Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.6.14

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

CLIMATE

Obama turns toward climate action (via The Hill)

Finally Neil deGrasse Tyson and “Cosmos” take on climate change (via Mother Jones)

KEYSTONE XL

Lobbying surges for Keystone XL before Senate vote (via Bloomberg)

56 senators try to force Keystone XL past Obama and the public (via EcoWatch)

RENEWABLES

Solar demand grows in Russia, surges in Chile, stumbles in India, marches on in China (via Greentech Media)

Morocco on track to deliver Africa’s largest wind farm (via BusinessGreen)

UK will install three times more solar than Australia in 2014 (via Renew Economy)

Russia expects solar investment to reach $4.2 billion by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Solar power breakthrough hints at cheaper panels for more roofs (via Christian Science Monitor)

EIA: US ethanol imports from Brazil down in 2013; US net exporter for the year (via Green Car Congress)

Almost 60,000 US farms have on-site renewables (via SustainableBusiness)

Missouri’s solar problem: Too many people like it (via Climate Progress)

Hawaii wants 200MW of energy storage for solar, wind grid challenges (via Greentech Media)

Iowa lawmakers see tax credits opening wider door for solar (via Midwest Energy News)

Kansas House rejects renewable energy standard repeal (via Wichita Eagle)

Kasich urges changes in “green energy” bill (via Columbus Dispatch)

First Dallas wind farm is on college rooftop (via SustainableBusiness)

EMISSIONS

The meteoric rise of carbon dioxide in one video (via Climate Central)

California climate tax is reducing electricity bills (via Triple Pundit)

OIL

BP tech chief: Enhanced oil recovery key to world reserves (via Houston Chronicle)

Canada ups rail tanker safety standards (via Environmental Leader)

TRANSPORTATION

Study details differences in fiscal policies to support EVs across 11 markets (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla wants a Gigafactory or two ready by 2017 (via Climate Progress)

NUCLEAR

China starts 19th nuclear reactor amid construction push (via Bloomberg)

GRID

In Japan, smart meters accelerate (via Navigant Research)

Renewables are key inputs for next-gen microgrids (via Greentech Media)

COAL

Coal reduction in China a long struggle, not a great leap (via Navigant Research)

ENVIRONMENT

Still counting Gulf spill’s dead birds (via New York Times)

POLITICS

Koch’s decline Steyer’s invitation to debate climate change, Keystone XL (via The Hill)

OPINION

Five out-there energy projects moving closer to reality (via GigaOm)

Can’t put solar on your house? Four ways to invest in solar leases (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.6.14

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

CLIMATE

Obama turns toward climate action (via The Hill)

Finally Neil deGrasse Tyson and “Cosmos” take on climate change (via Mother Jones)

KEYSTONE XL

Lobbying surges for Keystone XL before Senate vote (via Bloomberg)

56 senators try to force Keystone XL past Obama and the public (via EcoWatch)

RENEWABLES

Solar demand grows in Russia, surges in Chile, stumbles in India, marches on in China (via Greentech Media)

Morocco on track to deliver Africa’s largest wind farm (via BusinessGreen)

UK will install three times more solar than Australia in 2014 (via Renew Economy)

Russia expects solar investment to reach $4.2 billion by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Solar power breakthrough hints at cheaper panels for more roofs (via Christian Science Monitor)

EIA: US ethanol imports from Brazil down in 2013; US net exporter for the year (via Green Car Congress)

Almost 60,000 US farms have on-site renewables (via SustainableBusiness)

Missouri’s solar problem: Too many people like it (via Climate Progress)

Hawaii wants 200MW of energy storage for solar, wind grid challenges (via Greentech Media)

Iowa lawmakers see tax credits opening wider door for solar (via Midwest Energy News)

Kansas House rejects renewable energy standard repeal (via Wichita Eagle)

Kasich urges changes in “green energy” bill (via Columbus Dispatch)

First Dallas wind farm is on college rooftop (via SustainableBusiness)

EMISSIONS

The meteoric rise of carbon dioxide in one video (via Climate Central)

California climate tax is reducing electricity bills (via Triple Pundit)

OIL

BP tech chief: Enhanced oil recovery key to world reserves (via Houston Chronicle)

