Climate Change & Greenhouse Gas Emissions News

ISO Standards Makers Address Sustainability, Public Policy, Standards Development System   Jun 24, 2008
Leaders of the international committees that develop the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) international standards recently met to address the efficiency and global relevance of the organization's standards development system.

FAQ on EU Response to High Oil Prices  Jun 23, 2008
This document contains answers from the European Union (EU) to frequently asked questions about rising oil prices.

DOE: Gas Prices, Oil Consumption Would Increase Without Biofuels   Jun 23, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a letter outlining perspectives on rising gas prices, biofuels, diesel fuel and food prices.

AWEA: Investment in Transmission Key to Clean, Reliable U.S. Electricity Supply   Jun 23, 2008
The U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee held its first-ever hearing focused exclusively on renewable energy and transmission, inviting renewable industry, utility and government leaders to discuss ways to invest in new transmission that will tap the U.S.'s vast - but currently stranded - renewable energy resources.

DOE Announces $30M for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Projects  June 20, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $30 million in funding over three years for three cost-shared plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) demonstration and development projects.

Canada Modernizes Energy Efficiency Act  Jun 19, 2008
The scope and effectiveness of Canada's Energy Efficiency Act was broadened through recent legislation, according to Canada's Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn.

Frost: Environmental Awareness Fosters Euro Acceptance of Light Rail, Underground Transport   Jun 13, 2008
Despite many challenges, the European market for light rail and underground transportation is set to develop, according to Frost & Sullivan.

DOE Announces Effort to Advance U.S. Wind Power Manufacturing Capacity  Jun 11, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DOE and six leading wind industry turbine manufacturers: Ge Energy, Siemens Power Generation, Vestas Wind Systems, Clipper Turbine Works, Suzlon Energy and Gamesa Corporation.

IEA: U.S. CO2 Sequestration Program Will Significantly Advance Carbon Capture, Storage  Jun 11, 2008
A panel of scientific experts from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has validated that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships (RCSP) and their large-scale CO2 tests are the world's most ambitious and will significantly advance carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the U.S., Canada and internationally.

IEA: U.S. CO2 Sequestration Program Will Significantly Advance Carbon Capture, Storage  Jun 11, 2008
A panel of scientific experts from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has validated that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships (RCSP) and their large-scale CO2 tests are the world's most ambitious and will significantly advance carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the U.S., Canada and internationally.

International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation is Launched   Jun 11, 2008
Energy leaders of the G8 countries, plus China, India, South Korea and the European Commission (EC), signed a ministerial declaration on June 8, establishing a new multilateral energy initiative: the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC).

Frost: Need for Organic Waste Management Drives Asia-Pacific Biogas Power Generation Markets   Jun 10, 2008
Biogas power generation is fast catching on in the Asia-Pacific region as it not only produces power, but also reduces the negative impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the environment and helps in effective waste disposal.

Frost: Euro Green Investment Market Benefits from Awareness, Regulations   Jun 9, 2008
The European green investment market is on an upswing, according to Frost & Sullivan, thanks largely to increasing awareness and support for the environment, availability of green funds and favorable regulations.

ANSI Updates Progress on Pilot Accreditation Program for Greenhouse Gas Validation, Verification  Jun 6, 2008
Earlier in 2008, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) launched a pilot accreditation program for third-party bodies working to validate and verify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission assertions for a spectrum of industries.

AWWA: Water Groups Urge Congress to Address Climate Change Resource Impacts   Jun 4, 2008
As the U.S. Congress starts considering climate change legislation, a coalition of eight national water organizations called on senators and representatives to recognize the severe impacts global climate change will likely have on water resources in the U.S.

EC, Norway Agree to Promote Renewable Energy  Jun 2, 2008
Representatives from the European Commission (EC) and Norway's government affirmed their commitment to promoting renewable energy and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects as part of Europe's energy strategy.

AGA, NRDC: Combating Global Warming with Increased Energy Efficiency Is A 'Win-Win'  May 29, 2008
The American Gas Association (AGA) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) joined forces to highlight the importance of energy efficiency in combating global warming.

EIA: 2007 U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rose 1.6%  May 29, 2008
U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels increased by 1.6% in 2007, from 5,888 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in 2006 to 5,984 MMTCO2 in 2007, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

EC Launches European Green Capital Award   May 28, 2008
On May 22, the European Commission (EC) launched a new annual European Green Capital Award, to be given each year to a city that is leading the way with environmentally friendly urban living.

