NJ: More Fossil-Fuel Power
Governor Christie signs a law encouraging construction of new fossil fuel power plants in New Jersey. What's the deal?
January 31, 2011
Containing The Critics
After reviewing safety criticisms of the new Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactor, a panel of safety advisors recommends design approval to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Learn more
Green But Not LEED
ASHRAE awards four buildings for incorporating innovative energy technology and design. News on the new
Eco-Kombinis For Kyoto
Fluorescent lights at 7-Eleven kombinis (convenience stores) in Kyoto are being replaced with energy-sipping LEDs. Stop by
Comment On Climate Action Plan
Find what what New Yorkers are saying about the state's draft Climate Action Plan. Get involved
EU: Attracting Money
The EU urges member states to align renewable energy subsidies to help attract $95 billion a year in new investments. Get co-ordinated
What Do Evolution & Climate Science Share?
Find a over teaching the science of evolution and conflict over climate curriculum won't be far behind. Look into it
Scotland: Renewables Energized
Hopes for investment and job growth in Scotland's renewable energy sector are being fulfilled. Learn more
Listen For Snipping
The energy industry mobilizes to protect its federal tax and other financial benefits in a time of government budget dramas. Stay tuned
UK: High Climate Anxiety
A UK poll finds 83% of respondents view climate change as a current or imminent threat. Vox pop
Smart Meters Make Strange Bed Fellows
Opposition to home installation of smart electric meters is uniting the left and right in California. Plug in
Nowhere, Man
While President Obama shares some blame for the failure to pass climate legislation, the absence of any reference in his State-of-the-Union is entirely his responsibility. POV
January 28, 2011
Cleaner Heating Oil Coming
New York City issues draft rules to phase out use of the dirtiest heating oil and slash sulfur levels for the rest. 30 days for public comment
Call For Climate Entrepreneurs
With prospects dim for federal climate action, leaders at the world economic summit call on US business to take the lead. Anyone listening?
They Are Not Amused
Koch Industries files a lawsuit against the 'John Does' who spoofed its well-known stance on climate action. LOL
Get Energized About Climate Action
"If you think there's an existential danger facing the country, you say so. That's part of what it means to be a leader." Grist
India: Cashing In On Wind Power
Wind turbine providers in India, could more than make up for delays in UN carbon credit payments through a new domestic renewables market. Turn around
Arctic In Warm Water
The temperature of North Atlantic currents flowing into the Arctic Ocean are the warmest in millennia. Stay tuned
Cementing Carbon Capture
Using a new way to capture power plant CO2 emissions, an Australian firm claims it can store the gas in 'green cement'. Who knew!
January 27, 2011
Too Late Already?
Hot: Living through the next fifty years on Earth — Stop and listen.
Who's A Climate Believer?
People who believe that climate change is a risky business share other identifiable world views. Think in clusters
Tenants Value Green Building
An international survey of commercial tenants finds a preference for energy efficient buildings that varies by country. Learn more
Decongestion In Albany?
Mayor Bloomberg says any action on congestion pricing is entirely up to Albany. No breath-holding!
The Opposite of 'All Aboard'
Republicans vow to block funds proposed by the President for building high speed rail. Exit here
January 26, 2011
Obama Overlooks Energy Efficiency
Since the President did not mention energy efficient buildings in his State-of-the-Union address, here are three ideas from NRDC. 1, 2, 3
Euro Carbon Market Still Closed
After computer hackers stole $40.3 million of emissions permits from the European carbon trading market, spot trading remains suspended. Cyber insecurity
Obama: 80x35
What did President Obama mean when he called for 80% of US electricity to come from renewables by 2035 in his State-of-the-Union speech? Start here Consider the absence of the C-word & compare the POTUS energy policy to the RSC's. Grist calls C-word silence a Moral & political failure
A Browner Post-Mortem
What is the climate and energy policy significance of Carol Browner's departure from the White House? Final words Now, who's next? Maybe nobody
January 25, 2011
A New Twist On Co-Generation
A British government council proposes to warm the local swimming pool with heat from a nearby crematorium. DOA?
Two Cheers For Tesco
UK supermarket giant Tesco is a leader on greening its supply chain and its operations. Here's how
Energy Star Shines For Engineers
Energy Star, the EPA energy efficiency rating rating system for buildings, is a boon for engineers. Learn more
France Goes Offshore
France seeks developers for 3,000 MW of wind turbines off its Atlantic coast. Catch it
Benchmarking San Francisco
San Francisco city government will consider creation of a benchmarking law for its commercial buildings. Start now!