Canada ups rail tanker safety standards (via Environmental Leader)

TRANSPORTATION

Study details differences in fiscal policies to support EVs across 11 markets (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla wants a Gigafactory or two ready by 2017 (via Climate Progress)

NUCLEAR

China starts 19th nuclear reactor amid construction push (via Bloomberg)

GRID

In Japan, smart meters accelerate (via Navigant Research)

Renewables are key inputs for next-gen microgrids (via Greentech Media)

COAL

Coal reduction in China a long struggle, not a great leap (via Navigant Research)

ENVIRONMENT

Still counting Gulf spill’s dead birds (via New York Times)

POLITICS

Koch’s decline Steyer’s invitation to debate climate change, Keystone XL (via The Hill)

OPINION

Five out-there energy projects moving closer to reality (via GigaOm)

Can’t put solar on your house? Four ways to invest in solar leases (via Renewable Energy World)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.5.14

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

CLIMATE 

UN chief urges “bold” action to curb global warming (via The Nation/BBC)

Climate change warming up business in the Arctic (via NPR)

Australia risks “going backwards” on climate change, straining Pacific ties (via The Guardian)

Climate change is clear and present danger, says landmark US report (via The Guardian)

What happens when Washington State attempts major climate action? (via CleanTechnica)

Scientists race to develop farm animals to survive climate change (via Los Angeles Times)

“We don’t know what normal is anymore”: Confronting extreme weather on US farms (via Huffington Post)

COAL 

China’s thirsty coal industry guzzles precious water (via Seattle Times)

RENEWABLES 

US ethanol imports from Brazil down 40% in 2013 (via US EIA)

Dam it: Feds say US can double hydropower (via Climate Central)

New ad links US oil industry’s anti-biofuel campaign to Saudi Arabia (via InsideClimate News)

O’Malley to decided whether some wind turbine projects should be delayed until 2015 (via Washington Post)

Kansas state lawmakers to vote on ending renewable energy standard (via Kansas City Star)

Hawaii’s largest utility ordered to help customers install more rooftop solar (via Climate Progress)

Superfund site is latest conquest in solar’s brownfields campaign (via Solar Industry)

Renewables get vote of financial confidence in NextEra spinoff plans (via EnergyWire)

SunEdison may be too reliant on renewable tax credits, says Barron’s (via Reuters)

OIL 

US DOT says energy companies not sharing test data on Bakken oil (via Wall Street Journal)

Oil-by-rail shippers withholding important data, says DOT (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK electric vehicle sales speed up as UK plugs into global trend (via The Guardian)

China’s BYD electric bus factory comes online in California (via Autoblog)

Why European gas-mileage ratings are so high, and often wrong (via Green Car Reports)

DOE to establish gasoline stockpiles in Northeast (via The Hill)

EMISSIONS 

Switch from gasoline to ethanol linked to higher ozone levels in Brazil (via Los Angeles Times)

Supreme Court cross-state ruling leaves much unsettled for EPA (via Greenwire)

Australian banks lose millions as customers divest (via RTCC)

Seven Washington University students arrested protesting Peabody Coal (via EcoWatch)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Green stock index rejects natural gas, oil, and coal (via Bloomberg)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Democrats push Obama on LNG exports (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking may induce quakes at greater distance than previously thought (via Yale e360)

Stronger “frackquakes” are on the way, scientists warn (via Climate Progress)

Sources and solutions for carbon pollution along the LNG supply chain (via Breaking Energy)

ENVIRONMENT 

US national budget for fighting wildfires is $400 million short (via Climate Progress)

KEYSTONE XL 

Canada finds China option no easy answer to Keystone snub (via Bloomberg)

Wooing of senators to force Keystone XL falling short of votes (via Bloomberg)

Keystone pipeline issue looms as Senate takes up energy efficiency bill (via Washington Post)

ENERGY EFFICENCY 

Top 10 countries for LEED outside the US (via Environmental Leader)

Cree takes on $4 billion fluorescent lighting market with LEDs (via Greentech Media)

GRID 

Introducing New York State’s energy storage testing center (via Renewable Energy World)

ENERGY POLICY 

Obama re-nominates LaFleur as FERC commissioner (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Dissenting voices on climate change (via Washington Post)

