Energy and Environment News Roundup – 12.15.14

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

EMISSIONS

Lawyers gird for fight against EPA’s Clean Power Plan based on states’ rights (via ClimateWire)

Half of Republicans support carbon limits, survey finds (via The Hill)

Fossil fuel companies grow nervous as divestment movement grows stronger (via Grist)

Capturing carbon as a byproduct of running a fuel cell (via New York Times)

Gov. Inslee says if polluters were charged, state would benefit (via Seattle Times)

NATURAL GAS

Can China’s shale gas help it reach peak coal by 2020? (via Motley Fool)

Ukraine says Chevron plans to pull out of $10 billion shale gas deal (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES

EnergyTrend calls 2014 solar demand at 44GW with 2015 to top 50GW (via PV Tech)

The global biofuels industry: A future in doubt (via Navigant Research)

Analysis: Can Japan exceed 10GW of solar capacity installation in 2014? (via Renewable Energy World)

SunEdison to supply 570GWh of solar energy to Chile grid (via PV Tech)

Vestas gets biggest wind order as Africa market accelerates (via Bloomberg)

Solar industry trends: Capital costs continue to drop while solar companies reinvent themselves as energy companies (via Forbes)

South Carolina avoids a battle, reaches settlement on net energy metering (via Greentech Media)

New York State doubles solar net metering cap (via PV Tech)

430,000 advanced energy jobs in California…today (via CleanTechnica)

Solar and wind give California second camel hump (via Renewables International)

Study: Nebraska grid has capacity to export more wind energy (via Lincoln Journal Star)

Minnesota city freezes ground-mounted solar due to zoning concerns (via Greentech Media)

CLIMATE

International negotiators strike last-minute deal to reduce carbon emissions (via ClimateProgress)

UN agrees way forward on climate change but path is unclear (via The Guardian)

Paris climate summit faces tougher job after modest Lima deal (via Reuters)

Catholic bishops from every continent call for “end to the fossil fuel era” (via ClimateProgress)

Most Americans aren’t aware of the health impacts of climate change (via ClimateProgress)

People don’t work as hard on hot days – on a warming planet (via Washington Post)

COAL

Coal demand growth to slow in next five years on China, says IEA (via Bloomberg)

Coal demand set to break 9 billion tonne barrier this decade (via The Guardian)

As Japan burns more coal, climate policies under pressure (via Reuters)

First U.S. coal ash regulations in the offing (via The Hill)

GRID

Fitch: U.S. utilities “well positioned” to deal with upcoming obstacles (via Renew Grid)

MISO board approves $2.5 billion in new transmission (via Renew Grid)

OIL

Mexico shale boom outlook dims as U.S. drillers struggle (via Bloomberg)

Despite lower crude oil prices, U.S. crude oil production expected to grow in 2015 (via U.S. EIA)

Early slowdown signs emerge for U.S. oil states after crude slide (via Reuters)

U.S. taxpayers help fund oil train boom amid safety concerns (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

TRANSPORTATION

Electric cars: A review of 2014 (via Forbes)

Gasoline prices tend to have little effect on demand for car travel (via U.S. EIA)

Street lights add EV charging (via Navigant Research)

Tesla’s stationary storage strategy: “Everywhere we look, there’s an opportunity” (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

$140 million DOE innovation hub focuses on energy efficiency in manufacturing (via Energy Manager Today)

ENVIRONMENT

Earth faces sixth “Great Extinction” with 41% of amphibians set to go to the way of the dodo (via Huffington Post)

23 pollinating species in Britain have gone extinct in last 150 years (via Inhabitat)

Congress protects new national parks and wilderness areas for first time in five years (via ClimateProgress)

OPINION

COP20 lays groundwork for Paris climate pact: 7 key developments (via WRI Insights)

Five takeaways from the Lima climate talks (via National Journal)

How the ”war on coal” went global (via Politico)

How the U.S. can beat OPEC in an oil prices war (via Christian Science Monitor)

The basic reason oil keeps getting cheaper and cheaper (via Washington Post)

Insights from the solar industry in rural Peru (via Clean Energy Finance Forum)

10 energy numbers to remember from 2014 (via Outlier)

Will cheap oil kill Keystone XL? (via Politico)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.25.14

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

COAL 

Netherlands to stop funding overseas coal power plants (via RTCC)

EPA’s coal ash rule still not done (via Politico)

