Owning Up: Taking Responsibility Before Durban November 14, 2011 As we paid tribute to our Armed Forces this week, the climate community celebrated an extraordinary victory for the health, safety and security of this country’s future; a future that America’s men and women in the military fight to protect every day, both at home and abroad. After years of impact and economic studies, protests, sit-ins, letters and politicking, the State Department delayed a decision on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline until 2013. This delay did more than re-schedule the decision until after next year’s presidential election; it has the potential to kill the project completely, complicating the agreements oil companies and suppliers currently share with TransCanada, Keystone’s owner and operator. In the face of overwhelming public opposition, the decision also challenged how Canadian oil-sands producers will ultimately transport their product the 1,700 miles from Canada to Texas’ Gulf Coast. President Obama responded, “I support the State Department’s announcement. The final decision should be guided by an open, transparent process that is informed by the best available science and the voices of the American people.” A priority for the Administration’s international climate team has been encouraging countries to take individual action and responsibility at home. Delaying and, ultimately, killing the Keystone XL pipeline could single-handedly be the most important policy to keep the US and Canada in line with their respective UNFCCC emission commitments. Don’t forget to check out USCAN’s tar sands page for up-to-date information and a collection of reactions on the latest developments. One of the most crucial issues in the debate was the woefully lacking environmental impact statement that failed to account for the sensitive Sand Hills area of Nebraska, which includes a high concentration of special concern wetlands, the surrounding sensitive ecosystem, extensive areas of very shallow groundwater and the Ogallala aquifer’s susceptibility to oil spills and contamination. With a new study called for, the State Department, along with consultation with eight other agencies, will determine whether the pipeline is in the national interest, weighing environmental concerns and impacts on climate change, energy security, economic impacts and foreign policy. Another powerful step to curb emissions happened this week when the Australian Parliament passed a sweeping measure to impose a price on carbon emissions, a step seen as one of the country’s biggest economic reforms in a decade. Australia accounts for a mere 1.5% of global emissions, however, it is the developed world’s highest emitter per capita due to the nation’s heavy reliance on coal to generate power. The new law is a major victory for Prime Minister Julia Gillard who, early on, staked her government’s future on the largest comprehensive carbon price scheme outside of Europe, despite deep hostility from opponents. The carbon tax is central to the platform of the government’s fight against climate change and aims to halt the growth of the country’s growing greenhouse gas emissions from a resources-led boom and age-old reliance on coal-fired power stations. Climate advocates around the world also see this vote as giving new life to December’s UNFCCC global climate talks taking place in Durban, South Africa. Decisions like Keystone XL and Australia’s carbon tax could not have come at a more critical time. This week, the journal of Health Affairs released a report on the cost of human suffering and loss of life caused by six US disasters related to climate change over the years 2000-2009. The report concluded that these catastrophes totaled an estimated $14B in healthcare costs. To put that into perspective, this year alone the US has experienced 14 weather disasters, putting the country on record to spend more on climate change-related disasters than ever before, according to Jeff Masters of the Weather Underground. Kim Knowlton, a senior scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council and co-author commented, “When extreme weather hits, we hear about the property damage and insurance costs. The healthcare costs never end up on the tab.” In the report, scientists and economists from NRDC, the University of California-Berkeley and the University of California-San Francisco examined the health costs for the following events from 2000 to 2009: * U.S. ozone air pollution, 2000-2002, $6.5 billion; * West Nile virus outbreak in Louisiana, 2002, $207 million; * Southern California wildfires, 2003, $578 million; * Florida hurricane season, 2004, $1.4 billion; * California heat wave, 2006, $5.3 billion; * Red River flooding in North Dakota, 2009, $20 million. The authors note that climate-related events like those listed above are only the tip of the iceberg and are expected to worsen as the planet warms. Kellyn Garrison, Southeast Regional Coordinator Make the Clean Air Promise: New Outreach Materials The Clean Air Promise is a national campaign to protect the health of children and families across the country from dangerous air pollution. A broad-based coalition of public health, advocacy, and environmental organizations – along with concerned parents across the country – are joining together to mobilize citizens, share their stories, and demand a firm commitment to clean air from leaders in industry and government. The campaign has several new template materials that can be used to launch your or your organizations own Clean Air Promise campaign, including key constituency OpEds and Ed Board memos.  USCAN members can download these materials here: http://www.usclimatenetwork.org/policy/clean-air-promise-tool-kit For more information or to request these materials directly, email mdixon@cliamtenetwork.org Carol Werner, Executive Director November 14, 2011 News Keystone XL Pipeline Decision Delayed until 2013, Climate Change Cited as Concern Obama Administration Renews Plan to Regulate CO2 Emissions Georgetown Climate Center Introduces Online Forum to Share Climate Change Tools Pew Center on Global Climate Has New Name, Funding UN Report Proposes Blue Carbon Fund to Mitigate Climate Change New Investment Funds Spur Climate-Conscious Development Australian Senate Passes Carbon Tax Chinese Manufacturers Could Emit More HFC Gases Following EU Ban EU Pledges 7.2 Billion Euros for Climate Change Projects Global Carbon Intensity on the Rise Three Hundred Square Mile Iceberg to Detach from Antarctica Some Areas of Reef More Resilient to Climate Change Than Expected Changing Report: Climate Change Consequences Both Dire and Likely Scientists Project Regional Climate-Related Changes for California Other Headlines Events November 16: Heating with Biomass: Win-Win for Households, Economic Development, Energy Security Keystone XL Pipeline Decision Delayed until 2013, Climate Change Cited as Concern The Obama Administration announced it would delay its decision on whether to authorize construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline until 2013. In a State Department press release, officials cited several factors that contributed to the decision, including concerns about the environmental sensitivity of the Sands Hill area of Nebraska, through which the pipeline would be built. The November 10 statement announced the Administration will now conduct a thorough reassessment of proposed pipeline route alternatives. In addition, the release also noted, “Among the relevant issues that would be considered are environmental concerns (including climate change), energy security, economic impacts, and foreign policy.” For additional information see: Washington Post, State Department Obama Administration Renews Plan to Regulate CO2 Emissions On November 8, the Obama Administration announced intentions to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants. The rule, titled “Greenhouse Gas New Source Performance Standard for Electric Utility Steam Generating Units,” would be the first rule that allows the EPA to enforce standards for new power plants. New regulations about greenhouse gas emissions have been delayed by Republican lawmakers claiming that actions of the EPA will result in fewer jobs. Opponents claim that economic costs of the rule will outweigh environmental benefits. The proposed regulation follows a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that the EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act if it found greenhouse gases to be a danger to public health, which EPA confirmed in a 2008 endangerment finding. For additional information see: LA Times Georgetown Climate Center Introduces Online Forum to Share Climate Change Tools The Georgetown Climate Center recently launched the Adaptation Clearinghouse, an online tool to find and share resources and information that pertain to climate change policy issues and adaptation measures. This new online community will serve as a database of new research about climate change adaptation, as well as a forum to spread newly developed models and techniques. Some of the recent resources shared in the online community include a comprehensive model that explores sea level rise and coastal land use, and an adaptation plan for the city of Chula Vista that weighs the potential infrastructural impacts of climate change on the city. The Georgetown Climate Center is a nonpartisan group that aims to connect policymakers and share best practices and resources concerning climate change. For additional information see: Georgetown Climate Center Pew Center on Global Climate Has New Name, Funding The Pew Center on Global Climate Change has announced it has changed its name to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) after it lost $3.5 million in funding from its primary donor, The Pew Charitable Trusts. In lieu of Pew’s funding, C2ES has found funding from three “strategic partners”, Entergy, HP and Shell, as well as major contributions from Alcoa Foundation, Bank of America, GE, The Energy Foundation, Duke Energy and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. According to Eileen Claussen, the group’s president and former climate change negotiator under President Bill Clinton, “Every one of these companies does some things that we don’t like. . . They’ve got trade associations to do their bidding and they’ve got lobbyists. They view their association with us as different because we are in fact independent.” Claussen stressed that C2ES will remain commited to “fact-based analysis and pragmatic solutions.” For additional information see: AFP, Bloomberg, C2ES Press Release UN Report Proposes Blue Carbon Fund to Mitigate Climate Change According to a November 1 UN report, a global market for carbon that is stored within the world’s oceans is necessary to protect marine and coastal environments, or “blue carbon.” Over 55 percent of the biological carbon captured globally is captured by marine organisms, and preventing further loss of marine environments while working towards their recovery could offset three to seven percent of current fossil fuels emissions. The report estimates that as much as seven percent of blue carbon sinks are lost each year. According to the report, a Blue Carbon Fund would encourage investments in the maintenance and rehabilitation of these crucial marine ecosystems. For additional information see: Environmental Finance, UN Report New Investment Funds Spur Climate-Conscious Development The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) announced on November 4 that over $1 billion will be invested in climate change mitigation. Working with banks such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, the CIF funds help developing countries establish low emissions development projects that are adaptive with climate change. Recipients of the near-zero interest loans and grants include nations such as Bolivia, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mali, Mexico, and Nepal. The CIF will invest in projects such as developing renewable hydropower in India and Nepal, establishing a grid-connected renewable energy system in Honduras, and combating deforestation in Laos by supporting sustainable forest management. For additional information see: All Africa, CIF Projects Australian Senate Passes Carbon Tax Australia’s parliament passed the most comprehensive carbon pricing scheme outside of the European Union (EU) on November 7. The law will put a tax of $23 (around $23.78 U.S. dollars) on each ton of carbon emitted by the top 500 polluters from July 2012 until July 2015, after which it will become a carbon trading emission scheme. Even though Australia only accounts for 1.5 percent of the world’s emissions, they have the highest per capita emissions intensity of any country because coal generates 80 percent of the country’s electricity. The government expects the tax will incentivize a multibillion dollar investment in cleaner fuels and will move their energy economy away from coal. The law also provides compensation for export-exposed industries, such as aluminum, zinc and steel, and provides personal tax cuts for workers (totaling up to $300 per year on average). In addition, the export-exposed industries will receive 94.5 percent of their carbon permits for free for the first three years. Once the scheme moves to a tradable permit system, it will be integrated with EU’s trading scheme. For additional information see: The Guardian, Reuters Chinese Manufacturers Could Emit More HFC Gases Following EU Ban Following a decision to ban hydrofuorocarbon-23 (HFC-23) in Europe by May 2013, there will no longer be a market in which credits for hydrofluorocarbon credits are bought. According to Xie Fei, revenue management director at China Clean Development Mechanism Fund, this would cause Chinese producers of HFCs to vent the gases rather than incinerating them. Since 2007, the Chinese fund that collects revenue from local HFC offset projects has made over $1.3 billion, which was used to invest in emissions reduction schemes and carbon policy. The market for HFC offsets is expected to become obsolete as the EU bans the detrimental greenhouse gas, and Australia and New Zealand work toward similar decisions. Major Chinese manufacturers and producers of HFCs claimed that without the market for pollution credits, the cost of incineration is too high. HFC-23 is 11,700 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas and remains in the atmosphere for about 200 years. For additional information see: Bloomberg EU Pledges 7.2 Billion Euros for Climate Change Projects On November 8, EU finance ministers pledged 7.2 billion Euros to fund projects in developing countries that address climate change. This is a steep increase from previous years—in 2010 and 2011, the EU members provided 4.68 billion Euros to climate change projects in developing countries. Critics of the finance commitment argue that the funds are not new investments, but relabelled development funding. This funding is a critical part of the pledge to deliver $30 billion as “fast-start finance” to developing nations between 2010 and 2012. Fast-start finance was established in Copenhagen in 2009 to help developing nations cope with climate change. Further negotiations and pledges for financing climate projects in developing countries will be central to the Durban summit, set to begin November 28. For additional information see: Reuters, Business Green Global Carbon Intensity on the Rise According to a recent Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) report, global carbon intensity—a measure of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per unit of production—grew 0.6 percent in the past year. The global GDP rose 5.1 percent and CO2 emissions rose 5.8 percent in the same time frame. This year was the first year since 2000 that the G20 nations have made no progress in reducing carbon intensity. Rising carbon intensity renders the goal of keeping global temperature rise within 2 degrees Celsius increasingly unlikely. The increase in intensity is attributed to booming economic growth in China, Brazil, and South Korea, along with especially cold winter temperatures in the northern hemisphere. This report was released as an installment in PWC’s “Low Carbon Economy Index”. For additional information see: Business Green, Report Three Hundred Square Mile Iceberg to Detach from Antarctica After initially spotting an 18 mile long crack in the ice on Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica, NASA scientists concluded that a 300 square-mile iceberg will break off in the next few months. The newly formed iceberg is likely Antarctica’s largest contribution to global sea level rise so far. Warmer water has melted the deeper portions of the ice shelf that would otherwise have kept the ice mass grounded, leaving the mass of ice unstable. Scientists studying the ice shelf are unsure whether the ice will recover its size, or continue to become thinner and weaker, continually contributing to sea level rise. For additional information see: Washington Post, NASA Some Areas of Reef More Resilient to Climate Change Than Expected New research suggests that coral reefs may be more adaptive to climate change than previously thought. Ocean acidification, the result of increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), causes corals to become brittle and to grow more slowly. However, areas of reef that are close to ecosystems with much photosynthesis, such as sea grass beds and areas rich in algae, are resilient to this threat because the plant life absorbs the CO2, thus mitigating acidification. This phenomenon could protect some areas of reef for longer, giving scientists more time to study ecosystems and adaptation methods. This study was published in the journal PLoS One. For additional information see: The Australian, Abstract Report: Climate Change Consequences Both Dire and Likely According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency, irreversible climate change consequences are unavoidable if dramatic changes are not made within the next five years. If current pledges to reduce emissions are successful, the temperature average is projected to rise 3.5 degrees Celsius, says the report, which is still considerably higher than the two degree rise in temperature considered safe by scientists. The authors of the World Energy Outlook report said they are not optimistic that these planned measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will even be successful, and a failure to meet emissions reduction goals could result in a temperature rise of at least six degrees Celsius. Some factors that are expected to aggravate emissions problems include reluctance to continue using nuclear energy following the Fukushima disaster, unwillingness to abandon current industry and infrastructure, and growing numbers of fossil fuel-dependent power plants and inefficient buildings. For additional information see: Washington Post, Business Green Scientists Project Regional Climate-Related Changes for California A recent analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the ecology, sea level, and water supply of California’s San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta will be altered significantly by 2100 in response to different climate change scenarios. Warmer waters and increased salinity threaten native marine ecosystems. Key species such as Delta smelt and Chinook salmon will face great difficulty maintaining a sustainable population. Changes in regional water systems would affect the drinking water of 25 million people, and the irrigation that sustains $36 billion worth of crops annually. To cope with changes, the study suggested building an integrated understanding of river-estuary systems and climate change, monitoring the environmental indicators related to uncertainties about climate change, considering the effect of climate change on the biological community and local habitats, and anticipating adaptions to changing ecosystems. The study was published in the online journal PLoS One. For additional information see: Science Daily, Abstract Other Headlines Canada’s Climate Stance Likely to Spark Controversy Humans and Climate Contributed to Extinctions of Large Ice Age Mammals, New Study Finds Peatland Carbon Storage Is Stabilized Against Catastrophic Release of Carbon One If by Land, Two If by Sea? Climate Change ‘Escape Routes’ November 16: Heating with Biomass: Win-Win for Households, Economic Development, Energy Security The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to a briefing to learn about how clean, renewable, efficient biomass heating can contribute to job creation, economic development, and energy security in communities across the country, as well as ways in which policies can help overcome some of the existing challenges and barriers to biomass use in the residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. This briefing was organized in conjunction with Biomass Thermal Energy Council, Biomass Coordinating Council, McGuire Woods, Northeast Biomass Thermal Working Group, Pellet Fuels Institute and Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition. The briefing will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM in Room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building. This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required. For more information, contact Clare Cooper at ccooper [at] eesi.org or (202) 662-1884. For additional information see: Writers: Deep Ghosh and Matthew Johnson Please distribute Climate Change News to your colleagues. Permission for reproduction of this newsletter is granted provided that the Environmental and Energy Study Institute is properly acknowledged as the source. Past issues are available here. Free email subscriptions are available here. We welcome your suggestions, comments, and questions. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus dedicated to finding innovative environmental and energy solutions. EESI works to protect the climate and ensure a healthy, secure, and sustainable future for America through policymaker education, coalition building, and policy development in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, agriculture, forestry, transportation, buildings, and urban planning. EESI’s work, including this free newsletter, is made possible by financial support from people like you. Please help us continue to make it available by making a secure, online donation today by clicking here or mailing a check to Environmental and Energy Study Institute; 1112 16th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036. Please contact Susan Williams at (202) 662-1887 or see www.eesi.org/donate to find out more. Thank you for your support! Climate Action Hotline is the new weekly update by the US Climate Action Network. Let us know what you think.

