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)

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)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 2.3.14

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone XL unites environmentalists and landowners in pipeline battle (via The Guardian)

Keystone pipeline inches toward green light with crucial climate finding (via National Journal)

Keystone report reignites battle over pipeline’s impact (via Houston Chronicle)

EPA review could be lynchpin to Keystone review process (via Reuters)

Pressure is on Kerry as Keystone pipeline decision nears (via Washington Post)

State Department Inspector General won’t release Keystone XL contractor report (via Washington Post)

Keystone foe Steyer urges review of “defective” analysis (via Bloomberg)

RENEWABLES 

EU wind market shrank 8% in 2013 (via Recharge)

Repowering boosts new German onshore wind capacity in 2013 (via Recharge)

Rooftop solar will soon be cheaper than coal in the EU (via Greentech Media)

Dong Energy to sell half of London Array offshore wind stake for £644 million (via BusinessGreen)

Canadian hydro gambles big on US export market – but at what cost? (via EnergyWire)

Goldman Sachs says renewables one of most compelling investment sectors (via CleanTechnica)

2014 wind boom: Record 12,000MW of wind now under construction (via Facts of the Day)

Solar continues to attract financing, M&A, and VC (via Greentech Media)

Price of solar much lower than solar savings (via CleanTechnica)

What does $2 million buy? How about 1,800GW of wind power (via CleanTechnica)

Is ethanol eating your car’s engine? (via Forbes)

Colorado PUC keeps net metering in place for now (via Renew Grid)

Solar thermal power poses challenges for drought-stricken California (via MIT Technology Review)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

CHP capacity will grow 16.3GW annually through 2023 (via Energy Manager Today)

Panama Canal expansion could increase LNG exports to Asia (via Houston Chronicle)

North Carolina fracking panel sets safe drilling distances from homes, streams (via Charlotte Observer)

EMISSIONS 

In China’s war on bad air, government decision to release data gives fresh hope (via Washington Post)

Canadian prime minister defers emissions rules in Obama Keystone standoff (via Bloomberg)

UK carbon capture industry potential estimated at up to £35 billion by 2030 (via The Guardian)

Lower emissions cap for RGGI takes effect in 2014 (via US EIA)

California carbon prices “will remain low” (via Environmental Leader)

California cities compete to see which can be “coolest” and cut emissions (via United Press International)

COAL 

Australia permits coal port dredge dumping near Barrier Reef (via Bloomberg)

GRID 

Indian microgrids seek to bring millions out of darkness (via GreenBiz)

Global smart meter installations to top 800 million by 2020 (via BusinessGreen)

Construction of wind-energy transmission line to create Missouri jobs (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

OIL 

BP digs in as last leg of Gulf oil spill trial approaches (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Tesla aims for electric car coast-to-coast record (via USA Today)

BMW exec says public chargers not important for EV success (via Autoblog Green)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Philadelphia rates its buildings for energy consumption (via Philadelphia Inquirer)

ENVIRONMENT 

UK’s January flooding surpasses all 247 years of data on the books (via Climate Progress)

Severe drought has U.S. west fearing worst (via New York Times)

Congress tried to cut subsidies for homes in flood zones – it was harder than they thought (via Washington Post)

Leading scientists explain how climate change is worsening California’s epic drought (via Climate Progress)

California drought prompts unprecedented water conservation efforts (via Huffington Post/AP)

How a brewery might save one town during the California drought (via Huffington Post)

OPINION 

EU ETS isn’t out of trouble just yet (via Energy Collective)

No matter how you count them, fossil fuel subsidies are high as ever (via DeSmogBlog)

Long path still ahead for Keystone XL pipeline (via Houston Chronicle)

Five takeaways from State Department’s Keystone XL pipeline review (via Washington Post)

Keystone XL, a sorry symbol of continued fossil fuel reliance (via Los Angeles Times)

