Today's Climate: March 25, 2009

Obama: Climate Bill Must Address Regional Differences (Wall Street Journal)

President Obama called for a greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan that protects against outsized effects on some regions of the country, his most detailed remarks yet as Congress debates climate legislation.

U.S. Cap-and-Trade Plan Faces Senate Hurdle (Politico)

The budget debate has exposed deep splits among Democrats over combating climate change. It thrust cap-and-trade bill into the congressional spotlight far earlier than many people expected.

Economists Parse Prospects for a Global Climate Deal (McKinsey Quarterly)

Economists Nicholas Stern and Michael Grubb, along with European Commissioner Janez Potočnik, discuss their views on prospects for a global climate deal at Copenhagen in December.

Palm Oil Plantations Could Threaten Amazon Next (Physorg)

Oil palm cultivation already drives tropical forest destruction across Southeast Asia. A proposed change in Brazil's regulations could make it a threat to the Amazon rainforest next.

Colorado Close to Restricting Oil Industry (Denver Daily News)

A controversial rewrite of Colorado’s oil and gas operation rules to protect water is plowing ahead over the objections of Republicans who say tougher rules will scare the industry out of Colorado.

Boucher: Proposed CCS Bill ‘Essential to Coal Industry’ (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)

U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher introduced legislation to establish a $1 billion annual CCS fund derived from fees on the electricity generation. “The key to the coal industry having a vibrant future is the creation of carbon capture,” he said.

U.S. Manufacturers Seek Protection from Climate Bill (Reuters)

A manufacturers coalition told House members that carbon rules will send U.S. jobs oversees and the way to stop it is for Congress to give energy-intensive manufacturers free carbon trading credits or refundable tax credits.

Ex-BP Chief: State Intervention Vital to Meet Green Energy Targets (Guardian)

Former BP Chief Lord John Browne warns that market mechanisms are failing to deliver necessary growth in clean energy and state control is necessary in Britain.

Nevada Lawmakers: If You Want Our Sun, Pay for It (Las Vegas Sun)

While renewable energy companies argue Nevada needs tax incentives, lawmakers are questioning the long-term benefit of giant solar projects that generate energy largely for out-of-state customers.

Sunny Path Ahead for Colorado Tollway (Denver Post)

Solar panels will soon power one of Colorado's major metro tollways, keeping the lights on and the machines used to collect tolls running, and even powering the highway's headquarters.

Regulators Close Ky. Mine over Unpaid Fines (Courier-Journal)