European Businesses Struggle to Meet CO2 Emissions Caps  May 28, 2008
Overall CO2 emissions from businesses in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) increased by 0.68% in 2007, when adjusted for changes in the number of installations covered, according to the information provided by EU member state registries.

NRCAN: Canada Invests in Carbon Capture, Storage in Nova Scotia  May 27, 2008
Canada will provide $5 million to support carbon capture and storage (CCS) research in the province of Nova Scotia, according to Gary Lunn, Canada's minister of natural resources.

EPA: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Dropped 1.1% in 2006  May 21, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, which finds that overall emissions during 2006 decreased by 1.1% from the previous year.

NSF Int'l Issues Sustainability Standard for Beverage Industry   May 16, 2008
NSF International launched the Carbon Action Plan (CAP) to provide beverage companies and their suppliers with a program aimed at carbon footprint measurement.

American Gas Foundation Releases Study on the Direct Use of Natural Gas  May 7, 2008
Increased direct use of natural gas in residential and commercial applications can improve the productivity of available energy supplies, reduce overall energy cost and reduce related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to a study released by the American Gas Foundation (AGF).

NRCAN: Canada Makes Clean Energy Technology Investments  May 5, 2008
Several initiatives to advance clean energy technology in Canada were revealed at the InstEnvironment and Economy at the University of Calgary.

AGA: Increasing Natural Gas Supply is Fundamental for Reducing GHG Emissions, Increasing Energy Security   May 2, 2008
The American Gas Association (AGA) commended the U.S. federal government for expanding the national debate about developing a responsible climate change policy that will protect the environment, strengthen energy security and continue growing the economy.

DOE Tech Monitors CO2 Injection in Australian Gas Field  Apr 10, 2008
Australia launched the first carbon sequestration project in the southern hemisphere with the help of technology developed by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Frost: Environmental Concerns, Oil Prices Drive SE Asian Renewable Energy Markets   Apr 9, 2008
Rising oil prices and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are ensuring development of the Southeast Asian renewable energy markets, according to Frost & Sullivan.

NEMA Premium Efficiency Levels Adopted as Federal Motor Efficiency Performance Standards   Apr 3, 2008
On Dec. 19, 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) was signed into law (Public Law 140-110).

American Public Health Association Unveils Blueprint to Address Health Impacts of Climate Change  Apr 3, 2008
The American Public Health Association (APHA) unveiled a blueprint to address the health impacts of climate change.

EC Launches €80M Fund to Boost Energy Efficiency, Renewables  Mar 31, 2008
As part of its initiative to fight against climate change, on March 28 the European Commission (EC) launched the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (GEEREF).

WRI: Leading Companies Responding to Ecosystem Degradation  Mar 27, 2008
Global warming may dominate headlines today, but experts believe ecosystem degradation will capture our attention tomorrow.

AWWA Publishes First Comprehensive Review of Business of Water   Mar 27, 2008
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) published The Business of Water: A Concise Overview of Challenges and Opportunities in the Water Market, a comprehensive introduction to the challenges and opportunities facing the commercial water industry.

Frost: Energy Cost Savings, Environment-Friendly Profile Motivate Demand for Energy-Efficient UPS   Mar 26, 2008
Rising energy costs and declining power quality are bringing the concept of energy-efficient uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems into the limelight, according to Frost & Sullivan, with the expectation of reduced power losses and ensured power availability to consumers.

DOE to Invest up to $13.7M for Solar Energy Projects   Mar 19, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest up to $13.7 million, over three years (Fiscal Years 2008 - 2010), for 11 university-led projects that will focus on developing advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology manufacturing processes and products.

a href="http://engineers.ihs.com/news/2008/csa-climate-change-education-needs.htm">CSA Identifies Climate Change Education Needs for Infrastructure Engineers  Mar 11, 2008
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) released Climate Change and Infrastructure Engineering: Moving Toward a New Curriculum, a special report to identify specific areas of engineering curricula and continuing education programs that could be improved and updated to better address the impact of climate change on civil infrastructure.

Fully Networked Car 2008 Examines Climate Change, Global Warming   Mar 10, 2008
Combating climate change and global warming were among the themes of the Fully Networked Car workshop and exhibition hosted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Alstom, EPRI, We Energies Launch Pilot Project to Capture CO2  Mar 5, 2008
The first pilot project that uses chilled ammonia to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from coal-fueled power plants is expected to begin operations the first week of March, according to Alstom, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and We Energies.

