A group of Senate Democrats requested the Administration to reconsider EPA’s proposed emissions regulations that would essentially ban construction of new coal-fueled power plants in the U.S. Four Senate Democrats, led by Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), wrote to President Obama seeking amendments of EPA’s proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for new power plants. The letter — released…
House Democrats released draft carbon-pricing legislation, soliciting feedback on a potential per-ton fee for emissions, annual rate of fee increase, and revenue spending. On March 12, 2013, House Democrats released a draft plan for carbon-pricing legislation that would impose a fee on greenhouse gas emissions from the nation’s largest polluters, such as power plants, oil…
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) released a list of 25 carbon offset projects that, if approved, have the potential to generate up to three million offset credits for California’s carbon market. On March 8, 2013, California ARB released a list of 25 early action carbon offset projects that would be considered for use in…
In his Saturday Keynote speech at the 2013 MIT Energy Conference, Bill Richardson, former Governor of New Mexico, stressed the importance of connecting science and politics to fill the climate change knowledge gap, and proposed a macro-regional American collaboration to promote energy innovation and renewable energy diffusion. In the presence of recently appointed energy secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz, MIT…
At a well-attended 2013 MIT Energy Conference, an expert panel explored the “big picture” questions surrounding climate change, providing updated insights on pros and cons of available actions. While Sandy has made clear the critical state of the environment – more so than 4 years worth of IPCC reports, notes Dr. Kerry Emanuel (Professor of…
In the last 20 years, energy innovation has become a global process in terms of education, finance, technology, and markets. At the 2013 MIT Energy Conference a panel of experts discussed pros and cons of innovative energy solutions in emerging markets. Emerging markets provide attractive opportunities for innovative energy systems. The competitive advantage of renewable…
On March 2nd, at the 2013 MIT Energy Conference, experts gathered from academia, government, and the business community for a lively discussion about CHP. Below, we highlight key takeaways from both technology and regulatory perspectives. Combined heat and power (CHP) systems are 30% more efficient than conventional separate heat and power (SHP), thus representing major efficiency opportunities to commercial…
Chief executives of leading U.S. companies released a report outlining recommendations for a comprehensive energy policy framework that would capitalize on the nation’s strengths to enhance self-sufficiency, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. On February 25, 2013, Business Roundtable, a national association of corporate executives, released a report outlining recommendations to devise a comprehensive energy policy…
Results of California’s second carbon allowance auction signal marked success for the landmark cap-and-trade program, owing to strong market participation and a higher than expected settlement price. On February 19, 2013, California Air Resources Board (CARB) held its second auction for 2013 vintage allowances (Current Auction) and 2016 vintage allowances (Advanced Auction). The results of…
A New York-based environmental law group petitioned EPA to broaden its regulatory approach via specified Clean Air Act provisions, including stipulations that would require all states to regulate carbon emissions. On February 19, 2013, the Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University’s School of Law petitioned EPA to utilize provisions under the Clean Air…
A new Senate bill introduces a national carbon tax that aims at cutting carbon emissions to 80% below 2005 levels by 2020. The bill comes days after President Obama’s State of the Union speech set the stage for bold climate change action. On February 14, 2013, two U.S. Senators introduced a carbon emissions tax bill to achieve an…
A federal court decision on January 15, 2013 denied petitions challenging an EPA ruling that permits the use of a 15% ethanol fuel blend (E15) for light-duty gasoline-fueled vehicles. The step is a major victory for the biofuels industry, with several facilities just beginning to reach commercial production levels. The decision will also help the industry…
