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Topic Page: Policy
Not just talk: policy leads to law which leads to action. For example, EPA regulations have led to cleaner skies and water and more efficient vehicles. See how PF Members think we should be doing things. Have an idea in Policy? Tell us
Related Categories : | Activism | Climate Change | Green Gov | Renewable Energy |
Featured Ideas
Webisodes Related to Policy
A Solar Conversation with Secretary Chu
THIS WEEK: In this week’s webisode, Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno interviews Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu at the 2011 Solar Decathlon! Chu talks about the coolest innovations, and even wonks out a bit on r-values and building materials.
POLITICO Reporter: Energy Legislation in GOP Congress is Up to Upton
Planet Forward talks to POLITICO’s Senior Energy and Environmental Reporter Darren Samuelsohn about the GOP’s rise to power in Congress and what that means for climate legislation.Watch>>
What to expect out of Cancun?
As the climate negotiations come to a close in Cancun, we ask environmental reporter Kate Sheppard of Mother Jones what can we expect in the way of an agreement?
Will the US Go Rogue if Cancun’s Climate Talks Fail?
The climate talks have begun in Cancun. How will things fair in comparison to Copenhagen last year? Planet Forward host Frank Sesno chats via skype with environmental reporter Kate Sheppard of Mother Jones to get the latest.
Energy Insider Answers: What Happens Now?
In part 2 of this week’s webisode, Planet Forward host Frank Sesno sits down with President of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and former Democratic Congressman Dave McCurdy (D-OK) about Tuesday’s results and the future of energy policy. Watch>>
POLITICO Reporter Answers: What’s Next for Energy Policy?
Darren Samuelsohn, POLITICO’s Senior Energy and Environmental reporter, has called the Democratic defeat in Tuesday’s elections a “day of reckoning.” In part 1 of this week’s webisode, he defends his opinion and makes projections about the future of climate change policy. Watch>>
Ogden’s Green City on a Hill
Planet Forward hosted a LIVE event during the White House’s GreenGov Symposium, a conference focused on making all levels of government more sustainable. In this week’s webisode, the U.S. General Services Administration shows how restoring a building can change a city, even if it means moving some bats! Click on the video to learn what …Read More…
Sandia Labs Aces Solar Golf Carts
Planet Forward hosted a LIVE event during the White House’s GreenGov Symposium, a conference focused on making all levels of government more sustainable. In this segment, Sandia National Laboratories shows the potential of how a little change can go a long way. In webisode 215, we see how and learn what our esteemed panel (Laura …Read More…
Congressional Insider: Don’t Count the Climate Bill Out
What’s the latest in environmental policy? We’re taking a break from this month’s green business theme to give you the scoop from a real Washington insider. Planet Forward host Frank Sesno interviews Carol Werner, Executive Director of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute about the who and how in environmental policy when Congress returns next …Read More…
Hang Ten! Tidal Power
Are you ready to ride the waves? Planet Forward Intern Dave Raish shows us a video – with a nifty animation – that explains how one utility plans to harness the most reliable resource on Earth – the tides. By connecting two tidal turbines – think underwater windmills – to the grid, Craig Collar of …Read More…
Can Senator Merkley’s Energy Intervention get us off Oil?
While many greens (you know who you are ) are mourning the death of the cap and renewable energy standard as announced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Merkley (D-OR) is carrying the flame of energy legislation with his Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act. Do you think it’s strong enough?
When Politics Thwarts Climate Policy
At what point does the debate on climate change policy get so watered down that it becomes detrimental to progress? Environmental leaders Dr. Daniel Lashof (Natural Resources Defense Council), James Connaughton (Constellation Energy), Dr. Ana Unruh Cohen (Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming), and Kate Sheppard (Mother Jones) discuss the future of the …Read More…
Obama: “The Time to Embrace a Clean Energy Future is Now”
President Obama addressed the nation last night about the Gulf Oil spill, the government’s cleanup efforts and the path to move forward. But it was about more than just the oil, it was a call to arms. Obama took the opportunity to challenge the nation to move our clean energy transition forward. As he noted, …Read More…
The Bag Tax: DC’s BYOB Push
If you want people to use less of something, charge them more for it. That’s the theory behind a new experiment in D.C. which places a $.05 tax on any bags used for groceries or carry-out food. Planet Forward host Frank Sesno, introduces a video that explains what it’s all about.