Supreme Court declines to hear Arch Coal mining permit case against EPA (via Reuters)

Coal ash pods: How power companies get a “bypass” on pollution regulations (via National Geographic)

EPA joins North Carolina in probe of coal ash spill (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Japan approves 2014-2015 renewable energy FiT rates (via Recharge)

Italy, Spain, Germany hit commercial solar grid parity in 2013 (via CleanTechnica)

India may see slow growth in new solar capacity additions (via Panchabuta)

Developers register 12GW potential Brazil wind projects for June auction (via Recharge)

Kenya’s 300MW Lake Turkana wind farm to break ground in June (via Renewables Biz)

Solar PV industry targets 100GW annual deployment in 2018 (via Solar Industry)

Mercom Capital forecasts 46GW new solar in 2014 (via Solar Industry)

Greenwood Biosar completes Panama’s first utility-scale solar power plant (via CleanTechnica)

Morgan Stanley: Going off grid nears tipping point (via Renew Economy)

FERC issues license for tidal energy pilot project in Pacific Northwest (via Renew Grid)

Feds clearing path for Pacific wave energy test (via Houston Chronicle)

Cape Wind update: A big legal victory and another legal challenge (via Greentech Media)

Maryland seeks global offshore wind role (via Recharge)

Koch-funded groups fuel assault on Kansas clean energy law (via Climate Progress)

New Jersey’s offshore wind goals up in the air after project rejection (Renewable Energy World)

KEYSTONE XL 

Southern leg of Keystone XL pipeline reaches capacity ahead of schedule (via The Oklahoman)

Not building Keystone XL will leave a billion barrels of bitumen in the ground (via Energy Collective)

EMISSIONS 

New study reveals workings of China’s pilot emissions cap-and-trade systems (via Triple Pundit)

China’s Hubei province to launch carbon market on April 2 (via Reuters)

China’s Shenzen says carbon market had 10% surplus in first year (via Reuters)

As listener and saleswoman, EPA chief takes to the road for climate rules (via New York Times)

States aren’t shying away from regulating carbon emissions from power plants (via Bloomberg BNA)

NATURAL GAS 

DOE approves natural gas export terminal (via The Hill)

North Dakota gas flaring doubles, pumping CO2 into air (via Climate Central)

CLIMATE 

UN official: Countries on track to reach 2015 global climate treaty (via The Hill)

EU delays 2030 climate package decision until October (via RTCC)

WMO: Global warming not stopped, will go on for centuries (via Reuters)

Climate change could leave another 50 million people facing hunger by 2050 (via The Guardian)

UN says 13 of 14 hottest years on record occurred since 2000 (via BusinessGreen)

Weather extremes “consistent” with manmade climate change, says UN (via Agence France-Presse)

OIL 

Houston Channel closed as 24 vessels skim 4,000-barrel oil spill (via Bloomberg)

Galveston Bay oil spill will take economic, ecological toll (via Texas Tribune)

TRANSPORTATION 

VW chairman says component cost decreases keep him confident of EV success (via Autoblog Green)

How four states are trying to woo Tesla Motors’ gigafactory (via Autoblog Green)

Ford: Baby boomers leading trend to compact utility vehicles (via Green Car Congress)

GRID 

FERC Order 1000 has its day in court (via Renewable Energy World)

Southwest Power Pool launches wholesale energy marketplace (via Energy Manager Today)

Car companies take expertise in battery power beyond the garage (via New York Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

WHO links 7 million premature deaths annually to air pollution; 12.5% total global deaths (via Green Car Congress)

China says polluting industry still growing too fast (via Reuters)

China aims to launch national pollution permit market within three years (via Reuters)

Brazil desperately seeking solutions to worst drought in decades (via The Guardian)

Water scarcity drives US communities toward smarter use, recycling (via Bloomberg)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

By 2020, LEDs may rival incandescent bulbs in cost without rebates (via Greentech Media)

LBNL calculates “cost of saved energy” from efficiency programs (via Energy Manager Today)

Opower sets IPO price range at $17-19, could raise $110 million (via GigaOm)

POLITICS 

Green groups spend $5 million to defend three Democrats (via Wall Street Journal)

Mary Landrieu is paying – and getting paid big – for her global warming stance (via National Journal)

OPINION 

“War on coal” isn’t the real reason your utility rates will rise (via Triple Pundit)

Why you shouldn’t applaud Exxon’s decision to disclose climate risks (via Climate Progress)