A renewables club to change the world (via WRI Insights)

Will midterm elections move the needle on energy issues? (via National Journal)

For Obama, a renewed focus on climate (via Washington Post)

With hope and horror, climate fiction writers depict the future (via ClimateWire)

Divestment and Arctic development, between drilling and the deep blue sea (via EnergyCollective)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.30.14

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

CLIMATE 

Indian monsoons becoming more erratic (via RTCC)

Climate change “making extreme rainfall in England more likely” (via The Guardian)

Las Vegas burning: Lessons in resilience from the nation’s driest big city (via Grist)

Oyster reefs could provide “dynamic” sea walls that outpace sea-level rise (via ClimateWire)

COAL 

Supreme Court OKs EPA pollution rules: Another blow for coal (via Christian Science Monitor)

Is underground coal gasification the new fracking? (via Renew Economy)

RENEWABLES 

China hits EU with final duties on polysilicon imports (via Reuters)

Germans installing far fewer solar panels in 2014 (via Reuters)

China fuels highest solar silicon demand since 2011 (via Bloomberg)

Concerns escalate over fresh UK solar subsidy reforms (via BusinessGreen)

Pension funds hold a key to renewable energy finance (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewable electricity projections show growth under carbon market assumptions (via US EIA)

Americans are more concerned about clean energy than climate change (via EcoAffect)

ORNL assessment finds >65GW untapped hydropower in US rivers and streams (via Green Car Congress)

World’s largest solar panel farm is completed and live in Arizona (via GigaOm)

SunEdison closes financing on 60MW California solar farm (via Bloomberg)

US regulations push wave-energy project to Australia (via Houston Chronicle)

Tricky political tides challenge East Coast offshore wind projects (via ClimateWire)

Landfill area becoming solar site (via Energy Manager Today)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico expected to present energy reform laws today (via Reuters)

Report: Alstom to accept GE’s $13 billion offer (via Greentech Media)

Exelon expands again, reportedly buys Pepco for $5.4 billion (via Forbes)

EMISSIONS 

April becomes 1st month with CO2 levels above 400 PPM (via Climate Central)

Ending Australia’s carbon tax could deliver $40 billion budget hit (via Renew Economy)

China could expand carbon market to big-polluting industrial regions (via Reuters)

UK political uncertainty undermining carbon targets (via RTCC)

Documents contradict EPA on climate-rule delay (via Politico)

EPA’s powers upheld by Supreme Court with climate rules on deck (via Bloomberg)

Washington State’s governor unveils carbon reduction plan (via Reuters)

KEYSTONE XL 

Harry Reid leaves door open to Keystone XL pipeline vote (via Reuters)

GRID 

Military advances energy independence with microgrids (via GreenBiz)

Tax credits for energy storage would advance renewable energy technology (via Energy Manager Today)

New York State gets to work on “grid of the future” with sweeping changes to come (via EnergyWire)

Extreme weather topples 38 TVA transmission towers (via Times Free Press)

OIL 

Bakken oil fields market billionth barrel of oil (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK to invest $841 million from 2015-2020 to boost ultra-low emission vehicle industry (via Green Car Congress)

US rollout of electric vehicle charging stations slowing down (via RTCC)

Winners and losers in EPA fuel economy scores (via Navigant Research)

Tesla making plans for Gigafactory in at least two states (via Autoblog Green)

ENVIRONMENT 

Reporter travels to Brazil’s Amazon: Can the battle against deforestation be won? (via InsideClimate News)

Almost half of Americans live with unhealthy levels of air pollution (via The Guardian)

Triple digits expected in California and Texas during early spring heat wave (via Climate Progress)

NATURAL GAS 

Congressional supporters optimistic about natural gas export bill (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Efficiency bill may face roadblocks beyond Keystone XL (via Greenwire)

Maryland county becomes first in US to enact energy benchmarking (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

Big donor secrecy: “Irony, but it’s not hypocrisy” (via Politico)

Steyer explores involvement in Colorado contests (via E&E Daily)

OPINION 

EPA is on a legal winning streak (via National Journal)

The reality of a hotter world is already here (via Smithsonian)

George Will knocks out another instant climate classic (via Bloomberg)

What the Supreme Court’s latest air pollution ruling means (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.30.14

