Forest Carbon Works delivers premium payments to landowners for long-term conservation and climate outcomes on properties as small as forty acres. As members of Forest Carbon Works, some landowners are already getting paid more than $50,000 each year. Membership payments are substantial because carbon credits generated using the platform are legally recognized by the first enforced cap-and-trade program in the United States.
(Source: Forest Carbon Works, PR, 6 Oct., 2020) Contact: Forest Carbon Works , (415) 475-8966, inquire@forestcarbonworks.com, www.forestcarbonworks.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Credits, Forest Carbon Works, Carbon Sequestration, Carbon Emissions,
In keeping with the study findings, the CERI study proposed the following to lower emissions:
The Calgary-based Canadian Energy Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit research establishment created through a partnership of industry, academia, and government in 1975. CERI aims to provide relevant, independent, objective economic research in energy and environmental issues to benefit business, government, academia and the public and to build bridges between scholarship and policy,combining the insights of scientific research, economic analysis, and practical experience.
(Source: Canadian Energy Research Institute, PR, Western Standard, Aug., 2020) Contact: Canadian Energy Research Institute, (403) 282-1231, info@ceri.ca, www.ceri.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Energy Research Institute, ETS, Carbon Tax, Carbon Emissions ,
Both RGGI and a carbon tax are central to the governor's strategy to fight climate change. If Wolf's plan is successful, Pennsylvania would become the first major fossil fuel state to adopt a carbon pricing policy.
Proponents claim the RGGI cap-and-trade program would inject new life into Pennsylvania's economy by prioritizing energy efficiency and cleaner energies. (Source: Office of Penna. Gov. Tom Wolf, CBS Pittsburgh, AP, 9 July, 2020) Contact: Office of Penna. Gov. Tom Wolf, 717-787-2500, www.facebook.com › governorwolf, www.governor.pa.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI, Carbon Tax, Tom Wolf,
State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra's office argued against the county's offset scheme on the grounds that it could undermine the state's goals of slashing carbon emissions by 40 pct by 2030 and 80 pct by 2050.
The court noted that while the state has strict rules for monitoring and ensuring that offsets represent real reductions in greenhouse gas, the county had no such quality controls. Additionally, while the state's program has been largely limited to offset projects in the United States, San Diego county's program would have allowed the use of offsets generated anywhere around the world.
The court also pointed out that the state's program under cap-and-trade has only allowed businesses to cancel out up to 8 pct of their emissions using offsets, while the county program would have allowed projects to offset upwards of 100 pct of their carbon footprint.
While California allows businesses to use offsets under the cap-and-trade program, the state still counts those canceled-out emissions as part of its overall carbon footprint. Offsets were included simply as a cost-containment mechanism under the larger emissions-trading program, the LA Times noted. (Source: LA Times, 17 June, 2020) Contact: California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, (916) 210-6000, oag.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Offset, Xavier Becerra, California Carbon Offset, California Cap-and-Trade,
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom reportedly anticipated $965 million annually in cap-and-trade funds for various climate change related programs including his processor Jerry Brown's High Speed Rail system project.
Under the cap-and-trade system, the state imposes a declining limit on carbon-dioxide emissions. Refineries and other companies that produce such emissions can buy and sell allowances in a government-created auction. Some companies are reducing their emissions quickly and can then sell their excess allowances to other companies. The state pockets the proceeds. (Source: Press Enterprise, Various Media, June, 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Jerry Brown, California Cap and Trade,
"OFB has consistently engaged around carbon policy in our state for the past decade, and we have shared our concerns about the impacts of the cost increases associated with past proposals for the past several years. Instead of addressing those concerns, we believe the approach in the executive order will be even more detrimental to rural communities than any of the previous cap-and-trade proposals. The cost increases on communities associated with this proposal will be astronomical.
"In addition, the governor has issued this executive order knowing that the rules adopted pursuant to it will face significant legal challenges. A similar effort in Washington state resulted in years of costly litigation, with limited results.
"The executive order also hands over unprecedented levels of power to un-elected bureaucrats who will have the authority to regulate virtually every sector of our state's economy, including input costs on farms and ranches. As we read it, state agencies are directed to advance rules to drive up the cost everyday necessities for Oregon farmers, including gasoline and diesel and basic utilities like natural gas and propane.
"New mandates directed at in-state food processors will add additional costs to being located in Oregon. This will certainly drive down Oregon's (carbon) footprint because these businesses will be incentivized to leave the state -- taking local jobs and tax revenue with them.
"Oregon farmers and ranchers are already doing our part to sequester carbon and reduce our environmental footprint. This executive order will not make a meaningful difference in combating global climate change, will cost the state millions to defend in court, and will have an immediate and severe impact on Oregon's rural communities.
We strongly urge Governor Brown to reconsider this approach."
