EMISSIONS
The EPA has proposed to update air quality standards for ground-level ozone to levels within 65 ppb to 70 ppb from the current level of 75 ppb. On November 25, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to update the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone by strengthening primary and secondary ozone…...
The EPA has issued an interim rule delaying the CSAPR compliance deadlines by three years consistent with the recent court-ordered schedule. On November 21, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an interim final rule amending the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule’s (CSAPR) compliance deadlines to align with the October 23 ruling — of the U.S. Court…...
The FERC has directed RTOs/ISOs to identify fuel assurance issues relevant to their respective markets and file a report on the status of their efforts to address the issues. On November 20, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order directing regional transmission organizations and independent system operators (RTOs/ISOs) to file reports on…...
The U.S. has announced a $3B commitment to the Green Climate Fund – the largest single pledge to date. On November 15, 2014 – eve of the 2014 G-20 Summit in Australia – U.S. President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. will contribute $3B to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the financial support mechanism aimed…...
The U.S. and China have announced joint climate actions including new emissions reduction targets for the post-2020 period, ahead of the 2015 UN Climate Conference. On November 12, 2014, U.S. President Barack Obama and China President Xi Jinping announced bilateral cooperation on climate action, including post-2020 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. The duo expects…...
RGGI’s comments on EPA’s Clean Power Plan proposal highlight the potential for state economic growth and clean energy innovation. On November 7, 2014, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) members – Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont – released a report on their comments supporting the Environmental Protection…...
The DOE has announced four research projects focused on advanced technologies to improve gasification systems for greater power generation efficiency and environmental performance. On November 6, 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding for four projects focused on next-generation gasification systems that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The research projects will develop technologies that…...
The EPA has announced the largest penalty under the Clean Air Act, requiring automakers Hyundai and Kia to pay $100M for violating tailpipe GHG emission standards. On November 3, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a settlement resolving alleged Clean Air Act violations of Hyundai and Kia for…...
The White House has released federal agencies’ sustainability and climate plans outlining methods to incorporate energy and climate considerations into their decision-making. On October 31, 2014 – the fifth anniversary of the 2009 Executive Order on Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance – the White House released federal agencies’ sustainability and climate change adaptation plans, detailing…...
A federal appeals court has lifted the stay of EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule which addresses interstate transport of air pollution that affects downwind states’ ability to meet air quality standards. On October 23, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) motion to lift…...
The DoD’s 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap lays out a comprehensive strategy to address potential climate challenges. On October 13, 2014, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its FY 2014 Climate Change Adaptation Roadmap, which sets forth adaptation activities to increase its resilience to climate impacts by integrating climate considerations into its plans, operations, and…...
Massachusetts offered its first green bond sale in June 2013, and several additional states have offered green bonds over the last two years. Green bonds offer issuers access to capital to finance projects for water quality and infrastructure, energy efficiency, renewable energy, pollution cleanup, and other capital-intensive projects.. With the Green Bond Principles gaining marketplace…...