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

CLIMATE 

Indian monsoons becoming more erratic (via RTCC)

Climate change “making extreme rainfall in England more likely” (via The Guardian)

Las Vegas burning: Lessons in resilience from the nation’s driest big city (via Grist)

Oyster reefs could provide “dynamic” sea walls that outpace sea-level rise (via ClimateWire)

COAL 

Supreme Court OKs EPA pollution rules: Another blow for coal (via Christian Science Monitor)

Is underground coal gasification the new fracking? (via Renew Economy)

RENEWABLES 

China hits EU with final duties on polysilicon imports (via Reuters)

Germans installing far fewer solar panels in 2014 (via Reuters)

China fuels highest solar silicon demand since 2011 (via Bloomberg)

Concerns escalate over fresh UK solar subsidy reforms (via BusinessGreen)

Pension funds hold a key to renewable energy finance (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewable electricity projections show growth under carbon market assumptions (via US EIA)

Americans are more concerned about clean energy than climate change (via EcoAffect)

ORNL assessment finds >65GW untapped hydropower in US rivers and streams (via Green Car Congress)

World’s largest solar panel farm is completed and live in Arizona (via GigaOm)

SunEdison closes financing on 60MW California solar farm (via Bloomberg)

US regulations push wave-energy project to Australia (via Houston Chronicle)

Tricky political tides challenge East Coast offshore wind projects (via ClimateWire)

Landfill area becoming solar site (via Energy Manager Today)

ENERGY POLICY 

Mexico expected to present energy reform laws today (via Reuters)

Report: Alstom to accept GE’s $13 billion offer (via Greentech Media)

Exelon expands again, reportedly buys Pepco for $5.4 billion (via Forbes)

EMISSIONS 

April becomes 1st month with CO2 levels above 400 PPM (via Climate Central)

Ending Australia’s carbon tax could deliver $40 billion budget hit (via Renew Economy)

China could expand carbon market to big-polluting industrial regions (via Reuters)

UK political uncertainty undermining carbon targets (via RTCC)

Documents contradict EPA on climate-rule delay (via Politico)

EPA’s powers upheld by Supreme Court with climate rules on deck (via Bloomberg)

Washington State’s governor unveils carbon reduction plan (via Reuters)

KEYSTONE XL 

Harry Reid leaves door open to Keystone XL pipeline vote (via Reuters)

GRID 

Military advances energy independence with microgrids (via GreenBiz)

Tax credits for energy storage would advance renewable energy technology (via Energy Manager Today)

New York State gets to work on “grid of the future” with sweeping changes to come (via EnergyWire)

Extreme weather topples 38 TVA transmission towers (via Times Free Press)

OIL 

Bakken oil fields market billionth barrel of oil (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK to invest $841 million from 2015-2020 to boost ultra-low emission vehicle industry (via Green Car Congress)

US rollout of electric vehicle charging stations slowing down (via RTCC)

Winners and losers in EPA fuel economy scores (via Navigant Research)

Tesla making plans for Gigafactory in at least two states (via Autoblog Green)

ENVIRONMENT 

Reporter travels to Brazil’s Amazon: Can the battle against deforestation be won? (via InsideClimate News)

Almost half of Americans live with unhealthy levels of air pollution (via The Guardian)

Triple digits expected in California and Texas during early spring heat wave (via Climate Progress)

NATURAL GAS 

Congressional supporters optimistic about natural gas export bill (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Efficiency bill may face roadblocks beyond Keystone XL (via Greenwire)

Maryland county becomes first in US to enact energy benchmarking (via Energy Manager Today)

POLITICS 

Big donor secrecy: “Irony, but it’s not hypocrisy” (via Politico)

Steyer explores involvement in Colorado contests (via E&E Daily)

OPINION 

EPA is on a legal winning streak (via National Journal)

The reality of a hotter world is already here (via Smithsonian)

George Will knocks out another instant climate classic (via Bloomberg)

What the Supreme Court’s latest air pollution ruling means (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.29.14

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

CLIMATE 

The year climate change closed Everest (via The Atlantic)

EPA chief returns fire in war over science (via National Journal)

Will global warming produce more tornadoes? (via Mother Jones)