Galveston oil spill: Does US oil boom mean more spills? (via Christian Science Monitor)

Steven Chu solves utility companies’ death spiral (via Forbes)

Maybe transit isn’t surging after all (via Atlantic Cities)

Watts the mystery? The energy units that power our lives. (via Smart Planet)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.30.13

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

CLIMATE 

Bad news for storm-battered Europe: More extreme weather’s on the horizon (via Time)

Bangladesh rated world’s most vulnerable country to climate change (via RTCC)

Meet the Pacific Rim’s new environmental superpower (via Quartz)

New Boston city zoning plans tied to changes in climate (via Boston Globe)

Major expansion of Surging Seas launched on Sandy anniversary (via Climate Central)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Understanding the Bakken flaring challenge (via Breaking Energy)

Radioactive pollution in Allegheny River not from fracking, says Pennsylvania DEP (via Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

RENEWABLES 

States of change: Clean energy policy from Greece to Massachusetts (via Renew Economy)

French energy firms create Paris solar power R&D hub (via Reuters)

Renewable energy’s bird problem (via RMI Outlet)

The “science” of wind turbine syndrome (via Popular Science)

Some top solar states are flatlining: Where are “hidden” growth markets? (via Greentech Media)

Report: Ongoing Midwest renewable growth hinges on federal policy (via Midwest Energy News)

Ohio’s successful RPS program under attack in state senate (via Renewable Energy World)

COAL 

Coal’s future hinges on unproven carbon capture technology (via National Journal)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Europe’s new models for demand response (via Greentech Media)

NREL software could cut commercial building energy audit costs 75% (via CleanTechnica)

HURRICANE SANDY 

Sandy struck a year ago, but some federal moves could make climate risks worse (via ClimateWire)

Hurricane Sandy hasn’t shifted climate narrative (via Climate Central)

Turning Hurricane Sandy’s scars into badges of survival (via New York Times)

One year after Sandy, many coastlines are still vulnerable to storm surges (via Huffington Post)

TRANSPORTATION 

All across Europe, bicycles outsold cars in 2012 (via Autoblog Green)

POLITICS 

GOP to drive “war on coal” line in 2014 races (via The Hill)

Polls show energy doesn’t spark Americans’ interest (via Politico)

Industry poll shows most voters oppose raising energy taxes (via Houston Chronicle)

OPINION 

3 ways Superstorm Sandy could change utilities forever (via Greentech Media)

Is attacking the EPA the bright idea Tea Partiers think it is? (via Huffington Post)

Going green doesn’t boost hotel revenue (via Environmental Leader)

Four facts that demonstrate clean energy is on the rise (via Triple Pundit)

Just how badly are we overfishing the oceans? (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 10.29.13

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

CLIMATE 

EU environment ministers call for “ambitious” 2030 climate goals (via The Guardian)

North American West Coast governments sign climate change pact (via CleanTechnica)

Bipartisan Congressional duo launch attack on EPA climate rules (via The Hill)

A year after Sandy, living dangerously by the sea (via Time)

COAL 

China’s largest city Shanghai to ban coal by 2017 (via Mongabay)

The county council election that could make or break big coal (via Mother Jones)

Top 5 coal producing states – TX, OH, PA, IN, IL – will decide coal’s future (via Facts of the Day)

Consol to sell 5 West Virginia mines as coal regulations increase (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

20GW distributed solar by 2015 is new target for China (via CleanTechnica)

Germany hits 59% renewable peak, grid does not explode (via Greentech Media)

Startups compete to defeat the “soft costs” of solar power (via Business Green)

US homeowners want solar, find two new reports (via Renewable Energy World)

AAA applauds potential renewable fuel scale back (via National Journal)

Wind in Texas produces more electricity than natural gas does in 40 states (via Facts of the Day)

Energy innovation in the states: From energy storage to offshore wind (via Energy Collective)

NFL’s 49ers, Rams go solar (via Energy Manager Today)

OIL 

Trains gain steam in race to transport crude oil in the US (via NPR)

Millions of Americans live within one mile of oil or gas wells (via InsideClimate News/Wall Street Journal)

State Department to determine how much oil would ship by rail in absence of Keystone XL (via National Journal)

California fracking study may take 18 months, Brown says (via Bloomberg)

TRANSPORTATION 

China adapts its electric vehicle plans to challenging realities (via Plugin Cars)

