Administration Response to Hurricane Sandy & Climate Change's Long-Term Impacts

<> In Ongoing Response to Hurricane Sandy, We Must Remain Focused on Climate Change's Long-Term Impacts – The Administration has invested in hard-hit communities to ensure that they don't just rebuild, but rebuild smarter -- with the costs of climate change adding up, the failure to invest in climate solutions and climate preparedness is fiscally unwise. Community Resilience Planning Guide for Buildings and Infrastructure Systems – 10/29/15. From the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) a guide which provides a practical six-step process for communities to develop long-term resilience goals based on their individual social and economic needs, particular hazard risks, buildings and infrastructure systems, and the community's operations and available resources.

IMF to factor climate risk into world economic forecasts

<> IMF to factor climate risk into world economic forecasts - The International Monetary Fund is to start factoring in climate change to its macroeconomic models -- the Washington DC-based IMF is the world's leading authority on financial stability

49 Senators Introduce Resolution to Block EPA Clean Power Plan

<> Inhofe on Senate Floor Regarding Resolutions to Block EPA Regulations - U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today participated in a Senate colloquy with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sens. Shelley Moore-Capito (R – WV), Heidi Heitkamp (D – ND), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Steve Daines (R-MT) on the introduction of two Congressional Review Act (CRA) Resolutions of Disapproval in the Senate against the president's carbon emission mandates for new and existing power plants. Capito, Heitkamp, 47 Other Senators Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Block EPA Regulations for Existing Power Sources - U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), along with 47 Senate co-sponsors, have introduced a resolution disapproving of EPA's proposed Clean Power Plan regulations for existing power sources. Governor Brown Issues Statement on Efforts to Block President Obama's Clean Power Plan Earthjustice Defends Crucial Clean Power Plan in Court - Nine leading public health and environmental organizations have stepped up to defend the landmark Clean Power Plan in the federal appeals court in Washington, saying the plan is a crucial step to curb the carbon pollution from power plants that drives dangerous climate change.

Obama Administration Announces New Efforts to Promote Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture

<> Obama Administration Announces New Efforts to Promote Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture - The Administration is announcing new efforts to promote climate-smart agricultural practices across the country and is recognizing leaders who are taking action to make our agricultural supply chain more sustainable -- 12 Champions of Change for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture will be honored.

POTUS Weekly Address: Protecting our Planet for Future Generations

<> POTUS Weekly Address: Protecting our Planet for Future Generations - "This month, even as Republicans in Congress barely managed to keep our government open, they shut down something called the Land and Water Conservation Fund. . . Republicans in Congress should reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund without delay." Congress lets sun set on Land and Water Conservation Fund Congress Terminates America's Most Important Conservation Program Current Legislation in the 114th Congress

EPA Proposes Federal Plan For Non-Approvable State Plans

<> EPA Proposes Federal Plan For Non-Approvable State Plans - This proposal presents two approaches to a federal plan for states and other jurisdictions that do not submit an approvable plan to the EPA: a rate-based emission trading program and a mass-based emission trading program -- proposals also constitute proposed model trading rules that states can adopt or tailor for implementation of the final EGs – comment deadline January 21, 2016. EPA also published in the Federal Register the Final Clean Power Plan Rules - The rules signed on August 3 including: Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units; and Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New, Modified, and Reconstructed Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units [See Federal Register announcements below] See EPA's Clean Power Plan website for further explanation Working Together to Implement the Clean Power Plan - By EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy What makes the Plan so effective is that it reflects the voices of those who are closest to the issues on the ground. . . In fact, we considered over 4.3 million comments received in response to our initial proposal.

EPA to Hold Media Call on Updates on Clean Power Plan Updates

<> EPA to Hold Media Call on Updates on Clean Power Plan Updates - Today at 10:30 a.m. EDT, U.S. EPA held a press call on updates on the Clean Power Plan -- which for the first time puts national limits on carbon pollution, will cut U.S. carbon pollution from the power sector by 870 million tons, or 32 percent below 2005 levels, in 2030. EPA's Clean Power Plan for Existing Power Plants website

September 2015 Global Climate Report

<> September 2015 Global Climate Report - The globally averaged temperature over land and ocean surfaces for September 2015 was the highest for September since record keeping began in 1880. This was also the greatest rise above average for any month in the 136-year historical record, surpassing the previous record set in both February and March this year by 0.02°F (0.01°C).

Remarks by the President at Roundtable with Business Leaders

<> Remarks by the President at Roundtable with Business Leaders - THE PRESIDENT:  "Well, I just had the opportunity to meet with CEOs from across the country who are acting on climate change. . . the perception is that this is an environmental issue, it's for tree huggers, and that hard-headed business people either don't care about it or see it as a conflict with their bottom lines. . ."