DOE to Invest up to $33.8M to Develop Commercially Viable Renewable Fuels  Mar 5, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it will invest up to $33.8 million, over four years, (Fiscal Years 2008-2011) for four projects that will focus on developing improved enzyme systems to convert cellulosic material into sugars suitable for production of biofuels.

ANSI Launches Pilot Accreditation Program for Greenhouse Gas Validation, Verification  Feb 29, 2008
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) launched a pilot accreditation program for bodies facilitating the inventory, reduction and removal of greenhouse gases (GHG).

European Steel Industry Reaffirms Commitment to Reducing CO2 Emissions  Feb 29, 2008
The European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) plans to launch a second phase of the Ultra Low CO2 Steelmaking research programme (ULCOS-II).

EU Environment Council to Address Energy, Climate, Biodiversity Issues  Feb 29, 2008
Key topics at the March 3 European Union (EU) Environment Council meeting include the Climate Action and Renewable Energy (CARE) package presented by the European Commission (EC) in January and the proposed regulation to reduce CO2 emissions from new cars.

NRCan: Canada Recognizes Best Fuel-Efficient Vehicles  Feb 27, 2008
Canada's government recognized the manufacturers of the most fuel-efficient cars and light trucks for 2008 through the ecoENERGY for Vehicles Awards.

Carbon Sequestration Partners Initiate CO2 Injection into Michigan Basin  Feb 27, 2008
Tapping into a Michigan Basin saline formation 3,200 to 3,500 feet below the earth's surface, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) team of regional partners initiated the injection of up to 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) to assess the formation's ability to safely and permanently store the greenhouse gas.

DOE Releases Climate VISION Progress Report 2007  Feb 26, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the Climate Voluntary Innovative Sector Initiatives: Opportunities Now (VISION) Progress Report 2007, which reports on the actions taken by energy-intensive industries to improve greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity of their operations from 2002 to 2006.

NRCan: Industry Partnership Works toward Energy Self-Sufficiency  Feb 22, 2008
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Hydro-Québec, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Rio Tinto Alcan and the Université de Sherbrooke launched a new NSERC chair in industrial energy efficiency at the Université de Sherbrooke.

Canada, Alberta Release Carbon Capture, Storage Report  Feb 22, 2008
The final report of the Canada-Alberta ecoENERGY Carbon Capture and Storage Task Force - Canada's Fossil Energy Future: The Way Forward on Carbon Capture and Storage - provides advice on how governments and industry can work together to facilitate and support the development of carbon capture and storage opportunities in Canada.

EC Invests €9B in Energy Projects under Cohesion Policy  Feb 21, 2008
The European Commission (EC) will invest nearly €9 billion to develop renewable energy and improve energy efficiency in European Union (EU) regions as part of the EU's cohesion policy for 2007-2013.

EPA Raises 2008 Renewable Fuels Standard   Feb 20, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raised the 2008 renewable fuels standard (RFS), which determines how much nonpetroleum fuel will power a vehicle, to 7.76%.

NIST: Int'l Effort Underway to Accelerate Growth of Global Biofuels Market  Feb 20, 2008
The U.S., Brazil and the European Union (EU) - the world's major producers of biofuels - released an analysis of current biofuel specifications with the goal of facilitating expanded trade of these renewable energy sources.

EC Urges Swift Adoption of Climate Change Proposals  Feb 15, 2008
The European Commission (EC) urged the European Council and European Parliament to hasten adoption of its legislative proposals on climate change to help ensure the European Union (EU) meets its Kyoto Protocol targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

DOE to Invest $114M in Small-Scale Cellulosic Biorefineries  Feb 8, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $114 million over four years in four small-scale biorefinery projects to be located in St. Joseph, Mo.; Commerce City, Colo.; Boardman, Ore.; and Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Consultations Begin for Canada's First Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption Regs  Feb 7, 2008
For the first time, Canada will regulate the fuel consumption of new cars and light trucks, beginning with the 2011 model year.

EC Details Proposed Renewable Energy Directive  Jan 28, 2008
The European Commission (EC) proposed a renewable energy directive as part of a comprehensive energy and climate change package proposed on Jan. 23.

DOE Establishes Energy Efficiency Requirements for Federal Buildings  Jan 14, 2008
New regulations finalized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in mid-December could save taxpayers more than $776 million over the next 10 years, according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Energy Act Addresses Fuel Economy Standards, EPA Denies Calif. Waiver Request  Jan 14, 2008
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was passed mandating a 40% increase in auto fuel economy by 2020.

