Economics should dictate climate policy – Bush staffer
Former White House economist says price on carbon only solution to climate issue
US Policy
See allUS Senators propose $20 carbon price
60% of revenues would be given to households as rebate, rest used for energy efficiency, lower deficit and boost clean energy research
Kerry ramps up US climate diplomacy efforts
US Secretary of State John Kerry continues efforts to develop climate consensus after China, Australia & EU meetings
Senate to be presented with US carbon tax plans
Two senators will reveal details of new legislation to put a price on carbon, providing an early test of Obama’s resolve on climate change
Morgan Freeman leads Hollywood climate appeal to Obama
Morgan Freeman, Edward Norton and Alec Baldwin join environmental NGOs in call for more climate change action from Barack Obama.
Comment: This is Obama’s best chance to cement climate legacy
Writing for RTCC, President Clinton’s former climate advisor Dirk Forrister urges Obama to put his climate action plans on the table during the State of the Union address
Cutting US emissions in eight simple steps
New report by the World Resources Institute (WRI) finds US needs drastic action to get carbon emissions back on track
Politics set to block Pentagon investment in US military biofuels
Critics say move could jeopardise development of the industry and threaten country’s national security.
California’s climate change fight could increase drought risk
Successful clean energy and water management policies must recognise relationship between the two, says Stockholm Environment Institute.
EDF: Cut the leaks or gas has no part to play in fighting climate change
Leaks in the production and transportation of gas must be cut to 1% for it to contribute to a cleaner energy mix, according to research co-authored by the Environmental Defence Fund.
Can California hit its climate change targets? Computer says yes
New model shows switch from coal to renewables is cheapest way for Western US to cut emissions.
Gingrich calls US Navy backed algae biofuels “cloud cuckoo land”
Presidential hopeful calls prospect “cloud cuckoo land” despite heavy US Navy backing of new source of fuel.
Keystone XL shows growing power of grassroots politics
Tea Party and Occupy unite in latest pipeline dispute as local political groups increasingly fill the void left by governments suffering policy inertia and economic stagnation.
The world according to Santorum
Potential US Presidential nominee has some unconventional views on climate change and science in general.
The week in climate quotes
RTCC presents the week’s climate change and sustainable development news with some choice quotes from the people making the headlines.
WWF issues warning on US plan to target non-CO2 emissions
Advocacy group says big emitters should not forget their own targets while targeting methane, soot and HFCs in developing countries.
Keystone pipeline provision passed by the House
Legislation which would force the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline passed the House of Representatives, but there is still doubt over whether it will pass the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Hillary Clinton launches voluntary non-CO2 emissions reduction scheme
US and partners to fund cuts in methane, HFCs and soot in developing countries.
Heartland: How the story unfolded
Document shows Heartland Institute’s focus on influencing school curriculums, promoting fracking and funding of sceptic websites.
Obama budget boosts clean energy and cuts fossil fuel subsidies
Energy efficiency and renewable power are big winners as fossil fuel subsidies and carbon capture funding cut.
US Oil lobby outspends green movement by factor of five
Pressure groups spend big between elections as spotlight turns on 2012 campaign financing.
Five things we learned about climate change this week
President Obama, Ban Ki-moon and NASA all had something to say in a hectic week of climate change news. RTCC runs through five ideas to takeaway from the week.
New Keystone XL route planned following Obama rejection
TransCanada says it remains committed to Keystone XL as Republicans round on President over jobs.
US Election 2012: Republican Presidential candidates on climate change
The first in a round of polls to find the Republican Presidential nomination kicks-off in Iowa today. RTCC examines the candidates’ track records on climate change.
Will 2012 be the year Obama goes green?
Campaign promises of 2008 have been on the backburner but an improving economy and a winnable election could turn the tide.
Arnie tells Republicans not to be “narrow minded” over Solyndra
Panel including Governator, Sir Richard Branson and IPPC chief Pachauri meets standing Californian Governor Jerry Brown to debate climate change.
US: Canada’s Kyoto pull-out will have no effect on new global deal
Lead American negotiator Todd Stern says Kyoto was key to Durban Platform but is “more the past than the future”.
EU says US “ping-pong” blame game with China must stop
EU calls US “arrogant and ignorant” for interfering in Emissions Trading Scheme and says deal must be agreed.
VIDEO: Huhne and Figueres vent frustration with US position at COP17
The States has ‘lost leadership’ and is missing out on economic opportunities according to Christiana Figueres and UK minister Chris Huhne.
VIDEO: US stands firm on rejection of legally binding agreement without China/India
America will not commit without developing economies but expresses confidence in Green Climate Fund deal.
COMMENT: Why agreeing to disagree could be good news in Durban
Acceptance of established positions has eased tension among delegates at COP17 as they look to embark on a long road toward progress.