Approving Keystone XL could be the biggest mistake of Obama’s presidency (via The Guardian)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.30.14

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

EMISSIONS

Foundations representing $1.8 billion band together in fossil fuel divestment (via New York Times)

US consultancy ICF to help plan China carbon market (via Reuters)

COAL

EPA sets December deadline for coal ash rule (via Charleston Gazette)

Why Obama’s climate push means trouble ahead for coal (via Christian Science Monitor)

CLIMATE

As sea level rises, Fijian village begins to relocate citizens (via Climate Progress)

Snowden docs: US spied on negotiators at 2009 climate summit (via Huffington Post)

Industry coalition seeks to shape EPA’s climate rules (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES

UK should have 10 million homes with solar panels by 2020 (via The Guardian)

Merkel: German renewable energy no longer “niche” (via Recharge)

IHS pegs South Africa as top emerging solar market (via Solar Industry Magazine

Net metering in 2014: Where the first battles will be fought (via Renewable Energy World)

Renewable energy finance outlook for 2014: Where will the cash flow? (via Renewable Energy World)

Intel, Microsoft, Kohl’s lead EPA’s green power ranking (via GreenBiz)

How California can hit 50% renewable energy by 2030 (via EarthTechling)

OIL

Shell backs off Arctic drilling after legal blow (via National Journal)

Justice Department urges judge to maintain BP federal contracts suspension (via National Journal)

Oil shipments blocking Amtrak trains (via The Hill)

Texas oil boom could be nearing slowdown (via Houston Chronicle)

New York governor orders emergency response review for oil rail shipments (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION

JD Power asks EV buyers why they buy EVs (via Autoblog Green)

ENVIRONMENT

Monarch butterflies keep disappearing – here’s why (via Washington Post)

West Virginia officials dispute formaldehyde claim (via AP)

Arizona state legislators push bill to nullify EPA regulations (via The Hill)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING

Industry in North Dakota to cut flared natural gas (via New York Times)

New York “extremely unlikely” to allow fracking before 2015 (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ENERGY MARKETS

California PUC president: Utility death spiral is “last year’s hype” (via Greentech Media)

Two states feel the market heat as their deregulated neighbors reap rewards (via EnergyWire)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

LED market to grow 12-fold to $25 billion in 2023 (via CleanTechnica)

10 US cities plan coordinated attach on building energy waste (via Greentech Media)

White roofs are better than green roofs, and everything’s better than black (via Grist)

KEYSTONE XL

Canadian officials bullish on Keystone environmental review findings (via National Journal)

OPINION

Obama’s State of the Union climate mention fits pattern (via Climate Central)

Obama says fracking can be a “bridge” to a clean-energy future – it’s not that simple (via Washington Post)

What the new farm bill means for energy and the environment (via Climate Progress)

How to teach kids about climate change (via The Good Human)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.27.14

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

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Natural gas market heats up as temperatures fall (via New York Times)

Deep freeze exposes challenges for gas-dependent PJM Interconnection (via Greenwire)

Chevron, Shell seek new LEED-like certification for shale gas (via GreenBiz)

Ohio state EPA fast tracks fracking permits, raising concerns (via Columbus Dispatch)

EMISSIONS 

Emissions trading in China: First reports from the field (via World Resources Institute)

World Bank chief backs fossil fuel divestment drive (via RTCC)

China’s air pollution prompts creative, sometimes wacky solutions (via Washington Post)

China’s Guandong to cut oil, coal use to slow emissions growth (via Reuters)

California air pollution drops over the past decade (via Daily Democrat)

RENEWABLES 

China says U.S. should stop new dumping probe on solar products (via Chicago Tribune)

Global leaders agree to cut tariffs on clean energy goods (via The Hill)

The budding Latin America solar market: 5 key takeaways (via Greentech Media)

China installed more solar panels in 2013 than any country ever has (via Quartz)

UK won’t meet renewable energy target beyond 2020 (via Climate Central)

