A Conservative Carbon Cutter
"Rewards" not "subsidies" would spur research & development of climate friendly technologies. But who'll pay for the research?
January 31, 2008
Long Shot For Renewed Renewables Incentive
Although the Senate economic stimulus bill includes a one year extension of tax incentives for renewable energy projects, the President has vowed to veto any bill that differs from the House legislation, which lacks support for renewables. E&E News [Subscribers only] THIS JUST IN Senate folds
January 30, 2008
Power Plants Fear Carbon Curbs
Electric power utilities see potential curbs on carbon emissions as one of their biggest worries. Greenwire [Subscribers only]
Honda Finds Gold In Green
Honda's energy efficient cars are selling briskly in China, Europe and North America. Wake up Detroit!
The Control Factor
IT controls can play a crucial role in making older buildings greener. Get smarter
The Control Factor
IT controls can play a crucial role in making buildings greener. Get smarter
Bullish On Oil & Wind
Business is good in the old energy and new energy sectors, but futures on Bush's climate meeting are downRead more
January 29, 2008
Costly Coal
With global coal prices spiking at record highs, expect impacts on other energy sources. How demanding!
January 28, 2008
Fair Trade?
Governors of ten states urge the Federal Trade Commission to impose stricter standards for carbon offsets and renewable energy credits. That's fair
What, Me Worry!
Survey finds that just one out of 10 corporate leaders rates climate change a business priority. Worried?
Guns & Greens
A major military contractor offers energy conservation services as a way for clients to save money and enhance their global security. Go to it
Calculating The Wind
It would take just 6.8 months for a 3 megawatt wind turbine to put out as much energy as went into its manufacture. Go figure
January 27, 2008
From Gray To Green
Now existing commercial buildings can be high performing. It's a question of making the most of what's you've got. Here's how
January 25, 2008
Reversing Johnson
With the refusal of EPA Administrator Johnson to grant California a waiver to regulate its auto emissions, a new bill in the Senate would ensure the state's right to limit them and protect the climate. That's right
Who's On First?
A view from the bleachers on congestion pricing gamesmanship. Play ball
Coming Soon: Global Energy Shortages
In seven years, world demand for oil and gas could exceed supply says Royal Dutch Shell. Then what?
State of Urgency
Looking ahead to January 2009, here's an urgent call for government leadership based on "The State of the Climate". Hear that?
Decongestion Update
The work of the Congestion Pricing Panel is complete. Get the inside story. Enter here
January 24, 2008
Will Economic Chill Freeze Out Climate Agenda?
UN leaders urge World Economic Forum to focus on solving climate challenges ahead despite the current economic turmoil. Brrrr
Hot & Cretaceous
Ever wonder what made the Cretaceous Era so hot and what's different now (besides no dinosaurs)? Science at work
EU ETS: On To Phase 2
The EU sets the second round of ETS carbon goals, renewable energy targets and national emissions allocations. Learn more
Working For Green Roots
Sustainable communities need good jobs and there's great potential in the green, clean energy economy. Dig in [3.1MB]
Roam, Roam On the Range
Leaders in the high-tech industry launch the Eco-Patent Commons. It will allow access to and application of green intellectual properties to speed up environmental progress. Share that
On The Bus
More New Yorkers are taking buses. The MTA reports ridership up 11.1% in 2007. Ride on
January 23, 2008
Renewable Stimulus?
The clean energy industry and some environmental advocates call for extending current tax credits as part of an overall economic stimulus package. Not all renewables advocates agree. E&E Daily [Subscribers only]
Coal, Climate & Congress
The National Mining Association predicts a growing demand for coal, setting up a battle over climate legislation and federal funding. E&E Daily [Subscribers only]
UK & US Ire Over EU Carbon Import Tax
A proposed EU "tax" on imports, if no post-Kyoto deal is reached, dismays the US and the UK, calling it protectionist. Import that
As for a potential US "tax" on carbon imports go to FT
It's Better In Switzerland
Of 149 nations, Switzerland ranks #1 and the US is #39 on the Environmental Performance Index. Drill down to the targets and data that make up the rankings. Enter here
Empowering Everyman
Read this saga of going solar in Washington Heights. Plug in
January 22, 2008
Don't go Near The Water
A new agreement among nations bordering the Mediterranean could push development away from the water's edge-but enforcement will be the key Promise?
MA: Getting Down To Business
It's good to have a goal, but it's essential to have a plan and Massachusetts legislation leads the way on combating climate change. Details
Could Macy's Test Gimbels?
How and when market competition can spur testing for toxics in consumer electronics. [Q: Could it work to improve the energy efficiency of consumer products?] Read on
January 17, 2008
15 Climate Briefings
Dig into this encyclopedic assessment of US climate policy options. Kopp&Pizer
January 16, 2008
Don't Count Your Chickens
The US SEC might allow oil companies to count Alberta Canada's oil sands as equivalent to conventional crude oil reserves. Subprime oil?
Green Roots In NYC & SF
NYC and San Francisco have many sustainable promises to keep. Will they reach the grassroots? Fairly green
Delivering On The Promise
High performance building design holds out the promise for sharply reducing energy consumption--but does it deliver? Measure it
Expect Delays
Money to repair roads and bridges comes from the federal gasoline tax, last increased in 1993. Since the Administration opposes tax hikes, expect delays. How taxing!
Read The Fine Print
Despite headlines about the cost of greener power in the UK, global increases in the cost of oil and natural gas are much greater. Follow up
January 15, 2008
Arctic Rules
Anticipating open seas and natural resource exploitation, international shipping rules for the Arctic Ocean are needed. Adaptation?
Power Company Thinks Longer Term
National Grid has backed away from its refusal to enter into long-term contracts with renewable energy providers. Read more
Backing Off Climate Cuts
Individual EU members look to renege on collective GHG emissions reductions targets. And then?
