Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.28.13

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

NUCLEAR 

Japan: Nuclear plant operator found leak too slowly (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Vermont Yankee plant to close next year as nuclear industry retrenches (via New York Times)

EMISSIONS 

UN says early action needed to curb rise in aviation emissions (via Reuters Point Carbon)

China’s emissions could peak by 2023 with introduction of ETS (via RTCC)

EU states to start CO2 market fix talks after German election (via Reuters Point Carbon)

California cap and trade comes to a crossroads as carbon prices fall (via CleanTechnica)

RENEWABLES 

EU says China guilty of giving illegal aid to solar industry (via Reuters)

India may beat US in wind capacity installations for first time (via Bloomberg)

Central America to see $320 million clean energy boost (via EarthTechling)

India’s Gujarat waives renewable targets for utilities (via Bloomberg)

Germany adds 1.14 GW of wind in H1 2013 (via Recharge)

US DOE loan program financed $16 billion in renewables and more coming (via Renewable Energy World)

US Army set for $7 billion solar spree (via Recharge)

297,000 US homes solar net metered in 2012, including 1% of California and 5% of Hawaii (via Facts of the Day)

Americans want more wind, less costs (via Houston Chronicle)

NREL study says wind turbines don’t hurt home values (via Los Angeles Times)

Construction begins on massive Nevada solar plant that will power 80,000 homes (via Climate Progress)

In Nebraska, farmers hope to take control of wind production (via Midwest Energy News)

A tale of two solar cities: Two California communities vie for “Solar Capital of US” (via RMI Outlet)

ENERGY POLICY 

Ballooning costs threaten Merkel’s bold energy overhaul (via Reuters)

Filling in some blanks to Obama’s “All of the Above” energy policy (via Climate Central)

Energy Department lands new coal, oil-and-gas officials (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Leaked UN report says oceans storing Earth’s excess heat (via Bloomberg)

The ocean is going to start confusing fish and dissolving seashells (via Climate Progress)

Drought and heat waves costing federal government billions in crop insurance payouts (via Climate Progress)

Climate change washes away partisanship for South Carolina tourism (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Chinese coal price war to dampen coal imports (via Reuters)

New coal plants may kill 16,000 in China’s Guandong region (via Bloomberg)

Federal judge says regulators don’t have to consider overall health impacts of coal mines (via Lexington Herald Leader)

GRID 

The inside story of the world’s biggest “battery” and the future of renewables (via Climate Progress)

Compressed air energy storage to grow dramatically over the next decade (via CleanTechnica)

OIL 

Crude oil prices reach 18-month high (via Washington Post)

Western Gulf offshore drilling lease sale draws tepid interest (via Houston Chronicle)

Oil industry groups seek RFS mandate waiver (via Breaking Energy)

North Dakota saves for the future with today’s oil riches (via Stateline)

Study says oil extraction linked to earthquakes in South Texas (via Wall Street Journal)

Acidizing for oil could rival fracking in California’s Monterey Shale (via San Francisco Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Americans won’t buy EVs until they are a lot cheaper (via EarthTechling)

Nissan Leaf sales ready to expand beyond early adopter markets in US (via Autoblog Green)

Free EV charging courtesy of ads on chargers (via EarthTechling)

KEYSTONE XL 

Will the Keystone XL decision be based on incorrect assumptions? (via Energy Collective)

Former Romney advisor Hamm: Keystone isn’t needed for US oil (via The Hill)

GREEN BUSINESS 

EPA launches online green sports resource directory (via Environmental Leader)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

DEP attempted to suppress controversial study that criticized shale gas (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ENVIRONMENT 

Rim fire spreads deeper into Yosemite (via Los Angeles Time)

Ogallala Aquifer: Could critical water source run dry? (via Christian Science Monitor)

POLITICS 

GOP targets Alaska’s Mark Beigich over carbon tax (via Politico)

Sen. Coburn: I am a global warming denier (via The Hill)

OPINION 

I have a (climate) dream (via Climate Progress)

How to convince Wall Street to invest in energy efficiency (via The Guardian)

Carbon targets, carbon taxes, and the search for Archimedes’ lever (via Grist)

Is Keystone still needed to transport US oil? (via National Journal)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.28.13

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

NUCLEAR 

Japan: Nuclear plant operator found leak too slowly (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Vermont Yankee plant to close next year as nuclear industry retrenches (via New York Times)

EMISSIONS 

UN says early action needed to curb rise in aviation emissions (via Reuters Point Carbon)

China’s emissions could peak by 2023 with introduction of ETS (via RTCC)

EU states to start CO2 market fix talks after German election (via Reuters Point Carbon)

California cap and trade comes to a crossroads as carbon prices fall (via CleanTechnica)

RENEWABLES 

EU says China guilty of giving illegal aid to solar industry (via Reuters)

India may beat US in wind capacity installations for first time (via Bloomberg)

Central America to see $320 million clean energy boost (via EarthTechling)

India’s Gujarat waives renewable targets for utilities (via Bloomberg)

