Today's Climate: August 11, 2009

Alaska Lawmakers Override Palin Energy Veto (AP)

In a final spat with former Gov. Sarah Palin, the Alaska Legislature voted to override her veto of $28.6 million in federal stimulus funds intended for energy efficiency projects.

India Says Developing World Not Split in Climate Talks (Reuters)

Bilateral agreements between nations are no solution to global warming and could trigger unwelcome competitive pressures, India's climate negotiator said in reference to separate U.S. deals with China and other developing countries.

TVA Plans Dry Coal Ash Storage for all Sites (AP)

The Tennessee Valley Authority is preparing to convert all of its coal waste and gypsum operations to dry storage in the wake of a massive ash spill from a retention pond last year in Tennessee.

North American Cooperation on Climate Change (Reuters)

Pres. Obama said the U.S., Canada and Mexico have agreed to cooperate on a series of climate measures, including building the infrastructure for cap and trade and making the aviation sector "carbon neutral."

Green Jobs in U.S. Set for Recovery, Says Labor Secretary (AP)

Hiring in the clean energy industry will pick up in the next 12 months, though it will take more time before green jobs will become a bigger part of the U.S. job market, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said.

Renewable Power Industry Says U.S. Moving Too Slowly (Reuters)

At the National Clean Energy Summit in Nevada, renewable energy leaders said the U.S. is moving too slowly to turn the economy green, despite support from the Obama administration. 

Indonesia Counts Trees to Prepare for Carbon Market (Bloomberg)

Indonesia, owner of the Earth's second-largest tropical forests, is counting its trees with satellites and on-the-ground observers to prepare for earning money in carbon markets by protecting woodlands.

Italy's Largest PV Plant Goes Live (Cleantech Group)

Electric utility Enel's newest solar plant in Italy, the nation's largest, is expected to generate more than 7 million kilowatt hours per year, enough for the power needs of 2,700 households.

Climate Change an Australian 'Security Threat' (AFP)

Australia faces more intense and frequent heatwaves, wildfires, cyclones and floods, with climate change becoming a threat to national security, a think tank warned today.

New Zealand: Electric Cars To Be Exempt from Road User Charges (National Business Review)

Electric cars will be exempt from road user charges for four years in New Zealand under legislation passed by Parliament.

Echelon Wins First Major U.S. Smart Meter Contract from Duke (GreenBeat)

Smart meter maker Echelon has landed a $15.8 million contract from Duke Energy that would allow the North Carolina-based utility to deploy more than 120,000 meters across its service area.