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
Carbon Cap Legislation Will Be A Struggle, But Success Is Essential
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.
EPA Proposes Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule
.gif){kind=logo}
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
In a Major Reversal, Obama Administration Restarts NSR Enforcement Initiative
In a dramatic reversal from the Bush Administration, the Department of Justice and U.S. EPA are renewing their New Source Review enforcement efforts against coal-fired power plants. The NSR lawsuits originally commenced during the Clinton years have resulted in billions of dollars in new controls and hundreds of millions in civil penalties.
The industry had breathed a sigh
Obama’s Cap and Trade Proposal Gets Mixed Reviews
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
Mercury, Cap and Trade, California Waiver and Other Developments on Climate Change and Coal
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
Progress in Ohio on Renewable Energy Job Creation…But What Next?
Governor Ted Strickland made his State of the State speech today. While almost the entire speech was focused on education there were a few interesting nuggets relative to Ohio’s progress in developing green jobs.
"Over the last three years, Ohio has led the nation with 350 new or expanded facility projects in the renewable energy
President Obama Orders Review of California CO2 Waiver
In remarks titled "from peril to progress", the President set forth bold action yesterday that will inevitably lead to full regulation of CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions. The President ordered a "vigorous review" of California’s request to regulate greenhouse gas emissions which had been previously denied by the Bush Administration. [President Obama’s memo ordering a
Group Think on Obama’s Environment and Climate Team
President Elect Obama has prided himself on appointing a mix of opinions in his cabinet and senior advisors. For example, his National Security team is made up a former political rival and a Republican from the Bush Administration. Obama has said he studied history and identified a possible issue in past presidencies is not fostering a diverse mix
Deseret Power Case: CO2 Regulation Issue Punted to Obama Administration
Talk about your pro-bowl quality punts…U.S. EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board made a major one this week on the issue of climate change. All eyes were fixated on the Board waiting for their decision on whether the Clean Air Act requires immediate regulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs-which include CO2). The Board’s answer? We would rather