Germany adds 1.14 GW of wind in H1 2013 (via Recharge)

US DOE loan program financed $16 billion in renewables and more coming (via Renewable Energy World)

US Army set for $7 billion solar spree (via Recharge)

297,000 US homes solar net metered in 2012, including 1% of California and 5% of Hawaii (via Facts of the Day)

Americans want more wind, less costs (via Houston Chronicle)

NREL study says wind turbines don’t hurt home values (via Los Angeles Times)

Construction begins on massive Nevada solar plant that will power 80,000 homes (via Climate Progress)

In Nebraska, farmers hope to take control of wind production (via Midwest Energy News)

A tale of two solar cities: Two California communities vie for “Solar Capital of US” (via RMI Outlet)

ENERGY POLICY 

Ballooning costs threaten Merkel’s bold energy overhaul (via Reuters)

Filling in some blanks to Obama’s “All of the Above” energy policy (via Climate Central)

Energy Department lands new coal, oil-and-gas officials (via The Hill)

CLIMATE 

Leaked UN report says oceans storing Earth’s excess heat (via Bloomberg)

The ocean is going to start confusing fish and dissolving seashells (via Climate Progress)

Drought and heat waves costing federal government billions in crop insurance payouts (via Climate Progress)

Climate change washes away partisanship for South Carolina tourism (via GreenBiz)

COAL 

Chinese coal price war to dampen coal imports (via Reuters)

New coal plants may kill 16,000 in China’s Guandong region (via Bloomberg)

Federal judge says regulators don’t have to consider overall health impacts of coal mines (via Lexington Herald Leader)

GRID 

The inside story of the world’s biggest “battery” and the future of renewables (via Climate Progress)

Compressed air energy storage to grow dramatically over the next decade (via CleanTechnica)

OIL 

Crude oil prices reach 18-month high (via Washington Post)

Western Gulf offshore drilling lease sale draws tepid interest (via Houston Chronicle)

Oil industry groups seek RFS mandate waiver (via Breaking Energy)

North Dakota saves for the future with today’s oil riches (via Stateline)

Study says oil extraction linked to earthquakes in South Texas (via Wall Street Journal)

Acidizing for oil could rival fracking in California’s Monterey Shale (via San Francisco Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

Americans won’t buy EVs until they are a lot cheaper (via EarthTechling)

Nissan Leaf sales ready to expand beyond early adopter markets in US (via Autoblog Green)

Free EV charging courtesy of ads on chargers (via EarthTechling)

KEYSTONE XL 

Will the Keystone XL decision be based on incorrect assumptions? (via Energy Collective)

Former Romney advisor Hamm: Keystone isn’t needed for US oil (via The Hill)

GREEN BUSINESS 

EPA launches online green sports resource directory (via Environmental Leader)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

DEP attempted to suppress controversial study that criticized shale gas (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

ENVIRONMENT 

Rim fire spreads deeper into Yosemite (via Los Angeles Time)

Ogallala Aquifer: Could critical water source run dry? (via Christian Science Monitor)

POLITICS 

GOP targets Alaska’s Mark Beigich over carbon tax (via Politico)

Sen. Coburn: I am a global warming denier (via The Hill)

OPINION 

I have a (climate) dream (via Climate Progress)

How to convince Wall Street to invest in energy efficiency (via The Guardian)

Carbon targets, carbon taxes, and the search for Archimedes’ lever (via Grist)

Is Keystone still needed to transport US oil? (via National Journal)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.27.13

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

ENERGY POLICY 

China power generation to double with renewables as coal holds sway (via Bloomberg)

France poised to launch “green tax” (via BusinessGreen)

How Arizona and Colorado are rethinking energy vs. water (via GreenBiz)

A list of America’s fastest-growing clean energy companies (via Greentech Media)

COAL 

Majority of China’s proposed coal power plants located in water-stressed regions (via WRI Insights)

Coal mining jobs up nearly 19% since 2001 (via Facts of the Day)

DOE Secretary Moniz: Obama not at war with coal (via National Journal)

RENEWABLES 

Global wind power market will more than quadruple by 2030 (via Reuters)

Renewables to dominate Chinese energy transformation (via BusinessGreen)

India plans massive clean energy push (via EarthTechling)

€6 billion of German wind “waiting to go” (via Recharge)

Norway approves $3 billion for wind farms to triple capacity (via Bloomberg)

German minister sees solar installations nearly halving in 2013 (via Reuters)

Renewables provide 14.2% of US electricity, will pass nuclear by 2020 (via Facts of the Day)

NREL: Cost gap for Western US renewables could narrow by 2025 (via Renew Grid)

IKEA unpacks 500,000 solar panels in energy independence drive (via BusinessGreen)

Going solar infographic: Options for homeowners (via RMI Outlet)

CLIMATE 

Ocean acidification may amplify global warming up to 0.9F this century (via Climate Progress)

EPA chief warns against climate change on trip to Alaska (via McClatchy)

Yosemite fire an example of how droughts amplify wildfires (via Climate Central)

TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL 

Canadian documents suggest shift on Keystone XL pipeline (via New York Times)

