Obama Retreats From Goal of Cap-Trade Bill (Wall Street Journal)
Pres. Obama said for the first time Tuesday that legislation that would require industries to pay for greenhouse gas emissions may need to be separated from a more popular "green jobs" bill in the Senate, a maneuver that could kill cap and trade.
Oil, Trucking Industries Sue Calif. Over Fuel Rule (AP)
The petroleum and trucking industries Tuesday sued to block California’s first-in-the-nation mandate for cleaner, low-carbon fuels.
White House Clears Rules on Indirect GHG Emissions From Biofuels (Greenwire)
The Office of Management and Budget has signed off on controversial EPA regulations aimed at curbing biofuels’ CO2 emissions. The move clears the EPA to finalize the long-delayed implementation of the standard.
U.S. Reps from Mo. to Propose Blocking EPA Gas Rules (AP)
Two U.S. representatives from Missouri — Ike Skelton, a Democrat, and Jo Ann Emerson, a Republican — announced that they plan to file legislation blocking the EPA from developing its own greenhouse gas rules.
Interior Secretary Sees Little Hope for Consensus on Wind Farm (New York Times)
Interior Secretary Salazar said he sees little hope that Cape Wind’s developer and local tribes will reach consensus by a March 1 deadline, suggesting instead that he may have to determine the fate of the wind farm by April on his own.
Wyoming Governor Proposes Wind Energy Excise Tax (BusinessWeek)
Gov. Dave Freudenthal has proposed a Wyoming excise tax on wind energy production of $3 per megawatt hour, arguing the industry should help pay for the consequences of building wind farms in the state.
No Apology from IPCC Chief Rajendra Pachauri for Glacier Fallacy (Guardian)
In an interview with the Guardian, Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the IPCC, said it would be hypocritical to apologize for the false claim that Himalayan glaciers could melt away by 2035, because he was not personally responsible for that part of the 3,000 report.
Australia: Abbott Pencils in Date with Monckton (ABC News)
Australian Opposition Leader Tony Abbott plans to meet high-profile controversial climate sceptic Lord Christopher Monckton, who will be visiting Canberra over the next few days.
German FDP Opposes Solar Incentive Cuts (Reuters)
Germany’s Free Democrats, junior coalition partners in Merkel’s center-right government, have said they are opposed to proposals by the Environment Ministry to cut solar power incentives.
California Sets Up Statewide Network to Monitor Global-Warming Gases (New York Times)
California is preparing to introduce the first statewide system of monitoring devices to detect global warming emissions, installing them on towers throughout the state.
Ky. Legislators Criticize Plan to Cut Coal Subsidies (McClatchy)
Pres. Obama’s fiscal 2011 budget would cut roughly $2.3 billion in coal subsidies during the next decade, a move Kentucky lawmakers worry will mean heavy job losses in economically poor but coal-rich regions of Appalachia.
S. Korea Expects Renewables Investment at $4.8 Billion (Reuters)
South Korea said renewable energy investment in the country is expected to reach $4.78 billion this year, up 52% from 2009.
Tesco to Spend £100 Million on Green Tech (Reuters)
Tesco, the world’s no. 4 retailer, plans to spend over 100 million pounds ($160 million) with British green technology companies over the coming year as it steps up its drive to halve carbon emissions by 2020.
Edison Intl Unit Focuses On Renewables, Mulls Coal Plant Options (Dow Jones)
Edison International said it is keen to develop more renewable energy through the company’s generation business, but hasn’t decided how to handle a fleet of Illinois coal plants accused of violating federal pollution laws.
Massey Energy Reports Lower Q4 Profit (AP)
Coal producer Massey Energy Co. said Tuesday a steep drop in sales cut its fourth quarter profit by more than half.