(Source: Oregon Farm Bureau On Line, St. Helens Chronicle, 14 Mar, 2020) Contact: Office of Gov. Kate Brown, (503) 378-4582, www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/contact.aspx[endlink; Oregon Farm Bureau, (503) 339-1701, [starrtlink]www.oregonfb.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Kate Brown, Climate Change, Cap-and-Trade,
In total, 18 state agencies and commissions directing a large portion of the state's bureaucracy are tasked under the order aimed reducing emissions and addressing climate change. (Source: Office of Gov. Kate Brown, OPB, 10 Mar., 2020)
Office of Gov. Kate Brown, (503) 378-4582, www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/contact.aspx
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emission, Oregon Climate Change, Carbon Emissions, Energy Efficiency, Cap-and-Tarde,
The auction raised roughly $600 million for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which California will use for programs that further reduce climate and local air pollution and advance environmental equity.
Quebec raised over $240 million (Cdn) ($185 million) to support climate action in the province.
Western Climate Initiative Inc is a non-profit corporation formed to provide administrative and technical services to support the implementation of state and provincial greenhouse gas emissions trading programs.
(Source: Western Climate Initiative, 26 Feb., 2020)
Contact: Western Climate Initiative, www.wci-inc.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Western Climate Initiative, Cap-and-Trade,
The budget proposal includes a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a $4.75 billion climate resilience bond that would to encourage investments that reduce risks from water, fire, extreme heat and sea level rise, as well as partially fund the recently introduced California Green New Deal Act.
The climate budget also includes $66 million for reducing flood risks, $51 million to speed up the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure and $103 million for water resiliency. The budget proposes a $4.75 billion climate resilience bond which would address risks especially in the state's most vulnerable communities. The bond would also allocate $500 million to harden infrastructure in high-fire-risk communities and $250 million for forest health projects -- that's in addition to fuel reduction activities paid for by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund as well as the amount that the Legislature and governor have required utilities to contribute.
Additionally, the budget proposes a $965 million plan to spend cap-and-trade dollars on Cal Fire's forest health and fuel reduction program and reducing emissions from transportation -- "the largest greenhouse gas emissions source in California."
The budget includes $1 billion in general fund dollars -- $250 million this year and more in future years -- for a Climate Catalyst Fund that will offer low-interest loans for climate-related projects that help the state meet its climate goals.
(Source: Office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Capital Public Radio, 10 Jan., 2020) Contact: Office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom , Kate Gordon, Director of the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, Snr. Climate Advisor, (916) 445-2841,
(916) 558-3160 - fax., www.gov.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,
In 2018, California legislated 100 pct of the state's electricity come from carbon-free sources by the end of 2045. Additionally, the state's emission standards dictate that greenhouse gas emissions be cut 40 pct below 1990 levels by 2030 and to 80 pct below 1990 levels by 2050. But considering that the state's climate pollution only declined by 1.15 pct in 2017, California would only hit its 2030 targets by 2061 and its 2050 targets by 2157, the Index notes.
The California Green Innovation Index (CA GII) tracks the state's progress in reducing GHG emissions, generating technological and business innovation, and growing businesses and jobs that enable the transition to a more resource-efficient economy as California adopts innovative energy and emissions policies, according to its website.
(Source: California Green Innovation Index, Epoch Times, 13 Dec., 2019) Contact: California Green Innovation Index, 650.235.8323, www.coecon.com/ca-gii.html
More Low-Carbon Energy News California Green Innovation Index, Carbon Emissions, California Emissions, Climate Change ,
The Swiss-EU agreement regulates the mutual recognition of emissions rights from the two ETS systems, each with its own legal basis. From January 2020, emissions from civil aviation and fossil fuel power stations will be included in the Swiss ETS, as is currently the case in the EU.
The EU ETS operates in 31 countries -- the EU's member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. A single, EU-wide cap applies, and auctioning is the default method for allocating allowances. The Swiss ETS is also based on the cap-and-trade principle.(Source: Swiss Federal Council, SwissInfo, TaxNews.com, 15 Nov., 2019)
Contact: Swiss Federal Council, www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/federal-council.html
More Low-Carbon Energy News EU ETS, Carbon Tax, Carbon Emissions,
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom didn't miss a beat when he responded from Sacramento saying the Trump DOJ move was a "political vendetta" and only one in a series of acts against a liberal state government that has brought more than 30 environmental lawsuits alone, most of them to stop the rollbacks of climate change regulations enacted under the Obama administration.
"Carbon pollution knows no borders, and the Trump administration's abysmal record of denying climate change and propping up big polluters makes cross-border collaboration all the more necessary. This latest attack shows that the White House has its head in the sand when it comes to climate change and serves no purpose other than continued political retribution," Gov. Newsome noted.