Keystone’s impact on Venezuela muted by waning imports (via Bloomberg)

Another delay looms for Keystone XL pipeline decision (via CleanTechnica)

DOE stayed silent on State Department’s latest Keystone XL pipeline review (via Greenwire)

Official price of Enbridge Michigan oil spill: $1,039,000,000 (via DeSmog Blog)

GRID 

US military connects microgrids for a “secure cluster” of power networks (via Greentech Media)

California virtual net metering allows energy savings one apartment at a time (via Renewable Energy World)

DOE, New Jersey partner on transit system microgrid (via Renew Grid)

Pennsylvania utility rolls out smart meters to 1.6 million customers (via Energy Manager Today)

NUCLEAR 

Fukushima leaks prompt Japanese government to “emergency measures” (via Bloomberg)

Fukushima nuclear plant operator raises alarm on crisis (via New York Times)

ENVIRONMENT 

USFWS changes endangered species law despite GOP protest (via The Hill)

Rim fire taking ecological toll over thousands of acres (via Los Angeles Times)

New York City mulls plastic bag fee (via Environmental Leader)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

New study finds another link between fracking and earthquakes (via StateImpact Texas)

Hold the water: Some firms fracking without it (via Houston Chronicle)

Fracking foes interrupt Obama’s trip to New York State (via Houston Chronicle)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Irish government could save €200 million a year with energy efficiency program (via Irish Times)

More energy efficient government buildings could save Australia $35 million a year (via Renew Economy)

Partnership aims for more LEED-certified college stadiums (via EarthTechling)

NYSERDA issues energy efficiency financing bonds (via Breaking Energy)

OIL 

World petroleum use sets record high in 2012 despite declines in North America and Europe (via US EIA)

British Columbia officials worry oil spill would “overwhelm” resources (via Vancouver Sun)

FAA approves use of drones over Alaska oil area (via Seattle Times/AP)

TRANSPORTATION 

New models driving down electric car costs (via BusinessGreen)

DOE may revive auto industry loan program for green cars (via The Hill)

Nissan readying four new EV models, widespread inductive charging (via Autoblog Green)

A decade later, Tesla now officially a threat to the auto industry (via GigaOm)

Tesla market value reaches $20 billion on EV optimism (via Bloomberg)

EMISSIONS 

Australian carbon capture pilot turns CO2 into green building materials (via Environmental Leader)

Outlook for cap and trade brightens in California (via GreenBiz)

Green concrete saves Dallas schools 108.7 million pounds of CO2 (via Environmental Leader)

POLITICS 

Moniz reshuffles Energy Department advisory board (via The Hill)

Climate “hawks” hatch super-PAC ahead of 2014 races (via The Hill)

OPINION 

These maps show how Asia is taking over the oil markets (via Washington Post)

Humans’ complicity in climate change can’t be ignored (via Washington Post)

How soon will the US surpass Germany in solar investments? (via Energy Manager Today)

Solar and storage mean “game over” for traditional utilities (via Renew Economy)

When alternative energy dreams fall short (via Politico)

Mud slinging undermines the net metering debate (via Breaking Energy)

9 scary facts about the Yosemite fire (via Mother Jones)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.19.13

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

CLIMATE 

UN panel finds humans 95% likely cause of climate change (via The Hill)

More frequent heat waves by 2020 “almost certain” (via Climate Central)

Global flood damage could exceed $1 trillion annually by 2050 (via Mother Jones)

Climate change brings another flood onslaught in Pakistan (via Pakistan Daily Times)

Worst Colorado River drought in century prompts feds to cut Lake Powell releases (via Deseret News)

Many Floridians face rising tide of flood insurance costs (via Sun Sentinel)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Interior Department says Keystone XL could harm parks, wildlife (via The Hill)

TransCanada acknowledges tar sands crude could sink if spilled (via EnergyWire)

Steyer launches $1 million anti-Keystone XL ad push (via The Hill)

RENEWABLES 

Despite slowdown, China to hold wind power market leadership to 2020 (via Renewable Energy World)

Czech lawmakers axe renewable energy support (via Recharge)

European climate policy drives wood pellet boom in North Carolina (via News Observer)

New hydropower laws could add 60GW of clean energy to US grid (via CleanTechnica)

Investors welcome new environmental standards for solar (via BusinessGreen)

Energy cane “could yield five times more ethanol than corn” (via Environmental Leader)

Texas claims cheapest solar installations as prices drop nationwide (via Houston Chronicle)

California Solar Initiative aims to preserve project resources as funding ends (via Energy Manager Today)

EMISSIONS 

Australia’s carbon markets to survive federal election (via Bloomberg)

California to discuss additional compliance options for cap-and-trade program (via Bloomberg BNA)

Waste carbon dioxide could be used as energy (via RTCC)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Shale gas company halts fracking at British site (via New York Times)

Shale grab in US stalls as falling values repel buyers (via Bloomberg)

Methane leakage from Utah gas rigs higher than EPA estimates (via RTCC)