Scottish offshore wind spending fell 55% in 2013 (via Recharge)

UK’s biggest solar farm exceeds expectations (via Bloomberg)

Waste-to-energy market to reach $28.57 billion in 2016 (via Environmental Leader)

UK government launches £100,000 community energy competition (via BusinessGreen)

Forget intermittency: NREL says wind energy can boost grid reliability (via CleanTechnica)

Cost of solar 2 to 100 times lower than you think (via CleanTechnica)

New England’s governors ask for more clean energy capacity from ISO-NE (via Renew Grid)

Solar surges, wind wanes in 2013 U.S. installs (via EarthTechling)

In the Midwest, farmers leading the way on solar power (via Midwest Energy News)

OIL 

Lawmakers demand stricter oil train regulations (via The Hill)

92,000 oil train tankers are not puncture resistant (via Facts of the Day)

North Dakota recorded 300 oil spills in two years without notifying public (via The Guardian/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

EV charging costs, and one way to control them (via EarthTechling)

California Governor Brown remains ready for one million EVs (via Autoblog Green)

New Jersey Honda dealer first in U.S. to use no net electricity (via Green Car Reports)

Rough patch for Uber’s challenge to taxis (via New York Times)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Keystone XL pipeline decision on collision course with midterm elections (via Wall Street Journal)

Reading John Kerry’s mind on the Keystone XL pipeline (via InsideClimate News)

CLIMATE 

Climate change brings new risks to Greenland (via Climate Central)

Hundreds of homes face more flooding in south of England (via The Guardian)

COAL 

How the coal industry impoverishes West Virginia (via The Nation)

Report: Future dim for Connecticut’s last coal-fired power plant (via New Haven Register)

GRID 

Survey: Only 32% of utilities know what kind of data analytics they use (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

When will consumers realize the 60-cent light bulb wasn’t a bargain? (via ClimateWire)

Philadelphia to be national model for green infrastructure (via TriplePundit)

OPINION 

Cambridge University: Fracking firms “should pay £6 billion a year tax to compensate for climate change” (via The Guardian)

Getting carbon out of your portfolio is tricky (via AP)

Telling sugarcane ethanol’s sustainability story (via Energy Collective)

What’s the state of Obama’s energy and climate agenda? (via National Journal)

The good, the bad, and the ugly of natural gas (via National Journal)

The difference between organizing and policy analysis (via Slate)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.20.14

Marcacci Communications publishes a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. 

EMISSIONS 

CO2 emissions being “outsourced” by rich countries to rising economies (via The Guardian)

Church of England says unlikely to quit fossil fuel investment (via Reuters)

COAL 

Value of coal assets “could be halved” if world goes low-carbon (via RTCC)

FutureGen gets key US Energy Department approval (via Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

RENEWABLES 

19 countries join forces to develop Africa Clean Energy Corridor (via GreenBiz)

India and UAE agree to partner on renewable energy development (via India.com)

German economy minister plans prompt cut to renewable energy tariffs (via Reuters)

Kenya to generate over half its electricity through solar power by 2016 (via The Guardian)

China sets final duties on US solar materials (via Reuters)

Island channel tidal energy could power about half of Scotland (via Phys.org)

How the Army became a leader in third-party clean energy financing (via Greentech Media)

Bill would reward Wisconsin power companies exceeding renewable energy targets (via Wisconsin Rapids Tribune)

California Energy Commission to award up to $24 million for new biofuel projects (via Green Car Congress)

ERCOT boosts wind energy use to record 9.9% in 2013 (via Recharge)

New York sets California-like path for solar energy (via Sustainable Business)

In coal-reliant Missouri, “market rush” leaves solar push in limbo (via EnergyWire)

KEYSTONE XL 

Canadian Prime Minster still expects US approval of Keystone XL (via Reuters)

Kerry will deliberate on Keystone XL after environmental impact analysis is done (via Washington Post)