Tesla Superchargers now allow San Diego-to-Vancouver EV trips (via Green Car Reports)

How EVs could drive changes in power grid management (via Forbes)

Coca-Cola reveals plans for electric and hybrid distribution fleet (via RTCC)

TAR SANDS 

People who live downwind of Alberta’s tar sands operations are getting blood cancer (via Climate Progress)

EMISSIONS 

China to monitor air pollution effects in cities (via Bloomberg)

Decarbonization target narrowly defeated in UK House of Lords vote (via Business Green)

Japan to set 3.8% emissions reduction by 2020 goal (via RTCC)

Voters in 2014 swing states favor EPA carbon rules (via The Hill)

New battle in “War on Coal” with bill to block power plant rules (via National Journal)

OPINION 

Fossil fuels divestment campaign is gathering momentum (via The Guardian)

Uncertainty and investment: The real danger to the coal industry (via Energy Collective)

States will need coordination, creativity to meet EV goals (via C2ES)

Weatherization helps millions of families save energy and money (via Energy.gov)

Deadbeat states on electric car policy (via Plugin Cars)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 9.23.13

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

EMISSIONS 

French carbon tax to raise €4 billion for green energy by 2016 (via Reuters)

Norway cancels carbon capture plan it likened to “Moon landing” (via Reuters)

Everything you need to know about the EPA’s carbon limits for new power plants (via Washington Post)

Emissions regulations are central battle in Obama climate agenda (via The Hill)

Feds promise to work with businesses on meeting emissions goals (via The Hill)

COAL 

EPA claims new power plan emission regulations offer coal lifeline (via InsideClimate News)

A changing market and dim future for coal in Texas (via StateImpact Texas)

RENEWABLES 

SEIA offers peace plan to avert US-China solar trade war (via Bloomberg)

India to build world’s largest power plant in Rajasthan (via India Economic Times)

Report: Old business models holding back clean energy shift (via Midwest Energy News)

Wind energy: Bigger isn't always better (via Breaking Energy)

Wicked green: Massachusetts clean economy grows 11.8% to 80,000 jobs (via CleanTechnica)

Renewables provide a growing share of California’s electricity (via US EIA)

New Jersey offshore wind proposal still seeks answers (via Renewable Energy World)

Michigan can triple its renewable energy production by 2035, finds report (via Detroit Free Press)

Lake Erie wind turbines viable (via Plain Dealer)

CLIMATE 

IPCC issues stark warning over global warming (via The Guardian/The Observer)

Global warming “hiatus” puts climate change scientists on the spot (via Los Angeles Times)

Big business funds effort to discredit climate science, warns UN official (via The Guardian)

Arctic alpine plants may survive in “micro refuges” as temperatures rise (via The Guardian)

Arctic on course for ice-free summer “within decades”, scientists say (via The Guardian)

Hunger to worsen as climate change heats up world (via Bloomberg)

Study says children will bear brunt of climate change impact (via The Guardian)

OIL 

Not business as usual: China’s oil majors are no longer invincible (via Houston Chronicle)

Federal standards needed for safe Arctic drilling, Pew says (via Houston Chronicle)

Eagle Ford’s future might lie in Mexico’s oil demand (via Houston Chronicle)

California law to regulate fracking signed by governor (via Reuters)

TRANSPORTATION 

China to raise prices for clean fuel to boost production (via Reuters)

US gasoline prices fall 6.4 cents as crude declines (via Reuters)

Green parking: Not just a concept anymore (via New York Times)

Tesla’s feat of (financial) engineering (via Washington Post)

NUCLEAR 

France to tax nuclear output to fund shift to renewables (via Bloomberg)

US DOE invests $60 million in nuclear technology research and training (via Green Car Reports)

GRID 

Vehicle-to-grid charging coming of age (via EarthTechling)

Top 9 things you didn’t know about America’s power grid (via Energy.gov)

KEYSTONE XL 

Hundreds of events “Draw the Line” against Keystone XL and tar sands (via Huffington Post)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Why are some airlines better at saving fuel than others? (via Washington Post)

Siemens installing energy saving measures for US Coast Guard (via Energy Manager Today)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Money flowing to build pipelines (via Houston Chronicle)

Sites sought for Marcellus Shale region’s fracking residue (via Columbus Dispatch)

POLITICS 

Merkel romps to victory but faces tough coalition choices (via Reuters)

