This ACC Web-Edu Program addresses EPA’s recently approved rule requiring annual compilation and reporting of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The Rule, which mandates an inventory process that must commence January 1st of 2010, is intended to guide the establishment of a point of regulation for implementing a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system. The requirements apply to all participants in the coal industry—including mines, transporters, and major users, including power plants—that emit more than 25,000 tons of GHGs, or that produce a quantity of fuel which, when combusted, will emit more than 25,000 tons. Two experts in GHG management in mining and energy will discuss the rule, its requirements and compliance strategies.
A just released Charles Rivers Associates International and Coalition for Affordable American Energy report demonstrates that the proposed climate provisions within the Obama Administration's proposed FY 2010 budget will have profound negative impacts on energy availability, energy costs, and overal economic health of the country.
The Coalition for Affordable American Energy (CAAE) is made up of over 200 American businesses, industry associations, and Chambers of Commerce. Specifically, the report notes,
Impact on the Economy of the Climate Provision in the Obama Administration FY 2010 Budget Proposal
The report continues by noting that the U.S. energy sector will suffer substantial setbacks as it is reorganized to meet legislative and regulatory requirements.
Impact on the Economy of the Climate Provision in the Obama Administration's FY 2010 Budget Proposal
Readers can download the full report on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website.
Note: Jason Hayes, ACC Communications Director, will take part in a modertated discussion with a representative of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign. They will discuss the topic of "clean coal" in the final afternoon session of the first day.
The Lewis & Clark Law School website describes the Greening the Grid conference,
Development of renewable energy sources has become one of the major political and legal issues of our time. Due to concerns related to climate change, energy independence, and escalating fuel and electricity prices, many policymakers, environmental advocates, and entrepreneurs have called for the United States to adopt a new national energy policy that promotes use of renewable energy sources. However, others argue that renewable energy sources will never adequately meet the country’s escalating energy needs. This conference will explore the ongoing debate regarding the U.S. energy policies and consider how the country may revise its energy system to promote sustainable energy sources.
NERC: Electricity Industry Concerns on the Reliability Impacts of Climate Change InitiativesFrom the report Introduction,
The NERC Planning Committee (PC) has identified initiatives currently underway to address climate
change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as among the most important emerging issues facing the eliability of the bulk power system over the coming years.2 Provisions and requirements implemented through state/provincial-level Renewable Portfolio Standards, regional initiatives, and federal and provincial legislation and regulations, have the potential to influence nearly every aspect of electric industry system planning, design and operation....
Taken individually, state, provincial, and regional initiatives may not significantly affect bulk power system reliability. However, as more and more state, provincial, and regional initiatives begin to take effect and federal climate change initiatives are considered in the U.S., there is an increasing need to review the collective impact of these initiatives on the bulk power system and identify effective means to help the electric industry meet these climate change initiatives without degrading system reliability.
The objective of this summary report is to document reliability concerns raised by NERC’s stakeholders and identify important objectives that, if met, could help the electric power industry meet the goals of climate change initiatives while maintaining bulk power system reliability. Further, this summary report aims to highlight the potential bulk power system reliability issues associated with the implementation of the climate change initiatives.
In a dramatic shift away from their 15-year long commitment to the theme of "common but differentiated responsibilities,"EU nations have adopted a position very similar to the American notion that developing countries must commit to specific carbon reduction targets as part of the post-2012 Kyoto agreement.
Following in the same theme as the previous Coalblog post, it is becoming increasingly apparent that people around the world are growing weary of demands for immediate implementation of carbon emissions.
As taxpayers and utility ratepayers are staring a global economic recession in the face, they are becoming more and more vocal in their demands that their elected leaders prioritize "economic cooling" over global warming.
An October 23rd International Herald Tribune article described remarks made by former Spanish Prime Minister José Maria Aznar.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar has likened champions of the fight against global warming to creators of an intolerant religion.
Aznar said Wednesday he does not deny global warming, but rather questions the fact that so much money is being dedicated to combat it while the world is in an economic crisis.
