Energy and Climate Debate:

Following the tragedy in Tucson last weekend, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) called on his colleagues last week to work in a bipartisan fashion on infrastructure and clean energy to lift the U.S. economy and overcome negative political rhetoric.

During a speech at the Center for American Progress January 11, Senator Kerry said that supporters of U.S. climate action are considering new strategies to reignite support for legislation that addresses climate change and expands renewable energy sources following last Congress’ failure to pass cap and trade legislation.

Congress: Democrats Assigned to House Committees; EPA Rules Top Industry Concerns; Home Star Legislation’s Facelift; Legislation Introduced; Administration CEQ Finalizes NEPA Guidance; Energy on Agenda for Chinese Visit; Oil Spill Commission Unveils Report.

Department of Commerce: 2010 Ties Warmest Record

Department of Interior: Western Project Meetings Scheduled

Environmental Protection Agency: Court to Hear CA Mobile Emissions Arguments; EPA Defers Biomass GHG Permitting; Judge to Rule on EPA’s Boiler Extension Request

Personnel: Nancy Stoner will serve as the Environmental Protection Agency’s assistant administrator for water beginning February 12, following the departure of Peter Silva, who will return to California. Ms. Stoner, a veteran of the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Clinton Administration EPA, currently serves as deputy assistant administrator for water. Mr. Silva’s departure will signal two additional hires as well. Attorney Bicky Corman, previously a general counsel for the District of Columbia Department of the Environment with service also at the EPA and the Department of Justice, will become a deputy associate administrator for the Office of Policy. Joel Beauvais, who most recently served on the staff of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, will become a senior advisor in the Office of General Counsel...

Miscellaneous: Transportation Emissions Reductions Examined; LA Cements Clean Fuel Fleet; Solar Company to Close Plant; Chinese Regions to Begin Binding Emissions Targets; New Standards for Chinese Rare Earth Minerals; CDM Not Yet Fully Embraced; CA Budget Cuts Environmental Programs; NM Group Sues over GHG Regs Moratorium; Brookings CCS Event Scheduled; and PATH Decision Accepted and Rejected.