Blogentry
Washington View
A still from a spoof ad on ‘clean coal’ from the ThisIsReality.org website, which was created by a number of powerful US environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and the National Resources Defence Council. To view the spoof add, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/thisisreality
ThisIsReality.org
EPA sets the stage for greenhouse gas regulation
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a proposed finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare, a move that is likely to ultimately lead to regulation of carbon dioxide. See Charles Digges’ article, as well as other details from the EPA.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said “this finding confirms that greenhouse gas pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations. Fortunately, it follows President Obama’s call for a low carbon economy and strong leadership in Congress on clean energy and climate legislation.” Environmental groups applauded the announcement as a victory for environmental protection, while industry groups expressed concern that the finding will lead to an avalanche of costly regulations. Joe Mendelson, global warming policy director at the National Wildlife Federation said, “the EPA’s decision is historic and a game-changer for climate policy that will have political and policy repercussions domestically and abroad. This is the single largest step the federal government has taken to fight climate change.” Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California), chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, praised the Administration for making the finding. However, she added that “the best and most flexible way to deal with this serious problem is to enact a market based cap and trade system, which will help us make the transition to clean energy and will bring us innovation and strong economic growth.”
Industry groups were concerned that the announcement would lead to broad, crippling regulations. Senator James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) said, “Today’s action by the EPA is the beginning of a regulatory barrage that will destroy jobs, raise energy prices for consumers and undermine America’s global competitiveness.”
EPA will accept public comment on the draft for 60 days. The agency will also hold two public hearings on the proposal next month.
Congress begins serious debate on climate change legislation
EPA’s action has changed the political calculus on climate change. EPA has assumed responsibility for controlling greenhouse gas emissions under existing law. Industry is worried about the consequences. Even some environmental groups would prefer a carbon-trading plan. To head off EPA regulations, only Congress can intervene.
The House of Representatives has wasted no time in getting to work on new legislation. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has launched a series of hearings featuring senior Obama administration officials including EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson; Energy Secretary Steven Chu; and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Former Vice president Al Gore will also appear as a witness later this week. To track the sessions and read testimony as it evolves during the week, click here.
Congressmen and witnesses will discuss various contentious issues in the cap and trade debate, including setting emissions targets, allocating revenue from the sales of carbon allowances, preventing industries from moving business to countries with weaker emission standards and the role carbon offsets should play. The Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-California) has introduced legislation that would cut emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and by 83 percent by 2050.
Gore will be the star witness for the House Democrats next Friday. By then, the committee will have heard from over 50 witnesses. House Republicans have invited their own list of witnesses who argue that aggressive new emission controls will be costly for industry have little effect in confronting global warming. These include Paul Cicio, president of the Industrial Energy Consumers of America; Stephen Hayward, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; and William Kovacs, vice president for environment at the US Chamber of Commerce.
Propaganda war over coal increases ahead of Hill climate change debate
Ads displayed in the Washington metro and airing on national TV call ”clean coal” a myth. (One such ad from the ThisisReality web site can be viewed here.) The coal industry and its supporters on Capitol Hill use the term all the time whereas opponents of greater coal use call the “clean coal” rhetoric dangerous, saying it creates complacency about the need to move forward towards true carbon free energy. Both sides are spending tens of millions of dollars in the fight. Who is winning? It is hard to say and both sides are claiming victory. There is evidence that the coal industry has gained ground. The phrase “clean coal” has made it into four bills this year including the financial stimulus measure that includes $3.5 billion for research on clean coal technologies.
The most powerful weapon in the discussion is President Obama himself. During his election campaign, he spoke about coal at a rally – his words still run in TV ads. “Clean coal technology is something that can make America energy independent,” Obama says in the ad. “This is America. We figured out how to put a man on the moon in 10 years. You can’t tell me we can’t figure out how to burn coal that we mine right here in the United States of America and make it work”.
World Bank money poised to move to renewable energy projects
Greenwire reports that the World Bank is poised to approve $100 million for wind, small hydroelectric and other renewable energy projects in Turkey, the first chunk of money to be earmarked from the Bank’s Clean Technology Fund. The money is expected to leverage private investment for clean energy projects in Turkey. Over the next few months, the World Bank is expected to approve about $500 million to help Mexico “green” its urban transport system and increase its wind energy capacity. Egypt is also seeking $300 million to develop its electricity and transportation sectors. The proposed funding is part of a major push by the Bank to help developing countries prepare for a low carbon future. The success of these projects could lay the groundwork for determining the role the Bank will play in a future climate change regime. “What we’re trying to show to those who are negotiating is some vision of projects that are transformational” said Kathy Sierra, the World Bank’s vice president for sustainable development.
EPRI selected to write ‘smart grid’ roadmap
The Electric Power Research Institute was selected by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to write plans for the development of a smart grid roadmap for the electricity sector. The ultimate objective of the program will be to provide a framework to help modernize the US electricity transmission and distribution system. The roadmap will be a major step towards standardizing components of the ‘smart grid’. Under the terms of the $1.3 million contract, EPRI will develop the interim roadmap that has the consensus support of the utility industry, transmission companies, manufacturers, regulators and consumers. Click here for more information.
Jonathan Temple is the director of Bellona USA
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