carbon emissions trading market (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Australia to review renewable energy target (via Reuters)

Climate skeptic to lead review of Australia’s renewable energy target (via The Guardian)

Wind turbines propel Michigan closer to 2015 renewable energy goal (via Detroit Free Press)

Property rights at heart of battles over Oklahoma wind farm regulation (via The Oklahoman)

NATURAL GAS 

Natural gas prices soar as U.S. stockpiles drop (via Wall Street Journal)

CLIMATE 

Sec. Kerry announces “unique co-operative effort” with China on climate change (via The Guardian)

Climate change an issue of national security, warns Milliband (via The Guardian)

Denmark about to set even more ambitious climate goals than Europe (via Climate Progress)

Kerry urges Indonesia to fight climate change (via Los Angeles Times)

Obama launches climate change fund (via The Hill)

Kerry to begin climate blitz (via The Hill)

Climate trends tell different story for Great Lakes ice (via Climate Central)

Climate change gets its 15 minutes on Sunday interview shows (via The Hill)

San Francisco announces 0-50-100 plan to fight climate change (via Sustainable Business)

Map: Here’s how climate change has impacted your city (via Climate Progress)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Canadian PM Harper will press Obama on Keystone (via The Hill)

Native Americans vow last stand to block Keystone XL (via Miami Herald/McClatchy)

Enbridge pipeline joins Keystone XL in wait for U.S. permit (via Reuters)

Kerry burnishes his green badge in Asia ahead of Keystone call (via Bloomberg)

Canadian company named U.S. Oil Sands will soon start extracting Utah’s tar sands (via DeSmog Blog)

ENVIRONMENT 

More than 140 Brazilian cities rationing water due to drought (via AZ Central/AP)

Desalination plants a pricey option if drought persists (via San Francisco Chronicle)

Water cleaning technology could help farmers (via New York Times)

In California’s parched Central Valley, a message of aid and a warning from Obama (via Los Angeles Times)

OIL 

US oil demand returns to growth (via Energy Collective)

TRANSPORTATION

World’s largest EV fast charger network to roll out in China (via CleanTechnica)

Wanxiang wins bid for Fisker at $149.2 million (via Autoblog Green)

POLITICS 

Harper government makes moves to silence Canada’s leading environmental groups (via InsideClimate News)

Obama wants Congress to help with climate agenda after all (via National Journal)

John Kerry mocks those who deny climate change (via Houston Chronicle)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.13.14

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

COAL 

Washington State coal export project to get sweeping enviro review, including climate change impacts (via InsideClimate News/AP)

Columbia River coal export terminal gets key state permits, but a new hurdle is added (via The Oregonian)

North Carolina regulators seek delay on Duke Energy deal after coal ash spill (via Los Angeles Time)

North Carolina to create coal ash task force (via Charlotte Observer)

ENVIRONMENT 

Drought could make Brazil lower 2014 fiscal goal (via Reuters)

Coral off Western Australia suffers shocking damage from marine heat waves (via The Guardian)

RENEWABLES 

China confirms 14GW of solar incentives for 2014 (via Greentech Media)

Solar storage from used EV batteries set for testing in Japan (via Renew Economy)

Interior Department releases first national interactive map of onshore wind turbines (via Anchorage Daily News)

Five incubators shaping the future of green business (via EcoBusiness)

Report: Ethanol’s role could diminish as biofuels grow (via Houston Chronicle)

Giant wind farm plan raises alarm about eagle deaths (via National Journal)

U.S. solar sector jobs rest on a foundation of low-cost solar panels (via Solar Industry)

The non-impact of wind turbines on property values (via EarthTechling)

Solar industry a winning bet for $1.3 billion Skagen Fund (via Bloomberg)

Hawaii’s interconnection nightmare and why it matters to the U.S. residential PV industry (via Renewable Energy World)

Solar Coin – a crypto currency designed to stimulate solar energy production (via Resilience)

NASCAR on a green roll with new ACORE partnership (via CleanTechnica)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone comments rushing into State Department (via Houston Chronicle)

Keystone XL pipeline records sought in Sierra Club suit (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Church of England vows to fight “great demon” of climate change (via The Guardian)

Olympians speak out on climate change as Sochi warms up (via USA Today)

Are big banks fueling global warming? (via National Journal)

Despite costs, most Americans want action on climate change, says report (via Yale e360)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

EPA steps into fray over fracking with diesel (via National Journal)

EMISSIONS 

Danish parties back 40% carbon reduction target (via RTCC)

New poll: Most Republicans want to regulate carbon pollution (via Climate Progress)

Chevrolet starts buying carbon credits from colleges if they lower emissions (via Climate Progress)

It’s lonely in the carbon tax trenches, but a warrior digs in (via ClimateWire)

OIL 

North Dakota oil spill cleanup to last at least two more years (via Bismarck Tribune)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

New York State rolls out energy efficiency innovation collaborative (via Breaking Energy)

Opower has quietly filed for its long-awaited IPO (via GigaOm)

POLITICS 

New head of Senate Energy Committee has environmentalists seeing red (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

