The EPA have begun the process of regulating greenhouse gas emissions from the largest domestic commercial airlines. “But some fear the ultimate approach may prove too weak. The agency released a proposed “endangerment finding,” meaning that it is suggesting that aircraft engines may “contribute to the air pollution that causes climate change and endangers public health and welfare.”

That’s what the EPA has found for emissions from an even larger transportation-related contributor to global warming: cars. The EPA also gave notice that it is considering regulations on aircraft engines.” [The Washington Post]

BP’s recently released Statistical Review of World Energy has emphasized that global energy consumption is slowing down. “BP said slow growth for energy demand was largely due to China’s economy moving away from “energy-intensive sectors”.

Separately, it said increased US shale supply was a “continuing revolution”. The BP review also said the mixture of fuels which the world was using was changing.” [BBC News]

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described wind farms as “visually awful”, vocalizing his contempt for the Renewable Energy Target (RET) policy implemented by the Howard Government. “When I’ve been up close to these things, not only are they visually awful, but they make a lot of noise,” Mr Abbott told Sydney broadcaster Alan Jones on Thursday.

His comments echoed those of Treasurer Joe Hockey, who last year described wind turbines as “utterly offensive.” [ABC]