US Expects China to Cut Emissions after a ‘Peak Year’ (AFP)
The U.S. wants China to accept slow increases in its greenhouse gas emissions until it hits an unspecified "peak year," beyond which a real decrease must occur, U.S. climate negotiator Todd Stern said during a briefing.
Nations May Form Global CO2 Market Without UN Deal (Reuters)
Rich countries may act on their own to reduce CO2 emissions by developing a carbon market they hope will lure in poor nations even if UN climate talks get bogged down, experts have said.
GOP Blasts Plan to Limit Climate-Changing Gases (AP)
Republicans on Saturday slammed the climate change bill before the House, arguing that it amounts to an energy tax on consumers. They pushed instead for more domestic oil and new nuclear plants.
EPA Must Withhold Locations of ‘High Hazard’ Coal Ash Sites (Environment News Service)
There are 44 coal combustion waste sites nationwide that the U.S. EPA has identified as "high hazard," but the agency cannot make the locations of these hazardous sites public, Senator Barbara Boxer told reporters.
Obama Gives US First National Ocean Policy (AFP)
Pres. Obama has set up a task force to craft the first U.S. national policy for sustainably managing the country’s oceans.
Solar Incentives Clear Arizona Senate Panel (Arizona Republic)
A state Senate committee Friday debated the merits of solar power before amending and passing a bill that will give tax breaks to new factories that build alternative-energy equipment in Arizona.
U.S., Canada to Update Great Lakes Water Agreement (AP)
The U.S. and Canada say they will update a key agreement to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species, climate change and other threats to the world’s biggest surface freshwater system.
Seeking Growth Market, Chip Maker Eyes Solar Cells (New York Times)
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, the world’s largest for-hire chip maker, could soon start manufacturing solar cells and LED lights — a move that could drive down prices and stimulate demand.
Water, Energy, Climate Top Western Govs’ Agenda (AP)
The three-day Western Governors’ Association kicks off today in Park City, Utah. Discussion will be dominated by talk about managing declining water supplies amid increasing demand and a warming climate.
Critics Say ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Bill Is a Lemon (Los Angeles Times)
America’s $1-billion cash-for-clunkers bill would pay consumers to trade in gas guzzlers. But opponents say criteria are so lax that the government could subsidize the trading of one gas hog for another.
Cape Cod Military Base Looks to Wind Energy (Boston Herald)
The Massachusetts National Guard submitted plans to place 17 wind turbines on the 22,000-acre Massachusetts Military Reservation in what could be a first step toward making it a "clean energy incubator," officials said.
Taiwan Passes Major Green Energy Bill (AFP)
Taiwan has approved a renewable energy bill aimed at adding between 6,500 and 10,000 MW of installed energy from renewable sources over the next 20 years.
Geothermal Energy Could Power Australian Jobs (Cleantech Group)
A new report suggests 17,000 Australians could be working in the geothermal energy industry by 2050, and that the country’s Cooper Basin geological area holds enormous promise.
World Bank Revokes Loan to Brazilian Cattle Giant Accused of Amazon Deforestation (Mongabay.com)
The World Bank’s private lending arm has withdrawn a $90 million loan to Brazilian cattle giant Bertin, following Greenpeace’s release of a report linking Bertin to illegal deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.
On the Streets of China, Electric Bikes Are Swarming (Time)
Last year, Chinese bought 21 million electric bicycles, compared with 9.4 million autos. The e-bike boom owes much to Chinese policy.
