Energy and Climate Debate:

Following passage of a spending plan for the rest of fiscal year 2011, Congress adjourned for a two week recess, but budgetary debates, including potential funding reductions to clean energy spending, will continue upon members’ return to Washington May 2.

In his weekly address, President Obama said that his budget priorities include cutting $4 billion in tax breaks for the oil and gas industry and increasing spending on clean energy research. Additionally, the president has expressed frustration over Republican budget proposals that include reducing clean energy spending by 70 percent...

Congress:

Natural Gas Legislation to Be Considered; Transmission Hearing May be Scheduled; House Democrats Release Toxic Chemicals Report; Markey to Introduce RES; Senate Delegation Meets Chinese Officials; and Upcoming Hearings.

Administration:

Task Force to Monitor Market Speculation.

Department of Agriculture:

Ethanol Support Key to Reducing Oil Imports.

Department of Energy:

$130 million for ARPA-E Programs; Two DOE EV Announcements; $2.1 Billion for CSP Plant; Labs to Develop Cool Roofs; and PowerSaver Program Launched.

Department of Interior:

BLM Halts Mojave Solar Project Construction and Cape Wind Approved.

Department of State:

TransCanada Pipeline Comments Requested.

Environmental Protection Agency:

EPA Receives Regulations Comments; ECOS Lists 33 Regulations; EPA and GSA Meet Sustainability Goals; GHG Inventory Published; Boiler Toxics Rule Challenged; Renewable Fuel Criteria Challenged; Fine Particulates Require Stricter Standards; and More Time for Alternate Reporting Applications.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:

Natural Gas May Dominate Coal.

Government Accountability Office:

Water Utilities Face Investment Barriers.

Supreme Court:

Court Hears AEP v. CT.

Personnel:

Carol Browner, President Obama’s former top adviser on climate change and energy issues, has been named a senior fellow with the Center for American Progress where she will focus on international and domestic policy.

Miscellaneous:

Germany to Phase out Nuclear; Canada May Delay Light Bulb Standards; Wind Energy Explored in Adriatic Sea; Midwest Not Meeting GHG Goals; BC Offsets Worth $728 Million; WV Provides Alternative Fuel Tax Credit; VT Nuclear Plant Owners Sue State; Advocates May Have Eclipsed Opponents in Climate Bill Spending; 62 Percent of Businesses Have Sustainability Plans; NJ to Reduce Diesel Construction Emissions; $100 Million for OR Wind Farm; NM Court Denies Restraining Order; Biofuels Could Significantly Reduce Transportation Emissions; RGGI Futures Fell in 2010; EU ETS Running at Full Capacity; NYC to Phase out Heavy Heating Oil; and India to Boost Foreign RE Interest.