Aubrey McClendon is back, with deals in the Utica (via Forbes)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Sweden named “most sustainable country in the world” (via BusinessGreen)

Auto manufacturers aim to produce vehicles at sustainable facilities (via Energy Manager Today)

Investors slow to embrace sustainability, Accenture says (via Environmental Leader)

US rare earths mining rush enters its “survival moment” (via Greenwire)

OIL 

Shale gas and oil production soaring in 2013 (via Houston Chronicle)

Experts clash on estimates of oil spilled into Gulf (via Houston Chronicle)

TRANSPORTATION 

America’s new vehicles are more fuel efficient than ever (via Greentech Media)

Electric car charging at work: The next big push (via Green Car Reports)

Is Tesla Model S the best way to sell politicians on EVs? (via Green Car Reports)

Hybrids take 7% of California market in 1H 2013; PHEVs 0.7%, EVs 1.1% (via Green Car Congress)

GREEN BUILDING 

USGBC report highlights growth in green building industry (via Bloomberg BNA)

Arizona hosts world’s largest net-zero energy building (via CleanTechnica)

GRID 

UK’s first large-scale battery storage project goes live (via Renew Grid)

Designing grid batteries to live long and prosper (via Greentech Media)

Distributed generation grabs power from centralized utilities (via Forbes)

Trees vs. transmission: Utility arborist seeks better approach (via Midwest Energy News)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

EIA publishes state fact sheets on residential energy consumption and characteristics (via US EIA)

Smart windows just got a lot smarter at saving energy (via Breaking Energy)

How much is a Nest thermostat worth? (via Breaking Energy)

ENVIRONMENT 

We’ve covered the world in pesticides – is that a problem? (via Washington Post)

In West’s expanding tinderbox, questions about development (via Stateline)

10,000 homes threatened as Idaho wildfire spreads to 92,000 acres (via NBC News)

Bare trees are a lingering sign of Hurricane Sandy’s high toll (via New York Times)

OPINION 

The future China chooses will dictate the future of Earth (via The Guardian)

Can climate science be rendered conservative-friendly? (via Grist)

Can hacking the stratosphere solve climate change? (via NPR)

Could suburbs become the future of renewable energy? (via ClimateWire)

Is Washington in a “post-policy era”? (via Washington Post)

Obama Administration rushes to expand fracking on public lands despite frightening evidence (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 8.16.13

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

CLIMATE 

Climate change may have ended late Bronze Age civilizations (via Los Angeles Times)

Apples losing their crunch to global warming (via Agence-France Presse)

Online map guides Great Lakes climate change adaptation planning (via CleanTechnica)

Climate change may be easing devastating 2012 drought (via Climate Central)

Plants in US Southwest moving higher as the climate warms (via Yale e360)

Researchers flying over Western wildfire sampling smoke to study role in climate change (via Washington Post/AP)

NUCLEAR 

US nuclear power plants vulnerable to 9/11-style attacks (via Reuters)

RENEWABLES 

Brazil plans for 9GW wind energy tender across 377 locations (via Recharge)

Canadian solar sees grid parity for big projects in 5 years (via Renew Economy)

A novel way to cut the cost of advanced biofuels (via MIT Technology Review)

Investments in existing hydropower unlock more clean energy (via Energy.gov)

Proof that renewables can out-compete coal (via The Energy Collective)

White House solar panels being installed this week (via Washington Post)

Oklahoma wind developers say they’ll have enough projects for Clean Line transmission project (via The Oklahoman)

North Carolina coastal residents get glimpse of proposed offshore wind farm (via News Observer)

Four Texas wind projects will combine into world’s largest community-owned wind farm (via Plainview Daily Herald)

Clean Line “overwhelmed” by wind developer response to RFI (via Renew Grid)

Goodhue wind project foes ready to celebrate its defeat (via Minnesota Public Radio)

Wisconsin renewable energy firms, public urge state to rethink solar credit suspension (via Journal Sentinel)

OIL 

US and China oil consumption and imports: a tale of two very different countries (via Houston Chronicle)

Nicaragua to start exploring for oil in the Caribbean (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

Ecuador scraps forest protection plan to drill for oil (via Reuters Point Carbon)

As railroad tank cars roll through, Texas towns prepare for accidents (via StateImpact Texas)

TRANSPORTATION 

US to bring gas mileage rule to hybrid era (via New York Times)

Could electric cars threaten the grid? (via MIT Technology Review)

KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS 

Work begins as oil sands pipeline gains fast-track approval (via Midwest Energy News)

ExxonMobil may retire pipeline that burst in Arkansas (via Houston Chronicle/AP)

EMISSIONS 

New Zealand scales back 2020 carbon reduction target (via BusinessGreen)

Denmark publishes 78 ideas to curb emissions (via RTCC)

Redwood trees store triple the carbon (via Sustainable Business)

Texas businesses back greenhouse gas emissions law (via New York Times)

GRID 

FERC revises energy storage regulations to improve market competition (via Energy Manager Today)

New flow battery could enable cheaper, more efficient energy storage (via Phys.org)