ENERGY POLICY 

Fossil fuel subsidies costing global economy $2 trillion, says IMF (via Renew Economy)

Russia and Iran reported in talks on energy deal worth billions (via New York Times)

Congress returns to tackle efficiency, tax credits, water law, appropriations (via E&E Daily)

RENEWABLES 

Brazil may have 2GW PV by 2019 (via Recharge)

Japan’s 25-year plan to get solar power from space (via SmartPlanet)

UK solar market to lead Europe in 2014 (via BusinessGreen)

GE invests $24 million in Welspun’s India solar plant (via Bloomberg)

UK public backs renewables over fracking, shows survey (via RTCC)

Renewable electricity generation projections sensitive to cost, price, policy assumptions (via US EIA)

Why wave power has lagged far behind as an energy source (via Yale e360)

Can a DOE competition jump-start wind power in America’s vast offshore? (via ClimateWire)

Solar Wind wins approval for $1.5 billion power tower in Arizona (via Bloomberg)

SEPA names top 10 US utilities for new solar (via Energy Manager Today)

PG&E tops solar PV charts for US utilities (via Recharge)

Solar industry is a top donor in Georgia PSC elections (via EnergyWire)

NATURAL GAS 

Squeezed from many sides, Gazprom looks for advantage in Ukraine crisis (via EnergyWire)

Slovakia signs deal to deliver gas to Ukraine (via Houston Chronicle)

Ukraine to start natural gas import talks with Hungary (via Reuters)

FERC approval could become “regulatory black hole” for some proposed LNG export projects (via Energy Collective)

EMISSIONS 

Fossil fuel divestment gaining traction (via SustainableBusiness)

Lobbying surprisingly strong on “pipe dream” carbon tax bill (via Bloomberg)

State legislators take preemptive aim at EPA power plant rules (via Midwest Energy News)

How commercial buildings can curb emissions (via Environmental Leader)

App shows carbon footprint based on your purchases (via Treehugger)

COAL 

Coal company unlawfully polluted West Virginia water, rules federal judge (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

DOE issues guidance on electric grid cyber security (via The Hill)

KEYSTONE XL 

Democrats weigh Keystone XL vote options (via Politico)

Keystone XL protesters mark final roundup – for now (via Politico)

NUCLEAR 

Floating nuclear power plant could resist meltdowns (via SmartPlanet)

OIL

North Dakota pipeline spill cleanup to top $11 million (via WDAY-ABC)

Why is the oil industry giving millions to the NRA? (via Climate Progress)

Fire chiefs play “catch-up as hazmat shipments rise with energy boom (via EnergyWire)

TRANSPORTATION 

What’s the greenest car? A short guide to vehicle emissions (via Renew Economy)

Cutting-edge transportation maps will change how we plan cities (via Washington Post)

OPINION 

They’re not sure what “climate finance” is but say we need a ton of it (via Bloomberg)

What does today owe tomorrow? (via New York Times)

Three solar integration questions utility executives must confront (via Greentech Media)

How solar energy cuts electric grid costs (via Grist)

10 questions to ask about electricity tariffs (via WRI Insights)

10 questions that shine a light on electricity prices (via WRI Insights)

Did New York State just start an energy revolution? (via Forbes)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.25.14

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

OIL 

Shale boom sends US crude oil supply to highest level since 1930 (via Bloomberg)

US regulators to propose enhanced oil tank car standards (via Reuters)

US pipeline and oil-by-rail regulator making 9% staff cut, confounding experts (via InsideClimate News)

TRANSPORTATION 

FTC officials back Tesla’s direct-to-consumer car sales model (via Reuters)

Consumer Reports finds plug-in retail experience underwhelming (via Autoblog Green)

Is Tesla planning another electric vehicle factory in California? (via Los Angeles Times)

Improving the performance of hybrid powertrains (via Navigant Research)

RENEWABLES 

UK onshore wind power will lose subsidies, say conservatives (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

Central Asian hydroelectric water wars heat up (via Huffington Post)

Solar PV set to surge 50% in Africa and Middle East in 2014 (via Recharge)

GE renewable investments exceed $10 billion (via BusinessWire)

US solar energy capacity grew an astounding 418% from 2010-2014 (via CleanTechnica)

