The European Union tossed out a plan to label Canadian oil sands crude highly polluting. “The debate about labelling tar sands, also known as oil sands, dates back to 2009 when EU member states approved legislation with the aim of cutting greenhouse gases from transport fuel sold in Europe by 6% by 2020, but failed to agree how to implement it.” [The Guardian]

Truly clean coal has a long way to go, but there are about 100 carbon capture projects running worldwide. “Such CO2 capture and storage (CCS) ‘is the only known technology that will enable us to continue to use fossil fuels and also de-carbonize the energy sector,’ said Maria van der Hoeven, executive director of the International Energy Agency, in a statement on the opening of the Boundary Dam plant. ‘As fossil fuel consumption is expected to continue for decades, deployment of CCS is essential.’” [Scientific American]

NYSERDA’s Megawatt Block solar incentive program looks well designed and “should poise the Empire State for strong, steady solar growth.” [CleanTechnica]