(Source, Office of Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, NY Times, Various Media, Oct, 2019) Contact: Office of Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom, www.gov.ca.gov; California Air Resources Board, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cap-and-Trade, California Cap-and-Trade, California Air Resources Board ,
From 2021-2030, the RGGI states have agreed to reduce the program's CO2 limit by 30 percent, building on the 47 percent CO2 reduction the states have already achieved for their power plants since 2008. The states have also agreed to add a new mechanism, called an emissions containment reserve, to the market in 2021. The reserve is meant to speed CO2 reductions by removing allowances from RGGI's quarterly auctions if the clearing price falls below a predetermined threshold, which will start at US$6/st in 2021.
Recently, many of the RGGI states have committed or recommitted to ambitious policies to address climate change, such as reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Many of the same northeastern U.S. states are considering creating a separate cap-and-trade program for the transportation sector, the largest source of CO2 in the states and across the country. That program could work in tandem with RGGI to help the states use markets to drive emissions lower.
RGGI member states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. New Jersey will re-join next year while Virginia are expected to sign on in the near future.
Download the RGGI proceeds investment report HERE.
(Source: RGGI, Refinitiv, Argus, 14 Oct., 2019) Contact: RGGI, www.rggi.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI, Carbon Emissions, Cap-and-Trade ,
The move is in keeping with the Governor's goal of reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 pct by 2025. The state Department of Environmental Protection will be tasked with drafting the proposed regulation.
The RGGI state include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Four of those states are led by Republican governors.
Pennsylvania reportedly emits nearly as much carbon as the nine RGGI states combined. (Source: Pennsylvania Capital Star, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: RGGI, www.rggi.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI, GHG, Greenhouse Gas, Carbon Emissions,
The Index tracks the performance of the largest, most liquid and most accessible tradable carbon markets -- the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS), the California Cap-and-Trade Program, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The index is calculated using OPIS data and carbon credit futures pricing in those markets.
The IHS Markit Global Carbon Index was developed in consultation with Climate Finance Partners, a specialist in climate finance.
IHS Markit is also well known for its daily OPIS Carbon Market Report, national carbon policies database and for developing industry standard methodologies for greenhouse gas accounting and disclosures. Its research and expertise on carbon policy impact, low-carbon and cleantech technologies and carbon risk management guide companies in energy, petrochemical, automotive, shipping, agriculture and other sectors critical to the global economy.
(Source: IHS Markit , 25 Sept., 2019)
Contact: IHS Markit, www.ihsmarkit.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI, EU ETS, IHS Markit Carbon Market, Carbon Credit,
In June alone, the trading at nine carbon markets across the country were up 81.3 pct and 38.3 percent month on month, respectively, Xinhua said.
(Source: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Xinhua, 11 July, 2019) Contact: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, english.mee.gov.cn
More Low-Carbon Energy News China Carbon Market, China Cap-and-Trade,
"The Trump administration's finalized Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule is a major victory for America's middle class, many of whom work in energy intensive industries like manufacturing and mining. It also represents a boon to America's least fortunate for whom energy costs represent a significant part of their budget. All Americans would have been harmed by the Obama administration's legally flawed Clean Power Plan. It would have dramatically increased the cost of electricity and was predicted to reduce global warming by only 0.018 degrees Celsius by 2100, an amount far too small to be measured.
"After Congress rejected proposed cap-and-trade legislation, the Obama administration crafted the Clean Power Plan to force states into regional cap-and-trade plans. President Trump's plan disallows such plans for compliance and focuses, instead, on improving the efficiencies of individual plants.
"The Clean Power Plan claimed to seek a 32 pct reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, at an estimated compliance cost of $9 billion. The US Chamber of Commerce estimated a more realistic $75 billion in compliance costs. The Rule was met with bipartisan opposition by 27 states who won a Supreme Court stay of the Rule in 2016.
"The Clean Power Plan was also completely unnecessary. Thanks to the Trump administration's commonsense approach, emissions have fallen by 28 pct since 2017 and are forecast to be reduced 35 pct by 2030. At a compliance cost of $0.3 billion for the ACE rule, these gains were at 250 times less cost than the previous administration's alternative." -- The MacIver Institute
The MacIver Institute is joined by the Caesar Rodney Institute, the Center of the American Experiment, the Commonwealth Foundation, the Independence Institute, John Locke Foundation, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity, the Rio Grande Foundation, and the Roughrider Policy Center in supporting the ACE.
(Source: MacIver Institute, June, 2019)
Contact: The John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy
Brett Healy, President
608.588.6477, bhealy@maciverinstitute.com, www.maciverinstitute.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Obama Clean Power Plan, Trump, Affordable Clean Energy,
The first rule sets a CO2 cap for the state's electricity generating sector at 18 million tons for 2020. The state's cap on carbon emissions will decline by 30 pct through 2030. According to the DEP, electricity generation produced 20.7 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2016.
The second rule focuses on how the Department of Environmental Protection will spend proceeds from the sale of RGGI power plant carbon allowances on environmental justice projects. As of Jan., 2018, RGGI auctions raised $2.7 billion that is being used to fund clean-energy and energy efficiency programs.