ICC Findings on Green Buildings to Appear in ICFAI Book  Jan 13, 2008
The International Code Council (ICC) green building white paper will be included in a green building reference book titled Green Building: An Introduction being published in May by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI).

DOE Releases RFP for EcoCAR Challenge Competition  Jan 13, 2008
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a request for proposal (RFP) for a collegiate vehicle engineering competition, which is aimed at demonstrating technologies that address the need for sustainable personal transportation.

Canada Approves New Funding for Adaptation on Climate Change  Jan 11, 2008
Canada will invest $85.9 million over four years to help its population respond to climate change, according to a recent announcement from Canada's Environment Minister John Baird.

CSA Releases National Climate Issues Survey of Canada's Infrastructure Engineers  Dec 29, 207
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) released the results of its National Survey of Canada's Infrastructure Engineers about Climate Change.

Frost: Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems Reap Benefits of Going Green  Dec 29, 2007
Energy conservation is a key priority in North America, according to Frost & Sullivan, and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems, which provide exceptional energy efficiency and enhance indoor air quality (IAQ), are in demand in these environment-conscious times.

ISO Participates in Conference to Fight Climate Change  Dec 24, 2007
The renewed importance of industry and governments to work toward common solutions and to ensure that voluntary initiatives align with the imperatives of government and society at large with regard to climate change was identified as a central theme at the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2007.

ITU: ICT Can Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions  Dec 24, 2007
Information and communication technologies (ICT) can be a cause and a potential cure for climate change, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

EC Takes Steps to Cut Industrial Emissions  Dec 21, 2007
The European Commission (EC) adopted new legislation on industrial emissions to strengthen the provisions already in force and reduce industrial emissions throughout the European Union (EU).

FAQ on EC's Proposed Legislation on Industrial Emissions  Dec 21, 2007
This article provides answers about the new legislation on industrial emissions proposed by the European Commission (EC) on Dec. 21.

EC Firms Up Plans to Include Aircraft in Emissions Trading Scheme   Dec 21, 2007
The European Commission (EC) welcomed the agreement reached by the European Union (EU) Environment Council on Dec. 20 about including aviation emissions in the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme.

EC Proposes Tighter Limits on Emissions from Trucks, Buses   DEC 21, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently proposed reducing emissions from trucks and buses via a new "Euro VI" standard to become effective in 2013. The proposal will reduce nitrogen oxides by 80% and particulate matter by 66% compared to the Euro V stage.

EC Introduces Sustainable Economics in Clean Vehicle Legislation  Dec 19, 2007
The recent proposal by the European Commission (EC) to revise its 1995 directive on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles introduces the concept of sustainable economics into the public procurement of vehicles and transport services.

FAQ on EC's Proposed Regulation to Reduce Vehicle CO2 Emissions  Dec 19, 2007
This article provides information about the legislation proposed by the European Commission (EC) on Dec. 19 to reduce the average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars to 120 grams per kilometre by 2012.

EC Proposes Legislation to Limit Vehicle CO2 Emissions  Dec 19, 2007
The European Commission (EC) proposed legislation to reduce the average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars to 120 grams per kilometre by 2012.

EC Proposes Legislation to Promote Clean Public Transport Vehicles  DEc 19, 2007
The European Commission (EC) adopted a proposal that aims to reduce fuel consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions from public transport vehicles.

WRI: Midwest Greenhouse Gas Data Highlights Opportunities, Risks for Climate Change Policies  Dec 19, 2007
The World Resources Institute (WRI) released Charting the Midwest: An Inventory and Analysis of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in America's Heartland, the first comparable data on GHG emissions among Midwestern states that gives this critical U.S. region a tool to set priorities and policies on climate change.

ASHRAE Winter Meeting to Target Proposed Sustainability Standard - ASHRAE 189.1P  Dec 18, 2007
A proposed standard for high-performance buildings and the long-term sustainability plan for New York City are among the topics to be addressed at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc. (ASHRAE) 2008 winter meeting.

Formal Negotiations Underway on New Global Climate Regime   Dec 17, 2007
The European Union (EU) welcomed the agreement reached at the U.N. climate change conference in Bali to start formal negotiations on a climate regime for the post-2012 period, as well as agreement on a "Bali roadmap" to outline an agenda for these negotiations.