EPA releases list of top 100 US organizations using renewable energy (via Solar Industry)

Financing lessons residential solar can teach the commercial and industrial sector (via Renewable Energy World)

Google and Apple announce new renewable energy investments (via RTCC)

New York State pledges $1 billion for solar through 2023 (via Bloomberg)

SunPower lands another strong quarter, launches new solar holding company (via Greentech Media)

Fisherman’s Energy to file legal appeal for New Jersey offshore wind rejection (via Recharge)

ENERGY INDUSTRY 

GE said to be in talks to buy France’s Alstom (via Bloomberg Businessweek)

Why electric utilities have an image problem (via Navigant Research)

Battle between fossil fuels & solar intensifies (via Sustainable Business)

50,000 Pennsylvania electric customers switch suppliers on price swings (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

CLIMATE 

Corals may withstand higher temperatures, says study (via RTCC)

Top 12 ways the world can eliminate agriculture’s climate footprint (via Phys.org)

UK supermarket: 95% of fresh produce already at risk from climate change (via The Guardian)

Study links polar vortex, California drought to climate change (via The Hill)

84,000 lives threatened by sea level rise in New England (via Climate Progress)

Lower Manhattan 20x more likely to flood than in 1844 (via ClimateWire)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Putin, Merkel call for gas talks over Ukraine (via Reuters)

Trade implication of US energy policy and LNG exports (via Center for American Progress)

Baker Hughes to reveal all hydraulic fracturing chemicals (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

USGBC launches real-time green building tool (via Environmental Leader)

Following pipeline delay, KXL politics may derail energy efficiency bill (via Greenwire)

Think you’re better at saving energy? Three charts suggest a reality check. (via Outlier)

KEYSTONE XL 

US support for Keystone hits 61% in new poll (via The Hill)

How Obama shocked Harper as Keystone Frustrator-in-Chief (via Bloomberg)

How Canada’s incoherence on climate is killing Keystone (via Rescuing the Frog)

GRID 

Britain installs first grid-scale battery (via Reuters)

Smart grid companies raise $101 million to kick off 2014 (via Renew Grid)

“LEED-like” standard launched for electric grids (via Energy Manager Today)

ENVIRONMENT 

China takes on pollution with biggest environmental law changes in 25 years (via Bloomberg)

Brazil’s coffee crop prayers for rain met with deluge threat (via Bloomberg)

Drought area expands in Plains and California (via Farm Futures)

For first time in 15 years, drought hits 100% of California (via Los Angeles Times)

Plastic bottle recycling increases 53% in 12 years (via Environmental Leader)

OPINION 

The new abolitionism (via The Nation)

Maddow: Will US energy companies disrupt Obama’s Russia policy? (via Washington Post)

The real story behind falling renewable energy investments (via World Resources Institute)

Solar power is booming but will never replace coal – here’s why (via Forbes)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.24.14

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

ENVIRONMENT 

China says more than half of its groundwater is polluted (via The Guardian)

China to impose tougher penalties on polluters under new law (via Reuters)

Up to a third of wild US seafood likely “illegal” (via Environmental Leader)

New map could refocus California’s pollution battles (via Los Angeles Times)

COAL 

Poland pushes coal on Europe as Putin wields gas weapon (via Bloomberg)

Federal government lowers level of coal dust allowed in mines (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Investment in aging coal plants a losing proposition (via Energy Manager Today)

CDC: West Virginia symptoms “consistent” with coal ash chemical health effects (via Charleston Daily Mail)

RENEWABLES 

Green bonds could cut India clean energy costs 25% (via Bloomberg)

UK approves five offshore wind projects with capacity to power three million homes (via Sustainable Business)

Biomass: The world’s biggest provider of renewable energy (via Energy Collective)

Environmental groups ask US trade rep to drop complaint over India’s solar policy (via Huffington Post)

DOE Secretary: Federal loans possible for Cape Wind project (via Cape Cod Times)

Google and SunPower join forces to fund solar homes (via Forbes)

Unlocking solar energy’s value as an asset class (via Renewable Energy World)

Three new finance models for non-profits to go solar (via Renewable Energy World)

Report says ethanol generates $19.3 billion in economic activity, supports 73,000 jobs in Iowa (via The Gazette)