Peter Bahouth, Executive Director Spill in Wisconsin Red Flags Senate Bill That Guts Coal Ash Disposal Standards Another Setback for “Clean Coal” Climate Politics Grow Curiouser and Curiouser More Evidence That the Benefits of EPA Rules Vastly Outweigh the Costs One Week Left to Be Heard: Save The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Shell Reports New Oil Spill in Nigeria UN Chief Urges World Leaders to Create Multibillion-Dollar Climate Change Fund Japan Allows Partial Glimpse Inside Crippled Nuclear Plant APEC Forges Green Deal But Obama Warns China on Trade “The mere fact that the State Department is slowing down and taking a look at the dirty Keystone XL tar sands pipeline is hugely encouraging. We commend President Obama for listening to the American people and putting the brakes on what would have been a disaster for millions of Americans who want clean air, clean water and good health for their families.” –  Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club.

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1. Durban Climate Talks End with a New Deal, Hotline 12.12.11
2. Climate Action Hotline, 11.29.10
3. Climate Action Hotline, 4.4.11

Member Reports:

Water Works: Green for All, in partnership with the Economic Policy Institute, Pacific Institute and American Rivers, published a new report this month estimating the economic impact and job creating potential of major new investment in US water infrastructure. Water Works: Rebuilding Infrastructure, Creating Jobs, Greening the Environment found that “an investment of $188.4 billion spread equally over the next five years would generate $265.6 billion in economic activity and create close to 1.9 million jobs.” The report posits that investment in green infrastructure that mimics natural solutions, would result in substantial workforce opportunities and analyzes a representative set of occupations in water infrastructure-related industries. Green for All’s research found that annual “sewer overflows contaminate U.S. waters with 860 billion gallons of untreated sewage, an amount that could fill 1.3 million Olympic-size swimming pools or cover the entire state of Pennsylvania with one inch of sewage.”

Danger in the Air: Environment America released a report last month ranking the nation’s smoggiest metropolitan areas. Danger in the Air: Unhealthy Air Days in 2010 and 2011 found that “because the national health standard for smog pollution set in 2008 was set at a level that scientists agree is not protective of public health, people across the country have been exposed to days of poor air quality each summer without even knowing it.” Of large metropolitan areas, Riverside-San Bernardino, California endured the worst smog pollution in 2010, followed by Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA; Baltimore, MD; Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, PA. The report makes several policy recommendations based on its findings, including that the EPA “set a National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ground-level ozone within the range of 60 to 70 parts per billion averaged over eight hours,” and that Congress eliminate subsidies that keep our nation dependent on fossil fuels.

Growing Meat Consumption: A Worldwatch Institute report, published in the nonprofit’s Vital Signs Online research service as part of its “Nourishing the Planet” project, found that global meat production “increased by 2.6 percent in 2010 to 290.6 million tons, an increase from the 0.8 percent growth rate of 2009.” The increases in global meat production and consumption found in the report are putting numerous strains on the climate since raising livestock accounts for about “23 percent of all global water use in agriculture” and livestock themselves account for roughly “18 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, producing 40 percent of the world’s methane and 65 percent of the world’s nitrous oxide.” A summary of the Worldwatch report can be found here. Subscription to Vital Signs Online is required to view the entire publication.

Department of Defense Clean Energy Investments: The Pew Project on National Security, Energy, and Climate released a report on the Department of Defense’s (DOD) work on clean-energy innovation. From Barracks to the Battlefield: Clean Energy Innovation and America’s Armed Forces finds that the DoD’s clean energy investments increased 200 percent between 2006 and 2009, from $400 million to $1.2 billion, and that they are projected to move beyond $10 billion annually by 2030. Director of the Pew Clean Energy Program, Phyllis Cuttino, explained that the “DoD’s efforts to harness clean energy will save lives, save money and enhance the nation’s energy and economic future. Its work is also helping to spur industry growth and demonstrate technological feasibility.”

Non-Member Reports:

A Strong EPA Protects Our Health: On October 6, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), released the EPW Committee Majority Staff Report. A Strong EPA Protects Our Health and Promotes Economic Growth focuses on the invaluable protections provided by the EPA and major environmental laws which have not only protected public health but also promoted economic growth. Based on the benefits of legislation like the Clean Air Act, the annual benefits of which are expected to prevent 230,000 premature deaths by 2020 and provide about $2 trillion per year with continued enforcement, the report concludes that the EPA’s major “environmental laws are critical to a stronger, healthier, and more productive workforce – they are integral to our quality of life and support a strong economy.”

Support for Solar Industry Grant Program: The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and EuPD Research released a report this week analyzing the economic impact of extending the Treasury Grant Program (TGP), originally created to address the “shortage of tax equity to renewable energy projects” due to the financial collapse. Economic Impact of Extending the Section 1603 Treasury Program found that extending the TGP would significantly accelerate the growth of the U.S. solar market, with a one-year extension through 2012 poised to have the “greatest impact on economic activity in 2012 and 2013, as well as enable growth through 2016 as projects complete construction and come online.” The report concluded that this one-year continuation would result in an additional 37,000 jobs…a 12 percent increase over baseline.”

Coal Ash Safeguards and Employment: In response to the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group (USWAG) claim that the EPA’s potential coal ash disposal safeguards could lead to the loss of over 300,000 jobs, economist Frank Ackerman of the Stockholm Environmental Institute conducted a new analysis of the regulation’s potential effects on employment. Employment Effects of Coal Ash Regulation, released this month, found that the industry study provides “no explanation for more than 50,000 of the supposedly lost jobs; they result either from unreported assumptions or from errors in calculation.” Ackerman’s analysis reevaluated the job-impact analysis of coal ash regulation, comparing the employment costs to employment benefits, to show that “the effect of the new spending required by strict regulation of coal ash…would be a net gain of 28,000 jobs.”