Microgrids get big test in Connecticut (via EarthTechling)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Foreseeing trouble in exporting natural gas (via New York Times)

Could local politics derail West Coast LNG export plans? (via Breaking Energy)

Fracking boom could lead to housing bust (via Grist)

Pennsylvania will pass Louisiana to be second top US gas producing state in 2013 (via Facts of the Day)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Smart windows could spark energy efficiency revolution (via RTCC)

Energy Saver 101: Home energy audits (via Energy.gov)

OPINION 

Climate policy’s twin challenges (via Los Angeles Times)

Renewable fuels make a difference (via USA Today)

Separating fact from fiction in accounts of Germany’s renewable revolution (via RMI Outlet)

Top 8 things you didn’t know about distributed wind (via Department of Energy)

Are utilities ready for the coming death spiral? (via Greentech Media)

How utilities can adapt when big box retailers go solar (via GreenBiz)

How carbon dioxide regulations could actually hurt renewables (via MIT Technology Review)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.18.13

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

EMISSIONS 

UN carbon’s longest rally to persist on supply crunch (via Bloomberg)

Australia carbon link may spur EU management panel, says Accenture (via Bloomberg)

EU-Australia CO2 union shows price tension (via Reuters)

Geology matters when it comes to storing carbon (via Climate Central)

21% of households account for 50% of greenhouse gas emissions (via Phys.org)

White House regulatory chief defends “social cost of carbon” boost (via The Hill)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

How will cheaper natural gas affect business and the economy? (via Washington Post)

Interior Secretary defends federal fracking regulations (via Bloomberg)

California officials wrestle with handling fracking trade secrets (via Los Angeles Times)

RENEWABLES 

Saudi Arabia aims to be world’s largest renewable energy market (via Arab News)

China hits US and South Korea with solar material duties, skirts EU decision (via Reuters)

India unveils plans for massive concentrated solar power (via RTCC)

Is Germany the hot spot for battery-backed solar? (via Greentech Media)

New wind and solar can supply 100% of annual US electricity load growth (via Facts of the Day)

CLIMATE 

NASA: Globally, June was second warmest on record (via Climate Progress)

Researchers project ice-free Arctic by 2058 (via Phys.org)

EU hails China’s commitment to climate change (via Fox News/Agence-France Presse)

Fossil fuels tax to fund climate efforts proposed at UN talks (via RTCC)

Bill to shift NOAA resources to weather marches on (via Climate Central)

Zichal: Climate rules can be finished during Obama’s term (via Politico)

Reid blames climate change for wildfires: “West is burning” (via Las Vegas Review-Journal)

CIA backs $630,000 study on controlling climate change (via Grist)

After wildfire tragedy, talk of global warming’s contribution a delicate matter (via InsideClimate News)

OIL 

China pumps crude at fastest pace since 2010 as oil prices climb (via Bloomberg)

US Gulf oil profits will lure $16 billion in more rigs by 2015 (via Houston Chronicle)

US ranks #5 on petroleum risk list (via Breaking Energy)

Exxon secrecy over ruptured pipeline may mask national danger (via Houston Chronicle)

Gulf of Mexico oil sheen traced to Deepwater Horizon rig wreckage (via Los Angeles Times)

Enbridge seeks swift approval of 600-mile Midwest oil pipeline, pitches project at open houses (via Washington Post)

Anadarko, unshaken by Deepwater Horizon legacy, builds big in Gulf of Mexico (via Forbes)

US Air Force to study drilling for oil off California coast (via Los Angeles Times)

TRANSPORTATION 

United Kingdom invests £1 billion in low-carbon auto manufacturing (via CleanTechnica)

Comparing driving costs of EVs and conventional cars (via Energy Collective)

Report says efficient urban transportation could save world $70 trillion (via Inhabitat)

“Dreamliner” nightmare continues: 787 catches fire in London (via The Hill)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Creating climate wealth through energy efficient buildings (via Energy Manager Today)

LED lights saved $675 million in energy costs in 2012 (via The Good Human)

Obama’s plan for energy-efficient federal buildings powered by clean energy (via Climate Progress)

New federal buildings face higher efficiency standard (via EarthTechling)

GRID 

Electricity prices soar past $200 per MWh as heatwave hits Eastern US (via Energy Collective)

USDA awards another $18 million in smart grid funding to rural utilities (via Renew Grid)

ENVIRONMENT 

World Bank: environmental damage costing India nearly 6% of GDP (via BusinessGreen)

Interior Secretary says drought may cause record wildfires in US (via Bloomberg)

Texas ranks last on US green state list (via Houston Chronicle)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Sustainable manufacturing “can boost profits $15 billion annually” (via Environmental Leader)

Green consumers are brand loyal (via Mother Nature Network)

Report: companies see climate risks but few take action (via The Hill)

OPINION 

The World Bank cuts off coal funding – how big an impact will it have? (via Washington Post)

UK government over-estimating future fuel prices (via Reuters)

US can’t afford to cede green energy industry to competitors (via Christian Science Monitor)