Interior Department Cancels Arctic Offshore Lease Sales & Reactions

<> Interior Department Cancels Arctic Offshore Lease Sales - In light of current market conditions and low industry interest, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that it will cancel the two potential Arctic offshore lease sales scheduled under the current five-year offshore oil and gas leasing program for 2012-2017 -- Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) also denied requests from Shell and Statoil for lease suspensions, which would have extended the expiration date of the leases.   Murkowski: Interior Attempting to Shut Down Arctic Development for Decades Bishop: Interior Arctic Lease Cancellation Plays into Russia's Hands Arctic lease cancellation a cruel blow to innovation API statement regarding Obama administration decision to cancel 2016 and 2017 Arctic oil lease sales Earthjustice Statement on Obama Administration Decision to Cancel Arctic Lease Sales for 2016-17 Sierra Club Responds to Obama Administration Cancelling Arctic Offshore Lease Sales

Obama Administration and Private-Sector Leaders Announce Ambitious Commitments and Robust Progress to Address Potent Greenhouse Gases

<> Obama Administration and Private-Sector Leaders Announce Ambitious Commitments and Robust Progress to Address Potent Greenhouse Gases - The White House announced a suite of new private-sector commitments and executive actions that will reduce the use and emissions of the potent greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Supreme Court Argument analysis: FERC v. EPSA

 

<> Supreme Court Argument analysis: FERC v. EPSA - This is a case whose importance is hard to over-estimate:  if FERC's lawyer was right, it affects billions of dollars in the nation's market for electricity, and could affect whether the nation's power grid collapses in a blackout or at least a brownout; and, if the lawyer for some energy companies was right, will cost customers in many states a lot more on their monthly bills. The absence of Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., probably for an ethical reason could cause an even split on the bench — without an opinion — a defeat handed to FERC by D.C. Circuit would hold. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission v. Electric Power Supply Association - Complete case details reported yesterday

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments Today for Access to Clean, Low-Cost Energy

<> Supreme Court to Hear Arguments Today for Access to Clean, Low-Cost Energy - The case, FERC v. EPSA, centers on demand response – a tool that helps lower power costs for people and businesses while strengthening reliability and protecting the environment and public health. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Petitioner v. Electric Power Supply Association, et al. – Supreme Court docket Docket No. 14-840, 14-841 – All briefs filed Argument Transcript – Posted later today Electric Power Supply Asso. v. FERC - Decisions in the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz Releases Report on America's Regional Vulnerabilities to Climate Change

<> Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz Releases Report on America's Regional Vulnerabilities to Climate Change - The Energy Department report examines the expected regional energy sector vulnerabilities to climate change -- dividing he United States into nine regions, finding that the severe challenges from climate change across America will require a more comprehensive and accelerated national, regional and community approach to keep the U.S. energy system reliable and safe. Report: Climate Change and the U.S. Energy Sector: Regional Vulnerabilities and Resilience Solutions

All Climate Change Is Local

<> All Climate Change Is Local - An article by Michael R. Bloomberg (U.N. Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change) & John F. Kerry (U.S. Secretary of State). When world leaders gather in Paris in December to negotiate a global agreement on climate change, they will have a powerful ally standing behind them and urging them onward: mayors -- the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and the Compact of Mayors, cities around the world have been committing to major reductions in carbon emissions, while adopting a common measurement system and public reporting process to ensure that they can be held accountable. [includes 322+ comments] State Dept. to Meet with 19 Mayors to Talk Climate Action

<> Governor Cuomo, Joined By Vice President Gore, Announces New Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Lead Nation on Climate Change – New York Governor Cuomo, joined by Vice President Gore, announced four major actions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across New York State. These nation-leading environmental and clean energy initiatives will help New York homes, businesses and universities invest in clean energy, drive economic growth across the state, and protect the environment. Under 2 MOU - Governor Cuomo signed the Under 2 MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), an agreement between states, provinces and cities worldwide to affirm their commitment to help keep the earth's average temperature from increasing 2 degrees Celsius (or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2100

NWF Sues Dept. of Transportation over Oil Pipeline Oversight Failures

<> NWF Sues Dept. of Transportation over Oil Pipeline Oversight Failures - The National Wildlife Federation today filed a lawsuit against the U.S Department of Transportation for the agency's failure for more than 20 years to protect people, fish, wildlife, and communities from oil pipeline spills in the nation's inland waters, from the Great Lakes to the Yellowstone River. National Wildlife Federation complaint