Pipe Dreams: A report released last month by the Cornell University Global Labor Institute, in association with the ILR School and Global Labor Institute, found that the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline could destroy more American jobs than it creates. Pipe Dreams? Jobs Gained, Jobs Lost by the Construction of Keystone XL, examines claims made by TransCanada Corporation and the American Petroleum Institute regarding the job-creating potential of the new pipeline. New economic analysis cited in the report found that the oil industry’s U.S. jobs claims are “linked to a $7 billion [budget for the project]” and yet the pipeline’s budget “that will have bearing on US jobs figures is dramatically lower—only around $3 to $4 billion,” meaning fewer jobs. The research also concluded that the industry’s claim Keystone XL will create 119,000 total jobs “is based on a flawed and poorly documented study commissioned by TransCanada.”

Long-Term Global CO2 Trends: A 2011 report by the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency and JRC European Commission, Long-Term Trend in Global CO2 Emissions found that growth in global CO2 emissions is continuing a long-term trend. Despite a 1 percent decline in emissions in 2009, carbon dioxide emissions across the globe increased more than 5 percent in 2010, an unprecedented increase in the “last two decades, but similar to the increase in 1976 when the global economy was recovering from the first oil crisis and subsequent stock market crash.” The report stressed the need for a large, joint effort for mitigating climate change, as it found that the main reasons for a 5.8 percent increase in 2010 global CO2 emission were continued growth in developing nations and economic recovery in the industrialized countries.

Rainforest Drought and CO2 Emissions: A recent study by NASA researchers and published in the latest issue of Environmental Research Letters found that the 2010 drought in the Amazon rainforest caused an 1.8 billion extra metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, a total nearly equaling the annual CO2 emissions from deforestation and forest fires combined. The scientists behind the findings input satellite data showing a dramatic decline in forest health into a computer model to estimate monthly changes in CO2 output, concluding that “the amount of CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere by vegetation declined by an average of 7 percent in 2010 compared to 2008…” equating to the significant increase in CO2 emissions.

Wetland Losses Linked to Climate Change: A new report released last week by the Department of Interior, in collaboration with the Fish and Wildlife Service, found that there has been an overall loss of wetland habitat since 2004, a loss which experts say is associated with climate change. Status and Trends of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States 2004 to 2009 found that despite a 17 percent increase in the rate of wetland reestablishment and creation, “the estimated wetland loss rate increased 140 percent during the same time period and, as a consequence, national wetland losses have outdistanced gains.”

BP Spill’s Impact on Gulf Ecosystem: A study published late last month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examined the effect of the BP oil spill on killifish, also known as bull minnows, in the Gulf. Genomic and Physiological Footprint of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Resident Marsh Fishes chose to research the killifish because of its critical role in the Gulf’s food chain and its sensitivity to the effects of toxic pollution. The research found that the killifish’s cellular function “coincides with contaminating oil and is consistent with genome responses…indicative of physiological and reproductive impairment” and concluded that crude oil from the BP spill “imparts significant biological impacts in sensitive Louisiana marshes, some of which remain for over 2 [months] following initial exposures.

Hunger Index: The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in conjunction with the German nonprofit Welthungerhilfe and Ireland’s Concern Worldwide, published its Hunger Index Report this month which concluded the use of biofuels, price speculation, and climate change are the top three causes of food price fluctuations and hunger in the developing world. The Challenge of Hunger: Taming Price Spikes and Excessive Food Price Volatility did show a decline in global hunger since 1990, but not a major one as global hunger remains at a “serious” level. The report stressed that addressing food price volatility and price increases will require “revising biofuel policies, regulating financial activity on food markets, and adapting to and mitigating climate change.”

Clean Energy Cons: ThinkProgress released a report this month revealing that dozens of Republicans did, at one point, support clean energy projects in their districts before beginning the current all-out assault on clean energy and green jobs. The special report shows that a total of 62 Republicans from the House and Senate were once proponents of clean energy investments, and sent letters asking for clean energy-related loan guarantees and grants for their districts. Copies of these letters can be accessed in the report.

Polls:

Voter Disapproval of Clean Air Attacks: A new national poll, conducted by Public Policy Polling and released this week by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the League of Women Voters (LWV), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) found disapproval of President Obama’s decision to block stronger smog protections among Americans, including Latino and suburban women. Responses indicate that roughly 79 percent of women and 71 percent of Latino women nationwide disapproved of the President’s decision on ozone. The polling also found that 69 percent of Americans “agree with health experts who support reducing toxic air pollution from industrial sources” and 69 percent are “in favor of the EPA limiting the amount of carbon pollution that power plants and industrial facilities can release.”

EPA Pollution Rule Support: A new nationwide poll, conducted by Hart Research Associates and GS Strategy Group and released by Ceres this week found that voters “overwhelmingly support” the EPA’s new rules that would limit dangerous air pollution from coal-fired power plants and “strongly disagree” with Congressional attempts to prevent the regulations from going into effect. Responses from 1,400 voters surveyed found 67 percent in support of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which would require major reductions in emissions from electric power plants, and 77 percent in support of the proposed Mercury and Air Toxics Rule, which would require power plants to significantly reduce their mercury, lead, arsenic, and toxic gas emissions. The poll also found that 75 percent of voters believe that the EPA, not Congress, “should determine whether stricter limits are needed on air pollution from electric power plants,” a view supported across the political spectrum.

Small Business Concerns: A new U.S. Chamber poll released this month shows that Regulation is not a top concern for small business owners. The Small Business Outlook Survey found that the majority, 52 percent, of small businesses’ top concern is the general economic climate over recent legislation and over-regulation. The survey also found strong support for greenhouse gas regulations among small businesses, with 76 percent responding in favor of regulations to reduce carbon emissions. This support also remained strong among business owners in large manufacturing states such as Ohio.

Voters on Federal Regulation: The latest United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll reported this month that while a majority of American voters are concerned about too much government regulation of business hurting the economy, they also remain reluctant to block several of the major rules congressional Republicans want reversed. The poll, conducted just after the nearly unanimous vote by House Republicans in September to block EPA regulations for coal-fired power plants, found that 55 percent of adults believe government regulation of business has been a “major factor” in the “current economic slowdown.” However, when asked whether Congress should block EPA rules meant to “limit emissions of mercury, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants from power plants,” 47 percent of respondents said Congress should allow the rules to go into effect, while 40 percent said it should block the regulations. When asked about pending EPA regulations meant to “limit emissions of CO2 and other gases that scientists have linked to global climate change,” 52 percent said Congress should allow the rules to take effect while only 39 percent believed that should be blocked.

Support for EPA and Electability: A Bloomberg National Poll conducted last month examined voter sentiment on a variety of national issues and GOP candidate positions, including the matter of climate change and the existence of the EPA. Based on results from 997 respondents, the poll found that 45 percent of respondents said they would be “less likely to vote for someone who questions global warming” versus 25 percent who felt the opposite. 65 percent of respondents said that they would be “less likely to vote for someone who wants to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency, versus 19 percent who said the opposite.”

More Americans Believe World is Warming: A Reuters/Ipsos survey released in late September found that, compared to 2010, more Americans believe the world is getting warmer. Americans who believe the Earth is warming rose to 83 percent, an 8 point increase from 75 percent last year when the poll was conducted. Stanford University political science professor and university fellow at the Resources for the Future think tank Jon Krosnick stressed that global warming could be an important issue in the 2012 election “because some 15 percent of voters see it as their primary concern.”

Related posts:

1. The EPA Is Under Siege but Support for Public Health Is Holding Strong, Climate Action Hotline 2.7.11
2. Cues from Our Climate and Other Hot Pubs
3. Cause and Effect and Other Hot Pubs

Insurer Responses to Climate Risk: This month, Ceres released “Climate Risk Disclosure By Insurers: Evaluating Insurer Responses to the NAIC Climate Disclosure Survey.” The report examines public disclosure filings from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to assess US insurer consideration of climate change as a key risk factor to their business and how that consideration affects their decision making. Based on the NAIC responses, which targeted six states, Ceres’ analysis found that there does exist a “broad consensus among insurers that climate change will have an effect on extreme weather events, [with] more than three-quarters of insurers [citing] perils that may be affected by climate change. Despite this recognition, out of 88 companies surveyed, “only 11 insurers reported having formal climate change policies, and more than 60 percent of the respondents reported having no dedicated management approach for assessing climate risk.” Of 18 property and casualty companies surveyed, none had “formal climate change policies or explicit board or executive oversight of this issue.”

Climate Financing and Gender Equality: Oxfam America, along with Gender Action and the Women’s Environment and Development Organization released a research report this month examining practices that would ensure equal and effective distribution of climate change financing for the world’s most vulnerable populations. “Governing Climate Funds: What Will Work for Women?” urges that if climate funds are to respond effectively, “they must incorporate gender throughout project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.” The study looks at four funds, two climate and two non-climate funds, to find useful strategies for gender integration in global finance mechanisms. Among several recommendations made in the report, it finds that “climate funds should [not only] allow recipient countries to access finance directly…but should also strengthen mandatory gender project review criteria and gender evaluation requirements [as well as] allow and encourage women’s groups to apply for finance directly when national implementing agencies are not meeting their needs.”

Exposing Keystone XL: This month OilChange International released “Exposing Energy Security: Keystone XL Exposed.” The briefing targets claims made by major industry that the Keystone pipeline is necessary to ensure America’s energy security and will work to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil, scrutinizing the global oil market and the oil companies that stand to profit from the pipeline. Based on facts uncovered in the report, OilChange posits that Keystone XL “will feed the growing trend of exporting refined products out of the United States, thereby doing nothing to enhance energy security or to stabilize oil prices or gasoline prices at the pump.” It uncovers a business model put forth by Valero that “seeks to export products made with imported oil while further importing gasoline from a third country.”

Nonmember Reports:

Extreme Weather: This month Climate Communications released “Current Extreme Weather and Climate Change,” summarizing the latest research on the connection between climate change and extreme weather. The report, reviewed by several leading climatologists, found that extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, flooding, and hurricanes, are happening more frequently, and that the ties to human-induced climate change are clear. In-depth analyses have demonstrated that natural climate variability cannot solely explain the long-term trends of changing weather extremes, especially in terms of increased heat waves. The research indicates that “the increased in hot weather is a direct result of climate change, and human influence is estimated to have more than doubled the likelihood of the warming trends experienced recently in virtually every region of the globe.”

The Facts on Keystone’s Job Potential: The Cornell Global Labor Institute recently released its analysis of the job impacts expected from construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. It finds that estimations of the pipeline’s job-creating potential made by the American Petroleum Institute are unreliable and “therefore unsuitable for public debate.” Citing previous and potential future oil spills, emissions levels, and air quality, the release states that the Keystone project has “minimal job creation potential, but maximum potential in terms of the environmental damage it could cause.” The findings urge that “the U.S. needs a real jobs program [and] Keystone XL is not it.” Further information about the Cornell findings regarding the pipeline jobs can be found on the USCAN Tar Sands webpage.

GHG Emissions from Natural Gas Extraction: A study released by the Cornell Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology earlier this year examined the GHG emissions released during high-volume hydraulic shale fracturing to obtain natural gas. The research found that methane emissions during this process are “at least 30% more than and perhaps more than twice as great as those from conventional gas.”  The majority of the GHG footprint for shale comes from direct CO2 emissions during consumption, but also from methane emissions that are not collected and piped away during natural gas extraction processes. According to the study, when compared to coal, the “footprint of shale gas is at least 20% greater and perhaps more than twice as great on the 20-year horizon.”

