Showing posts with label Legislation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Legislation. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The electric revolution is on track
The race to bring electric vehicles to market has begun. It will profoundly change the way we think about transport and energy – even offering to turn the nation's vehicle fleet into a giant reservoir for renewable energy. 1 Sep 2009 7:00 AM

US climate change bill hits new Senate delay
Legislation delayed for weeks, to be unveiled later in September. 1 Sep 2009 6:12 AM

China Sunergy gets 10 MW Australian contract
Solar cell maker to supply solar modules to Nue. 1 Sep 2009 12:24 AM

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Climate Change Legislation: Myths and Reality
Here are some quick “reality checks” on common misconceptions about climate change legislation in the United States.Cap & TradeMyth: Cap-and-trade will cost jobs Reality: climate and energy policy will create renewable energy jobs. Putting a price on carbon will make clean energy industries, such as solar and wind power, more competitive and create jobs in these clean tech sectors. According to a WRI report, the Renewable Energy Policy Project suggests national demand for wind and solar power systems could create more than 30,000 new jobs and more than $10 billion in total investment in the Southeast U.S. alone. Nationally, clean energy jobs have been growing at two and a half times the rate of the jobs overall. Reality: climate and energy policy will create energy efficiency jobs. According to a WRI report, The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that a 20 to 30 percent gain in energy efficiency across the country could lead to a net increase of 500,000 to 1.5 million jobs by 2030. Reality: climate and energy policy will help keep energy dollars within communities/regions. Using local renewable energy and investing in energy efficiency reduces the amount of energy we import from overseas. For example, the southeast spent more the $1 billion in 2006 on coal imports from Colombia, Indonesia, Poland and Venezuela, according to a WRI report. Greater use of renewable energy would keep those dollars invested in local economies. Reality: climate and energy policy will produce home-grown innovation. The race to create breakthrough clean technologies has already started, and the U.S. is falling behind. Currently, only one of the world’s top five manufacturers for wind technology is American - General Electric. Only one of the ten largest solar panel producers, and two of the top 10 advanced battery manufacturers, are American. By comparison, China’s ambitious renewable energy targets will create 150,000 jobs through the deployment of 120 gigawatts of wind power by 2020 – an amount equivalent to today’s global total.

Friday, August 7, 2009

WRI Summary of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (Waxman-Markey)
This summary provides a concise overview of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act, as passed by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009 (This summary applies only to H.R. 2454 as passed and not subsequent iterations).

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Summary of S. 1502: The Carbon Storage Stewardship Trust Fund Act of 2009
S. 1502 would establish a program managed by the Department of Energy to create a trust fund to ensure prompt compensation for any damages from the geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Importantly, the bill also identifies the transfer of responsibility for stewardship of a geologic site to the Federal or State government following the receipt of a site closure certificate. Site closure certification and legislative clarity in the responsibility for post-closure stewardship activities were among the recommendations proposed in Guidelines for Carbon Dioxide Capture, Transport, and Storage.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Packaging proposals too complex, says industry body; environment group wants recycling target dropped
Packaging Council chief Gavin Williams says the latest draft waste packaging covenant is ‘bureaucratic, cumbersome and unnecessarily complex’, while Total Environment Centre director Jeff Angel says it shouldn’t include recycling targets. » read the full story »

U.S. climate bill protects jobs, says Robb; Origin carbon credits deal; and more
* U.S. climate bill does more to protect jobs, says Robb * Origin backs largest carbon forest sink project * Responsible investment report uncovers mixed results for Australia * DAFF invites forest industries climate change grant applications * Members Equity signs covenant with EPA Victoria * Tasmanian oil spill costs shipping company $26,000 » read the full story »

Victoria’s coal chief ponders a low-carbon future
The Brumby Government’s self-proclaimed ‘face of coal’, Charlie Speirs, says the future for the Latrobe Valley is bright, anticipating a new power station with 30% lower emissions within five years and describing the region as ‘ideal’ for a large-scale carbon capture demonstration project and coal-based industries. » read the full story »

Turnbull leaves door open for CPRS deal this year; and more
* Turnbull leaves door open for CPRS deal this year * Victoria set for smart meter rollout, but will retailers step up? * EPA Victoria issues guidelines for managed aquifer recharge * NSW revises waste classification guidelines * Cement companies endorse ‘zero concrete to landfill’ goal » read the full story »

Ai Group business survey uncovers CPRS confusion
A survey of 400 companies by the Australian Industry Group and KPMG finds more than 30% of businesses have no knowledge of key elements of the CPRS and more than 55% of all businesses aren’t yet taking steps to become better informed. » read the full story »

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Rational Advice on ‘Carbon Act’ Censored
ON Friday President Barrack Obama praised the House of Representatives for passing the ‘Clean Energy and Security Act’. Everyone agrees that it’s far reaching legislation, and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has made mention of the event as a reason for Australia to hurry-up with its own emissions trading laws.

