Paris climate summit to be pared back, says France PM

<> Paris climate summit to be pared back, says France PM - The conference will be "reduced to the negotiation" with "concerts and festive events" likely to be called off in the wake of the country's worst ever terrorist attack Paris climate summit march in doubt after talks deadlock - French government proposes scaling down protest on 29 November amid security fears following terrorist attacks

France promises 'enhanced' COP21 security after terror attacks

<> France promises 'enhanced' COP21 security after terror attacks - Climate summit will go ahead but foreign minister Laurent Fabius indicates policing levels will be increased as a result of IS assault -- an estimated 40,000 delegates are expected to attend the Paris climate talks, which run from November 30-December 11, along with 127 heads of state. Paris Attacks Won't Deter Coming Climate Talks, Officials Say Gore suspends Paris climate concert during attacks Paris Climate Change Conference - November 2015

Coming to the Table: The Importance of a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Climate Justice

<> Coming to the Table: The Importance of a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Climate Justice - As the conversation about climate change has grown, a new emphasis on climate justice has emerged, focusing on the health impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities -- climate justice has become a high priority focus of the environmental justice movement. [links to the 2015 HHS Climate Justice Conference Report and other conference materials, including a video from the meeting]

Paris COP 21/CMP 11 Information Hub

<> Paris COP 21/CMP 11 Information Hub - The Paris 2015 UN climate change conference (30 November to 11 December) is where governments will reach a new and universal climate change agreement -- the information hub provides a quick access point to find out how to participate and to navigate through the many pieces of information and news that are available.

Administration and Fire Chiefs Around the Country Take Action to Reduce the Risk of Wildfires in the Wildland Urban Interface Exacerbated by Climate Change

<> Administration and Fire Chiefs Around the Country Take Action to Reduce the Risk of Wildfires in the Wildland Urban Interface Exacerbated by Climate Change - The increase in wildfires is particularly dangerous in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), where houses, structures and people are at risk of structure loss, injury and death -- since 1990, 60 percent of new homes built in the United States have been built in the WUI, increasing the amount of land at risk in the by 4,000 acres per day; 46 million single family homes, several hundred thousands of businesses, and a population of more than 120 million.

Statement by the President on the Keystone XL Pipeline

<> Statement by the President on the Keystone XL Pipeline - [As Friday's WIMS Environmental HotSheet was being sent, President Obama was announcing that the State Department had determined that the Keystone XL Pipeline would not serve the national interest of the United States.]  Keystone XL Pipeline Permit Determination - 11/6/15. John Kerry, Secretary of State: "After a thorough review of the record, including extensive analysis conducted by the State Department, I have determined that the national interest of the United States would be best served by denying TransCanada a presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline" -- President Obama agrees with this determination and the eight federal agencies consulted under Executive Order 13337 have accepted it. State Department: Background Briefing on the Keystone XL Pipeline Record of Decision and National Interest Determination - The 32-page, Department of State, Record of Decision signed by John Kerry on November 3. Department of State Keystone XL Pipeline Application Website Citing Climate Change, Obama Rejects Construction of Keystone XL Oil Pipeline

Montreal Protocol Amendments Avoid 0.5 Degrees Celsius Warming by 2100

<> Statement from EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy on Decision Reached at the 27th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol - Oct 5. Countries across the world took the historic step to work together on a 2016 Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to reduce the production and consumption of harmful hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases that can be up to 10,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to climate change -- the amendment will achieve substantial greenhouse gas reductions and could avoid up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100. 27th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol Montreal Protocol Parties Devise Way Forward to Protect Climate Ahead of Paris COP21

TPP trade deal: text published online

<> TPP trade deal: text published online - Release offers first detailed look at 12-state Trans-Pacific Partnership, world's largest free trade agreement -- the New Zealand government, which signed on to the deal, put the contents of the agreement on its website on Thursday, saying it would continue to undergo legal review -- many activists have criticised the fact that the 12-state agreement was surrounded by secrecy Text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership - The text of the TPP was released by TPP Parties on 5 November 2015 and can be accessed by Chapter  The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) TPP website NRDC: Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Weakens Protections, Should be Rejected Sierra Club: TPP Text is "Concrete Evidence" of Toxic Deal

Obama will decide on Keystone pipeline before he leaves office

<> Obama will decide on Keystone pipeline before he leaves office - White House officials said Tuesday that President Obama intends to decide the fate of the Keystone XL oil pipeline during his tenure, rather than suspend the federal review process at the request of the project's sponsor. White House press briefing transcript where Keystone XL issue is discussed - ". . .But this is something that the State Department is still considering.  And when they have a reaction to the letter -- when the administration has a reaction to the letter, they'll be the ones to announce it. . ." State Department Keystone XL Pipeline Application website Alberta Premier Rachel Notley stressed Tuesday that approval of crude oil pipelines like TransCanada's Keystone XL project hinges on the province's efforts to tackle global warming

TransCanada Asks State Department to Pause Keystone XL Review

<> TransCanada Asks State Department to Pause Keystone XL Review - TransCanada Corporation announced on Nov 2, it has sent a letter to Secretary John Kerry of the U.S. State Department asking the Department to pause its review of the Presidential Permit application for the Keystone XL pipeline -- the company believes there is sound precedent for making this request. TransCanada seeks Keystone XL delay, taking decision off Obama's hands - Company asks to suspend permit application with US authorities due to dispute in Nebraska – pushing pipeline issue into next president's term Bold Nebraska Statement on TransCanada Asking State Dept. to "Pause" Review of Keystone XL - Recognizing that President Obama's rejection of the proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline is inevitable, TransCanada requested that the State Department pause its review of the pipeline, citing the uncertain status of the route in Nebraska. Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline Still Should be Rejected

Global Response to Climate Change Keeps Door Open to 2 Degree C Temperature Limit

<> Global Response to Climate Change Keeps Door Open to 2 Degree C Temperature Limit - A new report, assessing the collective impact of over 140 national climate action plans, indicates that together they can dramatically slow global emissions into the atmosphere -- also, the aggregate impact of the "Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)" will lead to a fall in per capita emissions over the coming 15 years. Synthesis report  on the aggregate effect of INDCs

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.