Greenhouse gases

Says Post-Kyoto Deal Important But May Prove Elusive, Complementary Efforts Necessary

June 13, 2008 -- Against the backdrop of increasing attention to energy and climate change in the presidential campaigns, the recent failure of the Senate to advance the Lieberman-Warner climate bill, and preparations for this summer's G8 summit, a CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force recommends an overhaul of U.S. domestic and foreign policy to confront the challenge.    » read more »

OAK RIDGE, Tenn., June 2008 — The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory and General Electric have collaborated to finalize, test and market the first product from a major brand to meet DOE's new Energy Star criteria for electric heat pump water heaters.

The GE ® Hybrid Water Heater is affordable and designed to be 50 % more energy efficient than a standard 50 gallon electric water heater, which should help reduce carbon emissions associated with standard electric storage water heaters in the average home.

GE and Oak Ridge National Laboratory entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement where ORNL and GE will jointly test and market the units, which could be available in home improvement centers by late 2009.    » read more »

Scientists and Economists' Call for Swift and Deep Cuts in Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Statement by Lexi Shultz, Union of Concerned Scientists

June 6, 2008 -- WASHINGTON – Today, 48 senators voted to end a filibuster and allow a meaningful debate on the Lieberman-Warner-Boxer Climate Security Act of 2008, but there was not enough support to overcome the tactics of Senate obstructionists.

Despite the fact that the Senate did not move forward today, the debate demonstrated growing momentum for passing a national global warming policy, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

Below is a statement by Lexi Shultz, deputy director of the Climate Program at UCS:    » read more »

Environment America – Environmental Defense Fund – League of Conservation Voters – National Audubon Society – National Wildlife Federation – Natural Resources Defense Council – Sierra Club – Union of Concerned Scientists

WASHINGTON -- June 6, 2008 -- Obstructionists prevented the Senate from moving forward with the Climate Security Act of 2008 (S. 3036), sponsored by Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Ct.) and John Warner (R-Va.) and managed by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).    » read more »

June 9, 2008 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that she has signed a tough new bill requiring drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions connected to global warming.

The governor signed HB 5600, “An Act Concerning Global Warming Solutions,” on June 2. The new law requires state agencies to calculate and list greenhouse gases produced in the state, come up with strategies to meet the new reduction goals and start measuring the state's progress.    » read more »

02 June 2008 -- The U.S. Senate has begun debate on legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. In a 74 to 14 procedural vote, senators agreed to move ahead with debate late Monday. But chances of the bill's passage appear slim, with many lawmakers concerned about its impact on the economy.

The legislation would set caps on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from electric utility, transportation and manufacturing industries beginning in 2012, with the goal of reducing such emissions by as much as 66 percent by 2050.

Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who calls himself an independent Democrat, is a chief sponsor of the measure:    » read more »

WASHINGTON -- May 22, 2008 – A report released today by researchers at Tufts University, commissioned by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), presents two ways of estimating the costs of inaction on climate change, both leading to staggering bottom lines.

Eye of Hurricane Katrina: NOAA satellite photo    » read more »

U.S. Department of Energy Analysis Finds That Wind Can Be Major Contributor to Energy Mix

May, 2008 -- Wind power is capable of becoming a major contributor to America’s electricity supply over the next three decades, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Combine Hills wind farm near Walla Walla, Washington: Photo by Krazy Kyles (CC)

The groundbreaking report, 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy’s Contribution to U.S. Electricity Supply, looks closely at one scenario for reaching 20% wind energy by 2030 and contrasts it to a scenario of no new U.S. wind power capacity.    » read more »

May 21, 2008 -- CONCORD - “Cutting greenhouse gas pollution is the right thing to do for the health of our citizens, the health of our environment and the health of our economy. Joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will allow New Hampshire to cut the emissions that contribute to global climate change, increase energy efficiency, and in the long-term will help consumers save on energy costs.

“Our nine neighboring states are already committed to moving forward with RGGI and it is important we partner with them. I want to thank lawmakers for recognizing the importance of passing legislation allowing New Hampshire to join the RGGI and all the stakeholders who worked to ensure we are not getting left behind,” Gov. Lynch said.

Source: New Hampshire Governor

May 21, 2008 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today announced that the Committee approved S. 2555, “The Reducing Global Warming Pollution from Vehicles Act of 2008,” a bill that instructs the President to sign the California waiver so that California and other states can proceed with laws to improve air quality problems from cars.

On December 19, 2007, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied California’s request for the waiver – the first time in history that EPA had ever denied outright a request from California for a waiver to do more to cut air pollution.    » read more »

May 20, 2008 -- U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels increased by 1.6 percent in 2007, from 5,888 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in 2006 to 5,984 MMTCO2 in 2007, according to preliminary estimates released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The economy, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), grew by 2.2 percent and energy demand rose by 1.7 percent indicating that energy intensity (energy use per unit of GDP) fell by 0.5 percent. Carbon dioxide intensity (carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP) also fell by about 0.5 percent.

Factors that drove the emissions increase included weather conditions that increased the demand for heating and cooling services and a higher carbon intensity of electricity supply.    » read more »

20 May 2008 -- Environmentalists say conserving the world's forests is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to combat climate change. One group - Conservation International - has launched a campaign to demonstrate just how important the world's forests are.

Conservation International wants to raise awareness of the critical link between forests and climate change.

The U.S.-based organization launched its "Lost There, Felt Here" campaign on Tuesday in New York with the premiere of a public service announcement. The ad features American movie star Harrison Ford, best known for his role as Indiana Jones.

"When forests get slashed and burned, it releases tons of carbon into the air we breathe," said Harrison Ford. "It changes our climate. It hurts."    » read more »

Washington, D.C., May 19, 2008 -- EPA today honored 39 individuals, organizations and companies from around the world for their outstanding efforts to protect the Earth's climate and stratospheric ozone layer. The award recipients have demonstrated ingenuity and leadership by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, negotiating international agreements to protect the ozone layer and climate, and spreading awareness about the importance of these issues.

“Efforts to help restore the ozone layer and fight climate change will benefit the planet for generations to come,” said Bob Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. “We commend the 2008 Climate and Ozone Layer Protection Award winners for their work to protect our environment.”    » read more »

Agreement Takes Steps toward Developing Clean Energy and Fighting Climate Change

May 12, 2008 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Wisconsin on climate change issues.

The agreement, signed by Governor Doyle and Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister of Parliament, promotes a working relationship between Wisconsin and the U.K. and builds upon current efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low carbon technologies.    » read more »

May 12, 2008 -- DETROIT - On behalf of Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr. today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a top British official that pledges to work jointly to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and increase climate-friendly commerce between Michigan and the United Kingdom.    » read more »