In This Update:
Energy and Climate Debate:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) met with President Obama at the White House February 2 to discuss energy legislation for the 112th Congress.
Though significant effort awaits Administration officials and congressmen hoping to progress on energy legislation, Senator Bingaman noted that he and the president agreed that Congress is in a good position to develop bipartisan legislation to advance the nation’s energy and economic security...
Congress:
Upton Releases EPA Draft; Klobuchar to Introduce RES; Shaheen to Introduce Efficiency Legislation; EPA Delay Alternative; Oil Spill Legislation Negotiated; Spending Cuts Unveiled; Some Defend EPA’s Authority; Committee Assignments; Legislation Introduced; and Upcoming Hearings.
Administration:
Obama Proposes Buildings Initiative.
Department of Energy:
DOE Pursues SunShot Initiative; DOE Facilitates Air Conditioner Deployment; Court Vacates Transmission Study; Inspector General Warns of Attacks; and DOE and EPA to Collaborate on Energy Star.
Department of Interior:
Solar Energy Zones Criticized.
Environmental Protection Agency:
No Dramatic Limits Expected; Sustainability Communities Program Formed; Carbon Monoxide Standards Retained; MACT Sub-Categories Possible; Some PSD Permit Applications Won’t Cover GHGs; Reporting Rule Questioned; and Most Trucking Comments Positive.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:
Smart Metering Doubles.
Miscellaneous:
U.S. Hydropower May Double; Canadian Minister Opposes Panel Recommendations; China Adopts e-Waste Regulations; Chamber of Commerce Releases Energy Plan; UN Releases Ocean Fertilization Report; EC Pledges Increased Recycling; NRC to Approve Reactor Design; Quartet of Renewable Energy Measures for CA; CA Court Could Stall Climate Regs; AZ Removes EPA Support; Washington and British Columbia to Share Information; EU Approves Energy Security Plan; and GHG Treaty Impossible in 2011.
Please see full publication below for more information.