EU Adopts New Regulation for Energy Star Programme  Dec 17, 2007
The European Union (EU) Council of Ministers adopted a new regulation for the implementation of the Energy Star programme in EU member states.

ANSI: Revised IEC Standard Will Help Consumers Choose Energy Efficient Televisions  Dec 13, 2007
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is expected to publish updates to IEC 62087 - Methods of measurement for the power consumption of audio, video and related equipment in early 2008.

DOE Estimates Future Water Needs for Thermoelectric Power Plants  Dec 11, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) released a 2007 update to its study, Estimating Freshwater Needs to Meet Future Thermoelectric Generation Requirements.

ISO: International Standards Key for Promoting Energy Efficiency  Dec 8, 2007
At November's World Energy Congress in Rome, the subject of energy efficiency and its role in global security was a key topic for the 3,000 industry stakeholders in attendance.

Frost: Portable Fuel Cells Offer Greater Efficiency, Lower Costs  Dec 8, 2007
The outstanding reliability and durability of portable fuel cells has helped move them ahead of traditional power sources.

Frost: U.K. One of Top Five Global Hybrid Electric Vehicle Markets   Dec 8, 2007
The popularity of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is increasing dramatically across all the countries in the world, according to Frost & Sullivan, and the United Kingdom (U.K. is listed as one of the top five global hybrid electric vehicle markets.

ISO, WRI, WBCSD to Cooperate on Greenhouse Gas Accounting, Verification  Dec 7, 2007
Three organizations announced that they will work together to promote their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting and reporting standards.

EIA Report: U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Declined 1.5% in 2006  Dec 7, 2007
Total U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were 7,075.6 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) in 2006, a decrease of 1.5% from the 2005 level according to Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2006, a report by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

NARUC Supports Federal Climate Legislation, Spells Out Policy Options  Dec 5, 2007
State public service commissioners expressed support for federal climate change legislation and laid out details for how states should consider regulating in a carbon-constrained world, said the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions (NARUC).

DOE Increases Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential Furnaces, Boilers  Dec 5, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has increased the energy efficiency standards for residential furnaces and residential boilers, underscoring the DOE commitment to meet its aggressive, five-year appliance standard rulemaking schedule, as established in its Jan. 31, 2006 report to Congress.

EPA Launches GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership  Dec 3, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the supermarket, refrigeration equipment and chemical refrigerant industries launched the GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership, a voluntary program that promotes green technologies, strategies and practices that are designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer, reduce greenhouse gases and save money.

BSI British Standards Publishes Standard for Executing a Sustainable Event - BSI BS 8901  Dec 3, 2007
BSI British Standards launched BSI BS 8901:2007 - Specification for a Sustainable Event Management System with Guidance for Use to help organizations plan and manage the overall environmental, economic and social impact of an event.

EC Says European Business Must Lead Move to Low-Carbon Economy  Nov 30, 2007
Europe's High Level Group on Competitiveness, Energy and Environment recently ended two years of study with a conference called "Towards a global low carbon economy." The conference's key message is that engaging business is critical for such an effort.

EIB Loans €500M to Support Climate Change Mitigation in China  Nov 30, 2007
The European Investment Bank (EIB) agreed to provide a €500 million loan to the People's Republic of China (PRC) to support its efforts to mitigate climate change, in particular under China's National Climate Change Programme.

EC Launches European Nuclear Energy Forum  Nov 29, 2007
The European Nuclear Energy Forum, initiated by the European Commission (EC) and supported by the March European Council, was inaugurated on Nov. 26 in Bratislava, Slovakia.

CSIRO: Biodiesel Could Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions  Nov 29, 2007
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) confirmed that using pure biodiesel or blending biodiesel with standard fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector.

NETL Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Brazil PUC  Nov 29, 2007
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Brazil Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC) to pursue collaborative work that will advance the technical, environmental and cost performance of fossil energy technologies with a focus on carbon capture and storage.

IEA World Energy Outlook Proposes Stepping Up Cooperation with China, India  Nov 29, 2007
The International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2007 (WEO-2007) focuses on energy developments in China and India and their implications for the world, said the agency.

Ohio Joins Illinois FutureGen Coalition   Nov 28, 2007
Ohio announced its support for locating the federal FutureGen clean coal project in Illinois, joining an alliance of coal producing and consuming states seeking to locate FutureGen where transferability of the project's technology will be maximized.