UNFCCC COP21 Draft Agreement, October 5, 2015

<> UN drops plan to help move climate-change affected people - Australia's opposition to the creation of a body to help people escaping the ravages of climate change appears to have paid off, with the idea dropped from the draft agreement for the crucial UN climate talks in Paris -- a previous draft of the deal to be thrashed out by nations included a "climate change displacement coordination facility" Draft text of climate deal is cut down from more than 90 pages to just 20 pages UNFCCC COP21 Draft Agreement, October 5, 2015

U.S. & Five Gulf States Reach Historic $20.8 billion Settlement with BP

<> U.S. & Five Gulf States Reach Historic $20.8 billion Settlement with BP - The U.S. Department of Justice joined the five Gulf states in announcing a  settlement to resolve civil claims against BP arising from the April 20, 2010 Macondo well blowout and the massive oil spill that followed in the Gulf of Mexico -- resolves the governments' civil claims under the Clean Water Act and natural resources damage claims under the Oil Pollution Act, as well as economic damage claims of the five Gulf states and local governments -- this global resolution of civil claims is worth $20.8 billion, and is the largest settlement with a single entity in the department's history.

Officials Reach Deal On Trans-Pacific Partnership

<> Officials Reach Deal On Trans-Pacific Partnership - Pacific trade ministers have reached a deal on the most sweeping trade liberalization pact in a generation that will cut trade barriers and set common standards for 12 countries, an official familiar with the talks said on Monday. Trans-Pacific Partnership Ministers' Statement - "We, the trade ministers of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam, are pleased to announce that we have successfully concluded the Trans-Pacific Partnership. . . To formalize the outcomes of the agreement, negotiators will continue technical work to prepare a complete text for public release. . ." Summary of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Final Agreement - The 12 Parties agree to effectively enforce their environmental laws; and not to weaken environmental laws in order to encourage trade or investment. . . the Parties commit to cooperate to address matters of joint or common interest, including in the areas of conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and transition to low-emissions and resilient economies. Statement by the President on the Trans-Pacific Partnership White House FACT SHEET: How the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Boosts Made in America Exports, Supports Higher-Paying American Jobs, and Protects American Workers Hatch Statement on Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations  Wyden Statement on End of TPP Negotiations Environmentalists Praise Wildlife Measures in Trans-Pacific Trade Pact Sierra Club: Congress Should Reject Polluter-Friendly Trans-Pacific Partnership

EPA Strengthens Ozone Standards to Protect Public Health

<> EPA Strengthens Ozone Standards to Protect Public Health - Based on extensive scientific evidence on effects that ground-level ozone pollution has on public health and welfare, U.S. EPA has strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion (ppb) from 75 ppb to protect public health. Final Rule & Complete Details On Regulatory Actions - Effective 60 days following publication in the Federal Register Smith Statement on Final EPA Ozone Regulation - Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) said, "This rule could be the most expensive regulation ever imposed on the American public. It will put millions of Americans out of work and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars. U.S. Chamber: EPA's Tightened Ozone Standard Will Harm America's Economic Growth - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce  voiced its opposition to the EPA final new ground-level ozone standard saying the agency is ignoring calls from the business community and American workers who urged the agency to keep the standard at the current 75 ppb. New Ozone Rule Will Inflict Pain on Manufacturers - National Association of Manufacturers said the "the Obama Administration finalized a rule that is overly burdensome, costly and misguided." EPA final ozone rule helpful but insufficient for fracking-impacted communities EPA Rejects Doctors' Advice on Limits for Ozone Pollution - The new standard lowers the amount of ozone allowed in the air from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion -- far weaker than the 60 parts per billion limit called for by the American Medical Association and numerous other leading health organizations. New EPA Ozone Standard Overdue – But Could Have Gone Further to Protect the Public

EPA Announces National Limits to Reduce Toxic Pollutants Discharged into Waterways by Steam Electric Power Plants

<> EPA Announces National Limits to Reduce Toxic Pollutants Discharged into Waterways by Steam Electric Power Plants - U.S. EPA finalized a rule that will reduce the discharge of toxic pollutants (e.g. mercury, arsenic, lead, and selenium) into America's waterways from steam electric power plants by 1.4 billion pounds annually, as well as reduce water withdrawal by 57 billion gallons per year, resulting in an estimated benefit of $463 million per year to Americans across the country -- effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines - 2015 Final Rule Environmentalists Praise Long-Overdue EPA Regulations on Toxic Wastewater from Coal-Fired Power Plants New EPA Rule Brings Power Plant Water Toxic Standards into the 21st Century