New Jersey was a founding member of RGGI, but Republican Gov. and former presidential hopeful Chris Christie pulled the Garden State from the agreement in 2012 on the grounds that it had "no discernible or measurable impact upon our environment." RGGI member states include Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
(Source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, NJTV News, 17 June, 2019) Contact: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, www.nj.gov/dep; RGGI, www.rggi.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cap-and-Trade, RGGI, GHG, Greenhouse Gas, Carbon Emissions,
The LCFS requires that regulated fuel producers report the carbon generated in the production of transportation fuels sold in California. The inaccurate information spanned 24 quarterly reports.
The LCFS, which encourages the use of cleaner, low-carbon fuels,
is one of several programs developed under The Global Warming Solutions Act (A.B.32). It works with other A.B.32 programs, such as cap-and-trade, the zero-emission vehicle program and the renewable portfolio standard, to achieve California's GHG-reduction goals. (Source: CARB, 31 May, 2019) Contact: California Air Resources Board, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board , Low Carbon Fuel Standard,
The emissions trading programme incorporates continuous emissions monitoring systems to track industry emissions in real time. About 350 Surat area industries have installed continuous emissions monitoring systems, the data from which will be used to implement and carry out industrial pollution audits and set incentives to encourage compliance.
The Gujarat programme is the first in the world to regulate particulate air pollution, the single-largest threat to human health globally according to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI).
(Source: Gujarat Pollution Control Board, livemint, 6 June, 2019) Contact: Gujarat Pollution Control Board, gpcb.gujarat.gov.in
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cap-and-Trade, Carbon Emissions,
O'Rourke's proposal calls for halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 through a program of: executive action; a $5 trillion over 10 years investment in a clean energy transition; and preparing vulnerable communities for the impacts of climate change.
Although the plan is focused on climate and energy -- cutting emissions and creating alternatives -- approximately $3.5 trillion is allocated through tax incentives, loans, and other financing mechanisms for infrastructure, research, resilience, and clean energy deployment. The outlay would be funded by "structural changes to the tax code" that end tax breaks to fossil fuel companies and raise rates on corporations and top earners. Of the remaing $1.5 trillion, $1.2 trillion would go to grants for sustainable housing, transportation, public health, farming, and start-ups.
As opposed to a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system, O'Rourke is advocating a legally-binding net-zero emissions standard by 2050. The plan doesn't rule out pricing carbon but instead focuses on setting definitive goal posts.
If elected, O'Rourke noted will re-enter the Paris climate agreement, implement rules to cut methane and other "super-potent" GHG emissions, tighten clean air rules, ramp up appliance efficiency standards, demand clean energy procurement from federal contractors, and end new fossil fuel leases on public lands. (Source: Vox, Various Media, 30 April, 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change, Carbon Emissions, Carbon Tax, Methane, Clean Air,
The roughly 400-page petition is scheduled for a preliminary vote April 16 before a 20-member environmental rulemaking board that includes several Wolf appointees. A positive vote would allow the Wolf administration's Department of Environmental Protection to study the petition and decide whether to recommend it for a rulemaking process, which requires another vote.
The petition seeks to require polluters to buy permits for each ton of carbon they release.
(Source: Office of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, York Dispatch, AP, 6 Apr., 2019)Contact: Office of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, www.governor.pa.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News GHG, Greenhouse Gas, Carbon Emissions,
According to the Ministry release, beginning next year both institutional and individual investors will be allowed to trade. Quotas for trading on the platform will be set and allocated by the State Council, the country's cabinet, based on economic growth, the country's "energy structure" and "other factors." Each unit in trading quotas will represent 1 tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.
China plans to include all its coal-fired power plants, accounting for about 3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, in the ETS from the first stage of trade, making it the world's biggest market for carbon emissions.
(Source: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Morning Post, Reuters, 4 April, 2019)
Contact: China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, english.mee.gov.cn
More Low-Carbon Energy News China Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China Cap-and-Trade, China Carbon Market, Carbon Emissions ,
The federal levy, which starts at $20 (US$15) per tonne of pollution and rises incrementally to $50 per ton, is expected to add about 4.5 cents to the price of a liter of gasoline, as well as drive up drive up other energy related costs. To ease the pain on consumers, the feds pledged to refund most of the carbon tax cash directly to taxpayers.
Canada's remaining six provinces are exempt from the federal tax having imposed their own carbon tax or cap-and-trade system to help Canada meet its Paris Agreement target of reducing CO2 emissions by 30 pct from 2005 levels by 2030. (Source: Canada Ministry of the Environment, CBC, Various Media, 1 April, 2019)Contact: Canada Ministry of the Environment, Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html
More Low-Carbon Energy News Canada Carbon Tax,
Under the government plan, business will earn credits for reducing pollution below their baselines which they canto sell or carry over to meet their future pollution cap.