Roping the Wind
At our April 20 event, Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, screened a video for the audience and our panel, and then we asked our panel what they thought of the ideas brought forward in the video. See the video and then watch their response…which may surprise you. Panelists (in the order they speak): -Dr. Dan …Read More…
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s Live Interview (3 of 4)
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson responds to a video submitted by Planet Forward members and talks about the need to listen when engaging in the environmental debate.
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s Live Interview (2 of 4)
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson talks live to Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, about regulation vs. legislation, a coming price on carbon, and whether South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham should “chill.”
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s Live Interview (1 of 4)
Despite the gridlock on a climate bill, the EPA is already authorized to regulate carbon dioxide from cars. And the Obama administration has raised mileage standards so that by 2016, the new car fleet in the US will have to average 35 mpg. But without a climate bill, it will be a piecemeal approach. And …Read More…
Robert Stone Tells The History of Earth Day on PBS
Planet Forward host Frank Sesno talks with the producer/director of PBS’s Earth Days (premiering on April 19, 2010) about the history of day and what really has changed in the last 40 years since the very first Earth Day. Watch Part 1 of our interview with Robert Stone here>>
Gold, Silver, Bronze, & Green
Planet Forward host, Frank Sesno, talks via Skype with Jack Hidary, venture capitalist and founder of the Freedom Prize. Hidary discusses Vancouver’s efforts to host a ‘green’ Olympics and talks about what other cities could do to similarly reduce their carbon footprint.
Engage, Enlighten, Educate
A film team from the George Washington University recently ventured out to a local DC elementary school to look at Casey Trees outreach program to schools. Who doesn’t love cute kids saving the world?
Interview with Thomas Friedman (2 of 2)
Thomas Friedman discusses his “perfect storm”–the only thing that would get a climate bill past the senate this year.
Tom Friedman Takes Your Questions
Planet Forward host Frank Sesno asks NYT columnist Tom Friedman questions submitted by the Planet Forward community. Part II coming next week.
Van Jones on Obama’s Fuel Efficiency Standards
Part 3 of a 3 part series See Part 1: Van Jones on Community Solar and Wind Energy See Part 2: Van Jones on What Individuals Can Do to Increase Efficiency Former green jobs adviser to the White House and founder of environmental justice group, Green For All, Van Jones joins Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno in …Read More…
Van Jones on What Individuals Can Do to Increase Efficiency
Part 2 of a 3 part series: See Part 1: Van Jones on Community Solar and Wind Energy See Part 3: Van Jones on Obama’s Fuel Efficiency Standards Former green jobs adviser to the White House and founder of environmental justice group, Green For All, Van Jones joins Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno in a discussion …Read More…
Van Jones on Community Solar and Wind Energy
Part 1 of a 3 part series See Part 2: Van Jones on What Individuals Can Do to Increase Efficiency See Part 3: Van Jones on Obama’s Fuel Efficiency Standards Former green jobs adviser to the White House and founder of environmental justice group, Green For All, Van Jones joins Planet Forward’s Frank Sesno in a …Read More…
Planet Forward: Our Energy Future
Our first TV special focused on great ideas from you, our members, about how we as a country should approach our energy future. Originally broadcast on April 15, 2009 on PBS.
