Iran phases out CFC’s from medical inhalers

Many inhalers still use chlorofluorocarbons or CFC’s

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Residential high-rises eligible for Energy Star certification

Buildings must use Energy Star qualified lighting and appliances

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Landfill ban could cut millions of tons of GHGs – E.E.A.

The European Union could cut as much as 78 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2020 if it were to implement a complete ban on landfilling. This is the finding of the European Environment Agency in their recently released report, “Waste opportunities – Past and future climate benefits from better municipal waste management in Europe,” which analyzed the greenhouse gas emissions from municipal solid waste management in the E.U.

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Wisconsin gives financial perks to energy efficient homeowners

Wisconsin utilities’ state-wide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy Focus on Energy gives financial incentives to homebuyers who plan to build energy efficient homes under the New Homes Program. The financial incentives will be given to homeowners through the North Shore Bank in the form of mortgage loans at low rates for Wisconsin residents.

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Massachusetts bottle law sought to be amended amidst mixed views

The Massachusetts Bottle Deposit Law, which places a $0.05 refundable deposit on all carbonated sodas, beer, and malt beverages, is being proposed for expansion to increase its coverage of recyclable bottles. The proposed expansion aims to include every bottle and can of 100 percent juice, juice drinks, iced tea, bottled water, flavored water, coffee-based drinks and sports drinks of less than one gallon in size under the refundable deposit.

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U.S. D.O.E., E.P.A. name ‘Most Efficient’ brands under Energy Star line

The United States Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency named the first batch of “Most Efficient” appliance brands carrying the Energy Star label. Electrolux major appliances, Kenmore by Sears department stores, LG, Samsung, Insignia by electronics retailer Best Buy, Panasonic, Nordyne, and Rheem were recognized as the most energy-efficient in their categories, among those that have earned the Energy Star label.

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Dave Matthews Band, U.P.S. offset carbon emissions of Caravan tour

offsetting, bands are able to make up for the carbon footprint that their rock shows entail. The factors that contribute to a rock shows carbon footprint include travel from venue-to-venue, energy consumption during the show, and waste generated afterwards.

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Canada earns equivalency with E.U. organic standards

After almost four years of negotiations, Canada and the European Union finally agreed to recognize each other’s organic standards and laws through an organic equivalency arrangement, a development expected to increase organic trade between them. The arrangement allows the import and export of certified organic products between Canada and the European Union without the need for additional certification.

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Senate deal would axe $6 billion ethanol tax credit

WASHINGTON, July 7 (Reuters) - Three senators reached a deal on Thursday to repeal the $6 billion per year ethanol tax credit by the end of July, an agreement that must still be passed by Congress. The loss of the subsidy could add extra costs for ethanol blenders such as Valero Energy Corp and Marathon Oil Corp, but it is unlikely to reduce demand for corn.

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California releases over $5 million in geothermal grants

The California Energy Commission awarded over $5 million in grants to four geothermal projects to help attain the state target of sourcing 33 percent of its energy from renewables by 2020. The grants totaling $5.5 million will be matched with a total of $7.9 million in private funding from the awarded companies. "Currently, geothermal produces more than 6 percent of California in-state electricity production with the potential for more.

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