Natural Gas vs. Coal: A study released last month by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, “Coal to Gas: The Influence of Methane Leakage” found that although the burning of natural gas emits significantly less carbon dioxide than coal, a greater reliance on it would not significantly slow down climate change. Research by Tom Wigley, a senior research associate at NCAR found that “when gas replaces coal there is additional warming out to [the year] 2050,” assuming methane leakage during natural gas extraction is kept at 0%, “and out to [the year] 2,140 if the leakage rate is as high as 10%.” The study finds that fracking specifically is associated with an increase in methane leakage compared to other means of gas production, and that “the direct effects on global-mean temperature of differential gas leakage between coal and gas production are very small.”

Surveys and Polls:

Political Party and Climate Belief: The Yale Project on Climate Change Communications and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communications released a report detailing the results from their most recent national survey of the American public. “Politics & Global Warming: Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and the Tea Party” examines responses by members of each political party related to the issue of global warming. The results indicated that 78% of Democrats, 71% of Independents, and 53% of Republicans believe that global warming is happening, compared with only 34% of Tea Party members. 53% of Tea Party members, in fact, responded that they believe global warming is not happening. The majorities of all four parties support expanding offshore drilling for oil and natural gas off the U.S. coast, “with 46% of Republicans and 58% of Tea Party members strongly supportive.”

EPA Sentiments: A September national Bloomberg poll, based on interviews with 997 U.S. adults 18 and older found that sixty-six percent of respondents reported being “less likely to vote for someone who wants to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency, versus 19 percent who said the opposite.” For more survey results regarding respondents feelings on the Presidential campaign and current political affairs, view the Bloomberg polling data.

Related posts:

1. Broad Support for a Strong EPA and Other Hot Pubs
2. Cause and Effect and Other Hot Pubs
3. Cleaning Up Our Waters, Spending, and Energy Use Hot Pubs