The right risk partner makes the difference in renewable energy (via Renewable Energy World)

Is Keystone worth the fight? (via New York Times)

Mapping the United States’ wind turbines (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.13.14

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

COAL 

Washington State coal export project to get sweeping enviro review, including climate change impacts (via InsideClimate News/AP)

Columbia River coal export terminal gets key state permits, but a new hurdle is added (via The Oregonian)

North Carolina regulators seek delay on Duke Energy deal after coal ash spill (via Los Angeles Time)

North Carolina to create coal ash task force (via Charlotte Observer)

ENVIRONMENT 

Drought could make Brazil lower 2014 fiscal goal (via Reuters)

Coral off Western Australia suffers shocking damage from marine heat waves (via The Guardian)

RENEWABLES 

China confirms 14GW of solar incentives for 2014 (via Greentech Media)

Solar storage from used EV batteries set for testing in Japan (via Renew Economy)

Interior Department releases first national interactive map of onshore wind turbines (via Anchorage Daily News)

Five incubators shaping the future of green business (via EcoBusiness)

Report: Ethanol’s role could diminish as biofuels grow (via Houston Chronicle)

Giant wind farm plan raises alarm about eagle deaths (via National Journal)

U.S. solar sector jobs rest on a foundation of low-cost solar panels (via Solar Industry)

The non-impact of wind turbines on property values (via EarthTechling)

Solar industry a winning bet for $1.3 billion Skagen Fund (via Bloomberg)

Hawaii’s interconnection nightmare and why it matters to the U.S. residential PV industry (via Renewable Energy World)

Solar Coin – a crypto currency designed to stimulate solar energy production (via Resilience)

NASCAR on a green roll with new ACORE partnership (via CleanTechnica)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone comments rushing into State Department (via Houston Chronicle)

Keystone XL pipeline records sought in Sierra Club suit (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Church of England vows to fight “great demon” of climate change (via The Guardian)

Olympians speak out on climate change as Sochi warms up (via USA Today)

Are big banks fueling global warming? (via National Journal)

Despite costs, most Americans want action on climate change, says report (via Yale e360)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

EPA steps into fray over fracking with diesel (via National Journal)

EMISSIONS 

Danish parties back 40% carbon reduction target (via RTCC)

New poll: Most Republicans want to regulate carbon pollution (via Climate Progress)

Chevrolet starts buying carbon credits from colleges if they lower emissions (via Climate Progress)

It’s lonely in the carbon tax trenches, but a warrior digs in (via ClimateWire)

OIL 

North Dakota oil spill cleanup to last at least two more years (via Bismarck Tribune)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

New York State rolls out energy efficiency innovation collaborative (via Breaking Energy)

Opower has quietly filed for its long-awaited IPO (via GigaOm)

POLITICS 

New head of Senate Energy Committee has environmentalists seeing red (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

The right risk partner makes the difference in renewable energy (via Renewable Energy World)

Is Keystone worth the fight? (via New York Times)

Mapping the United States’ wind turbines (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.12.14

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

EMISSIONS 

EU carbon backloading start possible in March (via Reuters Point Carbon)

South Korea risking sky-high carbon prices, worry for exports (via Reuters)

Obama administration quietly preparing deeper emissions targets for UN talks (via ClimateWire)

Capturing carbon may add 80% to US electricity costs (via Bloomberg)

California’s rate of CO2 cuts “needs to be doubled” after 2020 (via RTCC)

OIL 

OPEC sees stronger 2014 oil demand growth (via Reuters)

Russia expects 2014 oil output to renew post-Soviet record (via Reuters)

EIA lowers US oil output forecast but highlights shale upside (via Reuters)

Fracking blamed for drought in California (via CNBC/Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

India to double its renewable power capacity by 2017 (via The Hindu)

Unsubsidized solar power gives it a go in Spain (via Breaking Energy)

India’s plan for world’s largest solar farm my stumble over wetlands (via The Guardian)

UK radar deal “could unlock 2.2GW” of new wind capacity (via Recharge)

Honduras wind project gets $82 million guarantee (via Recharge)

How Chile is shepherding its renewable energy expansion (via Renewable Energy World)

How online maps can speed up solar site selection (via GreenBiz)

Lockheed backs world’s largest wave energy project (via Forbes)

Wind turbine prices fall 35% from 2009-2013 (via Facts of the Day)

Mosiac to offer retail investments in residential solar (via Bloomberg)

New York State’s green bank confirmed as “open for business” (via BusinessGreen)

Massive offshore wind farm takes shape off….Rhode Island? (via CleanTechnica)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Alberta premier says she won’t play games with US on Keystone (via The Hill)

Environmental movement to test its muscle in Keystone final stretch (via InsideClimate News)

Is shipping oil by rail as dangerous as the Keystone pipeline? (via Mother Jones)

TRANSPORTATION 

Toyota to recall 1.9 million Prius hybrids (via BusinessGreen)

Nissan Leaf ranks as best-selling EV in Europe in 2013 (via Green Car Congress)