Canadian environment groups challenge oil pipeline approvals (via Reuters)

Kerry not pressured by Canada’s Keystone XL push (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Davos: Climate impacts pose severe global economic risk (via BusinessGreen)

Climate impacts could push up food prices by 25% (via BusinessGreen)

Peru’s farmers fight climate change using modern and Inca techniques (via The Guardian)

Climate change alters land map of India (via Hindustan Times)

Extreme El Nino events could double over 100 years, experts warn (via The Independent)

Climate-proofing of farms seen too slow as industry faces havoc (via Bloomberg)

Study finds growing doubt on climate change (via The Hill)

Alleging “malpractice” with climate skeptic papers, publisher kills journal (via Science Insider)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Emails reveal UK helped shale gas industry manage fracking opposition (via The Guardian)

ENVIRONMENT

More than 90 wildfires rage in Australia’s New South Wales (via Huffington Post/AP)

Drought disaster declared in Utah, 10 other states (via Salt Lake Tribune)

Chemical-related hospital admissions in West Virginia double since water deemed safe (via Climate Progress)

Freedom Industries files for bankruptcy protection (via Wall Street Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Fisker bankruptcy auction scheduled for February 12th (via Autoblog Green)

Effort to halt bullet train for “Hyperloop”-like options aims for California ballot (via ClimateWire)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Innovative financing spurs energy efficiency in rural communities (via GreenBiz)

Speaking the CFO’s language: The case for energy efficiency (via Energy Manager Today)

GRID 

Load curtailment from demand response programs will triple by 2020 (via Navigant Research)

Dueling charts of the day: Peaker plants vs. green power (via Greentech Media)

OPINION 

Can we sever the link between energy and economic growth? (via Washington Post)

EPA climate rules: Too much, too little, or just right? (via National Journal)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.17.14

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

ENVIRONMENT 

Earth’s record 41 billion-dollar weather disasters of 2013 (via Weather Underground) 

California drought expands, fueling heat and fire (via Climate Central)

West Virginia spill heightens concerns about Ohio waterways (via Public News Service)

What Californians can expect from the drought (via Significant Figures)

COAL 

Japan utilities December coal use rises 15% year-over-year (via Reuters)

First lawsuit against Obama’s new coal limits just got filed (via Mother Jones)

Despite decline, states still spending billions to import coal (via Midwest Energy News)

Feds pledge $1 billion to build FutureGen 2.0 (via Springfield State Journal-Register)

RENEWABLES 

India could reach 100% renewables by mid-century (via CleanTechnica)

Deutsche Bank projects 56GW of solar to be installed in 2015 (via Facts of the Day)

John Hancock backs US solar PV build (via Recharge)

Solar on a grand scale: Big power plants coming online in the West (via Washington Post)

Military deployment of clean technology accelerates (via San Jose Mercury-News)

US Marine ExFOB 2014 seeks next-gen energy harvesting systems (via CleanTechnica)

California gives go-ahead to Blythe solar plan (via Renewable Energy World)

New Mexico joins the geothermal power ranks (via EarthTechling)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Europe to America: We want your natural gas (via National Journal)

UK thwarts EU plan to create binding fracking rules (via EnergyWire)

Report predicts 20 years of stable natural gas prices (via Houston Chronicle)

Cold weather led to record-high natural gas storage withdrawals (via US EIA)

Oklahoma regulators consider new rules for wastewater disposal wells (via The Oklahoman)

Study finds 5,893 natural gas leaks in Washington DC (via USA Today)

CLIMATE 

Climate protection may cut world GDP 4% by 2030, says UN (via Bloomberg)

Sluggish economy prompts Europe to reconsider its climate change intentions (via New York Times)

Environmental groups say Obama needs to address climate change more aggressively (via Washington Post)

Extreme weather wreaking havoc on food as farmers suffer (via Bloomberg)

US Chamber’s new energy plan disregards previous climate change concerns (via SNL Energy)