Peter Bahouth, Executive Director May 31, 2011 Dueling Narratives Photo by David Graham-Caso, Sierra Club This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a series of three hearings on Mercury and Air Toxics standards that aim to cut mercury, lead, arsenic and particle pollution from hundreds of coal-fired power plants across the country. According to the EPA, the rule would save approximately 17,000 lives, prevent 120,000 asthma attacks and result in air quality improvements valued from $59 billion to $140 billion each year. The rule also would limit emissions of hazardous pollutants like arsenic, chromium, nickel and acid gases, toxics that can cause serious very health effects including cancer. The community turned out in full force at the hearings in Philadelphia, Chicago and Atlanta, with hundreds of supporters calling for a strong rule regulating mercury and air toxics and expressing frustration with utility companies who continue to promote coal power. The lopsided impact upon poor communities and people of color was an ongoing theme at all three hearings. Dr. Robert Bullard, director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University and famed justice and civil rights leader, spoke forcefully about the impacts on the communities he serves. “It’s well known that communities of color and low income communities bear the disproportionate share of the deaths and illnesses associated with pollution from coal-fired power plants,” Dr. Bullard said. “The EPA’s proposal to reduce toxic air emissions from power plants would help to improve this tragic inequality by cutting toxic emissions that have been proven to cause cancer, asthma and respiratory disease, cardiovascular ailments, and thousands of premature deaths annually.” The national percentage of those living in poverty is around 11.9%. However, near coal plants nationwide, that rate jumps to 12.9%. Within EPA Region IV, which covers the Southeast, the poverty rate of those living near coal plants is even higher, at 14.9%. For example, in Alabama, the population of communities of color near coal plants is 46% higher than the statewide average would predict; in Mississippi it is 34% higher; and in Tennessee there is nearly twice as high a likelihood for non-white individuals to be living near coal plants as would be expected given the state average. (Source: Earthjustice) It is no secret that coal plants surround poor communities nationwide and the message was prominent throughout the hearing comments and testimony. Doctors, clergy, justice leaders, expectant mothers and students emphasized the impacts to communities and individual health that comes from living near coal fired power plants. In Atlanta, pediatrician Dr. Yolanda Whyte, testified about her work with children, who “are the most vulnerable and most sensitive to dangerous pollutants in our air and water.” US Climate Action Network’s own Executive Director Peter Bahouth testified as well stating,“ Our mission is to support and help coordinate these organizations’ efforts toward effective, equitable, and sustainable strategies to reduce carbon pollution and promote a clean energy future at all levels of the debate: local, state, federal and international. And we all agree: Clean Air Act standards to protect our nation’s communities from the threats of toxic air pollution from power plants are long overdue. “ Peter also entered into the record several examples of support from coalitions of environmental, faith, health, business and environmental justice groups” On the other hand, utility officials complained of costs, “not enough time” to implement, “rushed” rulemaking and dire consequences in the form of blackouts and hire electricity rates. Notably, the EPA estimates that for every dollar spent to reduce this pollution, Americans would see $5 to $13 in health benefits. On Thursday, Governor Chris Christie announced that New Jersey would pull out of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s only operating cap-and-trade system. While the Republican governor said he believed that humans were causing climate change, he cited market forces, the rise in natural gas usage and the decreased use of coal as avenues to lower greenhouse gasses, not RGGI. Christie pointed to a new report from NJ’s Department of Environmental Protection that the state’s emissions already stand below goals for 2020, making the regional trading program essentially moot. It’s surmised that politics played no small part in the decision, as Christie is likely to rise in favor among national Republicans. For their part, environmentalists and renewable energy businesses were quick to fight back against the decision, since about half of the over $100 million benefitting the state went to renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. The other half went toward general deficit reduction; ironically, a key talking point of Governor Christie’s administration. Also this week Mississippi joined two other poorer Southern states, South Carolina and Kentucky, in having the highest vulnerability to gasoline prices, according to NRDC’s fifth annual “Oil Vulnerability Report.” Residents there pay the largest percentage of their incomes on gas, suffering the most when prices skyrocket. “The best way to end this pain for consumers is to get off this crazy, perilous ride” and reduce dependence on oil as a transportation fuel, said Deron Lovaas, NRDC’s federal transportation policy director. Calling for tougher pollution and fuel economy standards – 62 miles per gallon by 2025 – the authors also recommend an overhaul of the federal transportation program, including greater investment in transit. In related news, House on both sides of the aisle doubled down on their energy platforms this week, with GOP messaging that domestic drilling is the key to job creation and Democrats reinforcing the “Medicare-and-oil” talking point formula stemming from the special election upset in western New York this week. But, while both parties made what amounted to closing arguments ahead of the summer driving season that kicks off Memorial Day weekend, neither party presented new plans for gas-cost relief, economic growth and deficit reduction, perhaps a sign that Republicans and Democrats see their constituents as weary of high pump prices. Kellyn Eberhardt, Southeast Regional Coordinator Protect Our Land; Say NO to Tar Sands! Big Oil companies are pulling out all the stops to flood the State Department with messages calling on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to permit a new tar sands oil pipeline. We only have a few days left to fight back before the public comment period ends on June 6th. The proposed Keystone XL pipeline would cross pristine land in six states and put over 2 million Americans’ drinking water at risk. Moreover, when TransCanada proposed the first Keystone pipeline, Keystone 1, they estimated that it would ONLY leak once every seven to eleven years. But they neglected to include the pipeline’s pumping stations, which have already sustained 11 reported spills in the last year! Now Big Oil wants the State Department to allow the SAME company build a new pipeline so it can pump even more tar sands oil deeper into our country. Tell Secretary Clinton to put our health and safety first, not Big Oil profits. See Sierra Club’s action alert here or contact Michelle Dixon for more information at mdixon@climatenetwork.org. Carol Werner, Executive Director May 31, 2011 News Superior Court Judge Puts California’s Cap-and-Trade Program on Hold Texas Seeks to Overturn EPA’s Endangerment Finding Report: California Needs to Take Aggressive Measures to Meet Emissions Goal Chicago Prepares for Warmer Climate Micronesia Challenges Czech Coal Plant Over Sea-Level Rise U.K. Cancels CO2 Offset Accreditation Program Australian Climate Commission Suggests Immediate Action, End Logging in Old Growth Forests Indonesian Activists Concerned Over Two-Year Moratorium on Forest Clearing Ocean Acidity Could Doom Already Endangered Gourmet Abalone Carbon Storage Capacity of Trees May Increase with Climate Change Two of Greenland’s Biggest Glaciers Lost Enough Ice to Fill Lake Erie Researchers Find Gardens Can Help Mitigate Climate Change Climate Change to Significantly Reduce Tea Production in Kenya by 2050 Other Headlines Federal Legislative Action H.R. 1705, S. 699, S. 757 Events June 9: Managing Nutrients to Protect Water Quality: Innovative Approaches June 16: 14th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Policy Forum Superior Court Judge Puts California’s Cap-and-Trade Program on Hold On May 20, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ernest Goldsmith ruled that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) must put an immediate halt to work on its cap-and-trade program, part of the landmark climate bill A.B.32 which was written into law in 2006, until it completes a review of alternative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Goldsmith’s opinion said the board violated the California Environmental Quality Act when it began to make rules “without first responding to comments, completing the environmental review process, and approving” the program. The agency filed a notice of appeal on May 23, according to a CARB spokesman. The ruling will not interfere with other aspects of A.B. 32 implementation involving clean cars, renewables and energy efficiency, which can proceed as planned. For additional information see: NY Times, Reuters, Sacramento Bee, Bloomberg Texas Seeks to Overturn EPA’s Endangerment Finding On May 23, the state of Texas, on behalf of 14 other states, filed an opening brief in a case seeking to overturn the “endangerment finding” announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2009. The finding stated that greenhouse gases pose a danger to public health and welfare, which gave the EPA the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling EPA v. Massachusetts. Texas is challenging the finding on the grounds that it is “arbitrary and capricious,” words in the U.S. Code that are grounds for a reversal of the decision. The brief stated that the EPA “never provides criteria for determining when [greenhouse gas] emissions or climate change endanger public health or welfare,” as well as the possibility that people might adapt to or even combat the effects of climate change over the extended time period in which it occurs, reducing its effects on health and welfare. The brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. For additional information see: Texas Tribune, Brief Report: California Needs to Take Aggressive Measures to Meet Emissions Goal In a report titled “California’s Energy Future: The View to 2050,” scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory concluded that California can meet its goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The report stated that the first 60 percent of emissions reductions could be met by aggressively implementing current technologies, including wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro and offshore marine energy. The remaining 20 percent would be attained through technological advancements in artificial photosynthesis, fusion energy, more efficient and sustainable biofuels, hydrogen fuel, more effective carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), and advanced batteries for both vehicles and grid storage. The report also called for improvements to the electrical grid, to allow it to integrate more intermittent renewable sources and store more energy. In addition to faster development of renewable energy sources, scientists also stated that significant efficiency measures must be taken, retrofitting 1.8 percent of all buildings annually. For additional information see: Science Daily, Report Chicago Prepares for Warmer Climate Warnings from climate scientists have caused Chicago to begin to prepare for a warming climate. By 2070, the city could expect to receive 35 percent more rain in the winter and spring, but 20 percent less in the summer, according to scientists.The city plans to repave public alleyways with materials that are permeable to water, to reduce runoff when it rains. Sidewalks will be widened to include planted areas with drought-resistant plants, to soak up the excess water and help filter pollutants like de-icing salts. In some areas, the runoff will flow into underground storage tanks to be used later for watering plants or in new decorative fountains. Thermal radar is being used to locate the city’s hottest areas, which will be targets for pavement removal and the addition of vegetated rooftops. The city also plans to remove six of the most common tree species. The warming climate will make them more susceptible to diseases such as emerald ash disease, and many species are expected to become extinct within decades. Hardier trees, such as swamp white oaks and bald cypress, will be used to replace them. For additional information see: NY Times Micronesia Challenges Czech Coal Plant Over Sea-Level Rise Micronesia has mounted an unprecedented legal challenge against the Czech Republic’s plans to expand a coal-fired power station more than 7,000 miles away. They claim the increased greenhouse gas emissions from the plant will contribute to global warming, potentially threatening the country, with many parts that lie just over three feet above sea level. If expanded, the power plant will emit over 40 times as much carbon emissions annually as Micronesia as a whole. Micronesia, along with Greenpeace, want the Czech government to carry out a study, called a Trans-Boundary Environmental Impact Assessment, to assess how pollution from the coal plant will affect the Micronesian archipelago. This type of study usually occurs between countries that share a border, but has never been done between countries from different regions before. The Czech environment ministry is expected to come to a decision regarding Micronesia’s case within two weeks. For additional information see: Telegraph U.K. Cancels CO2 Offset Accreditation Program On May 20, the U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) cancelled its Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) for carbon dioxide offsets, according to Carbon Retirement, a carbon offset provider. The program made sure that the carbon offsets that companies provided were accurately calculated, and were cancelled or retired after being purchased to make sure they were not sold again. According to Jane Burston, founder of Carbon Retirement, the decision would damage consumer confidence because businesses looking to offset their emissions will no longer have the same level of security around the carbon market’s principle uncertainties. For additional information see: Business Green, Bloomberg Australian Climate Commission Suggests Immediate Action, End Logging in Old Growth Forests A report issued by Australia’s Climate Commission stated that the evidence for global warming is now ”exceptionally strong and beyond doubt,” and actions this decade will determine the impact of climate change for the rest of the century. The report concluded that the impacts of climate change are already being seen, despite the earth warming less than one degree Celsius so far. The commission addressed the issues of sea level rise and risks to the Great Barrier Reef, and suggested that carbon emissions must peak within the next few years, and then rapidly decline. The report also concluded that the country must end logging in old-growth forests with high carbon storage capacities, stating that it is one of the best ways of making timely cuts to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions while the slower energy transforming and transport systems unfold. “We need to use whatever means we can to sequester carbon but also start reducing emissions from industry. We need some sort of price on carbon. A price is unavoidable,” said Climate Commission chief, Tim Flannery. For additional information see: Sydney Morning Herald 1, Sydney Morning Herald 2, Business Green, Report Indonesian Activists Concerned Over Two-Year Moratorium on Forest Clearing More than one-third of Indonesia’s forest area will not be covered under the recently signed two-year moratorium on forest clearance permits. The moratorium covered only primary forests and peatland, areas that were already protected under Indonesian law, while 36.6 million hectares of secondary forests, areas that have been partially cleared for agricultural or industrial use, were not covered. According to Giorgio Budi Indrarto, program manager for forest and climate at the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law, the 1999 Forestry Law did not contain any reference to “primary forest” and instead used the terms protected forest, conservation forest and production forest to describe areas where varying degrees of human activity were allowed. “It is only a technical definition which is only used to define the levels of forest degradation and should not be put into context of policy or issuing permits,” said Teguh Surya, head of climate justice at the Indonesian Forum for the Environment. For additional information see: The Jakarta Globe, AFP Ocean Acidity Could Doom Already Endangered Gourmet Abalone A study published in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology concluded that increasing ocean acidity, caused by higher concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), negatively affects the already endangered northern abalone off the coast of British Columbia. Researchers found that increases of CO2 in sea water, from 400 to 1,800 parts per million, killed 40 percent of abalone larvae, decreased the size of larvae that did survive, and increased the rate of shell abnormalities. The current CO2 concentrations in the ocean are around 380 parts per million, but are expected to slowly increase over the next century. According to the study, this information could have implications for abalone species worldwide. For additional information see: Science Daily, Study Carbon Storage Capacity of Trees May Increase with Climate Change A report published in the Proceedings on the National Academy of Sciences concluded that global warming may affect the capacity of trees to store carbon by altering forest nitrogen cycles. The report used data from a seven year study in central Massachusetts, where a section of the forest was artificially heated nine degrees Fahrenheit above ambient conditions, to simulate the potential warming from climate change by the end of the century. The warmer temperatures caused more rapid decomposition of the organic matter in soil, leading to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released. However, the study showed that the warmer temperatures stimulated an increase in the amount of carbon stored in trees as woody tissue, which partially offset the soil carbon loss to the atmosphere. Scientists found that in the seventh year of the study, “warming induced soil carbon losses were almost totally compensated for by plant carbon gains in response to warming.” According to scientists, the increase in carbon storage in the trees is due to more nitrogen being made available to the trees with warmer soil. In addition to CO2, warmer temperatures also cause inorganic forms of nitrogen to be released from the soil. “When trees take up this inorganic nitrogen, they grow faster and store more carbon,” said lead author of the study Jerry Melillo, of the Marine Biological Laboratory. For additional information see: Science Daily, Study Two of Greenland’s Biggest Glaciers Lost Enough Ice to Fill Lake Erie A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters has found that two of the largest three glaciers in Greenland have lost enough ice if melted to fill Lake Erie. The three glaciers, Helheim, Kangerdlugssuaq, and Jakobshavn Isbrae, contribute as much as one-fifth of the ice flowing out from Greenland into the ocean. The study focused on the rate of new ice being formed on the glaciers compared to the amount of ice lost. Apart from Helheim, which gained a small amount of mass, the other two glaciers have lost a significant amount of ice in the last decade. “Kangerdlugssuaq would have to stop flowing and accumulate snowfall for seven years to regain the ice it has lost,” said Ian Howat, lead author of the study. According to Howat, past estimates of ice loss in Greenland only accounted for short-term changes. “We really need to sample them very frequently or else we won’t really know how much change has occurred,” he stated. For additional information see: Science Daily Researchers Find Gardens Can Help Mitigate Climate Change A scientific review conducted by the Royal Horticultural Society has found that gardens can help mitigate the effects of climate change. According to scientists, gardens mitigate the effects of extreme heat and cold by stabilizing urban temperatures, prevent flooding by soaking up excess rainwater, support human health by easing stress and providing physical exercise, and support a number of declining species of birds, mammals and invertebrates. According to Dr. Tijana Blanusa, lead author of the review, people can maximize the positive impact of horticulture by planting vegetation that have many uses, such as trees, which “take up water, capture pollution, offer shade and a habitat for wildlife, and add aesthetic value to the garden.” For additional information see: Independent, Press Release Climate Change to Significantly Reduce Tea Production in Kenya by 2050 A study published by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture found that climate change will reduce Kenya’s tea production 40 percent by 2050, as suitable farm lands are moved to higher altitude. Scientists presented their findings at the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya in Kericho, organized by the Ethical Tea Partnership and the German International Cooperation. According to the report, the two organizations will aim to increase Kenyan tea producers’ resilience to climate change, secure their livelihoods and make them more environmentally and economically sustainable. Over the next three years, the organizations will train 10,000 Kenyan tea farmers on the most appropriate adaptation techniques. The study recommended crop diversification, and provided several alternatives to tea that would thrive in the region, such as maize, cabbage, peas, passion fruit, and bananas. For additional information see: Business Daily Africa, Study Other Headlines Republicans Eye Summer Vote on Bill to Expand Scrutiny of EPA Rules Climate Change Not a Priority in Tallahassee ‘Non-Aligned Movement’ Vital to Battle Against Climate Change, UN Secretary General Says Inland Storms, Growing in Violence, Drive Insurers to Accept Riskier Reality Mastercard Corporate Credit Card Statements to Include Carbon Emissions Soon H.R. 1705: Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 The House Subcommittee on Energy and Power scheduled a markup of H.R. 1705 on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. Intent: To require analyses of the cumulative and incremental impacts of certain rules and actions of the Environmental Protection Agency, including rules or guidelines related to climate change under the Clean Air Act. Previous Action: Referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure on May 4, 2011. Sponsor: Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) For more information: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.1705.IH: S. 699: Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Sequestration Program Amendments Act of 2011 May 26, 2011 was the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources date of scheduled consideration. Intent: To authorize the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program to demonstrate the commercial application of integrated systems for long-term geological storage of carbon dioxide, and for other purposes. Previous Action: Introduced to the Senate on March 31, 2011, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) For more information: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:S.699.IS: S. 757 May 26, 2011 was the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources date of scheduled consideration. Intent: To provide incentives to encourage the development and implementation of technology to capture carbon dioxide from dilute sources on a significant scale using direct air capture technologies. Previous Action: Introduced to the Senate on April 7, 2011, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Sponsor: Sen. John Barrasso (D-WY) For more information: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:S.757.IS: June 9: Managing Nutrients to Protect Water Quality: Innovative Approaches The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and Water Environment Federation (WEF) invite you to a briefing on innovative, market-based approaches to controlling nutrient pollution in the nation’s waters from agriculture. Fertilizer and manure applications can release excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus into local watersheds. These can degrade water quality, potentially causing human illness and harming aquatic ecosystems. This briefing will focus on innovative agricultural solutions to these issues, including trading programs such as those used for the Long Island Sound and Ohio River Basin, “safe harbor agreements”, and current on-the-ground nutrient management programs. The briefing is free, open to the public, and no RSVPs are required. For more information, contact Laura Parsons at lparsons [at] eesi.org or (202) 662-1884. June 16: 14th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Policy Forum On June 16, the Sustainable Energy Coalition—in cooperation with Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucus—will host the 14th annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Forum. This year’s EXPO will bring together over 50 businesses, sustainable energy industry trade associations, government agencies, and energy policy research organizations to showcase the status and near-term potential of the cross-section of renewable energy (biofuels/biomass, geothermal, solar, water, wind) and energy efficiency technologies. Members of Congress and the Administration will speak from 11:30 – 2:00pm. Afternoon speakers will discuss the role sustainable energy technologies can play in meeting America’s energy needs. The EXPO is free, open to the public, and no RSVPs are required. The events will be held on June 16, 9:30am-4:30pm in 345 Cannon House Office Building (Cannon Caucus Room). For more information contact Ken Bossong at kbossong614 [at] yahoo.com. Writers: Deep Ghosh and Matthew Johnson Please distribute Climate Change News to your colleagues. Permission for reproduction of this newsletter is granted provided that the Environmental and Energy Study Institute is properly acknowledged as the source. Past issues are available here. Free email subscriptions are available here. We welcome your suggestions, comments, and questions. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus dedicated to finding innovative environmental and energy solutions. EESI works to protect the climate and ensure a healthy, secure, and sustainable future for America through policymaker education, coalition building, and policy development in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, agriculture, forestry, transportation, buildings, and urban planning. EESI’s work, including this free newsletter, is made possible by financial support from people like you. Please help us continue to make it available by making a secure, online donation today by clicking here or mailing a check to Environmental and Energy Study Institute; 1112 16th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036. Please contact Susan Williams at (202) 662-1887 or see www.eesi.org/donate to find out more. Thank you for your support! Climate Action Hotline is the new weekly update by the US Climate Action Network. Let us know what you think.