Hamburg Goes For Hydrogen
Fuel cell-powered passenger ferries soon to be launched in Hamburg Germany. Visit!
UK Row Over New Nuke Plants
While one British ministry is calling for new nuclear power plants, a government watchdog opposes the policy. Stay tuned
$$ Moves To Renewables
GE will up its investment in renewables to $6 billion by 2010. Up, up
The Limits Of "Social License"
Social pressures and norms may have limited power in driving environmental policy to regulate certain industries. Here's a case study of the trucking business. Look into it
January 13, 2008
New Intellectual Property
Here's a thought experiment. Congress is planning to amend patent laws. At the same time, many climate policies call for sweeping technological innovations. Although the linked article focuses on computer tech and drug research, how could carbon capture innovations be affected by altered patent laws? Think
January 11, 2008
"Is Detroit Relevant?"
A question that answers itself. Tata
Up From Under
A former skeptic about investing in clean energies like geothermal and wind changes his mind. Why?
Noisy Weather
When modeling climate change, how to capture the "signals" without being distracted by weather "noise". Buzz in
Brighter Prospects for PV
Solar power suppliers are seeing better times, but costs still cast a shadow. Plug in
January 10, 2008
Fight Climate Change, No Coal Needed
"Plan B" bets on a carbon tax, green lighting and clean wind power to slash GHG emissions 80% by 2020. Read on
Fight Climate Change With Taxes
"Plan B" relies on a carbon tax, green lighting and clean wind power to slash carbon emissions 80% by 2020. Read on
Not Oz, Kansas!
Greensburg Kansas, destroyed by a tornado last year, is rebuilding to LEED Platinum standards. Wizard
Bridging Decongestion
A report on options for cutting Manhattan's traffic congestion, raising revenues too, now available. Read it
Carbon Storage Capacity At Risk
Warmer fall weather could cut carbon uptake levels due to increased plant respiration. Absorb that
January 09, 2008
What Were They Thinking?
Cities rely on their infrastructure, but a new study of the the Hudson Yards plan find that it's missing some essential details about finance and construction. Thinking?
Kyoto-Lite Not Al-Rite
Japan's climate proposal, Cool Earth 50, could eliminate mandatory emissions reduction targets. How retro!
Read The Fine Carbon Print
If you're wondering about those carbon credits you got, read the rules proposed by the Federal Trade Commission. Now comment
Bali-Beyond The Climate Headlines
This analysis of the recent Bali climate conference rates it as a qualified success. Look into it
January 08, 2008
New York Times Blog
Dot Earth
Sallan stays in the mix on Andy Revkin's Dot Earth blog. This time, Nancy points out that climate change strategists cannot put all their eggs in market-based baskets. Smart and serious climate laws must also set performance standards for everything from apartments to autos.
January 3, 2008
Respondents raised several good questions with regard to cap-and-dividend. Let me address the main ones. -- Peter Barnes
9. What about laws such as better efficiency standards? (Nancy Anderson)
N.Y. Times columnist Tom Friedman has made a crucial distinction between incremental policies and transformative ones. Cap-and-dividend is transformative. It will get us to 80% emission reductions and create a clean energy infrastructure in the process. Raising efficiency standards for autos, appliances and buildings is a good thing to do, but it won't transform our economy or cut emissions 80%.
January 07, 2008
Plug Yourself In
Impatient and ingenious, some folks aren't waiting for Toyota or GM to sell plug-in hybrid cars. Get energized
Energy Turmoil in NJ
New Jersey's Energy Master Plan is bogged down in multiple disputes. Now what?
On The Road in Holland
Here's a new way to use road heat that Jack Keroac would dig. Cool!
Campaign Climate Content
Sharp ears caught these carbon cap & trade comments by Obama Barrack and Bill Richardson. Better than nothing
January 05, 2008
Drink & Re-Think
What's in that plastic bottle? What can you use instead? Old is new
January 04, 2008
Let's EAT
EAT=Earth Atmospheric Trust to cap and price carbon emissions globally, send a check to everyone on the planet and use the remaining proceeds for GHG technical innovations. Idealistic! Realistic?
Burned Up?
Biofuels made from plant material are no panacea. Read on
CA: Cut Car Carbon Quicker
California car rules would cut carbon emissions faster and deeper than the new federal law. Compare
Look East-Far East
In case you missed Paul Krugman's call to refocus US foreign policy from the Middle East to the Far East. Go Sino
January 03, 2008
Japan's G8 Promises
As the new Group of 8 leader, Japan promises to focus on climate and environmental issues, despite its own poor domestic track record and alliance with US climate policies. Stay tuned
Greening Global Trade
Is global carbon pricing a better tool in the climate change kit than import tariffs? Mull it over
Carbon's Shadow Price
All government project and investment plans in the UK will have to factor in a carbon price, starting now at £25.50 per ton and rising to £59.60 by 2050. Add it up
UK: High Performing Office Buildings
New British office buildings can become zero-carbon emitters. Here's how[2.6MB]
Costly Oil Changes Everything
Skyrocketing oil prices will transform industry, global politics, climate advocacy and the way we live. WSJ[Subscribers only]
January 02, 2008
Solar Plans-The Comments
Scientific American posts hundreds of comments on its grand solar plan for the US. Keep on scrolling
Congestion Pricing For Milan
Milan launches a traffic fee scheme. Revenues will pay for buses, bike lanes and green vehicles. Buongiorno!
Local Produce Slow To Market
NYC may get permanent markets for local produce, but it's not a sure thing. Dig in
More On Salt & Sunshine
Here's a follow-up on molten salt solar technology; moving toward commercialization. WSJ[Subscribers only]