UK Nuke Power: Liable For More
Nuclear power plant owners in the UK could face sharply increased costs to clean up accidents. Risky business
Say It Ain't So!
According to the EPA, natural gas may be just 25% more climate-friendly than coal when the release of methane and other GHGs during drilling and transport are taken into account. Look at lifecycles
January 24, 2011
Hotter By The Dozen
Rolling stone rolls out its list of the twelve biggest opponents of climate action. Get it here
Rethinking Recharging
Now there's more than one way to design an electric vehicle recharging station. Get connected
Energy Efficiency? It's Academic!
The University of Maine raises $2.3 million to improve energy efficiency in campus buildings. Here's how
Who's In Harm's Way?
Damage to food production in poor nations could be among the worst impacts of climate change. Learn more
Nitty-Gritty? Skip It!
European governments seem reluctant to tackle the the nitty-gritty of energy efficiency. More than last week's news
Start Your Electic Engines!
Mazda will start making an electric car for leasing in Japan. Plug in
Sunnier News For PV Makers
Goldman Sachs reports things should start improving for solar panel makers and recommends some investments. Feel renewed?
Climate Suits Or Emply Suits?
Prospects are rising for law suits resulting from damage caused by climate chaos, but chances for success are murky. Stay tuned
NYS Comptroller v Hydrofracking
New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli leads a shareholder group in filing resolutions calling on energy companies to disclose plans for managing the risks of hydrofracking to drill for natural gas. Explore that
January 21, 2011
Scholarly Green
New York University is taking big steps to go green. Study up
10 Steps To Green Financing
Go a green construction project to finance? Here's one ten step plan. Sharpen your pencils!
Permit Heist Clouds Market
The theft of $40.2 million in permits from the EU carbon emissions market sows doubts about its long-term viability. Stay tuned
Exxon Mobil: Beyond Skepticism
Exxon Mobil predicts climate altering carbon emissions will increase 25% over the next two decades and urges aggressive action on energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies now. Yes, that Exxon
US Loan Guarantee For Solar Project
The US awards $967 million in loan guarantees to the developer of a giant PV power project in Arizona. That's a promise!
Bury The BQE
Plans advance for putting a park atop the urban trench in South Williamsburg known as the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Dig in
Psst! Want To Buy Some Power?
Now that New York has signed off on plans for a new power plant in Queens, the owner has to find customers for its electricity. Plug in
January 20, 2011
Sustainable Brain Power
New York City launches a university-based center to develop and commercialize green building technologies locally. Get smart
EU Sags On Energy Savings
The EU is on a trajectory to miss its 2020 energy efficiency targets by wide margins. What now?
A Little Is Not Enough
While headline-making renewable power innovations are inspiring, climate trends won't change without a great global energy transformation. Get started
RGGI: Getting & Spending
New York's CO2 RGGI emissions permit auctions have earned $266.3 million. Program spending totaled $115.8 million and $90 million was redirected to state deficit reduction. Data galore
Gone Phishing
Computer fraudsters steal $9.4 million in carbon emissions credits from the European trading market in the Czech Republic. Enter here
Bad Apple
Chinese environmentalists rank Apple's local factories worst in responding to their environmental and worker health concerns. Smack a Mac
January 19, 2011
The Mayor's State Of NYC Address
In his annual State of the City Address, Mayor Bloomberg said, "We'll look to partner with a top university to build a new applied science and engineering facility. We'll fuel the growth of clean energy firms by encouraging new wind and solar power projects. And joining with Columbia, NYU-Poly, and CUNY, we'll create a center connecting green building pioneers to real estate developers and building owners."
Got The Right Green Stuff?
Join the debate over whether the US can be a contender in the global green tech industry. Start here
Fixing The Blame
Darrell Issa, chair of the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee, blames the DOE for a generation's worth of failures to cut energy use. Instead, he should look in the Republican Party mirror. See here
Makeover For Milwaukee Energy Efficiency
In light of low interest in its home energy efficiency programs, Milwaukee seeks a killer app. Interested?
Cleaner Air Deal?