Residents Flood This Week’s EPA Mercury Hearings Graduating 8th Grader to Scholastic Publishing: Stop Pushing Coal “Smell of Death” Described at Clean Air Public Hearings Countdown to 2012: The Road to Rio +20 New Poll: Strong Support for RGGI In New Jersey Risk From Spent Nuclear Reactor Fuel Is Greater in U.S. Than in Japan, Study Says New Mileage Stickers Include Greenhouse Gas Data Michael Bloomberg: Too Much ‘Hot Air’ on Climate Change An Unlikely Power Duo Emerges in the Global Fight Against Climate Change Public Health Benefits of Dethroning King Coal in the U.S. Food Prices to Double by 2030, Oxfam Warns Indonesian Forest Plan May Be Breakthrough on Climate Change Germany: Nuclear Power Plants to Close by 2022 G8 leaders need to quit gambling with our future “There is not enough money in the world that you can pay an individual for loss of life and for a short life expectancy due to fact that they have inhaled toxic chemicals. Our children are suffering. I ask EPA to resist pressure of industry whose only concern is the bottom dollar.” – Reverend Horace Strand, Chester Environmental Partnership.

Related posts:

1. Climate Action Hotline, 3.21.11
2. Climate Action Hotline, 11.29.10
3. Owning Up: Taking Responsibility Before Durban, Climate Action Hotline 11.14.11

UPDATES

The League of Conservation Voters launched radio ads this week in four congressional districts where lawmakers voted for the Upton bill (H.R. 910) stripping EPA of its power to regulate carbon pollution. LCV spokeswoman Kate Geller said the group chose to target Reps. Jason Altmire (D-PA), Dean Heller (R-NV), Denny Rehberg (R-MT) and Rep. Upton (R-MI) because they had voted consistently to strip EPA power to regulate carbon pollution. The group partnered with local LCV chapters on the $250,000 campaign.

Power Shift 2011 descended on Washington DC April 15-18- the conference brought together over 9,000 young organizers with leaders like Lisa Jackson, Al Gore, Van Jones, and Bill McKibben to fire up a grassroots movement for climate action across America. On Monday, thousands headed over the White House to protest polluters and pressure Obama to do more on climate change, clean air and clean energy and then went on to Capitol Hill to bring the message to members of Congress. More information about last weekend’s happenings can be found at Powershift2011.org

New Online Resources:

This month’s Physicians for Social Responsibility’s Environmental Health Policy Institute issue is dedicated to having air pollution and health experts comment on the achievements of the Clean Air Act. Robert Amundson, Douglas Brugge and Wig Zamore, Paul Epstein and Molly Rauch, Lin Kaatz Chary, Jon Levy, Alan Lockwood, Joanne Perron, and Kristin Walker-Hood share their views on the most important gains in modern air pollution management, as well as what remains to be done to adequately safeguard public health.

Union of Concerned Scientists have launched the “Clean Air Act: A $mart Investment” ticker to show the net benefits of the Clean Air Act from 1970 through the present.

ACTION ALERTS

Senate “Dirty Air Amendments” Accountability

Two weeks ago the Senate defeated a suite of dirty air deals that would have prevented the Environmental Protection Agency from taking action to reduce carbon pollution.

Please take this opportunity to thank your Senator for standing up for the health of the nation, including children with asthma, and for challenging the agenda of big polluters.

Or

Please take this opportunity to express your disappointment with your Senator’s vote to put the agenda of big polluters ahead of the health of the nation and children with asthma.

Be heard; let your Senators know you noticed where they stand with big polluters! See NRDC’s full action alert with sample letters, short descriptions of each amendment, and links to see how your senators voted. Or for more information contact Jamie Consuegra, jconsuegra@nrdc.org.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

EPA Power Plant Air Toxics Dear Colleague:

Representative Capps, Schakowsky and Wasserman Schultz are currently circulating a dear colleague letter in the House of Representatives in support of the EPA Power Plant Air Toxics Rule. Please urge Representatives to sign on to this letter to show support for protecting kids from mercury and toxic air pollution. For more details please contact Paul Billings at America Lung Association, pbillings@lungusa.org.

Comments for Mercury and Air Toxics Standards:

A month ago, EPA announced the most important actions to clean up air pollution from dirty coal-burning power plants since the Clean Air Act was last updated in 1990.  EPA’s proposed mercury and air toxics standards for power plants that burn coal and oil are projected to save as many as 17,000 American lives every year by 2015. There is no official deadline yet but once officially submitted into the Federal Register we will have 60 days to submit comments. Please see the Sierra Club’s factsheet and sample action alert and comment card for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Public Hearings for Mercury Air Toxics Standard:

EPA will hold public hearings on the recently released Mercury Air Toxics Standard in Philadelphia, Chicago and Atlanta. Details on the timing and location for those hearings will be made available soon in a separate Federal Register notice and posted at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/powerplanttoxics/.

NEW MATERIALS

Tell the EPA: Protect U.S. from Toxic Mercury, Arsenic and Lead Pollution, Credo Action Alert 4.19.11

Bills That Would Limit the U.S. EPA’s Clean Air Act Authorities, World Resources Institute Article 4.19.11

Myths and Facts about U.S. EPA Standards, World Resources Institute Article 4.19.11

What is the Most Important Achievement We’ve Gained Through Air Pollution Management?, Environmental Health Policy Institute Online Expert Forum Dedicated to the Achievements of the Clean Air Act 4.14.11

Don’t forget the Clean Air Act fan page on Facebook.

USCAN’s Clean Air Act Pages include a compilation of member materials.

Clean Air Act Digest is a publication put together by US Climate Action Network and Natural Resources Defense Council please contact Kate Smolski at ksmolski@climatenetwork.org for more details. Click here for past issues.

Related posts:

1. Clean Air Act Digest, 4.1.11
2. Clean Air Act Digest, 4.8.11
3. Clean Air Act Digest, 3.3.11

UPDATES Senate: Wednesday, the Senate rejected 4 proposals that would block the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to control carbon pollution. These amendments were offered as part of the Small Business bill (S. 493) and each would have tied the hands of the EPA. * McConnell (R-KY) Amendment #183: Would have allowed unlimited carbon pollution and would have increased our dependence on foreign oil. THE VOTE COUNT: 50- 50 * Rockefeller (D-WV) Amendment #215: Would have allowed unlimited carbon pollution from big polluters for at least two years, would have stopped the clean-up in progress, and would have set the stage for permanently allowing unlimited pollution from these sources. THE VOTE COUNT: 88-12 * Stabenow (D-MI)/Brown (D-OH) Amendment #277: Would have let polluters off the hook by blocking enforcement of carbon pollution safeguards for two years, would have stopped the clean-up in progress, and like Rockefeller would have paved the way for providing a permanent free-pass to polluters. The amendment would have also permanently prevented the EPA from considering emissions resulting from land use changes. THE VOTE COUNT: 93-7 * Baucus (D-MT) Amendment #236: Would have allowed large emission sources to be built or modified with no requirement to limit their carbon pollution. Like the Stabenow amendment, the Baucus amendment would also have prevented the EPA from considering emissions resulting from land use changes. THE VOTE COUNT: 93-7 Last week Senator Sanders (D-VT) and 33 of his colleagues introduced a resolution calling on Congress to uphold the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to enforce the Clean Air Act. All of the Senate democratic leadership joined this resolution. House: Last week, Representatives Waxman (D-CA), Dingell (D-MI), and Rush (D-IL) released a Dear Colleague in support of the Clean Air Act. The final letter had 155 signers. On Thursday afternoon, the House of Representatives voted on Rep. Upton’s “Dirty Air act,” H.R. 910. This bill will would permanently block the EPA’s ability to limit carbon pollution, just like the McConnell amendment offered Wednesday. The bill passed out of the House 255-172. Continuing Resolution: Policy riders are standing between a government shutdown and the next spending bill. Press reports have indicated that the EPA’s responsibility to regulate air pollution is at the center of the debate. Though both President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Reid have indicated that they will not support a bill with such riders, the Republicans are continuing to push these amendments.

ACTION ALERTS Rep. Upton’s “Dirty Air Act” Accountability Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted on Rep. Upton’s “Dirty Air Act” – legislation that would permanently allow our nation’s biggest polluters to dump unlimited amounts of dangerous carbon pollution into our air. The bill passed out of the House 255-172. Click here to see how your representative voted. Please take this opportunity to thank your representative for standing up for the health of the nation, including children with asthma, and for challenging the agenda of big polluters. OR Take this opportunity to express disappointment with your representative’s vote for the “Dirty Air Act” that puts the interests of corporate polluters before the health of the American public. Be heard; let your representative know you noticed where they stand with big polluters! See NRDC’s full action alert with sample letters or contact Jamie Consuegra, jconsuegra@nrdc.org for more information. Senate “Dirty Air Amendments” Accountability Wednesday, the Senate rejected 4 proposals that would block the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to control carbon pollution. It is critical we express disappointment with the Senators who stood with big polluters and supported these efforts. Please contact Kate Smolski at ksmolski@climatenetwork.org for more information and sample materials.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES EPA Power Plant Air Toxics Dear Colleague: Representative Capps, Schakowsky and Wasserman Schultz are currently circulating a dear colleague letter in the House of Representatives in support of the EPA Power Plant Air Toxics Rule. Please urge Representatives to sign on to this letter to show support for protecting kids from mercury and toxic air pollution. For more details please contact Paul Billings at America Lung Association, pbillings@lungusa.org. Comments for Mercury and Air Toxics Standards: Two weeks ago, EPA announced the most important actions to clean up air pollution from dirty coal-burning power plants since the Clean Air Act was last updated in 1990.  EPA’s proposed mercury and air toxics standards for power plants that burn coal and oil are projected to save as many as 17,000 American lives every year by 2015. There is no official deadline yet but once officially submitted into the Federal Register we will have 60 days to submit comments. Please see the Sierra Club’s factsheet and sample action alert and comment card for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS Public Hearings for Mercury Air Toxics Standard: EPA will hold public hearings on the recently released Mercury Air Toxics Standard in Philadelphia, Chicago and Atlanta. Details on the timing and location for those hearings will be made available soon in a separate Federal Register notice and posted at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/powerplanttoxics/.

NEW MATERIALS Dirty Energy’s Assault on Our Health: Ozone Pollution, Environment America Report 4.7.11 The Economic Affliction of Asthma and Risks of Blocking Air Pollution Safeguards, Health Care Without Harm Report 4.6.11 Twelve Governors Support the Clean Air Act, Oppose H.R. 910, Letter 4.7.11 Mayors from Cities Big and Small Speak Out in Support of Public Health and Clean Air, Letter 4.6.11 American Lung Association Applauds Senate for Supporting the Health of Americans, American Lung Association Press Release 4.6.11 An Open Letter to Congress from Groups Protecting Public Health, Letter 4.4.11 USCAN’s Clean Air Act Pages include a compilation of member materials.

Clean Air Act Digest is a publication put together by US Climate Action Network and Natural Resources Defense Council please contact Kate Smolski at ksmolski@climatenetwork.org for more details. Click here for past issues.

