Today's Climate: February 26, 2010

Key Senators Do Not See Climate Bill in 2010 (Reuters)

The U.S. Senate is unlikely to pass a comprehensive climate bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions this year, according to a Reuters survey of 12 key Democrat and Republican Senators who could hold the swing votes.

Reid Calls for Comprehensive Bill ASAP (Greenwire)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is urging Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) to quickly write comprehensive climate and energy legislation to give the measure a chance of reaching the floor this year.

Arizona Governor: Controversial "Anti-Solar" Bill Dropped (OnEarth Magazine)

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's office issued a brief statement saying that House Bill 2701 -- widely condemned by opponents who called it "the death knell of the solar industry" in Arizona -- had been withdrawn by its primary sponsor, Rep. Debbie Lesko.

China, India Back Copenhagen Accord: U.N. Climate Chief (Reuters)

India and China have demonstrated commitment to a climate accord struck in Copenhagen last year and their refusal so far to "associate" with it should not be overblown, the UN's climate chief said on Friday.

Climate Chief Reveals KPMG Job Was Lined Up Before Copenhagen Summit (Guardian)

Yvo de Boer revealed that he had already lined up a new job at KPMG before the ill-fated Copenhagen summit, believing he did not have the "stamina" to continue overseeing efforts to reach a global climate deal.

Giant Iceberg Breaks Off from Antarctic Glacier (Reuters)

An iceberg the size of Luxembourg has broken off from a glacier in Antarctica after being rammed by another giant iceberg, scientists said on Friday, in an event that could affect ocean circulation patterns.

Wal-Mart to Push Suppliers to Cut Emissions (AP)

Wal-Mart Stores wants its suppliers to reduce 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2015.

EPA Will Need Increased Climate Funding as Regs Ramp Up, Jackson Says (Greenwire)

U.S. EPA will need increased funding for climate programs in future years as the agency moves forward on efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, Administrator Lisa Jackson said.

Australia Overhauls Troubled Renewable Energy Scheme (Reuters)

Australia moved to help unlock billions of dollars in stalled wind and solar energy projects on Friday, with the government reshaping a troubled scheme requiring 20% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020.

Mitsubishi to Build £100m UK Wind Turbine Factory (Guardian)

Moves to create a green manufacturing hub in Britain were given a major boost this week when Mitsubishi, one of the world's leading wind turbine manufacturers, unveiled plans to spend £100 million building a new factory in the north-east.