Led by solar power, global investment in renewable energy increased 16% in 2014 year-on-year. Solar and wind led the charge, but biofuels investment fell back a bit. “China was the clear national leader, with investment rising 32% to $90bn, with the US second, up 8% to $52bn, and Japan up 12% to $41bn. Canada, Brazil… Keep reading →
Yesterday’s People’s Climate March in New York City drew an estimated 310,000 – 400,000 people, putting it up there with some of the country’s largest historical mass protests. It’s great that so many people are passionate about doing something to address climate change, but it sometimes seems like people are quick to jump behind a… Keep reading →
In June 2014, the EPA released its proposed carbon emissions rules to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel power plants. This so-called ‘Clean Power Plan’ proposed a regulatory framework that mandates US power plants reduce GHG emissions 30 per cent by 2030 relative to their 2005 baseline. Taking center stage in this proposal… Keep reading →
After analyzing the EPA’s ‘Clean Power Plan’ proposal for the Scientific American, David Biello aptly concludes that in order “to burn coal or even natural gas without exacerbating global warming requires CO2 capture and storage whether in India or Indiana. The EPA, because of the cost of such CCS technology, will not go that far.”… Keep reading →
The 3rd National Climate Assessment (NCA) was released earlier this month, painting a frightening picture of the spiraling costs of climate disruption to America and highlighting the need to price carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While President Obama has pledged action and the electricity industry nervously awaits new EPA regulations for power plant emissions, the most appropriate… Keep reading →
The utility industry, legal community, environmental organizations, analysts and other stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the EPA’s new guidelines for reducing carbon dioxide under the Clean Air Act for existing power plants. The rule is scheduled to be announced June 2nd. President Obama has acted aggressively to bypass congress on climate change legislation by using the… Keep reading →
A new study using flyover methodology found methane emissions from oil and gas development activity in Colorado’s Front Range exceed estimates by regulators. “These discrepancies are substantial,” said lead author Gabrielle Petron, an atmospheric scientist with NOAA’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. “Emission estimates or ‘inventories’ are… Keep reading →
In March 2014, the Obama Administration released its ‘Climate Action Plan’ laying out a comprehensive, interagency strategy to cut methane emissions. The purpose of this plan is to help meet the president’s goal of reducing total US greenhouse gas emissions 17% below 2005 levels by 2020. In particular, the plan stresses the need for new… Keep reading →
The first RGGI carbon credit auction under the new 2014 cap sold allowances at $4 each, the highest since RGGI began its cap-and-trade program in 2008. On March 7, 2014, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) member states announced results of their 23rd carbon credit auction held on March 5. The auction was the first to… Keep reading →
A new methane emission study released this week details sources and potential costs associated with reducing emissions of the potent greenhouse gas from US energy infrastructure. The study, commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund and completed by ICF International, found the US oil and gas industry could significantly reduce methane emissions using existing technology for… Keep reading →
