Senate
Environmental and energy issues became one of the central issues of the 2008 U.S. presidential election. While the economy itself took center stage, energy issues were right behind it, being pushed by the insufferable chant of “Drill baby drill.” In the four years that have followed, the U.S. has seen a boom in hydraulic fracturing (fracking), the worst oil spill in our history, skyrocketing (and then plummeting) gas prices, a disastrous oil pipeline plan that threatens the safety of our aquifers, and a Republican-led assault on environmental safety standards.
Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) have introduced legislation aimed at extending the Production Tax Credit, or PTC.
In order to help leaders and policymakers prepare for the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the International Energy Agency has released a document that contains highlights of a report it will release next month concerning CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion.
Continuing to lead the United States' clean energy initiatives, California has officially adopted a cap-and-trade program.
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) made it official with a unanimous vote; and, by doing so created the first carbon market in North America.
Australia's House of Representatives has passed the administration's carbon tax package; now the tax needs only to pass through the Senate in order to receive final approval.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) has vetoed legislation that would have authorized a multi-billion investment in modernizing Illinois' electric grid while maintaining strict regulatory oversight and consumer protections.
Southern Company (NYSE:SO) has taken a significant step towards constructing two new nuclear units in Georgia.
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), an Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC) company, has received the findings of a report it asked consulting firm Black & Veatch to conduct concerning a one-year smart meter pilot program.
The Governor of New York has signed a new law which promotes the adoption of low carbon energy and energy efficient technologies through all sectors of the economy.