Business that exceed their caps will will be required to purchase carbon credits to meet their caps.
(Source: Financial Review, Various Media, 31 Mar., 2019)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Australia Carbon Emissions, Cap-and-Trade, Carbon Emissions,
In 2018, the GGRF invested $1.4 billion in various projects to reduce the effects of climate change in California communities. That was about double the amount spent in 2017. Since the program began in 2012, it has invested $3.4 billion in projects that are either completed or under way, with a total of $9.3 billion in the pipeline.
CARB estimates that the investments will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 37 million metric tons, about what would be produced by burning four billion gallons of diesel fuel, or "roughly equivalent to taking eight million cars off the road for a year." Cumulatively, last year's investments in energy efficiency are expected to save enough energy to power 15,000 homes for a year.
The report estimates GGRF investments are reducing greenhouse gas emissions at an average cost of about $75 per metric ton. The report lists details on how much has been invested in each GGRF program and highlights examples of what those investments are. Many are being built, but many more are in some planning stage and their full effect will not be felt for a number of years. For example, GGRF investments in the clean transportation sector include:
Cumlative Project Outcomes include: 10,000 home energy efficiency projects; 3,200 affordable housing units under contract; 500,000 acres of land preserved of restored; 50,000 trees planted in urban areas; 343,000 individual projects funded; 462 transit agency projects funded; and 67 pct of funding for projects benefitting priority communities ($1.5 billion)
Download the California Air Resources Board Greenhouse Gas Fund expeditures report HERE. (Source: CARB, StreetsBlog, 27 Mar., 2019) Contact: California Air Resources Board, Melanie Turner, Information Officer, (916) 322-2990, melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov; CARB California Climate Investments, (800) 757-2907, info@caclimateinvestments.ca.gov, www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board, California Cap-and-Trade,
The rankings are based on the organization's analysis of nine policies that promote citizen's use of renewable energy and other distributed resources. Policies recommended in the report card are customer-friendly net metering policies and simplified utility interconnection rules for distributed energy producers. The report authors also want to see an emphasis on energy efficiency, more community renewable energy, feed-in tariffs, energy supply diversity and financing programs, such on-bill financing and property assessed clean energy (PACE).
The report card didn't consider cap-and-trade programs or renewable portfolio standards but focused on how state policies encourage consumers and businesses to generate their own power or participate in community solar programs.
(Source: Institute for Local Self-Reliance, MicroGrid Knowledge, 12 Mar., 2019) Contact: Institute for Local Self-Reliance, 612-276-3456, info@ilsr.org, www.ilsr.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Community Energy, Institute for Local Self-Reliance,
On 21 Feb, the Washington Post asked "Can the Green New Deal make it through Congress? -- "Passing a climate policy in the United States to combat climate change has long been politically challenging because it is opposed by powerful, well-financed groups such as fossil-fuel companies, electric utilities and automakers, research shows, and these groups have driven ideological polarization on climate policy. In a paper, my co-authors and I (Leah Stokes) show that congressional offices that meet with and receive funds from fossil-fuel organizations are more likely to believe the public does not want action on climate change.
"Congress has not passed a climate bill in a decade. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) last shepherded a cap-and-trade bill, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, through the House in 2009. That bill failed in the Senate after protracted negotiations with fossil-fuel industries.
"Despite successes in some states in the early 2000s, sub-national climate policy also has stalled. In Washington state, for example, the public voted down a ballot initiative in November that would have imposed a small tax on carbon pollution." -- The Washington Post
Download the complete Green New Deal proposal HERE.
(Source: Washington Post, Leah Stokes, 21 Feb, 2019)
Contact: Sen. Ed Markey, 617-565-8519, www.markey.senate.gov; Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 929-388-6141, Twitter https://twitter.com/AOC
More Low-Carbon Energy News Green New Deal, Climate Change,
The freshman Ontario Premier, not unlike the populist US president Donald Trump, ran a campaign and was elected on promises. Premier Ford promised to cut the price of beer to $1.00 a can and to scrap the preceding Liberal govenment's carbon tax, cap-and-trade system. Contact: Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, www.ontario.ca/page/premier
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Carbon Tax, Doug Ford,
REGGI members New England states working to reduce carbon-dioxide gas emissions from the energy sector through a cap-and-trade auction process that encourages more market efficiencies, invests in renewable energy, and improves power-plant technology. New Jersy was a founding member of RGGI. Present membership includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Virginia is planning to join RGGI.
The first of the two proposed rules establishes the mechanisms for rejoining RGGI and sets the initial carbon-dioxide cap for the state's electricity generation sector at 18 million tons in 2020. The 18-million-ton CO2 cap in the Emissions Trading Rule proposal is below the estimated actual emissions of 20.6 million tons in 2020. The cap will decline 3 pct per year through 2030 with other adjustments that are standard to all member states.