Burning fossil fuels imperils our ability to burn fossil fuels (via Mother Jones)

The carbon footprints lead to you (via Washington Post)

Global warming is making life hell for firefighters (via Motherboard)

Will bioenergy with carbon capture save us? (via EarthTechling)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.16.13

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

CLIMATE 

Sea levels set for continuing rise in warming world (via Climate Central)

Study: sand dunes, coral reefs protect coasts against climate change (via The Hill)

Colorado wildfire costs insurers $292.8 million (via Bloomberg)

UMass researchers study link between allergies and global warming (via CBS News)

Evangelical scientists issue faith-base call for climate action (via Climate Progress)

OIL 

BP looks to shave more money off Gulf oil spill fines tab (via Houston Chronicle)

Shell’s biggest oil platform heads for deep-water Gulf (via Houston Chronicle)

Alaskan voters will weigh in on tax cut for oil industry (via Stateline)

Exxon won’t disclose inspection results of ruptured Arkansas pipeline’s condition (via InsideClimate News)

RENEWABLES 

China becomes first country to hit 3GW solar milestone (via CleanTechnica)

No quick end to EU-China solar trade war, says EPIA (via Recharge)

India tells wind farms to forecast power or face fines (via Panchabuta)

What’s next for the EU’s renewable energy targets? (via Renewable Energy World)

These maps show the best places to put solar and wind – it’s not where you think (via Washington Post)

Forest biomass loses in US Appeals Court ruling (via EarthTechling)

How much backup does wind power need? (via Reuters)

EMISSIONS 

Australian PM replaces fixed-price carbon tax with cap-and-trade ahead of elections (via Washington Post)

Rising coal, falling gas jump US emissions by 280 million tons (via Facts of the Day)

Change in social cost of carbon under scrutiny (via Politico)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

US to begin exporting fracked gas (via BBC News)

Fracking research: what’s behind EPA’s abandoned studies? (via Christian Science Monitor)

TRANSPORTATION 

A guide to every hybrid car on sale in the US (via Green Car Reports)

Gasoline prices surge nationwide (via Houston Chronicle)

All of a sudden, Nissan doesn’t have enough Leafs to go around (via Autoblog Green)

Midwest gas prices would rise if Keystone pipeline is built (via Kansas City Star)

California high-speed rail to have net zero emissions (via CleanTechnica)

ENVIRONMENT 

India declares 5,748 missing in Himalayan floods (via New York Times)

Perry renews drought disaster for much of Texas (via ABC News)

25 years after Exxon Valdez oil spill, company still hasn’t paid for long-term environmental damages (via Climate Progress)

GRID 

Plans to boost US grid hampered by fragmented ownership (via Energy Manager Today)

Grid resiliency doesn't come cheap in New Jersey (via Greentech Media)

ENERGY POLICY 

Oil industry launches new attack against ethanol mandate (via Reuters)

Canada’s train disaster could inspire new US regulations (via Houston Chronicle)

Low Great Lakes levels raise concerns for Midwest power plants (via Midwest Energy News)

Pennsylvania oil and gas industry caused 365 spills in 2012, but few fines levied (via StateImpact Pennsylvania)

GREEN BUSINESS 

US universities commit to graduate majors in green chemistry (via Sustainable Business)

POLITICS 

White House, environmentalists met before renewable fuel program crop approval (via The Hill)

Conservative energy group launches anti-carbon tax campaign (via The Hill)

For McCarthy, it’s all over but the regulating (via The Hill)

Senate climate showdown takes shape (via The Hill)

OPINION 

From fixed price to ETS: the complications of reducing emissions (via Renew Economy)

10 ways wind power is beating fossil fuel in India (via GigaOm)

Is solar cheaper than grid electricity? Yes and no. (via Grist)

What we can learn from the electric vehicle shakeout (via GigaOm)

Solar power has gotten so good we can use it to power airplanes (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.15.13

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

EMISSIONS 

Australia to scrap carbon tax for trading scheme (via Agence France-Presse)

California cap and trade could mean data center cost bumps (via GigaOm)

CLIMATE 

Ice sheets melting at rate of 300 billion tons a year, shows climate satellites (via The Independent)

Study shows climate change happening too quickly for species to adapt (via The Guardian)

After Sandy, New York aims to fortify itself against next big storm & climate change (via Washington Post)

RENEWABLES 

Solar PV to hit grid parity, $134 billion annual revenue by 2020 (via CleanTechnica)

Annual offshore wind investment to hit €18 billion by 2016 (via Renewable Energy World)

China vows to quadruple solar generating capacity by 2015 (via Reuters)

EU plans probe on German renewable energy law (via Reuters)

Europe installs 1GW offshore wind capacity in first half 2013 (via BusinessGreen)

The history of biofuels goes back 300 years (via Autoblog Green)

US court says biofuel producers must face carbon emissions rules (via Reuters)

Georgia PSC orders 525MW more solar power capacity by 2016 (via Atlanta Business Chronicle)

New York inches toward offshore wind energy (via EarthTechling)

