Today's Climate: March 9, 2010

U.S. EPA Chief Slams Attempted Delays on Climate (Reuters)

U.S. EPA chief Lisa Jackson fought back on Monday against Senate attempts to challenge the agency's authority to regulate global warming emissions, saying delaying action would be bad for the economy.

Obama Will Meet with Key Senators on Energy and Climate (The Hill)

Obama will meet with Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), along with 11 other senators and administration officials on Tuesday, in a closed-door meeting to address climate legislation that has stalled in the Senate.

Western Govs Say States Best Regulate Coal Ash (AP)

The Western Governor's Association is resisting a move by the EPA to reclassify coal ash as hazardous and is urging the Obama administration to let the states regulate the waste instead.

California Watchdog Sees Climate Policy Job Losses (Reuters)

California's aggressive climate change policy is likely to lead to modest job losses in the near term due to higher energy costs and other factors, the state's independent budget watchdog said.

American Petroleum Says Supports Carbon Fee Because It's Easier To Demonize (Wonk Room)

The American Petroleum Institute's Jack Gerard explained that the "support" from the oil industry for a carbon fee on petroleum will come in the form of "signs at the gas pump letting people know they’re paying more because of U.S. efforts to deal with climate change."

S.Africa, India, Indonesia Seek Top UN Climate Job (Reuters)

South Africa, India and Indonesia are vying to win the UN's top climate change job, a key post to build trust between poor and rich in 2010 after the failed Copenhagen talks.

European Activists Sue Over Biofuels Studies (Green Inc.)

Environmental lawyers and activists on Monday sued the European Commission for failing to release studies investigating the impact of biofuels on the environment.

IMF Suggests How to Raise Climate Funds (AP)

The head of the IMF has proposed a plan for the world's governments to pool together to raise money needed to adapt to climate change, a rare step for an organization that normally does not develop environmental policies.

Asia Seen as Growth Driver for Voluntary CO2 Market (Reuters)

Fear of Western-imposed carbon tariffs on goods and services from Asia is likely to drive growth in offsetting emissions by large firms in the region, a voluntary carbon market executive said.

Wal-Mart Settles Environmental Complaints Over Calif. Stores (Wall Street Journal)

Wal-Mart said Monday it has reached settlements with environmental groups over greenhouse-gas emissions associated with its operations, allowing planned expansions at three of its California stores to proceed.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Grows Into a Political Force (Los Angeles Times)