Weekly Climate Policy Update - December 21, 2007

Kyle Danish, Andrea Hudson, Shelley Fidler
December 21, 2007

This week, President Bush signed an energy bill that significantly increases fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, mandates greater biofuels production, and creates efficiency standards for buildings. Although the bill was not as comprehensive as earlier versions – which included a renewable portfolio standard and tax incentives for renewable energy production – it addresses a number of energy issues facing the U.S. The enactment of the bill and its increased fuel economy standards also contributed to EPA’s landmark decision to deny California’s request for a waiver to implement its vehicle CO¬2 emission standards. The denial marks the first time that EPA has denied such a waiver and sets the stage for a showdown between the state and the agency. The denial, and EPA’s reasoning for denying the waiver, may have important implications for the future of GHG regulation at the agency.

Weekly Climate Change Policy Update - September 28

Andrea Hudson Campbell, Kyle W. Danish, Shelley N. Fidler
September 28, 2007

International climate talks at the United Nations and in Washington were top news items this week. House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell introduced a carbon tax bill, and several notable energy efficiency and climate change commitments were made at the Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative. Read more about these and other developments in this week's edition.

FERC Moves to Clarify Rules on Merger Reviews and Cross-Subsidy Restrictions

Celia Martellino, Gary Bachman, Doug Smith
July 26, 2007

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued three orders designed to provide additional clarity and guidance concerning FERC’s merger and corporate review policies, and to strengthen its protections against unauthorized cross-subsidization of affiliates by regulated utilities.

Electric Energy: Markets, Regulation and Investment

Capital Hilton Hotel, Washington, DC
March 3, 2008

Van Ness Feldman's Douglas Smith and Kyle Danish will be two of the Program Co-Chairs. Mr. Smith will speak at 10:45 AM on March 3 during the session "Electricity Utility Regulation: Current Regulatory Challenges". Mr. Danish will speak at 3:15 PM on March 3 during the session entitled "Climate Change and Strategies for Electric Utilites and their Regulators".