Articles From the Blog Related to Policy
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.24.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, a clean energy public relations firm, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. CLIMATE/EMISSIONS Global CO2 emissions hit record in 2011 – IEA (via Reuters) Greenhouse gas gap grows as climate pledges fall short (via Bloomberg) …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.23.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, a clean energy public relations firm, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. CLIMATE/ENVIRONMENT Trees absorb less carbon in warming world than experts have assumed (via InsideClimate News) Seagrass holds more carbon per …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.22.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ENVIRONMENT/EMISSIONS France floats carbon tariff plan for EU imports (via BusinessGreen) Methane sources found bubbling up from melting ice caps (via Yale e360) Canada axes green business …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.21.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. OIL Saudi Arabia knocks off Russia as world’s biggest oil producer (via The National) Reviving Arctic oil rush, Ottawa to auction rights in massive offshore area (via …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.18.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. SOLAR TARIFFS Administration moves to set stiff tariffs on Chinese solar panels (via Houston Chronicle) Solar industry reaction to the anti-dumping decision (via Greentech Media) Do 31% …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.17.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Energy efficiency gains traction in lagging states (via Energy Central) Opower adds utility customers, tests smart thermostats (via Greentech Media) FedEx Express closes in on …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.16.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. GRID Smart grid management systems to top $1bn by 2020 (via SmartPlanet) Participation in net-metering programs increased sharply in recent years (via US EIA) US electricity regulators …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.15.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ELECTRICITY Japan to experience power shortages this summer, panel says (via Bloomberg) Electric sector sparking natural gas optimism (via AOL Energy) State electric retail choice programs are …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.14.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. NUCLEAR Price of Vogtle expansion could increase $900 million (via Augusta Chronicle) Tepco has almost $10 billion loss after Fukushima (via Reuters) GRID Smart grid market in …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.11.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. OIL OPEC says ‘plentiful’ global oil supplies outpace demand (via Bloomberg) New IMF working paper models impact of oil limits on the economy (via The Oil Drum) …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.10.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. RENEWABLES China steaming toward 10GW annual PV market (via Recharge) India’s renewable energy ministry draft guidelines on offshore wind likely in a month (via Panchabuta) Small islands …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.9.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. EMISSIONS Australia predicts A$24.7 billion carbon tax revenue (via Bloomberg) Canada is slow to act on emissions, audit warns (via New York Times) Norway opens $1 billion …Read More…
Anti-fracking movement gains ground in New York state: Both politics, demand for gas will influence drilling outcome
The drilling industry’s efforts to open New York state to shale gas development, stymied from the get go, is meeting even more resistance over time. Contrary to public statements earlier this year by New York state governor Andrew Cuomo that suggested permitting for shale gas wells is imminent, there are compelling reasons to believe that it will continue to be on hold for the foreseeable future. Most visible among these is an anti-fracking movement that is growing louder and more organized each year. Read more
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.8.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ENERGY EFFICIENCY China makes green building centerpiece of efficiency plan (via Sustainable Business) Marriott ranked least efficient hotels, budget chains most efficient (via Environmental Leader) Philips LED …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.7.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS Keystone developer confident in early 2013 decision (via The Hill) Canada likely could push pipelines through BC after long legal struggle (via Ottawa Citizen) …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.4.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. OIL/GAS BP Gulf spill judge orders Jan 14 trial on US claims (via Houston Chronicle) BLM halts oil and gas leasing plan for 30,000 Colorado acres (via …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.3.