Illinois still in search of solution for “broken” renewable energy standard (via EnergyWire)

EMISSIONS 

Australia slashes emission penalties in new climate plan (via RTCC)

Ireland outlines low-carbon transition plans with new climate bill (via RTCC)

Two-thirds of mayors can quantify carbon emissions cuts (via Environmental Leader)

Washington University sit-in against Peabody Coal enters third week (via Huffington Post)

OIL 

Report says US not ready for Arctic drilling (via The Hill)

Oil price declines as US oil supplies rise (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US to remain largest plug-in market over next 10 years; Tokyo to take metro lead spot from LA (via Green Car Congress)

Lufthansa says helping to test new aviation biofuel (via Reuters)

Tesla could build EVs in China as soon as 2017 (via Autoblog Green)

KEYSTONE XL 

White House disputes report on Keystone XL (via National Journal)

Spirit camp embodies Sioux opposition to Keystone pipeline (via National Journal)

CLIMATE 

Greenland’s icecap losing stability (via Alaska Dispatch/Deutsche Welle)

African Development Bank launches new climate change fund (via RTCC)

Climate change threatens California’s air quality, says report (via Los Angeles Times)

Storm surge could flood New York City one in every four years (via Climate Central)

NATURAL GAS 

In landmark ruling, jury says fracking company must pay $3 million to sickened family (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

PSE&G frustrated by resistance to “Energy Strong” effort (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

CalCharge: A model for California energy storage dominance (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU warned energy efficiency plans are slipping (via BusinessGreen)

Five million reasons for communities to lower their energy use (via Energy.gov)

Opower IPO signals growing market for energy management tools (via Navigant Research)

California schools get $381 million in first wave of energy efficiency upgrades (via Sustainable Business)

Advocates of Ohio’s green energy law say it saves $2 for every $1 spent (via Columbus Dispatch)

OPINION 

Obama’s last shot (via Rolling Stone)

The left’s secret club (via Politico)

Which US universities are the greenest? (via Climate Progress)

What a win-win on unburnable carbon looks like (via GreenBiz)

The green heroes of the Time 100 (via Time)

What’s climate change got to do with lung cancer? (via EcoAffect)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.24.14

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

ENVIRONMENT 

China says more than half of its groundwater is polluted (via The Guardian)

China to impose tougher penalties on polluters under new law (via Reuters)

Up to a third of wild US seafood likely “illegal” (via Environmental Leader)

New map could refocus California’s pollution battles (via Los Angeles Times)

COAL 

Poland pushes coal on Europe as Putin wields gas weapon (via Bloomberg)

Federal government lowers level of coal dust allowed in mines (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Investment in aging coal plants a losing proposition (via Energy Manager Today)

CDC: West Virginia symptoms “consistent” with coal ash chemical health effects (via Charleston Daily Mail)

RENEWABLES 

Green bonds could cut India clean energy costs 25% (via Bloomberg)

UK approves five offshore wind projects with capacity to power three million homes (via Sustainable Business)

Biomass: The world’s biggest provider of renewable energy (via Energy Collective)

Environmental groups ask US trade rep to drop complaint over India’s solar policy (via Huffington Post)

DOE Secretary: Federal loans possible for Cape Wind project (via Cape Cod Times)

Google and SunPower join forces to fund solar homes (via Forbes)

Unlocking solar energy’s value as an asset class (via Renewable Energy World)

Three new finance models for non-profits to go solar (via Renewable Energy World)

Report says ethanol generates $19.3 billion in economic activity, supports 73,000 jobs in Iowa (via The Gazette)

Illinois still in search of solution for “broken” renewable energy standard (via EnergyWire)

EMISSIONS 

Australia slashes emission penalties in new climate plan (via RTCC)

Ireland outlines low-carbon transition plans with new climate bill (via RTCC)

Two-thirds of mayors can quantify carbon emissions cuts (via Environmental Leader)

Washington University sit-in against Peabody Coal enters third week (via Huffington Post)

OIL 

Report says US not ready for Arctic drilling (via The Hill)

Oil price declines as US oil supplies rise (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US to remain largest plug-in market over next 10 years; Tokyo to take metro lead spot from LA (via Green Car Congress)

Lufthansa says helping to test new aviation biofuel (via Reuters)

