Judge: E.P.A 'infringed on the authority' given to state regulators

The Environmental Protection Agency came out in the losing end of a lawsuit filed against it by a coal mining industry coalition regarding their setting up of water-quality criteria for coal mining operations in Appalachia. In doing so, the E.P.A. “infringed on the authority” given to state regulators by federal clean water and surface mining acts, found U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton.

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IEA: World temperature could increase by 6 degrees Celsius by end of century

If energy policies do not adapt, enough carbon dioxide will be being emitted to reach 1,000 parts per million in the atmosphere, according to the International Energy Agency. Data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says those numbers equate to an increase of 6 degrees Celsius in world temperature by the end of this century.

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China denies dumping claims, giving subsidies to wind turbine exporters

The United States Commerce Department's decision to put antidumping duties on wind turbines from China and Vietnam would also damage the U.S. wind power industry, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products said."The U.S. move will not only damage the interests of its domestic downstream users, but also bring about negative effects...

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U.S. teens look outside the classroom for environmental information

While few teens enjoy doing homework, a survey from Canon U.S.A., Inc. finds that when it comes to the environment a majority feel the need to go beyond the walls of a classroom to find out more. According to the survey, conducted online with 563 participants (14 to 18 year olds), teens believe that environmental issues will have an impact in their lives in the future and they want to know more about them.

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Australia can lead zero-carbon prosperity – group

Despite its contributions to the world’s total carbon emissions, Australia can lead the way toward zero-carbon prosperity while United Nations negotiations are at a standstill, a report from Beyond Zero Emissions suggests. The report, “Laggard to Leader,” proposes that Australia institute a moratorium on new fossil fuel developments as the centerpiece of a global campaign to phase out fossil fuels.

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New Delhi to go “green” with clean technologies

In a move towards “green” India, its national capital New Delhi takes the lead, matching the country’s surging energy demands by using clean technologies such as electric vehicles and light emitting diode or L.E.D. lighting. The New Delhi Municipal Council will install charging stations for electric vehicles across 65 areas covered by its jurisdiction including major landmarks, metro stations and hotels, which will increase the appeal of the vehicle among consumers.

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Women marginalized in resource management process in Asia –Rights and Resources Initiative

Unless the rights of women in Asia are recognized, the region is unlikely to meet it climate and poverty reduction goals. This is the finding of the Rights and Resources Initiative which released a suite of analysis at the International Workshop on Gender and Forest Tenure in Asia and Collective Forest Tenure Reform in China.

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New Jersey law to stabilize local solar market

New legislation to stabilize the solar market in the state of New Jersey and help create new jobs has been signed and passed into law by Governor Chris Christie. The law, S1925/A2966, will address the imbalance of Solar Renewable Energy Credits – of which New Jersey is having an oversupply – which has created uncertainty in the market for both developers and end users.

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Sustainable palm oil out now in Indonesian market

A sustainable version of palm oil is now out in the grocery stores of Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer and second biggest consumer after Malaysia. The “eco-friendly” palm oil aims to promote sustainable practices in the industry. “Ecoplanet Cooking Oil” introduced by Carrefour, integrates environmental responsibility in its manufacturing, as certified by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil.

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Obama may have missed jobs goal, but investments surged – report

United States President Barack Obama's projected 5 million clean energy jobs may not have been reached, but his investment programs have been successful, a report shows. The estimated 3.1 million jobs created in 2011 may have fallen short of his promise in 2008, but the renewable energy market has grown twice as fast as the U.S. economy, and three times as fast in California due to the success of investment programs.

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