Polititco reports electric utilities and the Obama administration are thinking again about how to cut air pollution. Look into it
US & China Seek Energy Cooperation
During the visit of China's President Hu to Washington, efforts are underway to find common ground on clean energy cooperation. Content and context
Chinese Tech In Europe
Chinese solar panels are beating out domestic products in Germany and sophisticated wind energy, telecom tech, power transmission and high-speed trains are on their way to Europe, Fast forward
Everybody Into The Pool
A federal task force recommends that carbon emissions trading markets, including those for state-level programs, be open to a wide range of participants. Dive in
Another Top Rating For China
China ranks at the top of a 30-nation Renewable Energy Attractiveness Index, with South Korea, Romania and Mexico also making the cut. Find out more
Curb Cuccinelli's Enthusiasm
Ken Cucccinelli, the Virginia Attorney General who attacks climate science by issuing civil subpoenas against scholars at the University of Virginia, may have his power curtailed by the legislature. Stay tuned
January 18, 2011
S*** Happens
Paul Krugman saluets Joe Romm for skewering the common argument that CO2 should go unregulated because we all exhale it. Read on
Come Closer
Now more than ever, rating a high performance building depends on its location and the transportation burden it imposes on occupants and the environment. Close in
Path To Energy Efficient & Affordable Housing
Developers identify what works and what doesn't when it comes to making and marketing energy efficient, affordable homes. KISS
High Performance Ohio
A survey of Ohio businesses, professionals, governments and advocates involved in growing the high performance building market identify barriers to growth. Fine print
Haste Makes Waste
The World Wildlife Fund urges a joint British Petroleum Russian Rosneft venture to slow plans for oil drilling in the Arctic. Learn more
Gotta Eat
Researchers in grain genetics get $25 million to make wheat and barley more heat-resistant and more productive to feed a growing population in a hotter world. Dig in
EU: Wouldn't It Be Nice
The EU proposes to spend $1.3 billion on a comprehensive electric power grid able to integrate renewables from many sources while cutting consumer costs. Plug in
What's Obama For?
In President Obama's announcement of a sweeping regulatory review, he cites support for environmental protection rules that provide benefits which outweigh their costs. At the same time, expect tougher going for climate rules. Meanwhile, questions are raised about the openness of the White House scientific integrity process.
Transit Food Fight
New York's Senator Schumer takes a swing at New Jersey Governor Christie's spending on roads and bridges, not a cross-harbor rail tunnel. Dig in
China Banks On Oil
China overtakes the World Bank lending levels, including loans-for-oil to Russia, Venezuela and Brazil. Money=power=money
January 16, 2011
NYC's Liquid Assets
Get updated on the tunnels that carry NYC's drinking water and the new filtration plant in the Bronx. H2O forever
January 14, 2011
NY Greens' Agenda
Leading New York environmental advocates have a twelve part to-do list for the Governor and state legislature. A new leaf
What's In A Name?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is trying to make sense of 'green jobs' and locate their role in an economic recovery. Work on it
Signs of 'Climate Chaos'
From Brazil to Brisbane, you know something is happening here. Tell Mr. Jones
China: More Pollution Control
China adds to its list of regulated air pollutants and targets major industries for emissions cuts. Start here
UK: Offshore Wind On Line
New power from offshore wind turbines now flowing into the UK electricity grid. Plug in
Big Yellow Tax Ideas
New York City's competition for a new yellow taxi design sparks some outside-the-box, and outside-the-competition, ideas. See here
Rebound On The Way
Industry experts project growth in US energy efficient commercial and industrial construction. Look ahead
Hot Under The Collar
With new numbers in on a hotter planet, supporters' frustration rises over failure to pass federal climate legislation. And?
EVs: Cleaner Than What?
An MIT research report on plug-in electric vehicles concludes that the kind of fuel a power plant uses has a major impact on how much greener electric vehicles are than gas-fired ones. Get connected
Buying Into Energy Efficiency
GE invests in the acquisition of energy efficiency capabilities. Imagine that
PA: Who's Minding The Shale?
The new Governor of Pennsylvania names two top officials who will oversee natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale. Learn more
January 13, 2011
Is There A Tiger In Your Tank?
Scientists say sewage could become a significant source of renewable energy. Flush it
Japan: The Hydrogen Path
Japan's big-three car makers join to develop hydrogen fuel cells and a network of refueling stations. Faster forward
What's New in NYC's Parks?
