Today's Climate: March 16, 2010

White House Report Cites Gaps in Climate Change Strategy (Los Angeles Times)

The federal government has "significant gaps" in its strategy to cope with the increasing effects of climate change on the country, according to a White House report scheduled to be released Tuesday.

29 Governors Seek Wind Energy Boost (AP)

A coalition representing governors of 29 states is urging the federal government to take steps to boost wind energy, such as a renewable electricity standard requiring utilities to produce at least 10% of their energy from renewable sources by 2012.

EPA Studying Own Carbon-Trading System, Official Says (Bloomberg)

The Obama administration is considering a carbon-trading system under existing law if Congress doesn't pass cap-and-trade legislation, an EPA official said.

USDA's Vilsack: Proper Carbon Bill to Help Farmers (Reuters)

The U.S. agriculture secretary told a farm group on Monday that a well-designed climate bill would provide opportunities for farmers and ranchers to make money in contracts for carbon offsets.

Health Care Push Will 'Poison the Well' for Obama's Climate Bill Efforts, Graham Says (Climatewire)

Democrats are putting President Obama's energy and climate agenda in peril by making a partisan push this week to pass health care, Sen. Lindsey Graham warned yesterday.

Race for Climate Top Job Hots Up (The Economic Times)

After India and South Africa nominated candidates for the UN's top climate change job, Indonesia and Costa Rica have too made known their ambitions for the post of UNFCCC executive secretary.

Mexico Tells EU to Unblock Climate Funding (EUobserver)

Mexico, the host of the next UN climate summit, has called on the EU to begin to release the $10 billion in fast-start climate funds for developing countries that it promised in Copenhagen.

UK Faces a Major Skills Shortage as Renewable Energy Deadline Looms (Climatewire)

The UK is facing a shortage in energy-related jobs that could cripple its efforts to massively boost the amount of electricity it gets from renewable energy sources.

Climate Activists Predict Direct Action Against Scotland's 'Kingsnorth' (Guardian)

Climate activists are predicting a campaign of direct action against a new coal-fired power station in Scotland that could be the UK's first to fit carbon-capture technology.

Germany May Delay Some Solar Incentive Cuts (Reuters)

Germany may delay some proposed cuts in solar incentives, granting a longer-than-expected grace period to players in the world's biggest solar market, according to a draft law.

First Solar lands 30 MW project in New Mexico (Reuters)

Thin-film solar maker First Solar has struck a deal to sell a 30-MW power project to utility owner Southern Co and Ted Turner's Turner Renewable Energy, the panel maker said.