The US Environment Protection Agency had one of its employees, Alan Carlin, critique the supporting technical documentation for the legislation. Mr Carlin’s report advised that the scientific hypothesis on which the draft legislation is based is seriously flawed.

Monday, June 29, 2009

US House passes landmark climate change bill
The US takes its first step towards reducing carbon emissions after the House of Representatives voted 219-212 to pass a bill that would set limits on the country's greenhouse gas production

Thursday, June 25, 2009

APO Research

Environmental views and behaviour, 2007-08
Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Bureau of Statistics 22 June, 2009 This survey presents information on people's views and practices on environmental issues, for people aged 18 years and over.

Marine litter: a global challenge
United Nations23 June, 2009 From discarded fishing gear to plastic bags to cigarette butts, a growing tide of marine litter is harming oceans and beaches worldwide according to this UN report, the first-ever attempt to take stock of the marine litter situation in the 12 major regional seas around the world.

Victorian climate change green paper
Department of Sustainability and Environment20 June, 2009 The Green Paper outlines in detail the risks facing Victoria and the likely impacts of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and also proposes ways the state can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change and become a leading low carbon economy.

Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009
Senate Standing Committee on Economics Parliament of Australia 22 June, 2009 The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme bills have been introduced to the Senate and will be debated from 22 June 2009.

The US Waxman-Markey climate change bill
Julie Styles Information and Research Services, Parliamentary Library24 June, 2009 This paper outlines the main features of this major US bill, which wo

Friday, June 19, 2009

Updated: Carbon Capture and Storage and The American Clean Energy and Security Act
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACESA) provides a number of important provisions that will facilitate the demonstration and deployment of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Below is a brief overview of the most important of these provisions.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

World Resources Institute Releases

Fact Sheet: The Role of Adaptation
Examining the role of adaptation in U.S. climate legislation and an international climate agreement. Download fact sheet as PDF
Developed and developing countries are now grappling with ways to slow greenhouse gas emissions, but global warming is already causing more severe storms, unpredictable planting seasons, and melting glaciers around the world. Adaptation means learning to live with these changes – and preparing for other changes that are unavoidable – in order to minimize harm from climate change impacts.

The Biosequestration Challenge
WRI recently convened leading experts to examine the issues and policy options surrounding carbon biosequestration.
Projects that increase and maintain carbon sequestration in the forest and agriculture sectors are likely to play a significant role in national climate programs in the United States and Canada. Recent U.S. federal proposals have called for offsets from a variety of forest and agriculture projects that sequester carbon, such as afforestation and agricultural soil sequestration. Furthermore, all three North American regional trading programs (i.e., the Northeastern Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the Western Climate Initiative, and the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord) are all developing offset programs that have some role for biological sequestration projects.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Australian Government Media Releases

CPRS legislation introduced to Parliament - media release 14 May 2009PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
URL: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/mr20090514.html
SNIPPET: You are here: &raquo 2009. Passage of the legislation this year is squarely in Australia's national interest, Senator Wong said. Senator Wong today moved a notice of motion to establish a Senate Economics Committee inquiry into the package of CPRS Bills to report by 15 June 2009.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Bottom Line on Regulating Greenhouse Gases Under The Clean Air Act
How can the EPA regulate GHGs? Doesn’t the Clean Air Act only apply to air pollutants?
An April 2007 Supreme Court decision (Massachusetts v. EPA) ruled that GHGs are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The court instructed the EPA to decide whether GHG emissions endanger public health and/or welfare, or if current science is too uncertain to make a reasonable judgment. In response to the Supreme Court decision, the EPA found in April 2009 that GHG emissions do indeed endanger public health and welfare. This "endangerment finding" was made under section 202 of the Clean Air Act, which applies to motor vehicles. The EPA also made a "cause or contribute finding" that GHG emissions from motor vehicles contribute to the problem of climate change. This cause or contribute finding is the next step towards regulating GHG emissions from motor vehicles after the endangerment finding. If both findings are finalized, the EPA is required to move forward with regulatory rulemaking procedures.