The second rule establishes the framework for how the state will spend proceeds from RGGI carbon-dioxide allowance auctions.
Access the rule proposals HERE.
Information on New Jersey's re-entry to RGGI is HERE.
(Source: State of New Jersey, Office of Gov. Phil Murphy, PR, 17 Dec., 2018) Contact: Office of the Governor, (609) 292-6000, https://nj.gov/governor; RGGI, www.rggi.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI, New Jersey RGGI,
The petitioners argue Pennsylvania regulators have the legal authority and constitutional duty to address climate change and ask them to create an economy-wide cap-and-trade program, using California as a model. The move triggers a legal process to which the state is required respond.
Petitioners claim the state's Air Pollution Control Act allows for such an action, and the state's Environmental Rights Amendment requires it. The petition is now being reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and will then go before the state's Environmental Quality Board, which can decide whether to move forward with it or not.
A report published by RGGI last year said participating states were able to cut power sector carbon pollution over 45 percent since 2005, while the region’s economy grew. The Investment of RGGI Proceeds in 2017 report is HERE. (Source: RGGI, Energy News, Dec., 2018) Contact: RGGI, www.rggi.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions, Climate Change, RGGI,
The agency noted that "China's carbon emission declined both in intensity and amount in the pilot carbon trading areas. The carbon market has fulfilled its role in controlling greenhouse gas emissions and promoting low-carbon development." The agency added that China will advance the construction of carbon trading market and gradually expand the number of industries, trading entities and categories that participate in the national carbon market which was launched in 2017.
The Chinese carbon emissions trading system includes power generation, iron and steel production and cement manufacturing sectors in seven provinces and municipalities.
Under the Paris Climate Agreement, China will cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60 to 65 pct by 2030 from the 2005 level.
By the end of 2017, China had cut CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 46 pct from 2005 levels, fulfilling its commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 to 45 pct from the 2005 level by 2020. (Source: Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Xinhua, 26 Nov., 2018)Contact: China National Development and Reform Commission, en.ndrc.gov.cn; Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, english.mee.gov.cn
More Low-Carbon Energy News China Carbon Market, Cap-and-Trade, CO2, Carbon Emissions,
According to the provincial government, the free credits equate to about 90 pct of Nova Scotia Power's needs.
The province has set a $20 per credit floor price for two annual auctions starting in 2020.
The not-for-profit Western Climate Initiative will administer Nova Scotia's cap-and-trade system.
(Source: CBC, Nova Scotia Minister of Environment, 13 Nov., 2018) Contact:
Western Climate Initiative, www.westernclimateinitiative.org; Nova Scotia Department of Environment, Jason Hollett, Executive Director of Climate Change, (902) 424-3600, https://novascotia.ca/nse
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cap-and-Trade, Nova Scotia Cap-and-Trade, Carbon Emissions, Western Climate Initiative,
According to Ottawa, the Low Carbon Leadership Fund has made $1.4 billion of investment for climate action available to support provinces and territories, with a priority on energy efficiency which is expected to create 118,000 jobs by 2030, boost the GDP by $356 billion over the next 12 years and save Canadian households an average of $114 a year.
As previously reported, Canada's largest province has a lot to lose from Premier Ford's cap-and-trade cancellation. According to the Ontario Financial Accountability Office, Premier Ford's scrapping of the cap-and-trade program will cost the province $3 billion in lost revenue over the next four fiscal years.
The watch dog agency added that the loss of revenue from the cap-and-trade cancellation will be greater than the savings the government will achieve by cancelling spending associated with the program. The Conservative Ford government revised the deficit to $15 billion last month, up from a predicted $11.7 billion. (Source: Gov. of Canada, Canadian Biomass, Various Media, Nov., 2018) Contact: Ontario Financial Accountability Office, Peter Weltman, (416) 644-0702, info@fao-on.org, www.fao-on.org;
Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, www.ontario.ca/page/premier
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Cap-and-Trade, Doug Ford, Cap-and-Trade,
With the passage of Bill 4, The Cap and Trade Cancellation Act, the government renewed its pledge to challenge an imposed federal carbon tax and replace it with a "made-in-Ontario" environment plan at an unspecified future date. (Source: Province of Ontario, Various Media, Canadian Biomass 1 Nov., 2018)Contact: Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, www.ontario.ca/page/premier
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Cap-and-Trade,
CalRecycle's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Loan Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program designed to put billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the environment. The loan program provides direct, low-interest loans to expand capacity or establish new facilities in California that use recycled materials in their manufacturing processes.
(Source: CalRecycle, Recycling Today, Oct., 2018)
Contact: CalRecycle, Scott Smithline, Director, www.calrecycle.ca.gov; rPlanet, info@rplanetearth.com, www.rplanetearth.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News CO2, GHG, California Cap-and-Trade,
According to the watch dog agency, the loss of revenue from the cap-and-trade cancellation will be greater than the savings the government will achieve by cancelling spending associated with the program.
