Environmental economics discussion throughout the United States and international forums is linked to this website on about a quarterly basis. Environmental economics discussion from previous weeks will continue to be listed here but articles may be subject to newspaper source archiving, which will affect access to articles. We will endeavor to update this site, as often as possible, with key environmental economics issues raised in the national and international media. Currently, items linked by this website are obtained from policy discussion websites as well as online newspapers. The views expressed in these articles and linked websites do not necessarily reflect LEA, Inc.'s opinion. Choice of sources may be expanded in the future if needed.

Environmental Economics Discussion Links:

    A Financial Times investigation indicates Industry caught in carbon ‘smokescreen’. [FT, April 25, 2007] Companies and individuals rushing to go green have been spending millions on “carbon credit” projects that yield few if any environmental benefits. Widespread failings in the new markets for greenhouse gases suggest some organisations are paying for emissions reductions that do not take place.

    The Independent UK reports Divisions over global warming threaten EU-US climate meeting. [4-27-07] European officials want reference to EU climate change policies, which recognize anthropogenic global warming and the need to reach a worldwide agreement. The EU has committed to a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020. The US ambassador to the EU, C. Boyden Gray, said the "The main difference is over the weight you give to new technologies versus binding targets now." The US has insisted there should be no commitment to binding targets unless developing countries such as China and India agree. The US argues that it is investing more than the EU in technologies such as carbon capture, which could help countries such as China to tackle emissions.

    The Independent UK says Blair hails 'bold' EU deal to slash carbon emissions and boost renewable power. [IUK, March 10, 2007] The European Union agreed to slash carbon emissions and generate one fifth of its energy from renewables including solar and wind power. EU leaders committed to binding targets which will dramatically change how Europe powers its economies.

    The Seattle Times reports Utility gets OK to start tidal-power study. [ST, February 23, 2007] The Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) will study five northern Puget Sound sites for their tidal-power potential. Permits were issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for research sites at Speiden Channel and San Juan Channel, off San Juan Island; Guemes Channel, near Anacortes; and Agate Passage and Rich Passage, along Bainbridge Island. The PUD has three years to determine whether the sites are economically viable and environmentally safe as tidal-power sites. Tidal-current measurements are planned for next month (March 2007). The PUD will use the help of the Electric Power Research Institute ( EPRI ), which helped Tacoma Power begin Washington's first tidal-power project at the Tacoma Narrows.

    The Financial Times summarizes Study sees harmful hunt for extra oil [FT, February 19, 2007] as future oil reserves decline. The study indicates nations and energy firms worldwide will be turning to unconventional energy sources such as the Canadian oil sands, Venezuela’s Orinoco tar belt, Texas shale oil and Madagascar's heavy oil. The study was performed by the energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.

    Yahoo News reports that 4 states may divert conservation funds [YN, February 17, 2007] from oil royalty revenues. The funds were orignally intended to be used to reverse decades of environmental damage from coastal industry.

    In an International Herald Tribune interview Chirac tells U.S. to sign climate accord or face taxes [IHT, February 1, 2007].

    CBS discusses Global Warming Debate Shifts To Who Pays [CBS, February 2, 2007].

    The Christian Science Monitor reports how an air pollution emissions 'cap and trade' system can be used to help reduce greenhouse gases but the approach is harder in practice than in theory (On global warming, what US can learn from Europe) [CSM, January 30, 2007].

    CBS reports that California regulators approved banning power companies from buying electricity from high-polluting sources, including most out-of-state coal-burning plants (California Bans Purchase Of "Dirty" Power) [CBS, January 25, 2007].

    The Christian Science Monitor investigates how dollars invested in clean energy may create more jobs than those invested in traditional energy sources (Unions see greenbacks in 'green' future) [CSM, January 25, 2007].


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