Climate change will cut California’s ability to make electricity just as more is needed (via ClimateWire)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Canada loses patience on Keystone XL, tells US to decide (via Chicago Tribune)

Canadian support of Keystone XL pipeline is falling, says new poll (via Climate Progress)

EMISSIONS 

EPA chief: No politics behind delay in climate rule (via National Journal)

Mitch McConnell aims to torpedo EPA carbon rules with obscure legislative tool (via Huffington Post)

Emails between EPA, Sierra Club become talking point in emissions rule battle (via Greenwire)

OIL 

How the oil boom could change US foreign policy (via Washington Post)

Investigation shows feds knew of risks ahead of crude-by-rail accidents (via National Journal)

TRANSPORTATION 

Toyota pledges to top US effort to double fuel economy by 2025 (via Bloomberg)

GRID 

IHS says grid-connected energy storage set to “explode” (via Solar Industry Magazine)

GREEN BUILDING 

Net-zero energy buildings double in 2013 (via Sustainable Business)

Bringing a touch of green to American capitals (via EarthTechling)

OPINION 

How the SEC can fight climate change (via Huffington Post)

The most impressive clean tech comeback story you haven’t heard (via CleanTechnica)

National “Shout Out for Solar” day enjoys broad support (via Renewable Energy World)

Better to export natural gas fracking or advanced coal technologies? (via Forbes)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.16.14

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

CLIMATE 

UN climate experts warn geoengineering may be essential for 2C world (via RTCC)

Australian heatwaves getting hotter and longer, says Climate Council (via The Guardian)

Seven US weather and climate disasters exceeded $1 billion in damages in 2013 (via NOAA)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Half of Britons opposed to shale gas drilling within 10 miles of their homes (via Reuters)

EPA vows action on fracking rules, policy (via National Journal)

Mixing hazardous drainage from mining operations cuts fracking waste’s radioactivity (via ABC News/AP)

Shale plays? There’s an app for that (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

France-Germany energy plan to focus on renewables (via Reuters)

These charts show how solar demand has shifted around the world (via Greentech Media)

India proposes new national offshore wind energy agency (via India Briefing)

Clean energy investment down, but not out (via Christian Science Monitor)

BP sees renewables outpacing fossil fuels, eclipsing nuclear (via Bloomberg)

10 ways to generate $36 trillion in green investments by 2050 (via RTCC)

SolarCity wants to raise billions of dollars in capital – from you (via Quartz)

COAL 

China coal output seen up 2.7% in 2014 (via Reuters)

White House: International coal policy intact despite GOP rider (via National Journal)

EMISSIONS 

BP study predicts greenhouse gas emissions will rise by almost a third in 20 years (via The Guardian)

Hydroelectric dams said to be “hotspots” of greenhouse gas methane (via United Press International)

Study: Low-cost measures could cut EU emissions 40% by 2030 (via BusinessGreen)

Beijing has worst smog in a year (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Fracking chemicals may make oil extra explosive (via Grist)

Cities boost work on oil-train safety as production surges (via National Journal)

North Dakota’s top oil regulator is also its top oil promoter (via Grist)

OPEC outages cut its oil output to below 2014 demand (via Reuters)

On oil exports, it’s US Chamber vs. AFL-CIO – but Keystone XL brings harmony (via Greenwire)

TRANSPORTATION 

The trillion-dollar question: Where does transport investment come from? (via World Resources Institute)

Ford wants to double hybrid offerings by 2020 (via Autoblog Green)

Boeing seeks approval this year for direct blending of renewable diesel in jet fuel (via Green Car Congress)

KEYSTONE XL 

TransCanada will look at rail if Keystone XL is rejected (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Keystone XL southern leg near activation (via Texas Tribune)

Additional comment period may prolong Keystone review (via Bloomberg)

ENVIRONMENT 

Sea ice cracks causing mercury buildup in Arctic air (via Climate Central)