The Conservative Ford government revised the deficit to $15 billion last month, up from a predicted $11.7 billion. (Source: Ontario Financial Accountability Office, CBC News, 16 Oct., 2018) Contact: Ontario Financial Accountability Office, Peter Weltman, (416) 644-0702, info@fao-on.org, www.fao-on.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Cap-and-Trade, Carbon Tax,
According to
the environmental commissioner, the government's decision could reverse the province's decade of progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
(Source: Windsor Star, The Canadian Press, 25 Sept., 2018) Contact: Ontario Environmental Commissioner Dianne Saxe, (416) 325-3377,
commissioner@eco.on.ca, https://eco.on.ca
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario, Cap-and-Trade, Carbon Market, Doug Ford,
Eleven projects will receive a total of $150 million from California Climate Investments and other sources, with another $55 million to be considered by the Board at its October meeting. The grants will be matched by $210 million invested by private and public partners, bringing total investment to more than $400 million.
The funding is intended to support cost-effective clean technologies that reduce pollution that contributes to regional air quality problems, particularly diesel particulate emissions. Funded projects are located in five air districts across the state: San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, and Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
California Climate Investments is a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment -- particularly in disadvantaged communities. (Source: CARB, PR, 26 Sept., 2018) Contact: CARB, Karen Caesar
Public Information Office, (916) 322-2990, (800) 242-4450,
karen.caesar@arb.ca.gov, helpline@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News California Air Resources Board,
In August, the state released its Fourth Climate Change Assessment detailing new research on the impacts of climate change and providing planning tools to support the state's response.
Previously this year, Governor Brown issued executive orders to improve the health of the state's forests and help mitigate the threat and impacts of wildfire, and get 5 million zero-emission vehicles onto California's roads by 2030. Last year, the Governor signed landmark legislation to extend and strengthen California's cap-and-trade program and create a groundbreaking program to measure and combat air pollution at the neighborhood level.
Under Governor Brown, California has established the most ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in North America; set the nation's toughest restrictions on destructive super pollutants; and will reduce fossil fuel consumption up to 50 pct and double the rate of energy efficiency savings in buildings by 2030. Additionally, the state has met its 2020 target four years early, reducing emissions 13 pct while growing the economy 26 pct. From 2015 to 2016 alone, emissions reductions were roughly equal to taking 2.4 million cars off the road, saving 1.5 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel.
Governor Brown has also helped establish and expand coalitions of partners across the nation and globe committed to curbing carbon pollution, including the Under2 Coalition, which includes 222 total jurisdictions on 6 continents, representing more than 1.3 billion people and $34 trillion in GDP. Members of the coalition have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 80 to 95 pct below 1990 levels or to less than 2 annual metric tons per capita by 2050.
California and 17 other states collectively representing more than 40 pct of the U.S. auto market sued the U.S. EPA earlier this year to preserve the nation's uniform vehicle emission standards that save drivers money at the pump, cut oil consumption, reduce air pollution and curb greenhouse gases. (Source: Office of California Gov. Governor Edmund G. Brown, 17 Sept., 2018) Contact: California Governor Edmund G. Brown, (916) 445-2841, (916) 558-3160 - fax, http://gov.ca.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Jerry Brown, Climate Change, California Cap-and-Trade, California Carbon Market,
Under Ontario's unique “Environmental Bill of Rights legislation", Ontario residents have the right to be consulted on significant environmental regulations and legislation. The Greenpeace suit claims the Ford government ignored the Environmental Bill of Rights when it proposed, then announced it would cancel the province's cap-and-trade program.
The Ford administration's Cap-and-Trade Cancellation Act -- Bill 4 -- was introduced in late July. The bill, which has yet to pass the legislature, gives the new Ford administration sweeping power to set its own targets and create its own climate action plan without debate in the legislature nor to be enshrined in law. Along with killing the province's cap-and-trade program, Ford also promised to lower the price of beer to $1 per can. (Source: CP, Various Media, 13 Sept., 2018) Contact: Greenpeace Canada, www.greenpeace.org/canada/en
More Low-Carbon Energy News Greenpeace, Ontario Cap-and-Trade, Doug Ford,
The program, which is run by the Oakland-based nonprofit Beneficial State Foundation, was launched in 2017 with a $5 million CARB grant. The program's ongoing funding is from California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment -- particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution.
To date, Beneficial State Foundation has received more than 900 applications and awarded 24 grants.
