A new complex web of standards for control of vehicle emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) is coming at a time of unprecedented challenges to the auto industry. The timing raises questions as to whether the Bush Administration’s denial of California’s request to establish separate GHG standards is really worth re-visiting.
On January 26, 2009 President Obama
Here are some snapshots of some of the latest developments regarding the Congressional debate over cap and trade legislation. For the first time serious consideration of legislation is underway. As a result, groups are beginning to develop their public positions. Meanwhile, businesses continue to feel increasing pressure to address the risks associated with climate
If you are like me you have noticed a lot more people talking about climate change in the last month. President Obama’s cap and trade proposal has certainly garnered more attention on the subject. Many opponents tend to ask why we should be pursuing such a massive program in the middle of an economic crisis.
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In accordance with the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its proposed rule to require annual mandatory reporting of greenhouse gases from over 13,000 businesses. Businesses covered by the rule must start tracking emissions by 2010 and report in 2011 on an annual basis. While specific sources are
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Greenwire obtained a leaked copy of a U.S. EPA powerpoint presentation that discussed the likely elements of the "endangerment finding" and a timeline for action. The presentation includes a slide showing a timeline for action. According to the slide, the Agency will miss the April 2nd anniversary of the Massachusetts v. EPA Supreme Court decision, but is projected
No doubt the President’s budget includes a very ambitious proposal cap and trade proposal to address Climate Change. The President Budget provides an overview of the proposal in the EPA budget:
After enactment of the Budget, the Administration will work expeditiously
with key stakeholders and Congress to develop an economy-wide emissions reduction program to reduce
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On February 18th another permit, Northern Michigan University Ripley Heating Plant, for a new coal facility was remanded by U.S. EPA’s Environmental Board of Review. The Board remanded the permit because the State (the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality), in issuing the permit, failed to address whether CO2 was a regulated pollutant under the Clean Air
Kudos to those in Cleveland responsible for launching the country’s first community based carbon offset fund- the Cleveland Carbon Fund. It is an innovative approach to offsetting your personal or business carbon footprint. Richard Steubi’s Cleantech blog describes the difference between the Cleveland Fund and other offsetting options:
"There are already several options in the marketplace
May you live in interesting times….Yesterday EPA Administrator Jackson issued a letter granting the Sierra Club’s petition for reconsideration of a Deseret Power memo issued by former EPA Administrator Johnson. The Petition seeks reconsideration of the Johnson memo which interpreted EPA regulations defining the pollutants covered by federal permitting under the Clean Air Act. The Johnson
There has been major developments as a result of litigation, policy, rulemaking and legislation in the last few weeks relating to climate change and coal fired power plants. Some changes are a result of outstanding litigation. However, the most significant changes are indicative of the sea change that is occurring at the federal level under