Related posts:

1. Clean Air Act Digest, 4.1.11
2. Clean Air Act Digest, 2.10.11
3. Clean Air Act Digest, 4.21.11

UPDATES

Senate:

When the Senate returned from recess earlier this week, they resumed negotiations on a Small Business bill (S. 493). A handful of Senators filed unrelated amendments that would have serious consequences for the EPA’s ability to manage carbon pollution from industrial sources as well as land use changes (eg. clearing forests). While there were no votes on the amendments this week, it is likely that we will face a vote early next week. Below are descriptions of the bad amendments, all of which stop work underway to clean-up health-threatening pollution:

* McConnell (R-KY) Amendment #183: Would allow unlimited carbon pollution and increase our dependence on foreign oil. Learn more.

* Rockefeller (D-WV) Amendment #215: Would allow unlimited carbon pollution from big polluters for at least two years, stop the clean-up in progress, and set the stage for permanently allowing unlimited pollution from these sources. Learn more.

* Stabenow (D-MI)/Brown (D-OH) Amendment #277: Would let polluters off the hook by blocking enforcement of carbon pollution safeguards for two years, stop the clean-up in progress, and like Rockefeller pave the way for providing a permanent free-pass to polluters. The amendment would also permanently prevent the EPA from considering emissions resulting from land use changes, Learn more.

* Baucus (D-MT) Amendment #236: Would allow large emission sources to be built or modified with no requirement to limit their carbon pollution. Like the Stabenow amendment, the Baucus amendment would also prevent the EPA from considering emissions resulting from land use changes. Learn more.

House:

Chairman Upton’s Dirty Air Act is expected to come to the House floor for a vote next week. This bill, H.R. 910, would permanently block the EPA’s ability to limit carbon pollution.

White House:

There were troubling reports earlier this week that President Obama would allow policy riders to be attached to the next spending bill. And while we have seen some press reports that he will not allow extraneous pieces of legislation to be attached to the Continuing Resolution it is important that his office hear from the public. This week’s action alert asks President Obama to veto any legislation that threatens clean air.

ACTION ALERTS

Tell President Obama to Veto Any Bills That Weaken Protections for Our Health and Environment.

Big polluters are working hard to make deals that would threaten the air we breathe and they are trying to attach these dirty deals to just about every piece of legislation considered by Congress. Urge President Obama to publicly commit to vetoing any legislation that includes harmful riders that would jeopardize protections for our health and environment.

Take action, see NRDC’s action alert or contact Jamie Consuegra, jconsuegra@nrdc.org.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

EPA Power Plant Air Toxics Dear Colleague:

Representative Capps, Schakowsky and Wasserman Schultz are currently circulating a dear colleague letter in the House of Representatives in support of the EPA Power Plant Air Toxics Rule. Please urge Representatives to sign on to this letter to show support for protecting kids from mercury and toxic air pollution. For more details please contact Paul Billings at America Lung Association, pbillings@lungusa.org.

Comments for Mercury and Air Toxics Standards:

Two weeks ago, EPA announced the most important actions to clean up air pollution from dirty coal-burning power plants since the Clean Air Act was last updated in 1990. EPA’s proposed mercury and air toxics standards for power plants that burn coal and oil are projected to save as many as 17,000 American lives every year by 2015. There is no official deadline yet but once officially submitted into the Federal Register we will have 60 days to submit comments. Please see the Sierra Club’s factsheet and sample action alert and comment card for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Public Hearings for Mercury Air Toxics Standard:

EPA will hold public hearings on the recently released Mercury Air Toxics Standard in Philadelphia, Chicago and Atlanta. Details on the timing and location for those hearings will be made available soon in a separate Federal Register notice and posted at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/powerplanttoxics/.

NEW MATERIALS

150 Groups Oppose Policy Riders in Funding Bill, Group Letter 3.31.11

Health Groups Oppose All 4 Amendments that Block the Environmental Protection Agency, Joint Health Group Letter 3.30.11

Environmental and Other Organizations Oppose Amendments to S.493, Natural Resources Defense Council 3.30.11

Latinos’ Group Letter to Protect the Clean Air Act and Oppose Bills that Block the Environmental Protection Agency, Latinos’ Joint Letter 3.29.11

Small Businesses Oppose McConnell and Rockefeller Amendments to Small Business Bill, 3.16.11

A Siege Against the EPA and Environmental Progress, Op-Ed The Washington Post 3.24.11

Climate and Your Health, Natural Resources Defense Council Fact Sheet

USCAN’s Clean Air Act Pages include a compilation of member materials.

Clean Air Act Digest is a publication put together by US Climate Action Network and Natural Resources Defense Council please contact Kate Smolski at ksmolski@climatenetwork.org for more details. Click here for past issues.

Related posts:

1. Clean Air Act Digest, 4.8.11
2. Clean Air Act Digest, 4.21.11
3. Clean Air Act Digest, 3.3.11

Credit: Stefan Kühn

Nuclear Plants and Safety: A March 17th report by the nuclear engineer David Lochbaum at the Union of Concerned Scientists reviews the performance of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which is responsible for safe performance of U.S. nuclear power plants.  “The NRC and Nuclear Power Plant Safety in 2010: A Brighter Spotlight Needed” examines 14 “near-misses” at U.S. nuclear plants in 2010. These events exposed a variety of shortcomings:  inadequate training, poor maintenance, faulty design, and failure to thoroughly investigate problems.  NRC’s inspections reveal only a fraction of the problems that exist, and the report reviews examples of the agency’s effective and ineffective responses.

Top Mercury Emitters: A March 16th report by the Environmental Defense Fund identifies the top 25 emitters of mercury in the electric power sector.  Coal-fired power plants are the primary source of mercury air emissions in the U.S., and the 25 plants identified by the study are responsible for nearly a third of all mercury emissions in sector.  Meanwhile, these plants generate only 8% of the total supply.  Twenty of these polluting facilities are located within 50-100 miles of some of the largest metropolitan areas – including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, St. Louis and Austin. According to “Mercury Alert: Cleaning up Coal Plants for Healthier Lives”, Texas led the nation in mercury air pollution from coal-fired power in 2009.

Pollution and Wildlife: A March 16th report from the National Wildlife Federation highlights effects of climate change, mercury, acid rain, and smog on 10 U.S. wildlife species important to hunters and anglers.  According to “Air Pollution, a Warming Climate, and the Troubled Future for America’s Hunting and Fishing Heritage”, more regions are witnessing strict warnings about mercury-laced favorites like brown trout, walleye, and largemouth bass.  Remote forests, lakes, and streams are being degraded by acid rain.  Ozone now makes some sensitive plants more prone to disease and less able to produce and store food.  Climate change is resulting in a massive loss of fish spawning sites and higher summertime temperatures disrupt wildlife patterns and ecological balance.

Budget and the Environment: A report released on March 7th by 35 environmental organizations outlines this year’s recommendations for priority funding to support most critical U.S. environment and natural resource protection programs.  “The Green Budget 2012” highlights the areas where even a small amount of investment will bring huge dividends.  It also details how to eliminate the subsidies from polluting industries to fund protection for land and natural resources.  Key elements of the proposal include a diversion of $900 million from offshore drilling to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, as well as an aggressive expansion of funding for clean energy.  Maintaining current funding for national parks, ocean programs, and national refuges will sustain their contribution of 153 billion for the U.S. economy and 294,000 jobs for the U.S. private sector.

Green Infrastructure: Two February 28th reports by the Center for Clean Air Policy document approaches by innovative cities and counties throughout the U.S. to plan and adapt to emerging effects of climate change.  “The Value of Green Infrastructure for Urban Climate Adaptation” and “Lessons Learned on Local Climate Adaptation from the Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative” document compelling benefits of green infrastructure like green roofs, urban forestry, and water conservation.  The multiples positive effects of these pioneering initiatives include improvements in community resilience, human health, air quality, energy demand, and economic prosperity.

OTHER HOT PUBS

Toxins and Coal Plants: A March 8th report from the American Lung Association highlights the urgent need for national standards to limit a plethora of hazardous air pollutants emitted from coal-generating power plants.  Coal plants in the U.S. produce more toxic air pollution than any other industrial source – over 386,000 tons each year.  Among the hazardous toxins released are arsenic, lead, mercury, dioxins, formaldehyde, benzene, radioisotopes, and acid gases like hydrogen chloride. These substances are known or suspected causes of cancers, reproductive problems, birth defects, neural damage, heart attacks, and stroke.  Although most coal-fired plants are concentrated in the Midwest and Southeast, these toxins actually hitch-hike to other states on co-emitted particle pollution that kills about 13,000 people a year. The study “Toxic Air: The Case for Cleaning Up Coal-fired Power Plants” details the health effects of these emissions and the technologies available to reduce them.

Energy Efficient Appliances: According to the March 2nd study by the Consumer Federation of America, 95% of the public favors more energy efficient household items like refrigerators, air conditioners, and clothes washers.  Ninety-six percent cited monetary savings as a reason, 92% said they reduce pollution, and 84% favor them because they would curb greenhouse gases.  Seventy-two percent of respondents supported government standards for energy-efficient appliances, and approximately two-thirds of respondents were aware of existing standards.  Respondents aware of current standards were more likely to support them: 74% versus 64%.  Majority of Americans support efficient appliances even if they have to pay more up front.  “Public Attitudes Toward Energy Efficiency and Appliance Efficiency Standards” also notes that average household energy consumption equaled gasoline consumption in 2009.

POLLS

Nuclear Energy Support: According to a mid-march USA TODAY/Gallup poll of 1,004 adults, 70% of the public has grown more concerned about the safety of nuclear energy since the crisis unfolded at the reactors in Japan.  Thirty nine percent of the surveyed have grown “a lot more concerned”.  The poll’s results also demonstrate that the overall support for nuclear power decreased to 44%, down from 57% about a week before Japan’s earthquake and tsunami created a crisis situation.

Nuclear – Beyond Disapproval: According to a poll of 814 Americans by ORC International on March 15-16, Japan’s nuclear crisis triggered more than decline in support for nuclear energy.  Fifty three percent of Americans would now support a moratorium on new nuclear plants, 73% oppose federal loan guarantees for reactor construction, 73% would favor holding companies liable for damages resulting from nuclear accidents, 74% would support redirecting federal loan guarantees in favor of wind and solar, and 76% are more supportive of clean energy and energy efficiency as alternatives to more nuclear power.  Among other findings, the survey reveals that over half of Americans residing near nuclear reactors do not know what to do in case of emergency.

EPA Budget: A poll of the general public conducted for Bloomberg News by the veteran Iowa firm Selzer & Co. found that 59% of respondents believe major cuts to U.S. EPA would produce “fairly small” or “little difference” with regard to deficit savings.

New Light Bulbs: Re-Run – an oldie, but goodie!  According to a USA TODAY/Gallup poll from February 15th, seventy one percent of U.S. adults have replaced standard light bulbs at home with LEDs.  Eighty four percent say they are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the alternatives.  Sixty one percent of Americans call the 2007 legislation that requires incandescent light bulbs to be more efficient a “good” law.