Euro Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers Seek to Reduce Air Pollution   Nov 28, 2007
The European commercial vehicle industry aims to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions by a further 80% and particulate matter by 50% compared with the current air pollution control standards for trucks in the European Union (EU).

Court Requires Bush Administration to Address Hazards of Nitrogen, Sulfur Oxides  Nov 28, 2007
The Bush administration agreed to a court settlement requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review the environmental hazards of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides and revise, as necessary, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for these two pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

Atmospheric Measuring Device Created to Understand Smog Formation  Nov 28, 2007
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a tool for quantitatively measuring elusive atmospheric chemicals that play a key role in the formation of photochemical smog.

EC Urges Ambitious Climate Change Agreement at Bali Conference  Nov 27, 2007
For the upcoming U.N. climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia on Dec. 3-14, the European Union (EU) is urging the development of a comprehensive and ambitious global climate change agreement for after 2012, which is the end of the first commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol.

EC Refutes Charges of Emissions Trading Irregularities  Nov 27, 2007
The European Commission (EC) responded to charges of systematic double-counting of carbon allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), stating that "any allegation that there would have been double-counting is pertinently incorrect."

FAQ on EU's Response to Climate Change  Nov 27, 2007
This document provides detailed information on the response of the European Union (EU) to the global problem of climate change.

EC Issues Annual Progress Report on Climate Change Goals  Nov 27, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently issued its annual report on progress made towards meeting the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Latest IPCC Climate Change Report Urges Action  Nov 20, 2007
The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently published its synthesis report summarising the main conclusions of the Fourth Assessment Report, its scientific assessment of climate change.

GM Showcases Portfolio of Alternative Energy Ideas  Nov 19, 2007
General Motors (GM) unveiled its portfolio of vehicle technologies, including a variety of technology strategies targeted at reducing dependency on petroleum, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and boosting fuel efficiency.

NRC: Government, Industry to Advance Clean Coal Technology  Nov 19, 2007
Canada and the province of Alberta will partner with EPCOR Utilities and the Canadian Clean Power Coalition (CCPC) in a $33 million R&D project that "promises to make Canada a world leader in clean coal technology," according to Natural Resources Canada (NRC).

GM, Gov't of Dubai to Bring Hybrids to the Middle East  Nov 19, 2007
General Motors (GM) and Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) agreed to an evaluation program that will bring hybrid vehicles to the Middle East.

Honda Debuts FCX Clarity Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle  Nov 17, 2007
Honda unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and announced plans to begin limited retail marketing of it in summer 2008.

International Carbon Action Partnership Formed to Reduce Global Warming  Nov 7, 2007
A coalition of European countries, U.S. states, Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Norway announced the launch of the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) to fight global warming.

FAQ on Europe's Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive  Nov 7, 2007
The European Union (EU) directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) was adopted in 1996 and transposed into national legislation of member states three years later.

Frost: Building Directive Implementation to Result in Reduced GHG Emissions, Greater Energy Efficiency  Oct 31, 2007
According to Frost & Sullivan, the European Union (EU) is aiming to tackle global warming, as well as increased energy import dependency and concerns over the worldwide supplies of fossil fuels, as part of a new focus on climate change.

EC Finalizes National Allocation Plans on Emissions Trading for 2008-2012  Oct 26, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently adopted decisions on the last three proposed national plans for allocating carbon dioxide (CO2) emission allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) for the second trading period from 2008 to 2012.

EU Emissions Trading Scheme Links to More Countries   Oct 26, 2007
The European Commission (EC) reached an agreement with three countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) on linking their respective emissions trading systems with the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

EC Seeks to Postpone Legislation on Electromagnetic Fields  Oct 26, 2007
The European Commission (EC) proposed postponing for four years the deadline for introducing legislation on workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields, which could affect the use of technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

EC Starts Legal Action for RoHS/WEEE Violations  Oct 19, 2007
The European Commission (EC) is taking legal action against eight member states for not properly transposing European Union (EU) legislation to tackle electrical and electronic equipment waste and the hazardous substances contained in such products.

EC Launches Research for Greener, Safer, More Competitive Air Transport  Oct 19, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently unveiled the results of the first call for research proposals in aeronautics and air transport under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7).

EC Proposals Promote Hydrogen Cars  Oct 12, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently adopted two proposals advancing the development and marketing of clean and safe hydrogen-fueled vehicles.