Airbus forecasts Asia-Pacific will need 11,000 new aircraft over the next 20 years (via Green Car Congress)

Over 250,000 vehicle-to-grid enabled EVs will be sold from 2013-2022 (via Navigant Research)

Nissan Leaf accelerates to 45% total zero-emissions market share (via GreenBiz)

Tesla Motors stock breaks $200 mark for the first time (via Autoblog Green)

COAL 

Pipe break at coal facility contaminates West Virginia waterway (via Climate Progress)

Private testing finds coal chemical in 40% of West Virginia homes (via Climate Progress)

CLIMATE 

Economist says best climate fix a tough sell, but worth it (via NPR)

Hot Alaska, cold Georgia: How the shifted polar vortex turned winter upside down (via Climate Progress)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Louisiana natural gas export terminal gets green light (via National Journal)

Colorado communities battle to ban fracking (via DeSmog Blog)

Explosion and fire at Chevron natural gas well in Pennsylvania (via Climate Progress)

ENVIRONMENT 

China to set up $1.6 billion fund to fight smog (via Reuters)

In California drought, a message to consumers: Water is power (via Christian Science Monitor)

GREEN BUILDING 

Green builders weather housing slump (via Environmental Leader)

POLITICS 

House Republicans receive lowest environmental rating in 44 years (via Washington Post)

Landrieu era to begin on Senate energy committee (via National Journal)

Koch brothers bombard vulnerable Senate Democrat Kay Hagan (via Politico)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.11.14

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

GRID 

U.S. utility research group lays out plan for updated, integrated power grid (via ClimateWire)

DOE to provide funding for microgrid development (via Renew Grid)

With reliability a concern, universities looking to microgrids (via Midwest Energy News)

Grid-scale energy storage to reduce load in New York City (via Greentech Media)

Winter electricity price spikes put Clean Currents out of business (via Energy Collective)

EMISSIONS 

China’s Hubei plans province’s first carbon auction next month (via Reuters)

2013 carbon emissions drop in Northeast, rise in U.S. (via Sustainable Business)

California should set interim goal for cutting emissions, says report (via Los Angeles Times)

RENEWABLES 

2013 wind energy installations stall in U.S., surge in China (via CleanTechnica)

PV modules were a $30.5 billion market in 2013 (via Greentech Media)

Global demand for solar polysilicon to increase 25% this year (via Solar Industry Magazine)

U.S. files trade protest over India solar energy program (via Time/AP)

India vows to stand ground in new solar trade fight with U.S. (via National Journal)

Wind of change sweeps through Caribbean energy policy (via The Guardian)

Ikea: Massive energy goals producing business boom (via Energy Manager Today)

Canadian Solar estimates 75% rise in quarterly revenue (via Reuters)

U.S. renewable energy maintains growth in 2013 (via Renew Grid)

Solar third-party financing at $3.34 billion in 2013, key to U.S. solar boom (via Forbes)

EPA’s RFS cuts limit ethanol growth (via Navigant Research)

Reduced water supply forecast affects hydropower outlook in Pacific Northwest (via US EIA)

Five years later, Missouri still grappling with renewables law (via Midwest Energy News)

COAL 

Chinese coal companies’ debt concerns sink shares (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Warm enough for Summer Olympics in Sochi (via ABC News)

Higher temperatures put fish near Equator at risk (via The National)

Study sounds “El Nino Alarm” for late this year (via Climate Central)

Climatologist: When ocean warming ends, “global temperatures set to rise rapidly” (via Climate Progress)

“Most exceptional period of rainfall in 248 years” in U.K. is “consistent” with climate change (via Climate Progress)

Obama-Hollande meeting may boost larger climate goals (via The Hill)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Ambassador: Keystone rejection would “definitely strain” U.S.-Canadian relations (via National Journal)

Uproar over Keystone far outweighs pipeline’s potential effect, say analysts (via Houston Chronicle)

Greens see red on Keystone report conflicts (via Politico)

Company yet to stop leaks spilling tar sands in Alberta for nine months (via Climate Progress)

TRANSPORTATION 

China extends electric vehicle subsidies to fight air pollution (via Bloomberg)

Boeing seeks to certify jet fuel biodiesel around the world (via Green Car Reports)

NATURAL GAS 

How can a nation awash in natural gas have shortages, and what to do about it (via Forbes)

Can the Marcellus keep up its massive production? (via StateImpact Texas)

ENVIRONMENT 

Company responsible for West Virginia chemical spill skips Congressional hearing (via Climate Progress)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

White roofs could offset summer warming by 2100 (via Climate Central)

Beyond bulbs: Illinois raises the bar on energy efficiency (via Midwest Energy News)

OPINION 

Freezing out the bigger picture on climate (New York Times)

The oil industry’s fight to kill renewable fuels – and why it may win (via InsideClimate News)

A climate change reality check (via World Resources Institute)

Senators and scientists play climate dating game (via National Journal)

Steyer’s secret weapon emerges as power in climate debate (via Greenwire)

Salazar: Keystone XL a “win-win” project (via The Hill)

Could corn ethanol finally fade away? (via Sustainable Business)