NATURAL GAS 

France’s president rules out shale gas exploration (via Reuters)

Sen. Wyden: natural gas proposal coming soon (via The Hill)

ENVIRONMENT 

Study: world’s coral reefs face serious problems by 2100 (via Climate Central)

Sweeping parts of southern seas could become a nature preserve (via NPR)

Study says removing coastal habitat doubles flood impact (via Phys.org)

Canada’s second-largest fire on record spreads smoke to Europe (via Weather Underground)

Wind power and this bird get along fine (via EarthTechling)

OIL

Full extent of heavy metal contamination in Arkansas Exxon oil spill still unknown (via InsideClimate News)

TRANSPORTATION 

UK aims for low-carbon vehicles with £1 billion R&D center (via BusinessGreen)

GM to double models with 40-mpg highway or better by 2017 (via Green Car Congress)

Battery-electric cars are outselling plug-in hybrids (via Green Car Reports)

Better Place bought out of bankruptcy for $12 million (via GigaOm)

Study projects Tesla Roadster packs will retain 80-85% capacity after 100k miles (via Green Car Congress)

Tesla trims Model S reservation price in half (via CleanTechnica)

One year with my Chevy Volt (via CleanTechnica)

Connecticut to fund $200,000 in public charging station incentives (via Autoblog Green)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Federal building efficiency standard could cut energy use 18% (via Environmental Leader)

DOE set to order energy efficiency standards for US computers and servers (via The Hill)

GREEN BUSINESS

Recycling saved General Motors $1 billion in 2012 (via BusinessGreen)

Skanska quits US Chamber of Commerce over anti-LEED lobbying (via BusinessGreen)

NUCLEAR 

IAEA says aging nuclear reactors pose safety challenge (via Reuters)

GREEN BUILDING 

Re-imagined London tower would harvest pollution as fuel (via EarthTechling)

Munich building snags highest-ever LEED rating (via EarthTechling)

ENERGY POLICY 

Water scarcity from climate change could jack up Europe’s power prices (via Climate Progress)

World Bank abandons coal, green-lights clean micro-grids (via Renew Economy)

When space weather attacks the grid (via Washington Post)

Ideas to bolster US power grid run up against system’s many owners (via New York Times)

Flush with oil and gas cash, North Dakota’s economic growth tops in nation (via Stateline)

POLITICS 

Rudd seeks to ditch carbon tax with eye on election campaign (via Bloomberg)

Tough job ahead as Obama puts climate talk into action, sells plan to public (via Washington Post)

Battle over EPA nominee draws to a close (via The Hill)

GOP “climate disconnect” would sacrifice climate research for weather forecasting (via Climate Progress)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.12.13

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

CLIMATE 

Rising global temperatures accelerate drought-induced forest mortality (via Phys.org)

DOE to boost energy sector climate change efforts (via The Hill)

States seek flexibility in Obama climate plan (via Stateline)

Rising temperatures, shrinking snowpack fuel western wildfires (via Climate Central)

US admirals, generals link climate change to national security (via Public News Service)

ENERGY POLICY 

Japan’s “third arrow” aims for renewables, energy storage (via Renewable Energy World)

Use of coal to generate power rises; greenhouse gas emissions next? (via Los Angeles Times)

Pumping water underground for geothermal or fracking could trigger major earthquake, say scientists (via The Guardian)

RENEWABLES 

Q2 2013 global green investment at $53.1 billion (via Greentech Media)

France wind power feed-in tariff dispute nears finish line (via Recharge News)

New offshore wind turbines begin turning in Europe, but cash scarce (via Reuters)

California fast-tracks renewable energy projects (via Greentech Media)

California Solar Initiative shines with 391MW-installed record year (via CleanTechnica)

Walgreens taking on big boxes for solar energy leadership (via Midwest Energy News)

OIL 

IEA sees 20-year supply peak outpacing demand in 2014 (via Bloomberg)

Fracking pushes US oil output to highest level since 1992 (via Houston Chronicle)

US oil soars above $106 to 15-month high (via Wall Street Journal)

Gulf oil spill settlement payment offers reach nearly $4 billion (via Houston Chronicle)

Leaner BP blanches at bill for oil spill cleanup (via New York Times)

TRANSPORTATION 

OECD countries invest on average around 1% of GDP on road and rail infrastructure (via Green Car Congress)

The business model for solar-powered electric car charging (via Plug-in Cars)

Tesla Model S output speeds past 400 per week (via Bloomberg)

ENVIRONMENT 

Air pollution kills more than 2 million people every year (via The Guardian)

Russia and Ukraine likely to block huge proposed Antarctic marine reserve (via The Guardian)

Glass sponge invasion follows Antarctic ice shelf retreat (via Los Angeles Times)

US drought grows for fourth straight week, South driest in weeks (via Reuters)

For Western landscapes, fire may be an agent of change (via ClimateWire)

Steep drop in coastal fish found in California power plant records (via Los Angeles Times)

GRID 

Global smart meter unit shipments will peak at 131 million annually in 2018 (via Navigant Research)

