Representatives Waxman and Markey released their much anticipated re-write of their proposed cap and trade climate legislation earlier this week. Much speculation has been offered in the media that the bill had no chance of passing as it was originally structured, if it had any chance at all.
Well, there has apparently been a lot
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the “The American Clean Energy and Security Act” as the opening salvo in a contentious and complex debate over a greenhouse cap and trade program. The bill links two major and independently controversial
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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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
Al Gore, speaking at the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, called for young people to perform acts of civil disobedience to stop construction of new coal plants. He also has called for State Attorney Generals to review whether utilities are committing stock fraud by discounting the threat of global warming.
I put
As reported in the Texarkana Gazette, the Arkansas State Commission on Global Warming is likely to recommend a ban on new coal fired power plants. The Commission is also proposing construction of a new $1.5 billion dollar plant be delayed until carbon sequestration technology can be added to the plant.
What is the
As reported in various newspapers, several states have moved forward with the next round of climate change litigation. The States have sued U.S. EPA arguing that the Agency illegally refused to regulate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from refineries.
Thelen’s Climate Law Update, had a recent post discussing the lawsuit:
New York, California and 10 other states
On August 20th, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio proposed rules governing greenhouse gas reporting and carbon dioxide control planning. Parties wishing to file comments have until September 6th to file comments.
The most interesting aspect of the rule is it proposes to mandate all electric generating facilities in Ohio become participating members in