Related posts:

1. The Case for Clean Energy and Clean Air, Climate Action Hotline 10.17.11
2. Broad Support for a Strong EPA and Other Hot Pubs
3. Clean Breeze for the Economy

UPDATES 1. Legislation: House - Yesterday the House Energy and Power Subcommittee held a mark-up of H.R. 910, Representative Upton’s (R-MI) Dirty Air Act. The bill passed by a voice vote. This legislation would permanently block the EPA’s ability to regulate carbon pollution and it already has the support of a few moderate democrats- Reps. Peterson (MN), Rahall (WV) and Boren (OK). The bill will be marked up in the full Energy and Commerce Committee next Monday and Tuesday, March 14th and 15th. While the schedule for H.R. 910 is unknown, it is likely that this bill could move to the floor very fast. We encourage groups to voice opposition to this harmful legislation with letters, action alerts etc. Senate - On Tuesday, in advance of the Senate’s vote on H.R. 1, members of the Environment and Public Works Committee spoke out on the floor in opposition to the bill and its many environmental riders that threaten public health. - On Wednesday, the Senate voted on two spending bills: H.R. 1 (the House passed spending bill) and the Inouye Substitute Amendment. Both would fund the government for the remainder of the year, but neither bill passed. The clock will run out on the two week compromise that is currently funding the government on March 18th. Negotiations will resume next week and the outcome remains uncertain. The public health and environmental riders will continue to be our central focus. - On Thursday, eight health groups joined with Chairman Boxer and six Senate colleagues including, Sanders, Cardin, Carper, Merkley, Whitehouse, and Lautenberg to voice concerns about the health impacts of the EPA budget cuts and potential riders in the continuing resolution passed by the House. 2. EPA Proposed Rule for Power Plant Air Toxics: - March 16 we expect to see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) propose an updated air quality standard for life-threatening hazardous air pollution from power plants, such as mercury and arsenic. This Air Toxics safeguard is also called the “Power Plant MACT (Maximum Available Control Technology).” This move by EPA to protect public health will save lives, prevent disease and improve our air and water quality. For more information please see the Sierra Club factsheet. 3. Reports: - On Tuesday, the American Lung Association released Toxic Air: The Case for Cleaning Up Coal-fired Power Plants. This report documents the range of hazardous air pollutants emitted from coal-burning power plants and the urgent need to clean them up to protect public health. The report details the dangerous mix of toxic air pollutants that flow from the stacks of uncontrolled coal burning power plants and the health harm associated with these pollutants. The report also discusses the technologies that are available for dramatically cutting these emissions—technologies that are commercially available and proven to work. As mentioned above the EPA is required to issue a proposal to cleanup this toxic pollution by March 16. ACTION ALERTS Protect the Clean Air Act in Congressional Spending Bills In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a funding bill, or Continuing Resolution, that puts the health of millions of Americans at risk while doing nothing to create jobs or grow the economy. Adding insult to injury, they also voted to continue government handouts to wealthy corporate polluters, a move that will cost American taxpayers billions of dollars. The House bill makes drastic cuts to the EPA’s budget, severely limiting the agency’s ability to protect the health and safety of Americans. And amendments that were added during floor debate will block the EPA from protecting communities from mercury, arsenic, carbon and other air pollution, leaving thousands of children exposed and at risk of slowed brain development and asthma. Thankfully the Senate voted down this harmful bill. Right now Congress is negotiating the bill that will continue to fund the government. Contact your Senators today and tell them to pass a clean bill that allows the EPA to do its job reducing harmful pollution and protects our health not corporate polluters. Call or Email your Senators Today and Tell Them to Stop Cuts to the EPA’s Authority and Budget! For more information see the action alert with sample email or contact Kate Smolski at ksmolski@climatenetwork.org. IMPORTANT DEADLINES Sign-on Letter in Opposition to H.R. 910 Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has circulated a sign-on letter in opposition to H.R. 910 and is looking for additional signers. This reckless legislation puts America’s health, prosperity, and national security at risk by gutting the Clean Air Act, overturning a decision of the Supreme Court, and dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to address life-threatening carbon dioxide and other pollution. To sign on please contact Franz A. Matzner at fmatzner@nrdc.org by Sunday, March 13, 2011 by 11 AM EST. Tell the EPA You Support Its Efforts to Curb Carbon Pollution! Recently, the EPA hosted a series of listening sessions to gather stakeholder input on the design of the upcoming New Source Performance Standards for power plants and refineries. These standards, targeting the two largest industrial sources of pollution, would place the first ever limits on greenhouse gas pollutants from these sectors. Tell the EPA you support their efforts to protect our families from carbon pollution today! See the Sierra Club’s action alert, comment card template or contact Lena Moffitt at Lena.Moffitt@sierraclub.org for more information. EPA will accept written comments on the planned rulemakings until March 18, 2011. You can also click here for the official instructions on submitting comments. Please note that there will be an official comment period on the rules once proposed. Sign on to Broad Clean Air Act Support Letter On behalf of American Lung Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club, we hope you will consider joining a sign-on letter urging Congress to promote protective clean air standards and to oppose any measures to weaken protections for public health. This letter expresses support for standards to protect public health from all kinds of air pollution – toxic, conventional and global warming. The letter will be sent to every member of the U.S. Senate and U.S House of Representatives as well as to President Obama. 1. Please use the Google form to sign-on to the letter. The Google form URL is http://bit.ly/9WaFDN. 2. Once you have signed on your organization, share this note with other groups you work with and ask them to sign on as well. The deadline is Monday, March 21th. Thank you in advance for your consideration. UPCOMING EVENTS Congressional Hearing: This morning, EPA Administrator Jackson appeared before a joint hearing of the Energy and Power Subcommittee and the Environment and Economy Subcommittee. The hearing was held on the proposed EPA budget for fiscal 2012. NEW MATERIALS Toxic Air: The Case for Cleaning Up Coal-fired Power Plants, American Lung Association Report Web Page 3.8.11 Roll Call Ad for Toxic Air Report, American Lung Association 3.8.11 Remarks of Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)- Subcommittee on Energy and Power, YouTube 3.10.11 House Subcommittee Votes for Fred Upton’s Unlimited Carbon Pollution Bill, Natural Resources Defense Council Blog 3.10.11 USCAN’s Clean Air Act Pages include a compilation of member materials.

Clean Air Act Digest is a publication put together by US Climate Action Network and Natural Resources Defense Council please contact Kate Smolski at ksmolski@climatenetwork.org for more details. Click here for past issues.

Related posts:

1. Clean Air Act Digest, 2.10.11
2. Clean Air Act Digest, 3.3.11
3. Clean Air Act Digest, 4.8.11

UPDATES 1. Legislation: House - Representative Upton (R-MI), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is expected to introduce legislation today that would permanently block the EPA’s ability to regulate carbon pollution. This version of the bill has been modified from the draft version released a month ago and is expected to attract the support of a few moderate democrats. Reps. Peterson (MN), Rahall (WV) and Boren (OK) have already indicated that they will co-sponsor the legislation. Senate - Senator Inhofe (R-OK) is expected to introduce legislation that mirrors Rep. Upton’s bill. - On Wednesday, the Senate approved a stopgap measure that would keep the federal government funded through March 18th. The resolution will cut $4 billion in spending over the next two weeks, these cuts reflect program cuts in President Obama’s budget. While this resolution does not include any of the policy riders passed by the House two weeks ago, there are serious questions about the duration and content of the next round of budget bills. 2. Hearings: - On Tuesday Administrator Jackson meet with Senate Democrats to discuss how best to protect the Environmental Protection Agency from Republican plans to cut its budget and rollback its ability to set standards for dangerous air pollution. Yesterday, Administrator Jackson testified in front of the Environment and Public Works Committee at the EPA Budget hearing. - Today, Administrator Jackson is testifying in front of the House Appropriations Committee. - Next Tuesday there will be a hearing in the Subcommittee on Energy and Power entitled “Climate Science and EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Regulations.” The witness list is TBD. 3. Reports: - On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency released a report on the costs and benefits of the Clean Air Act. The report found that the benefits from the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments will be nearly $2 trillion in 2020. In addition, the 1990 Amendments will prevent over 200,000 premature deaths in 2020. 4. EPA Proposed Rule for Power Plant Air Toxics: - In mid-March we expect to see the EPA propose an updated air quality standard for life-threatening hazardous air pollution from power plants, such as mercury and arsenic. This Air Toxics safeguard is also called the “Power Plant MACT (Maximum Available Control Technology).” This move by EPA to protect public health will save lives, prevent disease and improve our air and water quality. For more information please see the Sierra Club factsheet. IMMEDIATE UPCOMING EVENTS Public comment forum on EPA’s NSPS rulemakings, following final listening session on refineries: When: Friday, March 4th - 9:30 a.m. – Visibility event outside EPA’s Ariel Rios East building as oil executives enter building. - 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Refinery listening session. - 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Public comment forum. EPA has granted this dedicated session to hear all remaining public comment on their upcoming NSPS rules. We need to send a strong message out of the gate that we are 100% behind their work to stop global warming. Participation is encouraged. Contact phillip.ellis@sierraclub.org for more details. All activities will be held at: EPA Ariel Rios East Building 1201 Constitution Avenue, NW Room 1153 Washington, DC, 20460 Directions: Click here ACTION ALERTS Tell the EPA You Support Its Efforts to Curb Carbon Pollution! Recently, the EPA hosted a series of listening sessions to gather stakeholder input on the design of the upcoming New Source Performance Standards for power plants and refineries. These standards, targeting the two largest industrial sources of pollution, would place the first ever limits on greenhouse gas pollutants from these sectors. While we want to applaud the EPA for taking this flagship action and announcing a reasonable timeline for the issuance of these standards, we also want to encourage them to continue working as swiftly as possible to issue standards that will meaningfully reduce pollution from the largest industrial sources. Tell the EPA you support their efforts to protect our families from carbon pollution today! See the Sierra Club’s action alert, comment card template or contact Lena Moffitt at Lena.Moffitt@sierraclub.org for more information. EPA will accept written comments on the planned rulemakings until March 18, 2011. You can also click here for the official instructions on submitting comments. Please note that there will be an official comment period on the rules once proposed. IMPORTANT DEADLINES Sign on to Broad Clean Air Act Support Letter On behalf of American Lung Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club, we hope you will consider joining a sign-on letter urging Congress to promote protective clean air standards and to oppose any measures to weaken protections for public health. This letter expresses support for standards to protect public health from all kinds of air pollution – toxic, conventional and global warming. The letter will be sent to every member of the U.S. Senate and U.S House of Representatives as well as to President Obama. 1. Please use the Google form to sign-on to the letter. The Google form URL is http://bit.ly/9WaFDN. 2. Once you have signed on your organization, share this note with other groups you work with and ask them to sign on as well. The deadline is Friday, March 25th. Thank you in advance for your consideration. NEW MATERIALS Fact Sheet: Mercury Pollution from Coal-fired Power Plants, National Wildlife Federation 3.2.11 National Mercury and Children Ad (YouTube), Environmental Defense Fund 3.2.11 Second Prospective Report: Benefits and Costs of the Clean Air Act, Environmental Protection Agency 3.1.11 Fact Sheet: Benefits and Costs of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Environmental Protection Agency 3.1.11 USCAN’s Clean Air Act Pages include a compilation of member materials.

Clean Air Act Digest is a publication put together by US Climate Action Network and Natural Resources Defense Council please contact Kate Smolski at ksmolski@climatenetwork.org for more details. Click here for past issues.

Related posts:

1. Clean Air Act Digest, 2.3.11
2. Clean Air Act Digest, 2.10.11
3. Clean Air Act Digest, 3.11.11