March 16, 2009

It may seem contradictory. But according to both industry and environmental groups, the discrepancies in policies can be explained. At issue: cap-and-trade.

Those strategies use the free market to reduce air emissions. And while the Obama administration supports such an approach when it comes to cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, it does not do so as it relates to mercury emissions. Both issues have risen to the top of Washington's agenda, raising an obvious set of questions as to why cap-and-trade may be appropriate in certain areas but not in others.

Transcript from Marketplace on Pubilc Radio
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
by: Kai Ryssdal

KAI RYSSDAL: Goodness knows you've heard the word a lot on this program. You've probably used it yourself at some point in the past couple of years: Sustainability.

Companies have caught on too. A lot of them have launched what they call sustainability initiatives -- doing well by being good. That usually means cutting energy and water use and waste. They've hired sustainability directors, carefully calculated their carbon footprints, and banished styrofoam from the lunchroom.

We wondered, though, whether it's still easy to be green in a recession. From the Marketplace sustainability desk, Sarah Gardner reports.

February 09, 2009

Tough economic times won't obviate the need for new environmental controls. That's the message coming from Washington now that President Obama has taken two critical steps in the battle to combat global warming.

In the early days of his presidency, Obama has pushed aside a previous order by the former administration that prohibited California and 13 other states from enacting tailpipe emissions rules tougher than those imposed by the federal government. Obama has asked his Environmental Protection Agency to review those request for waivers while at the same declaring that the country would issue new fuel efficiency rules.

January 26, 2009

It is breathtaking how easily many now say, "This is the worst economic crisis since the Depression." The Depression remade America. It spawned the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, transforming the business landscape occupied by electric and natural gas utilities. It led to the construction of towering federal hydroelectric dams in the West, and brought electrification to the poorest hollows of Appalachia.

The changes coming to the power industry promise to be equally sweeping - if not more revolutionary - than what occurred eight decades ago. Energy, national security and the environment have become so intertwined that each will shape the other for years to come. Crises in any of the three will quickly inflame the other two. Barack Obama promises a new era in which America will be led by a vigorous, intelligent and optimistic leadership team. Energy is certain to be at the core of his administration's agenda.

By ERIC TALMADGE
Posted: 1/23/09
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — The first satellite dedicated to monitoring carbon dioxide emissions was launched into space Friday from a center in Japan, where officials hope to gather information on climate change — and help the country compete in the lucrative satellite-launching business.

The satellite — named "Ibuki," which means "breath" — was sent into orbit along with seven other piggyback probes on a Japanese H2A rocket. Japan's space agency, JAXA, said the launch was a success but officials there said they were monitoring the satellites to make sure that they entered orbit properly.

Ibuki, which will circle the globe every 100 minutes, will store information on greenhouse gas levels around the globe for the next five years. The data will be shared with NASA in the United States and other space and scientific organizations.

Officials said the Ibuki satellite mission was the first of its kind. It is equipped with optical sensors that measure reflected light from the Earth and check the density of carbon dioxide and methane, two gases that are considered to be the main contributors to global warming.