FAQ on EC's Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative  Oct 12, 2007
The European Commission (EC) adopted a proposal for a Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative, an ambitious, public-private partnership programme of research, technology development and demonstration activities.

EC to Help Smaller Companies Become Greener  Oct 9, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently published a communication aimed at helping small and medium-sized companies use energy and resources more efficiently.

Europe Reaffirms its Commitment to Cut Aviation Emissions  Oct 2, 2007
The European Union (EU) continued to reaffirm its controversial plan to include airlines in its strategy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, even though the 36th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ended on Sep. 28 without clear agreement on a way forward to reduce such emissions from international aviation.

EC Plans Directive on Renewable Energy  Oct 2, 2007
The European Commission (EC) plans to propose a framework directive in early December with measures to reach a binding target for renewable energy sources. A target of 20% of Europe's energy consumption by 2020 for renewables was agreed to by the European Council in March.

EC Proposes New Legislation for European Energy Policy  Sep 21, 207
The European Commission (EC) recently adopted a third package of legislative proposals for the new Energy Policy for Europe, aimed at ensuring a real and effective choice of supplier and benefits for all European Union (EU) citizens.

New Forum Established for Sustainable Nuclear Energy Research  Sep 21, 2007
A sustainable nuclear energy technology platform was launched at a Brussels conference on Sep. 21, with participants from the European Commission (EC) and the French Atomic Energy Commission.

EC Proposes Global Alliance to Help Developing Countries With Climate Change Effects  Sep 18, 2007
The European Commission (EC) proposed to build a new alliance on climate change between the European Union (EU) and poor developing countries that are most affected by, and have the least capacity to deal with, climate change.

EC Appoints Coordinators for Key European Energy Projects  Sep 14, 2007
The European Commission (EC) appointed four project coordinators in the field of energy to monitor and facilitate the implementation of several priority projects.

EC Adopts Decision on Danish National Plan for Allocating CO2  Aug 31, 2007
The European Commission (EC) adopted the decision on the proposed Danish national plan for allocating CO2 emission allowances for the 2008-2012 trading period of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

Frost: Global Focus on Reducing Vehicle Emissions Boosts Market for LPG/CNG Vehicles, Conversion Kits  Jun 4, 2007
As concerns over global warming continue to increase, the automotive industry is facing tremendous pressure to reduce vehicle emissions, such as nitrous oxide (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM), because of the harmful effects these gases have on the environment.

EC Reports More Innovation Needed to Help Environment  May 4, 2007
The European Commission (EC) published a report about trends and developments in eco-innovation in the European Union (EU).

IPCC Report Confirms EU Call for Deep Cuts in Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions  May 4, 2007
Following the May 4 release of a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the European Commission (EC) called on developed and advanced developing countries to commit to substantially reducing their greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades to mitigate global warming.

EC Details Reviews of its Environmental Protection Programmes  May 4, 2007
This document details recent reviews by the European Commission (EC) of the Sixth Environment Action Programme (6EAP) and the 2006 Environment Policy Review, both of which show that the European Union (EU) is on track with its environmental policy measures.

EC Reports its Environmental Protection Programmes on Track  May 4, 2007
According to the mid-term review by the European Commission (EC) of the Sixth Environment Action Programme (6EAP), the European Union (EU) is on track with the policy measures outlined in that programme.

EC Launches Public Consultation on Biofuels  May 2, 2007
The European Commission (EC) launched a public consultation on the biofuels issues in the new European Union (EU) legislation promoting renewable energy.

FAQ on European Environmental Liability Directive  Apr 27, 2007
This document provides background information and answers common questions about the environmental liability directive that the European Union (EU) will begin enforcing when the new legislation becomes effective on April 30.

EC Readies for Environmental Liability Directive to Ensure Polluters Pay  Apr 27, 2007
Important European Union (EU) legislation laying down liability rules for damage to the environment will become effective on April 30.

NSF Int'l, CARSO-LSEHL Sign Cooperative Agreement  Mar 28, 2007
NSF International and CARSO-Laboratoire Santé et Environnement Hygiène de Lyon (LSEHL) entered into a first-of-a-kind agreement to offer testing services for the French Attestation de Conformité Sanitaire (ACS) registration.

Frost: EU Directives, Tech Advancements Drive Euro Water, Wastewater Sector   Mar 14, 2007
European Union (EU) legislation is the most important driver in the automation and control solutions market for the European water and wastewater sector.