Republicans pounce on Obama’s global warming regulations for political fodder (via National Journal)

White House “War on Coal” no slam dunk for GOP in 2014 (via Politico)

White House: No retreat on troubled FERC nominee Binz (via The Hill)

OPINION 

What climate scientists should talk about: Their personal stories (via The Guardian)

Beleaguered CEOs say they can’t save the planet by themselves (via Bloomberg)

A reality check on offshore wind in Virginia (via Washington Post)

How big an impact will EVs have on the grid and your wallet? (via Greentech Media)

Will offshore wind finally take off on US East Coast? (via Yale e360)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.15.13

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone XL decision seen as climate change test for Obama abroad (via InsideClimate News)

Canada’s tar sands could blow its 2020 climate target (via RTCC)

Railway chief says Keystone XL pipeline would cut freight revenues (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Building energy management market worth “$5.6 billion by 2020” (via Energy Manager Today)

Americans spend $2,000 on home energy costs annually (via Mother Nature Network)

LEDs still gaining efficiency (via Navigant Research)

How time-of-use pricing works to cut power bills (via Renew Economy)

Texas develops statewide “PACE in a box” (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Global cleantech industry growing despite challenging conditions (via CleanTechnica)

EU-China trade settlement leaves many Chinese solar firms in the dark (via ClimateWire)

Global offshore wind market to grow 32% year-on-year (via BusinessGreen)

How real is the South African PV market? (via Greentech Media)

New analysis shows India’s “huge” offshore wind power potential (via Renewable Energy World)

Intermittent nature of green power is challenge for utilities (via New York Times)

Iowa will add 1.05GW new wind energy capacity by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

BLM approves new solar, geothermal development plan in California desert (via Greenwire)

Rhode Island amends FIT to require bids for small solar projects (via Renewable Energy World)

Arizona fights for its solar energy rights (via Renewable Energy World)

Biofuels on the verge (via Greentech Media)

CLIMATE 

Heat waves to quadruple by 2040, regardless of emissions cuts (via RTCC)

As Northeast Asia bakes, climate scientists predict more extreme heat waves on the horizon (via Time)

UN officials warn talks on 2015 climate deal must “shift gear” (via RTCC)

Obama reframes his approach to climate change (via Washington Post)

DOE’s Moniz heading to Brazil for climate talks (via The Hill)

EPA’s McCarthy: “Responsible” gas production key to climate strategy (via The Hill)

Interactive map supports climate change adaptation planning in Great Lakes region (via Phys.org)

NUCLEAR 

Vogtle nuclear project could face more delays (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Appeals court blocks attempt by Vermont to close nuclear plant (via New York Times)

GRID 

Japan solar energy soars, but grid needs to catch up (via National Geographic)

High-speed monitors keep watch over today’s complicated grid (via EnergyWire)

BLM seeks input on proposed TransWest transmission project (via Renew Grid)

PSEG’s 2013 sustainability report focuses on grid infrastructure (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY POLICY 

IBM expert says utilities should become “energy malls” (via Midwest Energy News)

How Big Box going solar could impact utilities (via EarthTechling) 

OIL 

Gulf oil spill settlement payment offers rise to $4.4 billion (via Houston Chronicle)

California regulators take up offshore fracking (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US gas prices falling – does it matter for green cars? (via Green Car Reports)

Could outmoded phone booths become EV charging stations? (via New York Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Great Barrier Reef dredging could be more damaging than thought (via The Guardian)

China’s environmental future: The power of the people (via Council on Foreign Relations)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US green investors secure near-record corporate climate commitments (via BusinessGreen)

Sierra Club ranks greenest US universities (via Breaking Energy)

Princeton Review announces green honor roll (via Environmental Leader)

OPINION 

“War on Coal” gains steam amid wars on terror, crime, drugs, science, Christmas (via Bloomberg)

Are fracking proponents wrestling enough with the environmental risks? (via Washington Post)

The futility of “just the facts” climate science (via Grist)

Why Australian rooftop solar PV prices are cheaper (via Renew Economy)

“No” is really not an option on Yucca Mountain (via Houston Chronicle)

Can extreme weather make climate change worse? (via Climate Central)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.15.13

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

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Keystone XL decision seen as climate change test for Obama abroad (via InsideClimate News)

Canada’s tar sands could blow its 2020 climate target (via RTCC)

