ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETS
EIA projects a 56 percent growth in world energy consumption by 2040, driven by economic growth in emerging countries. Over its 2010-2040 projection period, renewables and nuclear are the fastest-growing sources, though fossil fuels continue to supply 80 percent of energy consumption. On July 25, 2013, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its 2013 International…...
A federal appeals court rejected petitions in opposition to EPA’s 2008 primary ozone standard and ordered a review of its secondary standard for violating the Clean Air Act. On July 23, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied petitions challenging the primary ozone standard of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)…...
The oil and shale gas boom will not achieve U.S. energy security, according to senior military officials speaking at New York Energy Week. Instead, the shale boom could intensify national security problems if it leads away from investment in renewable energy development. Panelists who spoke at the Redefining U.S. Energy Security for the 21st Century…...
President Obama’s second-term climate agenda includes sweeping measures to cut carbon emissions from power plants, boost renewable energy production, increase fuel economy standards, and advance international initiatives to combat climate change. On June 25, 2013, President Barack Obama outlined a comprehensive Climate Action Plan prioritizing measures to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to set a…...
WGA’s “10-Year Energy Vision” calls for collaborative interstate initiatives to achieve energy security by increasing energy production, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy distribution infrastructure, among other energy goals. On June 28, 2013, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released the “10-Year Energy Vision,” a regional plan articulating the energy goals of 19 member states, American…...
Senate endorsement of House Bill 306 ascertains New Hampshire’s continued participation in RGGI by adopting proposed to RGGI Model Rule revisions. On May 23, 2013, the New Hampshire Senate passed House Bill 306 by a vote of 14-10 to adopt the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s (RGGI) updated Model Rule and authorize the state’s continued…...
A Congressional Budget Office study examines the economic impact of imposing a carbon tax and suggests revenue-use options that would offset costs of implementing the tax while reducing emissions. A new study released by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on May 22, 2013 finds that a carbon tax could boost federal revenues and curb carbon…...
California’s third carbon allowance auction raised approximately $280 million at an increased settlement price of $14.00 per allowance. On May 21, 2013, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released results of its third quarterly auction, held on May 16, 2013. The auction offered Current Auction (2013) vintage allowances and Advanced Auction (2016) vintage allowances. All…...
Energy tax reform proposals released by the House Ways and Means Committee outline potential modifications to federal tax code for fossil fuel production, renewable energy tax credits, and energy efficiency provisions. On May 6, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released the Joint Committee on Taxation report detailing tax reform suggestions to 11 Tax…...
U.S. and China have committed to take cooperative action to combat climate change using practical emissions reduction measures and low-carbon initiatives, setting a powerful example to the rest of the world. On April 13, 2013, the U.S. State Department announced the U.S. and China will launch a Climate Change Working Group, recognizing the need for…...
Based on findings that ARB met necessary state requirements, California Governor Brown gave the go-ahead to continue efforts to link with Quebec’s carbon market. On April 8, 2013, California Governor Edmund “Jerry” Brown sent a letter to California Air Resources Board (ARB), confirming that the agency had met the minimum requirements to link its emissions…...
EPA’s new cleaner fuels and cars program aims to reduce sulfur in gasoline and tighten vehicle emissions standards while improving auto efficiency, but could result in higher prices at the pump. On March 29, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new standards for vehicles and fuels under its Tier 3 program to cut emissions…...