All parks are green, and soon NYC's will be high performance. Take a stroll
Snow Melts NYC Recyling Program
New York City's spate of snow storms is putting a big dent in its recycling program. Here's why
More Insulation = Less Death
Deploying insulation on military structures in US war zones would save lives and money now lost in transporting fuel. Green is red, white and blue
What A 20% Cut Looks Like
With the Republican goal of a 20% to the federal budget, what would mean for clean energy programs and why would the GOP want to do it? Plug in
Applying Behavioral Economics
California will enforce its carbon cap and trade program by imposing 'surrender obligations' on emitters that don't meet their targets. Fearsome
After The Flood
Australia's devastating flood could add to spiraling worldwide food and energy prices. Connect the dots
No Room For Weather Problems
With soaring global food prices, experts worry about weird weather events cutting crop production. Learn more
2011 Predictions
The World Resources Institute spotlights key environmental stories in 2011 for Washington and Wall Street.
Take a look
January 12, 2011
It's Officially Warm
NOAA announces that 2010 ties for the warmest year on record. Details & More details
MA Solar Plant Shut
Citing lower-cost Chinese competition, a Massachusetts solar panel maker goes dark. RIP
The Return Of Rising Emissions
In 2012, after a brief decline, US CO2 emissions are predicted to rise 2.39%, but fall below the 2005 base year level. Stay tuned
Environmental Justice Grants
The EPA awards $7 million in grants to research health impacts when pollution exposure, poverty and stress are linked. Learn more
Down On The Wind
The swooshing sound of wind turbines distresses some neighbors. What to do?
January 11, 2011
Siting That Train
The Regional Plan Association identifies keys to building a US high speed rail system. Make tracks
Chamber Attacks EPA
The US Chamber of Commerce vows to block EPA ability to regulate GHGs. More to come
Cool To Coal?
The success of pro-climate control (and BTW pro-nuclear) Duke Energy could mean the future of coal is dimming. It's an argument
Low Carbon Investment Surge
Markets respond with rising investments to nations that put low carbon policies in place. Make a connection
In Defense of 'Made In US'
While we live in a global economy, the US military decision to buy domestically-made solar panels is not knee-jerk protectionism. WTO rules
Mind The Energy Info Gap
A national survey finds Americans both low-ball energy savings and energy-consumption of fifteen typical activities. Fine print
China Is Coal Country
Tour Chinese coal mines past and future. Clear enough?
Old King Coal Still Rules
Global coal prices are at a two year high and still provide much of the world's energy. Dig down
Who's The Wind Power Winner?
China has 40,000 MW of installed wind power compared to the US' 36,700 MW and is doing more, faster. Take a spin
January 10, 2011
Age Old & Brand New
The Bible's environmental catastrophe was The Flood and ours could be climate change impacts. Mass migrations and more
Power Purchase
Duke Energy, a utility that favors climate legislation, makes a bid for Progress Energy in a trend toward energy industry concentration. Plug in
I Spy
The CIA gathers intelligence on climate change to assess emerging threats of global instability. Take a peek & Think twice
There They Go Again!
Congressional Republicans seeks to thwart EPA action by slashing its budget. Stay tuned
Taxes & Techno Innovation
It's a truism that taxes affect behavior, but precisely how can they encourage climate-friendly technological innovation? Fine print
January 08, 2011
NRDC NY On-Line
National environmental organization launches a website that focuses on New York. Scalable news
January 07, 2011
Houston Energizes Energy Efficiency
Using a US Department of Energy block grant, Houston, TX to offer commercial building owners cash incentives to make existing properties more energy efficient. Here's how
NJ: Save $$ With Eficiency Gains
494 local governments around New Jersey look to save taxpayer money with improved energy efficiency. Less is more
UK: Solar Power Soars
The UK incentive program for solar power is paying off with 42 MW of new capacity installed in 2010. Plug in
Batteries On Line
To work right, the electric power system must maintain certain critical energy flows and a battery storage plant in New York is a new tool. Get technical
Does The Media Ignore Good Climate News?
A Forbes Magazine story blaming the media for ignoring good climate news and fanning irrational fears is subject to fact-checking. Check it out
Beyond 'The Efficiency Dilemma'
More than a critique of the New Yorker story on the Jevons Paradox facing energy efficiency, get some ideas about what it will take to really shrink our carbon footprint. Start solving here
Green Build Battle
A Minnesota builders association files a lawsuit challenging the Green Star building standards it had helped to develop. Get the lowdown
January 06, 2011
What's Up At The Empire State Building?