Tesla could build EVs in China as soon as 2017 (via Autoblog Green)

KEYSTONE XL 

White House disputes report on Keystone XL (via National Journal)

Spirit camp embodies Sioux opposition to Keystone pipeline (via National Journal)

CLIMATE 

Greenland’s icecap losing stability (via Alaska Dispatch/Deutsche Welle)

African Development Bank launches new climate change fund (via RTCC)

Climate change threatens California’s air quality, says report (via Los Angeles Times)

Storm surge could flood New York City one in every four years (via Climate Central)

NATURAL GAS 

In landmark ruling, jury says fracking company must pay $3 million to sickened family (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

PSE&G frustrated by resistance to “Energy Strong” effort (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

CalCharge: A model for California energy storage dominance (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EU warned energy efficiency plans are slipping (via BusinessGreen)

Five million reasons for communities to lower their energy use (via Energy.gov)

Opower IPO signals growing market for energy management tools (via Navigant Research)

California schools get $381 million in first wave of energy efficiency upgrades (via Sustainable Business)

Advocates of Ohio’s green energy law say it saves $2 for every $1 spent (via Columbus Dispatch)

OPINION 

Obama’s last shot (via Rolling Stone)

The left’s secret club (via Politico)

Which US universities are the greenest? (via Climate Progress)

What a win-win on unburnable carbon looks like (via GreenBiz)

The green heroes of the Time 100 (via Time)

What’s climate change got to do with lung cancer? (via EcoAffect)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.10.14

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

ENERGY POLICY 

EU seeks cheaper power, curbs renewable subsidies (via ABC News/AP)

UK risks brownouts without power from Scotland (via Bloomberg)

New England power generators oppose Massachusetts proposed clean energy mandates (via ClimateWire)

Arizona utility’s long-term plan calls for more renewables, less coal (via Renew Grid)

EMISSIONS 

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels just hit their highest point in 800,000 years (via Climate Progress)

Carbon trading in China: Short-term experience, long-term wisdom (via C2ES)

California issues first forestry offsets for carbon market (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

GWEC: Global installed wind power capacity will almost double in five years (via Renewable Energy World)

Chinese solar module prices may increase up to 20% in the US in 2014 (via Greentech Media)

Offshore wind advances in Rhode Island, Texas, Georgia (via CleanTechnica)

Majority of Americans support renewable fuel standard, poll shows (via The Hill)

Net metering update: What do recent decisions tell us? (via Greentech Media)

A breakthrough for utility-scale solar on contaminated lands? (via Greentech Media)

Stanford researchers develop less resource-intensive way to make ethanol (via MIT Technology Review)

COAL 

China plans ban on imports of coal with high ash, sulfur (via Bloomberg)

CLIMATE 

Climate changes to result in bird, reptile shifts (via ABC News/AP)

Obama targets climate change in wildfire strategy (via The Hill)

TRANSPORTATION 

Cars become biggest driver of greenhouse gas increases (via Bloomberg)

The US Navy has found a way to turn seawater into fuel (via Huffington Post)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Walmart and GE team up for global LED rollout (via BusinessGreen)

How Japan replaced half its nuclear capacity with efficiency (via Energy Collective)

LA, DC top cities for Energy Star buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

Big manufacturers urging Ohio lawmakers to keep energy-efficiency benchmarks (via Columbus Business First)

FRACKING 

Researcher: 2014 slated to be most active year for global shale drilling (via Houston Chronicle)

ENVIRONMENT 

P&G pledges zero deforestation by 2020 (via GreenBiz)

Wildlife in Gulf of Mexico still suffering four years after BP oil spill: report (via The Guardian)

GRID 

Wind, solar energy driving electricity storage technology (via Climate Central)

Grid operator endorses $590 million power project for Houston area (via Houston Chronicle)

OPINION 

Shale gas blooms in China? Not so fast (via Breaking Energy)

Obama Administration’s enthusiasm for coal sales undermines its climate program (via Center for American Progress)

Cowboys and Indians against Keystone XL (via Politico)

Why California’s drought isn’t going anywhere (via Climate Central)

Making climate adaptation finance work (via World Resources Institute)

Can a fair price for solar energy win over utilities? (via Grist)