Bush climate action now? “Bogus”: Schwarzenegger
| Environmentalists block Australia coal port Environmental protesters in Australia brought the world’s biggest coal terminal to a standstill on Sunday by blocking railway lines and chaining themselves to rail cars. Police said they arrested about 37 people who chained themselves to a train and rail tracks at the port in Newcastle, 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Sydney to protest over the impact of burning coal on climate change. “This caused three trains scheduled for Sunday to stop before getting to the terminal, meaning about 20,000 tonnes of coal could not be unloaded,” a spokesman for the port, Matthew Watson told Reuters. |
| Climate pain ahead for folk in the ‘kidney stone belt’. Kidney stones will strike up to 2.25 million more Americans per year by 2050 because of temperature increases, research suggests. |
| ES-A Series Solar Panels Solar panels are a collection of solar or photovoltaic cells. These photovoltaic cells harvest sunlight and convert the solar energy into electrical energy. Solar cells are positioned into grid-like pattern on the face of solar panel. Photovoltaic cells collect sunlight during day and this light energy can be stored and used as electrical energy. [.] |
| Press Release: Environmental Defense Fund and DuPont Expand Global Accessibility of Nano Risk Framework (WASHINGTON, D.C., and WILMINGTON, Del. – July 9, 2008) In an effort to expand the global accessibility of the Nano Risk Framework, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and DuPont today announced the release of new translations of the Framework in three additional languages – Mandarin, French and Spanish. (The Framework executive summary also is available in Portuguese.)The Framework – available online at www.NanoRiskFramework.com – was jointly developed one year ago to assist with the responsible development and use of nanotechnology and to help inform global dialogue on its potential risks. Since then, it has been downloaded over 3,000 times by visitors from nearly 100 countries around the globe.Over the past year, the Framework has been applauded by a wide range of stakeholders. Industry associations like the American Chemistry Council’s Nanotechnology Panel and the NanoBusiness Alliance have publicly welcomed the Framework as an important tool for their member companies to consider. Government officials from numerous countries have commended the Framework as important input into the policy development process for nanotechnology. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has said it has benefited from the Framework as practical input into its programs on nanotechnology and nanomaterials.Companies ranging in size from global leaders to small startups are starting to use the Framework in actual practice. For example, General Electric has endorsed and recommended the Framework in a public briefing, while the startup company Nanostellar has publicly announced its use of the Framework on its nanocatalyst products. In addition, DuPont has made the Framework mandatory for all of its nanotechnology work and published three case studies demonstrating its use on actual products. In December, Lloyd’s of London, the world’s leading specialist insurance market, encouraged insurers "to seek evidence of whether projects they are covering have followed this Framework."“We’ve seen strong global interest in the Nano Risk Framework over the past year from companies and organizations of all shapes and sizes,” said Gwen Ruta, vice president of corporate partnerships at EDF. “By translating this tool into multiple languages, we’ve made it easier for organizations around the world to address the potential risks of nanotechnology while embracing its powerful benefits.”“We are very pleased with the number of companies and organizations that have indicated their interest and support for the usefulness of this document,” said Terry Medley, DuPont global regulatory affairs director. “The translation of the Framework and its website will certainly continue to drive further interest and use on a global scale.”EDF and DuPont launched their partnership on nanotechnology in September 2005 to develop a systematic and disciplined process for evaluating and addressing the environmental, health and safety risks of nanomaterials across all stages of a product’s lifecycle – from initial sourcing through manufacture, use and recycling or disposal. The resulting Framework, launched on June 21, 2007, offers a thorough and usable six-step process for organizations to identify, assess and manage potential risks.To download the Framework in Mandarin, French or Spanish, visit the following sites: Mandarin: www.NanoRiskFramework.com/Mandarin French: www.NanoRiskFramework.com/French Spanish: www.NanoRiskFramework.com/SpanishTo download a copy in English, visit www.NanoRiskFramework.com###Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org.DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation. |
| Space-based Solar Power American scientist Peter Glaser proposed the idea of using space solar power in 1968. The fast depleting conventional energy resources renewed the interest for trapping the solar power via satellites. Right now the usual alternative energy methods have their own shortcomings. Hydro power plants disrupt ecosystems and human habitats. Minimum rain threatens hydro power. [.] |
| Press Release: EPA Chief Publically Slams Door on Today’s Solutions to Address Global Warming
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Tony Kreindler – (202) 572-3378, (202) 210-5791 (cell) or akreindler@edf.org
Vickie Patton – (720) 837-6239 or vpatton@edf.org
Dr. Nathaniel Keohane – (212) 616-1271 or nkeohane@edf.org
(Washington, DC – July 11, 2008) Today, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publicly refused to address global warming pollution despite a 2007 Supreme Court decision affirming EPA’s broad power to act under the nation’s clean air laws.