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE/EMISSIONS Atmospheric CO2 level reaches another high-water mark (via National Geographic) Scientists: extinctions just as damaging as climate change (via Mother Jones) How robots inspect the Oklahoma …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.2.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. NATURAL GAS/FRACKING New study predicts frack fluids can migrate to aquifers within years (via ProPublica) Moderate price rise seen in US exports of liquefied natural gas (via …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 5.1.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. CLIMATE /EMISSIONS Kenya first in Africa to have climate change law (via The Star) OIL/GAS OPEC oil production rises to three-year high (via The National) Sandia researcher …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.30.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ENERGY POLICY China’s looming conflict between energy and water (via Yale e360) Japanese power utilities post record losses for 2011-2012 (via Platts) TAR SANDS/KEYSTONE XL US “dirty …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.27.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. RENEWABLES India’s solar market shows dramatic spurt (via Energy Next) UK Launches North Sea renewable energy hub (via Reuters) Solar soars as fastest growing new US utility …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.26.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. NUCLEAR Austria decides to forgo importing nuclear power by 2015 (via EnergyCentral) Small nuclear reactors generate hype, questions about cost (via St. Louis Post-Dispatch) Calls for closure …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.25.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. CLIMATE/ENVIRONMENT Climate goals require $5 trillion investment by 2020 (via Bloomberg) Unilever: climate change cost company €200m last year (via BusinessGreen) GREEN BUILDING Green infrastructure could save cities …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.24.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. GREEN BUSINESS Intel tops list of ‘green power’ users (via United Press International) Wells Fargo to invest $30 billion in environmental financing (via BusinessGreen) CLIMATE/EMISSIONS/ENVIRONMENT Boulder scientists …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.23.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. TRANSPORTATION US regulators to examine electric car battery safety (via Bloomberg) IBM speeds push for 500-mile EV battery (via CNET) Royal Caribbean ships to cut up to …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.20.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. EARTH DAY The weirdest, worst PR crap we’ve seen this Earth Day (via Grist) How to destroy the planet (via Bloomberg) OIL/GASOLINE Audit finds ‘significant’ errors in …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.19.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. KEYSTONE XL/TAR SANDS House GOP clears highway bill with Keystone pipeline mandate, thwarts Obama (via The Hill) TransCanada offers new Keystone XL pipeline route (via Omaha World-Herald) …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.18.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. EMISSIONS/CLIMATE/ENVIRONMENT Italy to introduce carbon tax to fund green energy (via Reuters) In poll, most Americans link extreme weather to climate change (via New York Times) Data …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.17.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. NUCLEAR Japan to be without nuclear power after May 5 (via Reuters) New underwater images show damage at Fukushima (via Yahoo! News) ENVIRONMENT/EMISSIONS US greenhouse gas emissions …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.16.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE/EMISSIONS Mexico poised to pass landmark climate change act (via BusinessGreen) The new Cold War? As climate change melts polar ice cap, militaries vie for Arctic …Read More…
Home Rule cases are weighty factors in fracking’s future
A ruling Thursday by a Pennsylvania court is the latest in a series of events strengthening the influence of local communities on the outcome of the national debate over hydraulic fracturing and onshore drilling. Commonwealth Court Senior Judge Keith Quigley issued an injunction on a law passed by the legislature in February that limits the power of …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.13.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ENERGY POLICY China extends energy levy to oil and gas projects with foreign firms (via Reuters) Texas moves to raise wholesale power price cap 50% in …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.12.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. KEYSTONE XL Keystone XL pipeline bill wins approval in Nebraska state legislature (via Lincoln Journal-Star) TRANSPORTATION India says EU airline tax deal breaker for climate talks (via …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.11.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. GRID Smart grid spending to reach $46.6B by 2015, software and IT valued at $2.9B by 2017 (via Environmental Leader) NATURAL GAS/FRACKING Natural gas drilling causes …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.10.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. TRANSPORTATION Higher MPG standard likely to bring $4.8 billion in profits for automakers (via Environmental Leader) Polk: 35% of hybrid owners buying hybrids again (via Green Car …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.9.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. CLIMATE/ENVIRONMENT Not just March, but start of 2012 shatter US records for heat, worrying meteorologists (via Washington Post) Mild winter may have artificially inflated jobs data, …Read More…