(Source: California Air Resources Board, 7 Sept., 2018) Contact: CARB, Melanie Turner; Information Officer, (916) 322-2990,
melanie.turner@arb.ca.gov, www.arb.ca.gov;
(916) 322-2990
Beneficial State Foundation, Kat Taylor, CEO, Jhana Valentine, (510) 463-6562,
jvalentine@beneficialstate.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Cap-and-Trade, California Air Resources Board,
The 2017 figures show that the 2,950 companies that submitted their usage figures used 97,573 toe, which represents 42 pct of domestic energy consumption. Only 9,653 toe of this derived from new and renewable energy produced directly. This can be blamed on the fact that there are basically no related tax penalties or regulations, despite the fact that companies' energy consumption is directly proportional to the greenhouse gas emissions for which they are responsible under the country's cap-and-trade system.
Under the cap-and-trade system regulations, companies are required to either produce 5 pct of their total power through renewable energy facilities or to make up the shortfall by buying renewable energy certificates (REC) from producers of renewable energy. The mandatory supply ratio goes up one percentage point each year and is set to reach 10 pct by 2023. (Source: Korea Energy Management Corporation, HANKYOREH, 26 Aug.,2018)
Contact: Korea Energy Management Corporation, www.kemco.or.kr/new_eng/pg01/pg01010000.asp
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy, Cap-and-Trade, Korea Energy Management Corporation,
The Province of Quebec's regular Carbon Market
Cap-and-Trade Auction Notices and Results are
HERE. (Source: Province of Quebec, 6 Aug., 2018)
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Market, Quebec , Quebec Carbon Tax,
The Ford administration's Cap-and-Trade Cancellation Act -- Bill 4 -- was introduced in late July and made good on one of the new Premier Doug Ford's key campaign promises to end the province's carbon price. Another of the premier's campaign promises was "$1 per can beer", which he has reportedly made good on in an uncanny imitation of the equally inexperienced U.S. freshman president "the Donald" Trump.
Bill 4 requires Environment Minister Hon. Rod Phillips to to set emissions targets without specifying what they should be based on. The bill also calls for Phillips to come up with a climate change plan but doesn't set a deadline for the plan. The Minister is also required to prepare progress reports on the climate change plan on a "regular basis", again without specificity.
It is unclear as to whether the targets will be in line with the internationally agreed Paris Climate Accord targets set in Paris or if and when further details might be revealed.
But not to worry. Again aping Trump, Phillips said the government's climate change plan will come in a "very timely basis and people don't have to worry about that."
"What, Me Worry?" -- Alfred E. Newman of MAD Magazine fame.
(Source: Various Media, iPolitics, 7 Aug., 2018)
Contact: Environment Minister Hon. Rod Phillips, www.ola.org/en/members/all/rod-phillips
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ontario Carbon Tax, Ontario Climate Change, Doug Ford,
In a statement the Minister said the government will introduce legislation during its summer sitting that would protect hydro consumers from any costs incurred from the contract cancellations which, no doubt could be considerable.
Rickford said the move is part of the populist freshman premier's campaign pledge to end the renewable energy projects and, as previously reported, kill provincial cap-and-trade system, both of which the Premier claims will enable him to cut retail gasoline prices by roughly 4 cents per litre and lower the price of beer to $1.00 per can in an effort to appeal to his base. Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, www.ontario.ca/page/premi
(Source: Niagara Falls Review, Canadian Press, 14 July, 2018) Contact: Ontario Energy Minister Greg Rickford
https://twitter.com/gregrickford?lang=en; Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, www.ontario.ca/page/premier
More Low-Carbon Energy News Onratio Renewable Energy, Doug Ford,
Trees store much of their carbon within their leave and woody biomass, while grass stores most of its carbon underground. This means that when a tree catches fire, it releases its stores of carbon back into the atmosphere. But when a fire burns through grasslands, the carbon fixed underground tends to stay in the roots and soil.
The study suggests that grasslands and range lands should be given opportunities in California's cap-and-trade market, which was designed to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Their findings could also influence other carbon offset efforts around the world, especially those in semi-arid environments.
This study states that, from a cap-and-trade and carbon-offset perspective, conserving grasslands and promoting rangeland practices that lead to reliable rates of carbon sequestration may help meet California's emission-reduction goals.
(Source: UC Davis, earth.com, July, 2018) Contact: UC Davis, John Muir Institute of the Environment , Benjamin Houlton, Dir., (530) 752-7627, johnmuir.ucdavis.edu
More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Storage, Carbon Sink, Climate Change, Carbon Storage,
The lawsuit was brought in December 2013 by David T. Stevenson, a climate change skeptic who heads the Delaware public policy group, Center for Energy Competitiveness at the Caesar Rodney Institute. Stevenson was a member of Trump's EPA transition team and is a long-time critic of Delaware energy policies. The suit was dismissed after more than four years of litigation, had failed to demonstrate that RGGI affected their electric bills.
RGGI member states include Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pulled the Garden State out of the group.
(Source: RGGI, Delaware Business Now, 3 July, 2018)
Contact: RGGI, (212) 417-3179, www.rggi.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News RGGI, CO2, Carbon Emissions,