Instead, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson defiantly slammed the door on meaningful action in the nation’s fight against global warming during the remainder of the current administration.
“This administration has turned its back on a golden economic opportunity, choosing instead to keep walking the path of costly delay,” said Nathaniel Keohane, PhD, EDF director of economic policy and analysis. “EPA’s own analysis says reducing heat-trapping pollution from motor vehicles would ultimately save American consumers over a hundred billion dollars a year at the gas pump.”
A May 30, 2008 leaked version of the EPA document estimated that cutting greenhouse gases from motor vehicles would result in net benefits as high as $2 trillion dollars, in present value terms, over the next three decades. Those estimates take into account the costs of the regulation, and include fuel savings to consumers as well as the economic benefits from reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The final draft released today, however, leaves out the benefits of addressing global warming, and assumes that gasoline prices will be just over $2 per gallon for the period 2010-2020. As a result, today’s analysis radically diminishes the value of action and instead states that the “net present value to society could be on the order of $340 to $830 billion without considering benefits of GHG reductions.” (Pages 239-240)
The document nonetheless confirms the unequivocal authority of the agency to take meaningful action to address climate change, including the use of a cap and trade system to cost-effectively cut emissions.
“It’s up to the next President, regardless of party, to move forward where this administration has denied the science and defied the law,” said Steve Cochran, Director of the National Climate Campaign at EDF. “By working with Congress to enact a national climate policy while moving forward aggressively under existing law, he can reap the economic and environmental benefits shown by every credible analysis, including EPA’s.”
Background
Supreme Court Decision and EPA’s Broken Commitment to Respond
On April 2, 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the EPA’s refusal to address global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act, finding that the statute clearly empowered EPA to address greenhouse gas emissions. In an opinion written by Justice John Paul Stevens, the high Court instructed EPA to determine whether global warming pollution endangers human health or welfare and, if so, to establish greenhouse gas emission standards for motor vehicles.
In the immediate aftermath of the Supreme Court decision, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson repeatedly enunciated a commitment to take action. Johnson testified before a November 2007 Congressional Committee hearing: "The EPA plans to address the issue of endangerment when we propose regulations on greenhouse gas emissions for motor vehicles and fuels later this year." "EPA is firmly committed to addressing the long-term challenge of global climate change." To carry out the Administrator’s commitment, some 60 to 70 EPA officials were working on corrective action in response to the Supreme Court decision.
But on March 27th the EPA Administrator reversed course and informed Congressional leaders that EPA will take no meaningful action in response to the Supreme Court. Today Johnson disparaged the nation’s clean air laws, defied the Supreme Court and closed the door on EPA action to address greenhouse gases in the current Administration.
Leaked Draft Estimates Trillions of Dollars in Net Benefits Due to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cuts
But a May 30th leaked version of the document propounded today shows the extraordinary benefits to society of reducing greenhouse gases from motor vehicles. The draft estimates net benefits from EPA’s proposed approach of $0.5 to $2 trillion dollars in present value terms through the year 2040. (The low end of the range discounts benefits and costs in future years at 7% per year, while the higher end of the range uses a 3% discount rate, giving more weight to future benefits.)
“Our work to date indicates that there are significant reductions of GHG emissions that could be achieved for passenger cars and light-duty trucks, up to 2020 and beyond, that would result in large net monetized benefits to society. For example, taking into account specific vehicle technologies that are likely to be available in that time period and other factors relevant to motor vehicle standard-setting under the CAA, EPA’s analysis suggests that substantial reductions can occur where the cost-per-ton of GHG reduced is more than offset by the value of fuel savings, and the net present value to society could be on the order of $0.5 to $2 trillion….” (EPA 5-30-08 DRAFT at p. 92, available from EDF contacts.)
Although EPA does not provide a precise breakdown of the benefits, the analysis notes that in the year 2040, the estimated economic benefits of reducing global warming pollution amount to $67 billion (for an estimated reduction of 635 million tons of CO2). This amounts to roughly one-quarter of the net benefits in that year, with the remainder representing savings at the gas pump.
The final draft released today, however, leaves out the benefits of addressing global warming, and assumes that gasoline prices will be just over $2 per gallon for the period 2010-2020. As a result, today’s analysis radically diminishes the value of action and instead states that the “net present value to society could be on the order of $340 to $830 billion without considering benefits of GHG reductions.” (Pages 239-240)
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About Environmental Defense Fund
Environmental Defense Fund is at the forefront of an innovation revolution, developing new solutions that protect the natural world while growing the economy. Founded in 1967 and representing more than 500,000 members, the group creates powerful economic incentives by working with market leaders and relying on rigorous science. For more information, visit edf.org.