Australian Government Media Releases

Doorstop interview: Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, Amendments - transcript 5 May 2009
PORTFOLIO: Environment, Water, Heritage and the ArtsURL: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/tr20090505.html
SNIPPET: You are here: &raquo Transcripts. Yesterday the Government announced a range of changes to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme package that we will be putting forward into the Parliament. And that is behind - if you look at what has been said, that is behind - the logic behind the position of many responsible business organisations.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Inquiry into the exposure drafts of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme

Interim Report: Inquiry into the exposure drafts of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme [Australian Parliament Website]
TIlL SENATE STANDlI'\G COMMITTEE O~ ECONO\1ICS Inquiry into the exposure draft of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Interim Report 14 April 2009 Senator the Hon John Hogg President of the
Date: 21/04/2009 - Collection: Senate - Sub Collection: Senate Committee Reports

More info: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/economics_ctte/cprs_09/index.htm

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Brief Summary of the Waxman-Markey Discussion Draft

This summary provides a concise overview of the Discussion Draft released by Chairmen Markey and Waxman on March 31, 2009. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (herein referred to as the Waxman-Markey Discussion Draft or just "draft") is a draft comprehensive energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction bill consisting of four titles:

Title I, Clean Energy
Title II, Energy Efficiency
Title III, Reducing Global Warming Pollution
Title IV, Transitioning to a Clean Energy Economy

This summary roughly follows the structure of the bill. In some cases this summary deviates from this structure and groups together related components in a more orderly fashion. For more information on specific components of the draft, please refer to the actual legislative language as referenced by section and page number in this document. In addition, as this is a discussion draft some sections are intentionally left blank or multiple potential options for legislative language are included.

http://www.wri.org/stories/2009/04/brief-summary-waxman-markey-discussion-draft

Monday, April 6, 2009

ACCI Climate Change

Media Release: Business Strengthens Call for Delay in Carbon Scheme - 3 April 2009
ACCI Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics - Inquiry into CPRS Draft Legislation - March 2009 Survey of Investor Confidence- Results on CPRS - April 2009
http://www.acci.asn.au//text_files/media_releases/2009/039-09.pdf
http://www.acci.asn.au//text_files/submissions/2009/2009_ACCI%20Submission%20to%20Senate%20Standing%20Committee%20on%20Economics.pdf

Senate Standing Committee on Economics - Inquiryinto CPRS Draft Legislation - March 2009
http://www.acci.asn.au//text_files/submissions/2009/2009_ACCI%20Submission%20to%20Senate%20Standing%20Committee%20on%20Economics.pdf

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Parliament of Australia: Senate: Committee: Economics: Inquiry into the Uranium Royalty (Northern Territory) Bill 2008 - Submissions [Australian Parliament Website]
Parliament of Australia: Senate: Committee: Economics: Inquiry into the Uranium Royalty ( Northern Territory ) Bill 2008 - Submissions << Return to previous page Senate Economics Committee Inquiry into the Uranium
Date: 31/03/2009 - Collection: Senate - Sub Collection: Senate Committee Report
STANDING COMMITTEE ON ECONOMICS : 30/03/2009 : Exposure drafts of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme [Senate Committee Hansard]
Canberra Senate STANDING COMMITTEE ON ECONOMICS 2009-03-30 Exposure drafts of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme 1 Committee met at 10.04 am 0 CHAIR (Senator Hurley) 10000 CHAIR Named 1
Date: 30/03/2009 - Collection: Committees - ID: committees/commsen/11961/0000 - Source: Senate

Friday, March 27, 2009

Exposure drafts of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme

STANDING COMMITTEE ON ECONOMICS : 25/03/2009 : Exposure drafts of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme [Senate Committee Hansard]
Canberra Senate STANDING COMMITTEE ON ECONOMICS 2009-03-25 Exposure drafts of the legislation to implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme 1 Committee met at 8.33 am 0 CHAIR (Senator Hurley) 10000 CHAIR Named 1
Date: 25/03/2009 - Collection: Committees - ID: committees/commsen/11891/0000 - Source: Senate