After this summer’s anti-climatic end to federal climate change legislation, some thought that perhaps there would be a temporary end of the discussion of climate change regulation.  However, recent weather events (wildfires in Russia, floods in Pakistan and an ice sheet breaking off Greenland) and extreme heat have reinvigorated the debate. 

Here is some highlights of the recent discussion. 

Is Climate Change Causing Wild Weather? –  I like the National Journal’s discussion of controversial topics.  The website features view points from well recognized experts, politicians or interest groups.  The current thread discusses the science (or lack thereof) behind linking climate change to this summer’s wild weather. 

GOP Candidates Knock Climate Change-  This article on Politico discusses the number of Republican candidates who are willing to take the stance linking man made emissions to climate change is simply unproven.  With the economy possibly heading to a double dip recession, support for a new "tax" on emissions has become a basis for attack this November.

Chamber Sues EPA Over Endangerment Finding-  In late July, EPA rejected the Chamber’s petition for reconsideration of EPA’s Endangerment ruling.  The Chamber argued that e-mails released in "climate-gate" justified EPA reconsideration of its finding.  EPA said the e-mails were taken out of context and there is no evidence that undermines its finding. This month, the Chamber pushed its legal finding further by filing suit challenging the basis for EPA’s finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and the environment. 

EPA Marches Forward with Rule Making-  As discussed in my previous post, U.S. EPA is moving forward with regulation of greenhouse gas emission under the Clean Air Act.  Beginning in 2011, without passage of any federal legislation, emissions of GHGs from large sources will trigger new requirements. 

Concluding Comment-  All of this may be a surprise to some of you who thought that the Senate’s decision to scuttle federal cap and trade legislative efforts meant the end of the debate.  It is clear that this issue will not go away.  While direct connection to weather events cannot be made, there is no denying the connection between extreme weather events and re-invigoration of our national debate.