Railway chief says Keystone XL pipeline would cut freight revenues (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Building energy management market worth “$5.6 billion by 2020” (via Energy Manager Today)

Americans spend $2,000 on home energy costs annually (via Mother Nature Network)

LEDs still gaining efficiency (via Navigant Research)

How time-of-use pricing works to cut power bills (via Renew Economy)

Texas develops statewide “PACE in a box” (via Greentech Media)

RENEWABLES 

Global cleantech industry growing despite challenging conditions (via CleanTechnica)

EU-China trade settlement leaves many Chinese solar firms in the dark (via ClimateWire)

Global offshore wind market to grow 32% year-on-year (via BusinessGreen)

How real is the South African PV market? (via Greentech Media)

New analysis shows India’s “huge” offshore wind power potential (via Renewable Energy World)

Intermittent nature of green power is challenge for utilities (via New York Times)

Iowa will add 1.05GW new wind energy capacity by 2015 (via CleanTechnica)

BLM approves new solar, geothermal development plan in California desert (via Greenwire)

Rhode Island amends FIT to require bids for small solar projects (via Renewable Energy World)

Arizona fights for its solar energy rights (via Renewable Energy World)

Biofuels on the verge (via Greentech Media)

CLIMATE 

Heat waves to quadruple by 2040, regardless of emissions cuts (via RTCC)

As Northeast Asia bakes, climate scientists predict more extreme heat waves on the horizon (via Time)

UN officials warn talks on 2015 climate deal must “shift gear” (via RTCC)

Obama reframes his approach to climate change (via Washington Post)

DOE’s Moniz heading to Brazil for climate talks (via The Hill)

EPA’s McCarthy: “Responsible” gas production key to climate strategy (via The Hill)

Interactive map supports climate change adaptation planning in Great Lakes region (via Phys.org)

NUCLEAR 

Vogtle nuclear project could face more delays (via Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Appeals court blocks attempt by Vermont to close nuclear plant (via New York Times)

GRID 

Japan solar energy soars, but grid needs to catch up (via National Geographic)

High-speed monitors keep watch over today’s complicated grid (via EnergyWire)

BLM seeks input on proposed TransWest transmission project (via Renew Grid)

PSEG’s 2013 sustainability report focuses on grid infrastructure (via Renew Grid)

ENERGY POLICY 

IBM expert says utilities should become “energy malls” (via Midwest Energy News)

How Big Box going solar could impact utilities (via EarthTechling) 

OIL 

Gulf oil spill settlement payment offers rise to $4.4 billion (via Houston Chronicle)

California regulators take up offshore fracking (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

US gas prices falling – does it matter for green cars? (via Green Car Reports)

Could outmoded phone booths become EV charging stations? (via New York Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

Great Barrier Reef dredging could be more damaging than thought (via The Guardian)

China’s environmental future: The power of the people (via Council on Foreign Relations)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US green investors secure near-record corporate climate commitments (via BusinessGreen)

Sierra Club ranks greenest US universities (via Breaking Energy)

Princeton Review announces green honor roll (via Environmental Leader)

OPINION 

“War on Coal” gains steam amid wars on terror, crime, drugs, science, Christmas (via Bloomberg)

Are fracking proponents wrestling enough with the environmental risks? (via Washington Post)

The futility of “just the facts” climate science (via Grist)

Why Australian rooftop solar PV prices are cheaper (via Renew Economy)

“No” is really not an option on Yucca Mountain (via Houston Chronicle)

Can extreme weather make climate change worse? (via Climate Central)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.1.13

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

CLIMATE 

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

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

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

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

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

COAL 

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

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

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

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

RENEWABLES 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making small wind work takes big planning (via EarthTechling)

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

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

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

OIL 

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

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

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

TRANSPORTATION 

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

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

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

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

Tesla Motors conquers North Carolina (via CleanTechnica)

NATURAL GAS 

China backs off shale gas targets (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

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

Energy Star updates Portfolio Manager for buildings (via GreenBiz)

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

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

GRID 

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

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

EMISSIONS 

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

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

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

GREEN BUILDING 

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

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

ENVIRONMENT 

Butterfly decline signals trouble in environment (via Washington Post)

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

POLITICS 

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

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

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

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

OPINION 

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

Obama’s Lincoln moment? (via Grist)

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

Google’s green search (via Recharge)

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

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.11.13

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

FY2014 FEDERAL BUDGET 

Obama budget seeks defenses against climate-fueled extreme weather (via The Hill)