Distributed management systems help utilities balance complex loads (via Navigant Research)

ComEd deploying 4 million smart meters in Illinois (via Renew Grid)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

China raises natural gas prices 15% (via Energy Manager Today)

Distant seismic activity can trigger quakes at fracking sites (via Reuters)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

How utilities can make any customer care about efficiency (via GreenBiz)

EIA launches energy efficiency program tracker (via Greentech Media)

Natgas industry push to repeal zero-carbon building law splits green community (via InsideClimate News)

POLITICS 

Infographic: the anti-science climate denier caucus (via Climate Progress)

Reid, McConnell spar on EPA nomination in “nuclear” debate (via The Hill)

Congress tries to turn off lights on efficient bulb mandates (via Houston Chronicle)

Over 10,000 Google users protest company’s Inhofe fundraiser (via Climate Progress)

OPINION 

German tariffs make green energy too expensive to store (via BBC News)

Hey utilities – have you seen the traffic in Los Angeles lately? (via RMI Outlet)

How climate change makes it harder to keep the lights on (via Washington Post)

Energy and Environment News Roundup – 7.9.13

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

EMISSIONS 

China says it will not set carbon cap (via Renewable Energy World)

Blueprint for Russia’s carbon market should be ready by end of 2013 (via RTCC)

DOE fielding aircraft-based study of aerosols generated by wildfires in US (via Green Car Congress)

Colorado mulls oil and gas air pollution rules as residents erupt (via Denver Post)

Website tracks 20 Minnesota cities’ greenhouse gas emissions (via Star-Tribune)

COAL 

China’s reliance on coal reduces life expectancy 5.5 years (via The Guardian)

RENEWABLES 

Navigant: Solar price to reach grid parity worldwide in 2020 (via Energy Manager Today)

Future of UK offshore wind power in “serious doubt” (via The Guardian)

Germany to pull plug on solar subsidies by 2018 (via Phys.org)

Renewables rise to 15% in Australia as power demand and emissions fall (via Renew Economy)

India risks Spain’s solar slump with move to cut tariff (via Bloomberg)

Los Angeles kicks off second round of solar feed-in tariff (via CleanTechnica)

Georgia Power to buy output from 38MW solar project (via Renew Grid)

NUCLEAR 

Nearly half of Japanese cities near nuclear plants would allow resumption (via United Press International)

Japan moves closer to restarting its nuclear reactors (via The Guardian)

World’s first floating nuclear power plant to begin operating in Russia in 2016 (via Russia Times)

CLIMATE 

Climate change to spawn more and stronger hurricanes (via USA Today)

Pacific Island nations meet in Fiji to discuss 2015 climate adaptation strategy (via RTCC)

Nigeria kickstarts adaptation efforts to head off climate disasters (via Thompson-Reuters)

Stressed native UK trees on the march as climate change collapses seasons (via ClimateWire)

Climate change could spark small mammal invasion (via Scientific American)

Climate change might be enabling beetles’ rise against pine trees (via MPR News)

OIL 

US well sites in 2012 discharged more oil than Valdez (via EnergyWire)

Quebec disaster highlights risk of moving crude oil by rail (via Washington Post)

TRANSPORTATION 

ABB to build world’s largest network of EV fast-charging stations in Netherlands (via Green Car Congress)

Ethanol critics rev up efforts to repeal biofuel rules on gasoline (via Omaha World-Herald)

Tesla Motors to join Nasdaq 100 (via Bloomberg)

NATURAL GAS/FRACKING 

Fracking ban halts first shale gas project in Spain (via Christian Science Monitor)

West Virginia natural gas well explosion kills at least five (via Reuters)

ENVIRONMENT 

Insurance companies given severe weather warning (via Climate Central)

Southwest US forests may never recover from megafires (via The Atlantic)

Hundreds evacuated as wildfire threatens Alaskan towns (via Anchorage Daily News)

KEYSTONE XL 

Obama’s Keystone approval could hinge on Canada’s climate measures (via Houston Chronicle)

State Department admits it doesn’t know exact Keystone XL route (via DeSmog Blog)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Energy efficiency saves Scottish homeowners £1 billion (via BusinessGreen)

DOE to toughen energy efficiency standards for new federal buildings (via The Hill)

World’s largest LED retrofit saves 80% for GM (via CleanTechnica)

GREEN BUSINESS 

Majority of EU citizens back green product labeling; 77% would pay premium (via BusinessGreen)

POLITICS 

Obama waves veto pen at House Energy Department spending bill (via The Hill)

Utility 2.0: Can political activism and microtargeting boost clean energy? (via Greentech Media)

“Nuclear option” decision arrives for Sen. Reid on Obama nominations (via The Hill)

OPINION 

Solar costs and grid prices on collision course (via CleanTechnica)

Google becomes a big energy player (via Houston Chronicle)

Survey: 76% of consumers don’t trust their utility (via Greentech Media)

Why France is the next big smart meter market (via Navigant Research)

Divestment: old tactic in new climate campaign (via New York Times)