The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved a markup of the proposed American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 H.R. 2454 today. In a statement released by the committee, committee chair Waxman stated: ” “Today the Committee took decisive and historic action to promote America’s energy security and…
In a statement today, the President proposed new CAFE standards to bring about fuel efficiency and reduce emission of Greenhouse Gases. The President stated that through these new rules “we’re seeking to raise fuel-economy standards to an industry average of 35.5 miles per gallon in 2016, an increase of more…
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce, subcommittee on Health, introduced a bill yesterday entitled the Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act, H.R.2323, aimed at addressing the health effects of climate change. The general purpose of the proposed law is to require that the: “Secretary of Health and Human…
The U.S. Geological Survey issued a report on April 3, 2009 finding that glacial ice in Antarctic is melting more rapidly than originally predicted. Noting that Antarctica contains the largest reservoir of glacial ice on the planet, the report points to climate change as the culprit. In a statement released…
In a press release issued today by Chairman Henry A. Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward J. Markey of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee they announced the proposed American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The draft legislation running 648 pages, outlines an ambitious program.…
The Blue Green Alliance, an organization representing labor unions and environmental groups, has issued a policy statement urging adoption of comprehensive cap and trade legislation during 2009. In a press release announcing its position the Alliance, representing such diverse interests as the United Steel Workers and the Sierra Club, stated:…
The Governor of New Hampshire has issued a Climate Action Plan. The 82 page plan seeks to implement a program that will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 90 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The recommendations contained in the plan include: “1. Maximize energy efficiency in…
A Utah state senator has introduced a bill which would require undertaking an economic impact review before adoption of any legislation or executive order related to climate change. The economic analysis would include: ” (a) economic impacts, if any, on existing Utah industry, business, and consumers; and (b) impact on…
The mayors of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose California signed on to the Bay Area Climate Change Collaborative last week. The Collaborative sets specific goals for the member communities. Included among the goals are reducing reliance on fossil fuels and creating “green” jobs. In addition, the intent is to…
New York’s Appellate Division (Fourth Department) issued a decision in early February, 2009 upholding a denial by the Town of Ellicottville of site plan and special permit approval to construct a cogeneration plant using wood chips as fuel, as part of a larger development proposal. In Matter of Laidlaw Energy…