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| Green Jobs Act, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant The website 1sky.org reports thatCongress is now deciding which federal programs will be funded in 2009. Among those programs are the Green Jobs Act, which would invest $125 million in green-collar job training programs, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, which would authorize grants to local communities to help improve their energy efficiency [.] |
| Floods and forewarnings on Western Cape coast. A high-brow magazine launched by the University of Cape Town published a Western Cape map showing what the province would look like if global warming caused water levels to rise to the extent that some scientists are predicting. |
| Press Release: Owens Corning Partners with Environmental Defense Fund and PHH Arval to Reduce Emissions of Vehicle Fleet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jason Saragian, Owens Corning, 419.248.8987
Pilar Page, PHH Arval, 410.771.2733
Melanie Janin, Environmental Defense Fund, 202.572.3240
(TOLEDO, Ohio – June 26, 2008) Owens Corning (NYSE: OC), a world leader in building materials systems and glass fiber reinforcements, announced today that it has begun to systematically measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its vehicle fleet.
Owens Corning joined the PHH GreenFleet program developed by PHH Arval and Environmental Defense Fund in an effort to reduce operating costs, fuel consumption, improve efficiency and reduce emissions from vehicle fleets used by its North American sales force.
"We’re committed to greening our operations around the world in every area of our business to achieve specific environmental footprint reductions and reduce operating costs,” said Frank O’Brien-Bernini, chief sustainability officer for Owens Corning. “Reducing the emissions of our vehicle fleet allows us to achieve both of these goals simultaneously."
Through PHH GreenFleet, Owens Corning established a greenhouse gas baseline and incorporated more efficient vehicles into the fleet. Early steps included eliminating the company’s least-efficient vehicle, “right sizing” trucks and sport utility vehicles, and incorporating more front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engine vehicles. Owens Corning expects to increase fleet average miles-per-gallon (MPG) by 18.0 percent, reduce greenhouse emissions by 15 percent and reduce projected operating costs by 8 percent.
“Through the leadership of Owens Corning and other fleets participating in the PHH GreenFleet program, we are demonstrating that green business and good business go hand-in-hand," said George Kilroy, president and chief executive officer of PHH Arval. "Fleets interested in minimizing their environmental impact should look to these companies for examples of the best practices in reducing cost and emissions.”
The PHH GreenFleet program is designed to help companies cost-effectively measure, reduce and offset their greenhouse gas emissions, and PHH clients utilizing the program have achieved, on average, a 14 percent reduction. Participation includes: in-depth analysis and recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; quarterly measurement and reporting of emissions; and resources to offset remaining emissions.
“The trend towards measuring and reducing emissions from vehicle fleets is a great success story for the environment and for corporate America,” said Tom Murray, managing director of corporate partnerships at Environmental Defense Fund. “We applaud Owens Corning for their leadership in demonstrating that it pays to drive green.”
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About Owens Corning
Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune 500 company for 54 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability through delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. Founded in 1938, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass fiber technology with sales of $5 billion in 2007 and 19,000 employees in 26 countries on five continents. Additional information is available at www.owenscorning.com. About Environmental Defense Fund
A leading national nonprofit organization, Environmental Defense Fund represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. For more information, visit www.edf.org.
About PHH Arval
PHH Arval, a subsidiary of PHH Corporation [NYSE: PHH], is a leading fleet management services provider in the United States and Canada. PHH Arval provides outsourced fleet management solutions to corporate clients, including nearly one-third of the Fortune 500 companies. Through consultative expertise, flexible customer service, and award-winning Internet technology, PHH Arval helps clients reduce costs and increase productivity. For more information, visit www.phharval.com, or call 800 ONLY PHH. |
| What If China’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Are 25% Made By The Export Sector? So the next climate deal is another watered down soapy substance now that China and India pulled the plug at the G8 meeting held in Japan. The stalemate that’s visible was exactly what was feared by everybody; diametrically opposed parties over the emissions by the world’s largest energy consuming countries. Time for a change in approach? Perhaps it’s time for a change in accounting methods. Take China for instance. At least 23% of this country’s carbon emissions are from goods that are exported to industrialized countries. So is it fair that the country is held responsible for all of its emissions in the new climate deal? |
| Bush climate action now? “Bogus”: Schwarzenegger California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Sunday the Bush administration did not believe it should do anything about global warming and that any last-minute action before leaving office would be “bogus.” |