Today's Climate: March 17, 2009

China: Importers Should Cover Emission Costs (Reuters)

Countries that buy Chinese goods should be responsible for the CO2 emitted while producing them in any global plan to reduce greenhouse gases, a Chinese official says.

California Launches Green Jobs Corps (ENS)

With $10 million in federal stimulus money behind him, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger launched the California Green Corps to place at least 1,000 at-risk young adults, ages 16-24, into jobs in California's emerging green economy.

Salazar Would Consider Tapping ANWR Oil (Los Angeles Times)

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says he would consider tapping oil from Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by drilling outside its boundaries if it could be shown that the refuge's wildlife and environment would remain undisturbed.

New Offsets Tracking Registry Revs Up (Reuters)

The Voluntary Carbon Standard Association launched its global multiple registry system today, though the part traders have been eagerly awaiting has been delayed. It will enable the transparent tracking and trading of offsets across registries.

Lawmakers Thwart Gregoire's Cap-and-Trade Plan (Seattle Times)

Washington state’s cap-and-trade plans appear to be dead, lawmakers say, though a framework for tackling climate change could still make it out of the legislature.

EPA Re-Evaluates ‘Green Club’ for Companies (AP)

The Environmental Protection Agency is closing a program that drew complaints from environmentalists for cutting back on company inspections and regulations as a reward for voluntary controls on pollution.

Lobbyists Spar Over Renewable Power Bill (Greenwire)

A national RPS seems likely to emerge from Congress this year, and a legion of lobbyists representing everyone from electric utilities to renewable power producers to trash companies is fighting to shape it.

Smart Grid's Growth Depends on States (Stateline)

Now that Congress has directed $4.6 billion in stimulus spending toward developing a “smart” electric grid, it will be up to the states to get consumers on board and adjust rates to pay for the technology.

UK Climate Target Too Weak, Scientists Warn (Guardian)

Official advice being used to set Britain's first carbon budget is "naïvely optimistic" and will not stop dangerous climate change, experts from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research say

Insurance Vision for Adapting to Climate Change (Business Green)

A coalition of insurance companies and NGOs is proposing a $5 billion-a-year global climate change insurance scheme that would provide developing countries with cover against the increased risks from climate change.

Task Force to Create Global Metrics for Building CO2 Emissions (CoStar)

Four of the world’s most influential green building organizations, including the U.S. Green Buildings Council, have pledged to develop an international language for measuring carbon emissions from buildings.