EU Cites Importance of Integrated Climate Control and Energy Policy  Mar 13, 2007
A recent report by the president of the European Parliament summarizing the current status of the European Union (EU) cites energy policy and climate change as priorities, along with economics, better regulation, employment, the internal market, innovation and research (see DOC/07/1).

ICAO Meeting Participants Agree on Aviation Emissions Trading Guidance   Mar 12, 2007
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) agreed on proposed guidance to incorporate international aviation emissions into the ICAO 189 member states emissions trading schemes, consistent with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process.

IATA Applauds UN Guidelines on Emissions Trading  Mar 12, 2007
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) applauded the international consensus on guidance produced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) for states planning to incorporate international aviation into emissions trading schemes.

Europeans Support Greater EU Action on Energy, Climate Change  Mar 6, 2007
According to a recent Eurobarometer opinion survey, the overwhelming majority of European Union (EU) citizens are concerned about climate change.

EC Urges Negotiations on Post-Kyoto Global Warming Agreement  Feb 16, 2007
The European Commission (EC) called for the international community to urgently begin negotiations on a comprehensive new global climate change treaty that would succeed the Kyoto Protocol when its targets expire in 2012.

FAQ on EU's Response to Climate Change Problem  Feb 16, 2007
What is the problem? Climate change is happening.

U.S., EU Sign Pact on Common Environmental Challenges, Sharing Information  Feb 14, 2007
U.S. and EU scientists and researchers plan to work more closely in solving common environmental problems and sharing information on emerging issues such as nanotechnology under a new agreement.

EC Report on Global Warming Underlines Need for Urgent Action  Feb 2, 2007
The European Commission (EC) called for an urgent start to international negotiations on a comprehensive new global climate change agreement, following the recent publication of alarming scientific evidence by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

EC Promotes Renewable Energy in Future Energy Roadmap  Jan 26, 2007
The European Commission (EC) recently proposed a long-term renewable energy roadmap as part of its new energy policy for Europe.

EC Energy Plan Targets Cleaner Coal  Jan 26, 2007
As part of its new energy policy for Europe, the European Commission (EC) adopted a communication on how to generate power from fossil fuels in a sustainable manner, with a focus on sustainable coal technologies - technologies that will enable coal to maintain its important contribution to secure and competitive energy supplies for Europe.

EC Decides on New Allocation Plans for Emissions Trading Scheme  Jan 17, 2007
The European Commission (EC) decided on two more national plans for allocating CO2 emission allowances for the 2008-2012 trading period under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

EC Proposes Integrated Energy and Climate Change Legislative Package  Jan 12, 2007
The European Commission (EC) proposed a comprehensive package of measures to establish a new energy policy for Europe to combat climate change and boost the energy security and competitiveness of the European Union (EU).

EC Proposes Strategic Energy Technology Plan  Jan 12, 2007
The European Commission (EC) will invest approximately €1 billion annually between 2007 and 2013 in energy technology research and innovation as part of the first European Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

EC Unveils its Energy Efficiency Action Plan to Save 20% by 2020  Jan 12, 2007
As a major step toward meeting the unprecedented energy challenges facing Europe, the European Commission (EC) presented its Energy Efficiency Action Plan in October 2006.

Europe Outpaces U.S. on Chemical Safety  Jan 9, 2007
New, stricter European environmental policies may force even U.S.-based electronics and chemicals companies to change their ways, say policy analysts at Brown University and Boston University.

EC Publishes 'Appliances Burning Gaseous Fuels' Harmonised Standards References  Jan 5, 2007
The European Commission released a summary list of titles and references of harmonised standards for appliances burning gaseous fuels under Directive CD 90/396/EEC.

Agreement Reached on New EU Chemicals Regulation (REACH)  Jan 2, 2007
The Environment Council of the European Commission (EC) unanimously adopted on Dec. 18 the REACH (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) regulation, the cornerstone of the new European chemicals policy (3664/06) that replaces around 40 legislative instruments currently in force.

European Environment Council Takes Action on Chemicals, Climate Change, Marine Protection  Jan 2, 2007
The Environment Council of the European Commission (EC) adopted the new regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restrictions of chemicals (REACH) on Dec. 18. REACH, a single European Union (EU) regulatory system for chemical substances, will improve the protection of citizens' health and the environment.

EC Proposes Bringing Air Transport into EU Emissions Trading Scheme  Jan 2, 2007
The European Commission (EC) underscored its firm commitment to combating climate change by proposing legislation to bring greenhouse gas emissions from civil aviation into the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).