Obama Administration seen as retreating on environment in Pacific trade talks (via New York Times)

Alaska’s Bristol Bay region could be devastated by mining, says EPA report (via The Guardian)

Trees accelerate growth as they get older and bigger, finds study (via The Guardian)

Holes in chemical regulations hampered West Virginia spill response (via Politico)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Google and Nest: The big picture for home automation competitors (via Greentech Media)

Better Buildings Alliance unveils Green Lease Leaders program (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

America’s energy boom (via Washington Post)

WikiLeaks exposes what Obama’s secret trade deal would do to the environment (via Mother Jones)

A big test for Obama on the environment (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 1.16.14

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

CLIMATE 

UN climate experts warn geoengineering may be essential for 2C world (via RTCC)

Australian heatwaves getting hotter and longer, says Climate Council (via The Guardian)

Seven US weather and climate disasters exceeded $1 billion in damages in 2013 (via NOAA)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Half of Britons opposed to shale gas drilling within 10 miles of their homes (via Reuters)

EPA vows action on fracking rules, policy (via National Journal)

Mixing hazardous drainage from mining operations cuts fracking waste’s radioactivity (via ABC News/AP)

Shale plays? There’s an app for that (via Houston Chronicle)

RENEWABLES 

France-Germany energy plan to focus on renewables (via Reuters)

These charts show how solar demand has shifted around the world (via Greentech Media)

India proposes new national offshore wind energy agency (via India Briefing)

Clean energy investment down, but not out (via Christian Science Monitor)

BP sees renewables outpacing fossil fuels, eclipsing nuclear (via Bloomberg)

10 ways to generate $36 trillion in green investments by 2050 (via RTCC)

SolarCity wants to raise billions of dollars in capital – from you (via Quartz)

COAL 

China coal output seen up 2.7% in 2014 (via Reuters)

White House: International coal policy intact despite GOP rider (via National Journal)

EMISSIONS 

BP study predicts greenhouse gas emissions will rise by almost a third in 20 years (via The Guardian)

Hydroelectric dams said to be “hotspots” of greenhouse gas methane (via United Press International)

Study: Low-cost measures could cut EU emissions 40% by 2030 (via BusinessGreen)

Beijing has worst smog in a year (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Fracking chemicals may make oil extra explosive (via Grist)

Cities boost work on oil-train safety as production surges (via National Journal)

North Dakota’s top oil regulator is also its top oil promoter (via Grist)

OPEC outages cut its oil output to below 2014 demand (via Reuters)

On oil exports, it’s US Chamber vs. AFL-CIO – but Keystone XL brings harmony (via Greenwire)

TRANSPORTATION 

The trillion-dollar question: Where does transport investment come from? (via World Resources Institute)

Ford wants to double hybrid offerings by 2020 (via Autoblog Green)

Boeing seeks approval this year for direct blending of renewable diesel in jet fuel (via Green Car Congress)

KEYSTONE XL 

TransCanada will look at rail if Keystone XL is rejected (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Keystone XL southern leg near activation (via Texas Tribune)

Additional comment period may prolong Keystone review (via Bloomberg)

ENVIRONMENT 

Sea ice cracks causing mercury buildup in Arctic air (via Climate Central)

Obama Administration seen as retreating on environment in Pacific trade talks (via New York Times)

Alaska’s Bristol Bay region could be devastated by mining, says EPA report (via The Guardian)

Trees accelerate growth as they get older and bigger, finds study (via The Guardian)

Holes in chemical regulations hampered West Virginia spill response (via Politico)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Google and Nest: The big picture for home automation competitors (via Greentech Media)

Better Buildings Alliance unveils Green Lease Leaders program (via Energy Manager Today)

OPINION 

America’s energy boom (via Washington Post)

WikiLeaks exposes what Obama’s secret trade deal would do to the environment (via Mother Jones)

A big test for Obama on the environment (via Washington Post)