Nearing completion of its high performance building renovation, new tenants are moving into the Empire State Building and it signs up for Green Mountain electric power. Raise that profile
Carbon Markets Inch Up In 2010
The value of carbon emissions permits on global markets increased 1% in 2010 although total volume was down. Details here
If A Tree Falls In The Forest...
Mainstream media coverage of climate issues nearly disappeared in 2010. See here
London Loves Sadik-Khan
London's The Guardian has a a glowing write up of New York City transportation Commissioner Sadik-Khan. Get on board
The Lord Said To Noah
A new Bible-themed park in Kentucky with its Noah's Ark will be built to be green and use thermal energy. Re-genesis
Driving That High Speed Train
China becomes a global contender in the manufacture of high speed rail equipment. On track
City Lights Add To Pollution
Research in Los Angeles finds that typical night time lighting increases ozone in the morning. Learn more
EPA v Texas Shootout
Experts believe the EPA will prevail over Texas in the gunfight over authority to regulate GHG emissions, but it's not over yet. Stay tuned
January 05, 2011
Suns Shines On US-China Deal
A US maker of thin-film PV modules partners with China to build a 30 MW power plant in Mongolia. Plug in
Cities Reflect On Cities
While New York was the home of comprehensive planning, to meet its PlaNYC 2010 goals it's time to learn from other urban leaders. Take a look
A True Energy Star
A Honolulu office complex aces its EPA Energy Star test for using 50% less energy than similar buildings. Take a bow
NY: Home Energy Efficiency $$
New York State rolls out $112 million for free home energy audits and low cost loans for energy efficiency upgrades. Learn more
NY's New Eco-Chief
As the new commissioner of New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, Joseph Martens faces fracking decisions and staff cuts. Stay tuned
The Price Of Floods
The massive floods in coal-rich northern Australia threaten to raise global coal prices. One world
Better Batteries Needed
Scientists urge policy makers to support research for new battery technologies needed to make renewable energy systems feasible. Beyond AAA
January 04, 2011
Election Post-Mortem
Former Congressman Boucher weighs the role of voting for the climate cap and trade bill in his November 2010 defeat. Dig down
China's Nuclear Milestone
China reports it will reprocess spent nuclear fuel, a technology banned for export from the US in the 1970's. React
Good Enough For Dinosaurs
Since Earth's history shows wide climate swings, why are we so concerned now? Hear Hansen
White House Greenery
Environmental economist Nathaniel Keohane will join President Obama's National Economic Council. A new leaf
Another Round On 'The Energy Dilemma'
Can't get enough on the debate over energy efficiency and the rebound effect? Here Schipper and Nadel Get the last word
Measuring Up
Applying the adage "to measure is to manage", how sustainability is measured is key. Compare & contrast
Yes EU Can!
The EU is on track to beat the goal of getting 20% of its electric power from renewable sources by 2020. Here's how
Global Carbon Almanac
Here's the state of the world's temperatures, carbon emissions and intensity. Just the facts
Another Inconvenient Truth
Not long ago, new Chair of the House Energy and Finance Committee, Fred Upton, supported action on climate change. No more
Veterans' Affairs
Veterans organizations call for Congressional action on climate change and energy policy as a national security priority. Yes sir
January 03, 2011
Running On Fumes
Gary Wills is no friend of climate protection or energy efficiency and his call for scientific progress as the key to US economic revival is ridiculed by Joe Romm. Wham bam!
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities
Ideas for advancing the high performance building agenda. Reveille!
OH Fights Tougher Building Code
Supporters of a more energy efficient Ohio building Code challenge the cost and savings numbers used by opponents. Start counting
Energy Sipper Or Slurper?
With NYC's energy benchmarking law now in effect, a data base of building energy consumption will start to take shape. Stay tuned
Urban Time Travel
With cities consuming 73% of the world's annual energy budget by 2030, what will urban life be like? Stick around
Coal On The Back Burner
For a second year in a row no new US coal-fired power plants were built in 2010. What's the alternative
Still Just Saying 'No'
Congressional Republicans will try a rarely used tactic to stop new EPA GHG rules from going into effect. Check it out
Starting Now
EPA rules for vehicle efficiency standards and industrial GHG emissions are now in effect. Just a reminder