Obama budget revives battle over oil industry tax breaks (via The Hill)

Obama budget would end oil industry tax breaks, hike royalties (via Houston Chronicle)

Obama’s FY2014 budget boosts DOE vehicle technology spending 75% to $575M; $282M for advanced biofuels (via Green Car Congress)

Obama budget hints at sale of Tennessee Valley Authority (via Houston Chronicle)

Obama budget promises action on climate change (via Politico)

ENERGY POLICY 

Asia’s soaring energy demands will post major economic, climate, health risks (via ClimateWire)

Renewables, efficiency take flight in US Air Force energy strategy (via CleanTechnica)

Antitrust case tied to California energy crisis revived (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES  

Asia-Pacific renewable energy market to hit 535.2GW by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Is the Middle East and Africa the next solar development hotbed? (via Solar Industry Magazine)

EU seeks new anti-dumping trade powers with China in mind (via Reuters)

Germany expected to install 3.2GW of wind in 2014 (via Recharge)

Renewable energy continues to build momentum in US power mix (via Renew Grid)

US wind market forecast to shrink slightly to 11GW in 2013-2014 (via Recharge)

Renewables made up 82% of new US capacity in Q1 2013 (via Solar Industry Magazine)

US wind in January 2013 set monthly record & produced more than in all of 2004 (via Facts of the Day)

US ethanol producers brace for biofuel mandate fight in Congress (via Reuters)

Solar panels could destroy US utilities, according to US utilities (via Grist)

After mega-rally, First Solar outlook meets skepticism (via Reuters)

New wind energy harvester design looks like giant window blinds (via Treehugger)

Texas solar-powered public property bill backed by education, military (via StateImpact Texas)

Maryland 210MW offshore wind bill signed into law (via Recharge)

COAL 

Environmentalists say “war on coal” a fabrication (via AP)

CRS report casts doubt on FutureGen, carbon capture technology (via SNL Energy)

CLIMATE 

In global warming, Northern Hemisphere is outpacing the South (via Climate Central)

Business giants urge US to seize climate change “opportunity” (via BusinessGreen)

Olympians to Obama: climate change jeopardizes winter sports’ survival (via The Guardian)

Nike, Starbucks: betting against climate scientists is “false hope” (via The Hill)

OIL 

ConocoPhillips, citing regulator uncertainty, delays Arctic drilling (via The Hill)

White House proposes royalty, permitting changes on energy development (via The Hill)

California’s fracking bonanza may fall short of promise (via Bloomberg)

Arkansas AG says oil pipeline gash is 22 feet long (via Miami Herald/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

Soaring hybrid demand accounts for a fifth of all European Toyota sales (via BusinessGreen)

Six new plug-in electric cars coming in 2014 (via Green Car Reports)

Alternative transportation fuel use jumps 13% (via Environmental Leader)

Tesla messes with Texas over how to sell its electric cars (via GigaOm)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Israel’s natural gas find wins the world’s notice (via Forbes)

US LNG no cure for high European gas prices (via AOL Energy)

Moniz backs increased use of natural gas (via Washington Post)

New solar process gets more out of natural gas (via New York Times)

Frack sand mining: what are the alternatives? (via Minnesota Public Radio)

GRID 

The UK’s retailer-led smart meter rollout (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

This Army camp can cut soldier energy use by 75% (via Greentech Media)

EMISSIONS 

California and China sign agreement to strengthen and coordinate efforts to improve air quality (via Green Car Congress)

Australian power emissions fall to 10-year low as coal output drops (via Renew Economy)

Copenhagen’s ambitious push to be carbon-neutral by 2025 (via Yale e360)

ENVIRONMENT 

Top US storm team sees above average Atlantic hurricane season (via Reuters)

POLITICS 

Senate votes 87-11 to confirm Sally Jewell as Interior Secretary (via The Hill)

Moniz sees gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables future (via Greentech Media)

GOP to begin new assault on Obama’s climate plans at EPA nominee hearing (via National Journal)

OPINION 

Using aging, retrofitted pipelines to ship oil – what could go wrong? (via Grist)

How Obama’s new budget targets oil and gas (via Forbes)

How can we boost distributed solar and save utilities at the same time? (via Grist)

Obama goes big on clean energy in budget (via EarthTechling)

OTHER NEWS 

An additional roundup of energy and climate news is posted at Climate Progress