Despite the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster, U.S. nuclear energy research and development continues undeterred. Despite new plant construction, nuclear energy byproduct storage and disposal remains a highly-debated topic in congress. Overview For the first time in more than 30 years, new nuclear reactors are under construction in the U.S. The construction consists…...
The Whitehouse has launched the Climate Data Initiative to expand access to federal climate data resources to strengthen community climate-resilience. On March 19, 2014, the White House launched the Climate Data Initiative to leverage climate-relevant government data resources to stimulate private-sector entrepreneurship and forge cross-sector partnerships for developing innovative climate-resilience tools. The initiative, part of…...
The traditional electricity power grid is undergoing a historic shift with the emergence of decentralized power generation. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is charged with overseeing complex state, regional, and local transmission laws and regulatory environments, which can vary significantly. This variance, combined with a more open transmission project market may lead to increased…...
The first RGGI carbon credit auction under the new 2014 cap sold allowances at $4 each, the highest since RGGI began its cap-and-trade program in 2008. On March 7, 2014, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) member states announced results of their 23rd carbon credit auction held on March 5. The auction was the first to…...
For the third time since 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing the EPA’s regulation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) under the Clean Air Act. Overview On February 24, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments over the case Utility Air Regulatory Group v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on whether EPA is ultimately legitimized…...
EPA’s finalized Tier 3 vehicle emissions and fuel standards will lower gasoline sulfur content by more than 60 percent in 2017. On March 3, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its Tier 3 Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Standards program, reducing gasoline sulfur levels by more than 60 percent – from 30 to 10…...
Alternative power producers continue to turn to the YieldCo model to find lower costs of capital and residual value. Investors benefit from low risk exposure to renewable energy development, high yield and more favorable tax rates, however, risks do exist. Since January 1, 2014, two new YieldCos have been announced, SunEdison and Hannon Armstrong Sustainable…...
California’s sixth carbon allowance auction sold all current 2014 and advanced 2017 allowances indicating cap-and-trade program stability. On February 24, 2014, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released the results of its sixth quarterly carbon allowance auction held on February 19. CARB offered 19,538,695 allowances under Current Auction (2014 vintage allowances) and 9,260,000 allowances under…...
On January 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to receive testimony on S. 1600, the Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2013. This Act that would enable domestic production of critical minerals necessary in the manufacturing of many clean energy technologies. Overview Critical minerals play and important role in…...
President Obama has directed EPA and DOT to develop fuel efficiency and emissions standards for medium- and heavy duty vehicles beyond model year 2018. On February 18, 2014, President Barack Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop the next phase of…...
President Obama’s 2015 Budget proposal will include a $1B Climate Resilience Fund to enhance climate change preparedness and infrastructure resilience. During a meeting with farmers and ranchers in drought-affected California on February 14, 2014, President Barack Obama announced a $1B Climate Resilience Fund to support climate impact actions. The Fund will be included in the…...
The California Air Resources Board’s proposed AB 32 Scoping Plan update calls for a mid-term emissions reduction target and recommends sector-specific actions. On February 10, 2014, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) released its Proposed First Update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan, outlining priorities and recommendations to achieve the state’s long-term climate goal of…...