Today’s Climate: April 13, 2010

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Glacier Breaks in Peru, Causing Tsunami in Andes (Reuters)

A glacier broke off and plunged into a lake in Peru, causing a 75-foot tsunami wave that swept away at least three people and destroyed a water processing plant serving 60,000 local residents, officials said on Monday.

Reid ‘Pushing Very Hard’ for Climate Bill (The Hill)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said that he’s pushing the architects of upcoming Senate climate and energy legislation to produce the measure quickly.

Virginia Governor Restores Mine Inspection Money (AP)

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has quickly restored funding for mine safety inspections in the commonwealth, a week after an explosion in neighboring West Virginia killed 29 coal miners.

Shell Fights Shareholders’ Campaign for Oil Sands Review (Guardian)

Shell has dismissed shareholder calls for an environmental review of its oil sands developments, urging investors to vote down the resolution because it would add "unnecessary costs and duplication of effort."

EU Climate Plan Is Achievable, Can Cut Energy Bills (Bloomberg)

Europe can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% and reduce its energy bill by $476 billion a year by 2050 if it acts within five years, according to the European Climate Foundation.

Pakistan Joins Bid for Position of UN Climate Chief (Press Trust of India)

Pakistan has nominated Tariq Banuri, director of the Asian Centre of the Stockholm Environment Institute, for the position of head of the UNFCCC that will be filled by July when the current climate chief, Yvo de Boer, steps down.

7,500 Due for Alternate Climate Conference in Bolivia (AFP)

The alternative "people’s conference" on climate change (Apr 20-22) called by socialist Bolivian President Evo Morales is expecting 7,500 delegates from more than 100 countries, officials said.

Chinese Coal Ship Refloated from Australian Reef (Reuters)

Australian salvage teams have refloated a Chinese coal ship which ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef, with the ship’s owner likely to face heavy fines despite the avoidance of an environmental disaster.

Chinese Turbines Spun by Texas Winds Spur ‘Buy American’ Push (Bloomberg)

Chinese turbines powered by west Texas winds are sparking a debate over whether "Buy American" rules should be imposed on renewable-energy investments backed by the U.S. government.

GM: Electric Chevrolet Volt Meeting Range Goals (AP)

Real-world tests show that GM’s rechargeable electric car can travel 40 miles on battery power as promised, company engineers said Monday.

LG to Invest $18 Billion in Eco Business, Cutting Emissions (Reuters)

South Korea’s LG Group will invest $17.90 billion through 2020 to develop environmentally friendly businesses and reduce emissions by 40% against 2009 levels, the company announced.