California and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate efforts on low carbon development. On September 13, 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Chairman, Xie Zhenhua signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate climate change efforts, promote efficient energy technologies, and advance low…
This week, the Senate is poised to consider the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013 (S. 1392) – an energy bill that aims to promote efficiencies among residential, commercial, and federal buildings. The energy efficiency measures are designed to reduce energy use and environmental compliance costs, particularly related to industrial and commercial sectors,…
On September 30, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider a major challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of greenhouse gas regulations under Section 202 of the Clean Air Act, a hearing that could affect President Obama’s timetable for existing power plants and state implementation plans. The EPA will likely face ongoing litigation on most…
DOE’s proposed energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration appliances could save $28 billion and cut 350 million tons of carbon emissions over the next 30 years. On August 29, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed two rules aimed to improve energy efficiency standards for refrigeration systems. The proposals, which have been under the Office…
A White House and DOE report calls for investments to increase the nation’s electric grid resilience and outlines strategies for grid modernization. On August 12, 2013, the White House Council of Economic Advisors and the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report emphasizing the importance of grid resilience for climate adaptation. The report, titled “Economic…
Two hydropower bills were unanimously passed by the Senate to facilitate streamlined regulatory processes for hydroelectric projects. On August 1, 2013, the Senate unanimously approved two bills aimed at streamlining the regulatory processes for selected hydropower projects. Both the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act (H.R. 267) and the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs…
JPMorgan Chase & Co. has accepted a $410 million penalty to settle accusations of electricity market manipulations in California and the Midwest. On July 30, 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order approving stipulation and consent agreement that requires JPMorgan Ventures Energy Corporation (JPMVEC) to settle allegations of electricity market manipulation in…
FERC has directed Barclays Bank and four of its former traders to pay a civil penalty of $453 million to the U.S. Treasury for electricity market manipulation in the western U.S. On July 16, 2013, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) imposed civil penalties of $435 million on London-based Barclays Bank PLC and $18 million to four…
DOE released a report examining the impacts of climate change on the nation’s energy and electricity infrastructure, including an assessment of ongoing efforts and potential opportunities to improve the energy sector’s climate resilience. On July 11, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report examining current and future impacts of climate change on…
DOE’s revised energy efficiency standards for new federal buildings updates existing 2007 ASHRAE Standard 90.1 to the 2010 version to achieve 18.2% more energy savings. On July 9, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released revised energy efficiency standards for new federal buildings. The rule, published in the Federal Register, will take effect September 9,…
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…
