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newsclips -- ARB Newsclips for May 27, 2015.
Posted: 27 May 2015 16:11:20
ARB Newsclips for May 27, 2015. This is a service of the California Air Resources Board’s Office of Communications. You may need to sign in or register with individual websites to view some of the following news articles. CAP AND TRADE Carbon tax or trade? Debate loses steam as world embraces both. Tax versus trade is an issue that has stalked the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) over its 10 years of existence, but is fading in importance as the world moves towards increased use of both methods of cutting greenhouse gas pollution. The European Union set up the ETS in 2005 as a way of getting round policy-making rules that require the unanimity of member states to decide on a tax. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/eu-carbon-tax-idUSL5N0YF0HU20150527 AIR POLLUTION Breather for Greenpeace in battle with government. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed Greenpeace to gather domestic donations in two accounts frozen by the government, extending a lifeline to the environmental group that says it is facing the first forced shutdown of one of its global units. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/india-greenpeace-idUSKBN0OC1AW20150527 Study casts doubt on life-saving potential of EPA regs. Estimates of the number of lives saved by federal air regulations are highly uncertain, researchers from Indiana University concluded in a new study. The team, which included a former top official in President George W. Bush's administration, analyzed nine air pollution regulations issued by U.S. EPA between 2011 and 2013… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2015/05/27/stories/1060019185 CLIMATE CHANGE World has no choice but to decarbonise - UN climate chief. Responding to climate change in the next 15 years is the world's "mega development project", given the need to invest trillions of dollars in infrastructure, creating jobs and economic stability, the United Nations' top climate change official said on Tuesday. "It makes fundamental economic sense" for countries to push forward on tackling climate change… http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/26/climate-change-carbon-idUSL5N0YH3E320150526 Governments certain to seal Paris climate deal: U.N. climate chief. Governments are certain to sign a global climate deal in Paris in six months' time even though most countries have yet to outline how they plan to cut emissions, the United Nations' climate chief said on Tuesday. Almost 200 governments are due to meet at a conference in Paris from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 to agree on a deal to slow global warming. "Governments are actually very well on track...there is no doubt that this agreement will be forged in Paris," Christiana Figueres, head of the U.N. climate change secretariat, said in an interview at a carbon market event in Barcelona. http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/05/26/us-climate-change-deal-idINKBN0OB1KL20150526 Shareholders press for board voice on climate at Exxon, Chevron. Progressive shareholders are pushing to add directors with climate change expertise to the boards of Exxon Mobil Corp and Chevron Corp, arguing the largest U.S. oil companies need more depth of knowledge to navigate environmental issues. Climate and greenhouse gas proposals regularly surface at oil company annual meetings… http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/exxon-chevron-climate-change-idUSL1N0YH19C20150527?type=companyNews http://www.timesunion.com/news/texas/article/Exxon-shareholders-to-vote-on-climate-change-6289048.php Finance to protect forests must meet local needs: experts. Madagascar has 7 million hectares of rainforest under protection as of this month, but stopping the poor people who live near those areas from illegally cutting down rosewood trees remains a challenge. "Most... say we are spending a lot of money to protect the environment instead of spending money to help them… http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/us-climate-change-forest-carbontrading-idUSKBN0OC25820150527 Energy industry calls for new emissions targets to aid low-carbon growth. World governments need to set clear long-term goals at Paris climate talks and invest about $50tn to bring about changes needed to avoid dangerous global warming, say World Energy Council. World governments must sign a clear new agreement on greenhouse gas emissions at a crunch conference in Paris this December, leaders of the world’s energy industry have urged. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/27/energy-industry-calls-for-new-emissions-targets-to-aid-low-carbon-growth Across U.S., Heaviest Downpours On The Rise. Record-breaking rain across Texas and Oklahoma this week caused widespread flooding, the likes of which the region has rarely, if ever, seen. For seven locations there, May 2015 has seen the most rain of any month ever recorded, with five days to go and the rain still coming. While rainfall in the region is consistent with the emerging El Niño… http://www.climatecentral.org/news/across-u.s.-heaviest-downpours-on-the-rise-18989 Can US meet its climate goals? New study says ‘Yes’ Ahead of global climate talks in December, a new study outlines how the US can meet its ambitious goals to cut back on carbon emissions. The world's second largest emitter has made big promises to trim output of the planet-warming gases that scientists say raise global average temperatures. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy/2015/0527/Can-US-meet-its-climate-goals-New-study-says-Yes How climate change threatens national security (+video). Researchers have grown increasingly concerned by the threat that global warming poses to global peace. And political leaders are beginning to take notice. What is the “farmhands-to-fighters” argument? The argument links reduced economic opportunity in agriculture to increased violent activity. http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2015/0526/How-climate-change-threatens-national-security-video If You’ve Wondered Why So Many Politicians Deny Climate Change, Science Has Your Answer. Scientists have known for a long time what’s causing current climate change. What’s been less clear is why so many U.S. politicians aren’t listening. Sure, there’s been falsely balanced media coverage of climate science. And there are both financial and ideological incentives to deny that carbon emissions are causing the phenomenon. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/27/3662739/climate-change-echo-chambers/ Most Of Mount Everest’s Glaciers Could Be Nearly Gone By The End Of The Century. Most of Mount Everest’s glaciers will markedly shrink over the course of this century, as climate change continues to warm the Himalayan region, according to a new study.The study, published Wednesday in the journal Cryosphere, found that the thousands of glaciers in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region… http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/27/3663110/everest-glaciers-shrinking/ DROUGHT Western U.S. drought might raise food prices: Reuters/Ipsos poll. An overwhelming majority of U.S. residents think the drought that has hit agriculture in the West will lead to increased food prices, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday. The poll, conducted May 18 to 22, also found strong support for certain water conservation efforts that might be aimed at the general public in drought-stricken states. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/27/us-usa-drought-poll-idUSKBN0OC0ZL20150527?feedType=RSS&feedName=everything&virtualBrandChannel=11563 First William Shatner, now Moby: Celebrities' ideas for tackling California drought. Move over Capt. James T. Kirk. Now Moby wants to boldly go forward with a plan to ease California's drought. Now musician Moby is calling on Gov. Jerry Brown for more action on water conservation. In an interview with Forbes, Moby said he began researching water issues and agriculture last year and had even replaced his lawn with mulch. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-celebrity-california-drought-ideas-20150527-story.html Southland water importer OKs $350-million boost in lawn-removal rebates. Responding to a surge of interest in removing grass amid California's worsening drought, the Metropolitan Water District agreed Monday to spend an additional $350 million to help homeowners and businesses replace the turf. The move comes as Gov. Jerry Brown has ordered urban water users to cut consumption by 25%... http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-drought-rebates-20150527-story.html Drought angst shrivels Californians’ views of state. Despite an improving economy and burgeoning budget surplus, California’s worsening drought is stirring fresh anxieties about the direction of the Golden State. A new poll shows Californians’ perceptions of the state have soured in recent months as Gov. Jerry Brown and others imposed new conservation mandates. http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/field-polls/article22392486.html#storylink=cpy A little potty humor could come in handy in drought. With California in its fourth year of drought, AT&T has come up with a list of apps to help residents tackle water use. Some of the apps appear seriously helpful, with some not-so-obvious suggestions for reducing water consumption. But one of them, you’ve got to see – make that hear – to believe. It’s called Fakeshower, it’s from Akatu, and here’s what an AT&T news release has to say about it: http://www.modbee.com/news/article22375788.html#storylink=cpy If drought persists, SLO could run out of water in 3 to 4 years. If San Luis Obispo residents don’t conserve more, the city could run out of water in three and a half years under worst-case drought conditions. Even if the community cuts water by the 12 percent target set by state water regulators, San Luis Obispo could run out of water in four and half years if drought continues.. http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2015/05/26/3651471/slo-water-conservation-drought.html#storylink=cpy California’s Drought Makes It Rain Dollars For Local Businesses. When people call up Leigh Jerrard, founder of Greywater Corps, they’re greeted with a recorded message: “Note that we are overwhelmed with inquiries right now, so it may be a while before we get back to you. But have faith.” Jerrard’s company helps homeowners with the complicated process of installing their own graywater systems. The system takes drainage from showers or washing machines and uses it to water lawns. http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2015/05/27/californias-drought-makes-it-rain-dollars-for-local-businesses California Drought: El Niño Won’t End Dry Times In California. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center and meteorologists in other countries show that strong-to-moderate El Niño conditions are present in the tropical Pacific. But it won't end the drought in California. The Climate Prediction Center says there is an approximately 80 percent chance that El Niño will continue through 2015 in the Northern Hemisphere. http://www.capradio.org/articles/2015/05/27/california-drought-el-nino-wont-end-dry-times-in-california/ Six Lessons For California From A Drought Halfway Around The World. Drought-stricken California has a lot to learn from Melbourne, Australia, according to UC Irvine civil and environmental engineering professor Stanley Grant. He's the senior author of a study published Tuesday outlining how Melbourne slashed its water consumption in half during a recent drought that lasted more than a decade. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/may/26/six-lessons-california-drought-halfway-around-worl/ DIESEL ACTIVITIES EU real-world emissions tests to bring “marked reduction” in NOx emissions. The approval of the European Commission’s proposals for real-world driving air pollution emission tests will help ensure a marked reduction in NOx emissions, claims Emissions Analytics. From 2017, part of the type approval process for passenger cars in Europe will include a compulsory real-world test using a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS). http://fleetworld.co.uk/news/2015/May/EU-real-world-emissions-tests-to-bring-8220marked-reduction8221-in-NOx-emissions/0434020000 CMU study compares lifecycle GHGs of natural gas pathways for MHDVs; MD BEVs can deliver large reductions, but diesel hard to beat for Class 8. A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers comparing life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from different natural gas pathways for medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) found that the GHG reduction potentials of the pathways vary sharply between non-Class 8 MHDVs (e.g., pick-up trucks, parcel delivery trucks, and box trucks), Class 8 transit buses, and Class 8 MHDVs (e.g., refuse trucks and tractor-trailers). http://www.greencarcongress.com/2015/05/20150527-cmu.html FUELS EPA Grapples With Competing Rationales for Setting Renewable Fuel Requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency is grappling with how much ethanol the market can absorb as petroleum refiners and renewable fuels producers offer competing rationales for how renewable fuel blending requirements should be set in an upcoming proposed rule. The EPA will address the ethanol “blend wall” as part of the proposed rule expected by June 1… http://www.bna.com/epa-grapples-competing-n17179927077/ China’s Coal Use May Have Peaked Years Ahead Of Schedule. China’s coal use fell by nearly 8 percent in the first four months of 2015 versus the same period in 2014, according to analysis by Greenpeace’s Energydesk team. Given China’s aggressive commitments to slash urban air pollution levels and reverse carbon pollution trends, we may have witnessed the peak in Chinese coal consumption years ahead of schedule. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/27/3662681/chinas-coal-use-peaked/ VEHICLES Navigant forecasts annual plug-in electric vehicle sales in N America to exceed 1.1M by 2024. In a new report, Navigant Research forecasts that North American plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) sales will exceed 1.1 million annually by 2024. The report, Electric Vehicle Geographic Forecasts, provides data and forecasts for LD PEV sales in North America, including US states, MSAs, and utility service territories and Canadian provinces and cities. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2015/05/20150527-navigant.html Renault-Nissan Alliance to provide 200 EVs for Paris climate conference. The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide a fleet of 200 all-electric vehicles as the official passenger-car provider for the United Nation’s COP21 climate conference in Paris later this year. The fully electric car fleet will shuttle delegates during the event from 30 November to 11 December. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2015/05/20150527-cop21.html Tesla Pops Up, State Electric-Car Fees, Obama Delayed: Today's Car News. We look at vacation car-rental dilemmas, state electric-car fees, and yet another innovation from California carmaker Tesla Motors. All this and more today on Green Car Reports. Tesla takes a page from the retail industry and opens its first "popup store" to sell electric cars in Santa Barbara. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098460_tesla-pops-up-state-electric-car-fees-obama-delayed-todays-car-news Electric-Car Future Is Coming, Just More Slowly Than Predicted: Consensus. It's been no secret that President Obama's goal of 1 million plug-in electric cars on U.S. roads won't be met by the end of this year. That's the goal he announced on the campaign trail toward winning his first term in 2008. http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098476_electric-car-future-is-coming-just-more-slowly-than-predicted-consensus GREEN ENERGY Solar Shines as Sellers Sometimes Pay Buyers to Use Power. Move over, shale. The sun is now the fastest-growing source of U.S. electricity. Solar power capacity in the U.S. has jumped 20-fold since 2008 as companies including Apple Inc. use it to reduce their carbon footprints. Rooftop panels are sprouting on homes from suburban New York to Phoenix, driven by suppliers such as SolarCity Corp. and NRG Energy Inc. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-26/solar-as-fastest-growing-u-s-power-source-rivals-shale-boom French bill seeks to boost renewable energy, cut nuclear use, promote environmental measures. France's lower house of parliament has approved a bill aimed at boosting renewable energy and reducing the country's reliance on nuclear power, among other environment-friendly measures. The French government wants to be exemplary this year in environmental matters… http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2015/05/26/french-bill-seeks-to-boost-renewable-energy-cut-nuclear-use Hanford dairy goes solar in a big way. "The dairy business takes constant evaluation and assessment to ensure our operation and team is working as efficiently as possible,” says Brian Medeiros. “We're extremely focused on improving efficiencies across the entire farm. Solar is one of those crucial tools that makes a lot of sense. It helps us to reduce our energy costs and improve our triple bottom line." http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=28412 Small Islands Are Biggest Beneficiaries Of Renewable Energy. When it comes to sites where renewable energy can have the biggest impact, it's best to look offshore. Islands are often cut off from mainland grid infrastructure, which drives up energy costs for the people who live there. That creates a powerful incentive for switching to renewable sources… http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098446_small-islands-are-biggest-beneficiaries-of-renewable-energy Governors urge Congress to renew wind energy tax credit. Two prominent wind energy supporters are reviving the industry's campaign to renew the federal production tax credit that expired last year. In a letter to top lawmakers in the House and Senate, Govs. Jay Inslee (D) of Washington and Terry Branstad (R) of Iowa, who lead the Governors' Wind Energy Coalition, called for a "multi-year" extension of the PTC… http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2015/05/27/stories/1060019193 Berkeley lab names solar energy center for former DOE chief. The new home for the Energy Department's innovation hub aiming to turn sunlight into fuel will be named after former Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory officially opened Chu Hall yesterday, naming it in honor of the Nobel-prize winning physicist, who was previously the director of the lab before President Obama tapped him to be his first secretary of Energy. http://www.eenews.net/greenwire/2015/05/27/stories/1060019187 OPINIONS This is climate skeptics’ latest argument about melting polar ice — and why it’s wrong. We’ve had two weeks of worrying news about the melting of Antarctica. The Larsen C and especially the remaining Larsen B ice shelves appear vulnerable to collapse, even as the glaciers of the Southern Antarctic Peninsula region have just been shown to be pouring large volumes of water into the ocean. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/05/27/climate-skeptics-think-you-shouldnt-worry-about-melting-polar-ice-heres-why-theyre-wrong/ Using Science to Fight Climate Change. To the Editor: Re “Chemo for the Planet” (column, May 19): The biggest obstacle to policies that would reduce carbon use and forestall climate change is that people don’t think clearly about long-term risks. This is seen in many spheres. While everyone knows that exercise and better diet could prevent many diseases, this is not a sufficient motivation for many of us. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/27/opinion/using-science-to-fight-climate-change.html?_r=0 California Is Running Out of Carpool Lane Stickers for Plug-in Hybrids. Here we go again. California's carpool lane program for plug-in hybrids is about to run out of stickers. If the story sounds familiar, it is. The state has a history of issuing fewer carpool stickers than demand would dictate. But that's by design. http://www.laweekly.com/news/california-is-running-out-of-carpool-lane-stickers-for-plug-in-hybrids-5618019 Barnidge: Small drought measures are good, but better solutions await. As I took my morning walk through the neighborhood the other day, observing thirsty turf where lush lawns once grew, I thought how pleased that would make Gov. Jerry Brown, the grand overlord of drought-mitigation plans. Not only did I see no sprinklers sprinkling, I noticed one resident replaced the grass in her front yard with desert vegetation. http://www.contracostatimes.com/barnidge/ci_28197651/barnidge-small-drought-measures-are-good-but-better California Agriculture Increases Despite Drought. As California farmers enter another summer of drought, the numbers point to a positive season. Despite the ongoing lack of water, the state surprisingly continues to increase employment in agriculture and its farm revenues. UC Davis professor Richard Sexton attributes the growth to ingenuity in farming techniques and an increased demand for California goods globally. http://www.kfbk.com/articles/kfbk-news-461777/california-agriculture-increases-despite-drought-13626026#ixzz3bMke5uAX Valley Voice: Drought measures hone survival skills. Nearly everyone has heard about California’s ongoing drought crisis, and many have offered solutions and opinions. There is a connection between the expected magnitude 8.0 earthquake and this drought — or any severely damaging earthquake for that matter. It is that using water wisely suddenly becomes a conscious decision and action. http://www.desertsun.com/story/opinion/contributors/2015/05/27/valley-voice-camelot-disaster-drought-skills/28013491/ Concord to implement drought management plan. The city has developed a drought management plan to comply with mandatory water reductions. In response to Gov. Jerry Brown's statewide mandate, the Contra Costa Water District is requiring its irrigation customers to reduce water use by 45 percent from 2013 levels and limit watering to twice per week. http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_28197754/concord-implement-drought-management-plan Global Warming Is Not A Theory. It Is A Measurement. I admit to being concerned about global warming, its many impacts, present and future, on human welfare, and the insidious fact that those least responsible for global warming and the resultant climate change are likely to suffer the most serious impacts. http://cleantechnica.com/2015/05/27/global-warming-is-not-a-theory-it-is-a-measurement/ Big Question About Industry's Newest Climate Effort. Europe’s largest oil companies are reportedly working together on a policy strategy leading up to this year’s international climate talks in Paris. It’s nice to hear that some of the biggest players in the global oil and gas industry want to engage in solutions, but it remains to be seen if they will take the action needed to… http://theenergycollective.com/edfenergyex/2232441/big-question-about-industry-s-newest-climate-effort Letter: Support proposal to increase fees on emissions. Jobs, jobs, jobs. We have all heard the politicians’ claims that the Keystone pipeline will create approximately 42,000 jobs; however, most of those jobs will be temporary — lasting less than one year. If job opportunities are our main goal, Congress should consider former Secretary of State George Shultz’s “Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal.” http://www.argusleader.com/story/opinion/readers/2015/05/26/letter-support-proposal-increase-fees-emissions/27972527/ BLOGS NOAA calls for below-average hurricane season, but emphasizes preparedness. The upcoming hurricane season will likely be quieter than average, NOAA said today in their seasonal outlook, indicating that a strengthening El Niño and cool ocean temperatures will probably lead to unfavorable hurricane conditions over the Atlantic Ocean. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/05/27/noaa-calls-for-below-average-hurricane-season-but-emphasizes-preparedness/ In Texas, the Race to Build in Harm’s Way Outpaces Flood-Risk Studies and Warming. The holiday and the type of hazard have changed, but once again fast-growing Texas is seeing outsize (and tragic) impacts from extreme weather events. On Labor Day weekend in 2011, the disaster was heat- and drought-fueled fires that whipped through the exurbs east of Austin, most of which didn’t exist just a few decades earlier. http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/26/in-texas-the-race-to-develop-in-harms-way-outpaces-flood-risk-studies-and-warming-impacts/ Fresno’s million-dollar water deal: What a bargain in this drought. Fresno bought nearly 3,000 acre-feet of Millerton Lake water last week for $1 million — a deal so uncommon this year that I had to read reporter George Hostetter’s story twice. On the open water market, the Millerton water might be worth five times that price. Plus, this was supposed to be a second heart-breaking drought year when Millerton Lake customers largely get zero. http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/earth-log/article22365489.html#storylink=cpy Resilient Leadership for a Resilient World. During the course of this month, millions of American students will graduate from institutions of higher learning, only to enter a world beset by challenges that threaten the stability of societies around the globe: new geopolitical tensions and the rise of radical non-state actors; new forms of cyber-aggression; a changing climate… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-shirley-ann-jackson/resilient-leadership-for_b_7453012.html Welcoming Electric Cars to the Central Valley. How can this family afford to make the switch from a high-polluting car that gets poor gas mileage to an efficient clean vehicle that can run on electricity and gasoline? By putting a price on pollution to reduce emissions, California is funding incentive programs that help those who are disproportionately burdened by dangerous air pollution and the cost of transportation. http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/mbaumhefner/welcoming_electric_cars_to_the.html WHO calls for clean energy to tackle air pollution. The UN health body is calling for energy efficiency and clean energy to tackle air pollution in a “landmark resolution” agreed this week. Some 3.7 million people die each year from exposure to outdoor air pollution and 4.3 million from indoor pollution, the World Health Organization estimates. Coal power stations and diesel vehicles are major sources of harmful fumes… http://www.rtcc.org/2015/05/27/who-calls-for-clean-energy-to-tackle-air-pollution/#sthash.VwszaXFW.dpuf A Bright Idea to Cut Carbon Emissions. You've probably spent a significant portion of your life beneath harsh soul-crushing fluorescent lighting in school, in the office, in the supermarket... everywhere. Why? It's simply because fluorescent bulbs are so much more efficient than their incandescent cousins. But in this day and age, we're all taking a much harder look at what "efficient" truly means. Are fluorescent bulbs efficient enough? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/x-prize-foundation/a-bright-idea-to-cut-carb_b_7446962.html A Global Look at Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programs. This is a historic year for climate action as nations around the world prepare commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In order to be successful, governments must have an abundance of a particularly valuable resource—emissions data. Governments can get granular data on emissions through mandatory GHG reporting programs… http://www.wri.org/blog/2015/05/global-look-mandatory-greenhouse-gas-reporting-programs New research helps farmers set targets for reducing emissions. The easiest way to tackle fertilizer pollution is to lower the amount of nitrogen applied to crops, thereby reducing nutrient losses into the air and water. The problem is, reducing fertilizer rates can also shrink crop yields, which means less income for farmers and less food on our plates. http://blogs.edf.org/growingreturns/2015/05/26/new-research-helps-farmers-set-targets-for-reducing-emissions/ California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips.