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The first step to establishment of a comprehensive climate change regulatory program has been completed by U.S. EPA . On September 22nd, the Agency finalized its rule on mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The rule give the initial glimpses into what the potential overall control program will look. The most important insight- which industries
Federal Court Decision Increases Pressure on Congress to Pass Climate Change Legislation
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The Federal Court of Appeals (2nd Circuit) issued a major decision in the ever growing debate regarding action on climate change. The court is allowing states to proceed with a suit against power companies that calls for a court order to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming.
Eight states (California, Connecticut
EPA Gives Possible Timeline for Climate Change “Endangerment Finding”
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More rumblings that EPA may move forward with regulation of greenhouse gases under its existing authority under the Clean Air Act. It appears EPA has started to rattle its saber in an effort to re-energize the cap-and-trade proposal currently in the Senate.
Cap and Trade: Job Killer or Call to Action for Coal Dependent States
Ohio faces a two headed hydra when it comes to the impact of the proposed cap-and-trade bill in Congress- the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES):
- Ohio generates almost 90% of its energy from coal;
- Manufacturing represents one the largest employment sectors in Ohio (ranking 3rd nationally with 1.1 million workers as
Major Climate Change Court Decision: Georgia Appeal Court Well Reasoned Decision Overturns CO2 Ruling
Today, a Georgia Appeals Court overturned a lower court’s ruling that invalidated an air permit for a coal-fired power plant on the basis of climate change. In June 20, 2008 Georgia’s Fulton County Superior Court invalidated a permit for construction of a 1200-megawatt coal-fired power plant. The Court said the Georgia Environmental Protection Division should have
Climate Change Legislation Moves Forward, But Major Issues Remain
The American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act of 2009 has cleared one hurdle through passage by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill now makes its way through at least two more House Committees before a floor vote will occur. The House leadership has set an aggressive time frame for passage, Speaker Pelosi has
Major Overhaul to House Climate Change Legislation
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 Begins the Debate on Cap and Trade
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
California Waiver, Endangerment Finding and Survival of the Auto Industry
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
Climate Update: Latest Developments on the Politics of Climate Legislation
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