Trade Associations & Coalitions Industry
Issue Alerts
Weekly Climate Policy Update - December 21, 2007
Kyle Danish, Andrea Hudson, Shelley FidlerDecember 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.
Energy Independence and Security Act Becomes Law; Congress Acts on Additional Energy-Related Bills but Issues Remain for 2008
Patrick Currier, Caroline Roach, Curt RichDecember 20, 2007
Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, an energy bill that includes new energy efficiency and renewable fuel requirements, but does not include renewable electricity requirements or energy tax incentives. Congress also adopted the omnibus appropriations bill which contains new direction on loan guarantees for advanced energy projects, and the Senate passed a farm bill containing incentives for biofuels, setting up a conference with the House of Representatives in early 2008.
Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act Clears Senate Committee Markup: Future Prospects Uncertain
Tom Roberts, Andrea HudsonDecember 7, 2007
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works favorably reported the S.2191, The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act, by an 11-8 vote. S.2191, as reported from the full Committee, retains the major design features of the version reported from the Subcommittee on Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming and Wildlife Protection on November 1, 2007.
Weekly Climate Change Policy Update - September 28
Andrea Hudson Campbell, Kyle W. Danish, Shelley N. FidlerSeptember 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.
Weekly Climate Change Policy Update - September 21
Andrea Hudson Campbell, Kyle W. Danish, Shelley N. FidlerSeptember 21, 2007
This week, publicly-traded companies faced inquiries from two different angles regarding disclosure of risks and opportunities related to climate change.
Articles
Railroad Transportation of Nuclear Waste and Other Hazardous Materials
Michael McBrideThe Electricity Journal
April 2008
Railroads continue to have duties to shippers and the public, and they may not take the law into their own hands. Except for emergencies – and then only for the duration of the emergency – they must carry all commodities without regard to whether they are dangerous, unless the proper agency of the federal government has relieved them of that obligation.
Seminars & Events
Prospects for Rail Regulatory Reform: A Shipper Perspective
Denver, COSeptember 12, 2007
As presented to the National Coal Transportation Association, CURE is an incorporated, non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate improved rail policy for rail customers and the nation.
Carbon Markets U.S. Forum
Point CarbonWashington, DC
January 2007
Van Ness Feldman's Bob Nordhaus spoke on legal and legislative developments and the firm exhibited at this conference, the first such event in the U.S. for leading global greenhouse gas media outlet and market advisory service Point Carbon.