No Quick Resolution on Shale Gas Moratorium in New York
Andrew Cuomo has promised the public that the Department of Environmental Conservation would release a final version of the permitting guidelines – in a document called the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement — within months. Legislative leaders I spoke with this week have a much different outlook. This week, Assembly Robert Sweeney told me he would be …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.6.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. ENERGY POLICY US DOE prepares to approve new renewable energy project loans (via The Hill) Italy green energy support cuts to hit investment (via Reuters) How are …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.5.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. GREEN BUSINESS Surge in green shareholder activism anticipated as proxy season begins (via BusinessGreen) Accenture: half of consumers mulling green energy products (via BusinessGreen) AT&T discontinues funding …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.4.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. RENEWABLES US geothermal energy state of the union, 2011-2012 (via Greentech Media) Greece touts green energy 2050 roadmap as key to economic recovery (via BusinessGreen) Collapse of …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.3.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. NATURAL GAS/FRACKING EPA delays fracking air pollution rules (via The Hill) North Sea gas leak costing Total $2.5 million a day (via New York Times) Greenpeace scientists …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 4.2.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. OIL Shell marches toward Arctic drilling as EPA permits upheld (via The Hill) Government auditors warn of arctic drilling risks (via Houston Chronicle) BP says US withholding …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.30.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. NORTH SHORE GAS LEAK Total leak underlines offshore gas risks (via Wall Street Journal) Total tries to prevent explosion at leaking North Sea gas platform (via InsideClimate …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.29.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. CLIMATE IPCC reports link heat waves, deluges to climate change (via Washington Post) US heat waves to intensify from New York to Los Angelesbloom (via Bloomberg) …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.27.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. COAL EPA to impose first greenhouse gas limits on power plants (via Washington Post) First major climate regulations from Obama EPA sure to heat up political …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.26.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. CLIMATE Temperatures could rise by 3C by 2050, models suggest (via BBC News) US heat ‘unprecedented’ 7,000 records set or tied (via Reuters) Severe heat waves, …Read More…
Energy and Environment News Roundup – 3.23.12
This post was originally published on Marcacci Communications, which provides a daily roundup of energy and climate news and opinion. Inclusion of articles does not mean endorsement. Client relationships are disclosed where applicable. GREEN BUSINESS A tally of 3.1 million US green jobs (via New York Times) China’s coal-rich city eyes green economy (via China Daily) ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE/EMISSIONS …Read More…
Another Angle on Energy Jobs: Location, Location, Location
Posted by Scott Bittle and Jean Johnson of Public Agenda It’s probably a safe bet that nearly everything this election year, including energy policy, is going to be viewed through the prism of jobs. And fair enough: the Great Recession cost us nearly 8.4 million of them, after a decade where America barely broke even …Read More…
Driving Innovation: Washington DC’s Auto Show
What will it take to get more electric vehicles on the road? Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and James Wisemen of Toyota got a head start at that question at yesterday’s Policy Summit at the Washington DC Auto Show. It was the day after the President’s State of the Union address, where he reiterated his …Read More…
Eco State of the Union: follow #ecosotu
Participate in the conversation with energy and environment experts, bloggers and tweeters during the president’s State of the Union address tonight at 9pm EST. You can follow on twitter using the #ecosotu hashtag or you can follow here where we’ll be participating in a chat of our own.
Leaked Policy Draft Makes Green Building a Priority at Rio+20
By Maggie Comstock Associate, Policy U.S. Green Building Council Climate policy wonks are used to reading leaked draft text in advance of international negotiations. However, the 19 page draft text for the upcoming United Nations Convention on Sustainable Development Rio+20 Conference is unique for being leaked so far in advance of the June meeting. Climate …Read More…
“Green Jobs” versus “Jobs”? – It’s Not a Competition; They’re One in the Same
by Maggie Comstock, Associate, Policy, U.S. Green Building Council On Oct. 26, USGBC participated in a salon on green jobs and economic growth, sponsored by Planet Forward. The high-level discussion included U.S. government representatives from several agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Department of Labor, and more. Private sector …Read More…
5 Ideas for When You Turn Out the Lights
The clock ran out in Congress last week on a bill to repeal energy-efficient light bulb standards. Cue the giant, energy-devouring, glass ball above Time Square. It’s time to celebrate! We’re counting down five of Planet Forward’s best ideas about efficiency. Discover which innovations will brighten our energy future, then tell us about the radiant …Read More…
Obama Calls for Green Fleet, Reduction of Oil Imports
Facing some of the most intractable foreign policy situations of his term, President Barack Obama is looking inward. In a major speech on March 30th, Obama outlined his plan to reduce oil imports by a third over the next decade and a half while transitioning the federal government to an all-alternative-fuel vehicle fleet by 2014. …Read More…
Dirty Energy Welfare
The national conversation about wasteful welfare for highly profitable dirty energy corporations has gone from the dramatic statement by the Chief Economist of the International Energy Agency that fossil fuel subsidies are one of the biggest impediments to global economic recovery (“the appendicitis of the global energy system which needs to be removed for a healthy, …Read More…
Pay for my solar panels!
Solar is a hard sell in the midst of global recession and continued unemployment. Just try convincing a middle class family with a mortgage and car payments to part with $40,000 for a rooftop installation. So long as rooftop builds are the only way to get solar energy, the growth of the home solar industry …Read More…
President Obama calls for Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy in his State of the Union Address
During his State of the Union address, President Obama set a new goal: by 2035, 80 percent of America’s electricity will come from clean energy sources.
Watch
Wasteful Welfare for Dirty Energy
The new Congress roared into Washington this week with what it sees as a mandate to cut government spending. Required reading for all its new members should be Washington Monthly’s excellent new piece, “Get the Energy Sector off the Dole.” And, if you work in, invest in, or support scaling the clean economy, this important piece …Read More…
Geothermal Energy Gets an Advocate
The geothermal industry gets its first big lobbyist. Will this help expand on a lagging form of clean energy production?
Secretary Chu Re-Examines Ethanol
Secretary of Energy Steven Chu spoke at the National Press Club this week and sparked conversation about alternative energy by claiming that the U.S. faced a “Sputnik” moment. He argued that it is not too late for the US to once again become the global leader in energy innovation and research. While his central point …Read More…
Seattle Prioritizes Green Building
The City of Seattle recently announced Priority Green, a new program that provides incentives for and prioritizes green construction projects. This program, says the city, will promote and facilitate green innovation, design, and efficiency The city breaks its program, announced by the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, into three categories, Expedited, Facilitated, and Tools. …Read More…
Where Does the Power Stand?
The 2010 elections brought with them an onslaught of “wooohoo’s” and “Ahhhhrrghh’s” from the millions of spectators that were eagerly watching, waiting and holding their breath. To many people’s surprise the Tea party’s sweeping introduction came as a shock, but to others, what was more daunting was what this new generation would mean for the …Read More…
LEED: Green Standard or Black Magic?
Is the U.S Green Building Counsel’s coveted LEED Certification full of crap? No not really but it is very far from perfect. All too often green gurus and real-estate agents sing the praises of LEED certifications but when looked at more thoroughly there are many loop holes in the actual report card system so that …Read More…
Congressman Baird’s Innovative Ideas
Of course, the driving issue in the upcoming elections is economic recovery and stimulus; not America’s carbon footprint. When discussing climate change and sustainability, it seems that most candidates are very rehearsed and uniform in their policies and opinions (excluding the Tea Party’s recent statements denying climate change). We’ve heard them say it plenty of …Read More…
Believe it or not, climate doesn’t vote
Next week’s elections might affect climate and energy conservation less than you might think. Although politico says that it will be difficult for GOP candidates to succeed unless they are climate change deniers, evidence suggests that stance may not be so important in terms of protecting the environment if you approach it for the right reasons. …Read More…
Giving Wind Energy a Gust of Profitability
Despite costs falling by over 80% in recent years, wind energy is still a prohibitive industry. The majority of wind farms require extensive federal and state subsidies to operate at a profit. Since subsidies are based on the energy produced, big companies can easily muscle-out and acquire smaller firms. At the same time, there’s a …Read More…
Government and Private Sector Come Together: Greengov 2010
The first annual GreenGov Symposium was kicked off last week with keynotes from the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Nancy Sutley, the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack and President of the Biomimicry Institute, Janine Benyus. Harkening back to President Obama’s Executive Order …Read More…
India’s rising greenhouse gas emissions
A recent report released by the Indian environment minister suggests that India’s annual greenhouse emissions increased by 58 percent from 1994-2007. Curious about the statistics? The emissions grew from 1.25 billion tons to 1.90 billion tons. India is almost at par with Russia, which is the world’s third largest greenhouse gas emitter. Russian emissions in …Read More…
The Aftermath of “Next Steps for A Climate Bill:” Overcoming Collective ADD to Find the Prelude for A New Green Consensus
The last couple of weeks of climate change news and legislation offers no better metaphor than from a 15-minute slice of time from this past Sunday’s (April 25th) Climate Rally down on the National Mall. By most standards, the Rally could be said to have bathed itself in success; to bring together the likes of …Read More…
Lisa P. Jackson Talks about How the US Can Lead the World on Climate
From our live Planet Forward event on April 20… Planet Forward Host, Frank Sesno, asks Lisa Jackson to explain how the US can be a global leader on climate change if Washington gridlock kills a climate bill.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Talks About Coal
In a clip from Planet Forward’s Earth Week event, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson talks about the business impact of uncertainty regarding potential carbon regulation. Resources: The Nation, “The Case for EPA Action” On April 1 the Environmental Protection Agency established rules restricting greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, starting in 2012. This is the …Read More…
Pop Quiz: What did the birthplace of Elvis recently do to go green?
Answer: It passed a complete streets policy. Two small cities, Hernando and Tupelo, in Mississippi have just passed complete streets policies to improve streets for cyclists, pedestrians and public transit users. They join a growing list of 124 jurisdictions who have adopted policies or have made written commitment to do so. It’s interesting to note …Read More…
Climate So Last Year, According to Younger Americans
Cross-posted from e360 digest Although they have grown up during an era when global warming has emerged as a major issue, Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 are relatively apathetic about the threat, according to a new survey. And even when they do think about it, young Americans are just as divided as …Read More…
Dispatches from the “Green” Olympics…or perhaps the “GOLD!” Olympics?
When planning the 2010 Olympic games, the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC) committed itself to fulfilling a “triple bottom line” – an effort to ensure that the games are not only economically sound but socially and environmentally responsible too. A tremendous amount of media coverage has been dedicated to critiquing VANOCs success in meeting their …Read More…
Oil Refiners are going in the exact opposite direction
According to a recent story in the LA Times, oil refiners, trucking companies and petrochemical companies are suing the state of California over its new standard controlling the carbon intensity of fuel. The standard, which is designed to motivate the use of alternative fuels, is costing these companies money. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on ways …Read More…
The New Green Economy
Research and development is essential to making progress in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable energy. During the New Green Economy Technological innovation symposium Friday January 22nd, Dr. Brian Czech, president of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, said “I think we need to look deeper into the relationship between …Read More…
Thomas Friedman Answers Your Questions
Last night, Thomas Friedman came to The George Washington University’s sold-out Lisner Auditorium, where he spoke to over 1000 students and others about climate change and what he thinks needs to be done to solve it. His controversial take: we need real — not phoney — green revolution, and we need a tax on carbon. …Read More…
Complete Streets: a simple way to cut carbon emissions now
Washington State Representative Jim Moeller recently introduced the “complete streets” bill into the Washington State Legislature. The bill, in summary, would aim to create roadways that accommodate multiple forms of transportation, including bike lanes, and larger sidewalks for pedestrians. Additionally, the bill would make streets safer by lowering speed limits and provide incentives to bike, …Read More…
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