Topic: Clean Air Policy

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Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on energy and the environment

Energy and the environment are typically “back burner” issues in national elections, but both are huge this year for Republicans. Take a look at where each of them stands.
Heat wave: Four things that will rise with the temperatures

Slowing down because of rising heat is the expected response in any summer heat wave. But in a week like this one, where high temperatures fanned across the country, sizzling toward 100 degrees F. from Texas to Boston, some things also go up. Here are four things to expect to rise along with our desire to stay indoors and beat the heat.
Five ways House Republicans are striking fear in environmentalists

House Republicans are attempting to shape US environmental policy by attaching to their 2011 spending plans so-called "riders" that would target regulations ranging from greenhouse gases to mining.
Midterm elections: 12 House races to watch to judge size of a GOP 'wave'

Most observers expect Republicans to take over the House of Representatives, but more than 100 races could go either way. The magic number Republicans need to gain to take control: 39. Here are a handful of races to keep an eye on in the states with early-closing polls.
In Pictures: Endangered animals

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Progress Watch
US air pollution hits 10-year low, report finds

A report by the American Lung Association finds that air pollution has fallen to its lowest levels since the group began collecting data in 2000. The ALA credits the Clean Air Act.
Tax VOX
Gas prices should be higher

In an election year, President Obama may be the last guy who wants gas prices to rise. However, if  we want to reduce our need for foreign oil, slow climate change, and encourage development of new energy technology, we ought to be raising taxes on fossil fuels. A lot.
Tax VOX
Fixing the budget means higher taxes

If we really are going to reduce the federal deficit, new tax revenues must be part of the solution.
Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on energy and the environment

Energy and the environment are typically “back burner” issues in national elections, but both are huge this year for Republicans. Take a look at where each of them stands.
Is the EPA really a 'jobs killer'?

For Republicans, the EPA ranks up there with the IRS as one of the most-reviled agencies in Washington, calling it a 'jobs killer.' The record of the Obama EPA, though, is more nuanced.
Obama drops smog plan: Is it all about the presidential election?

Environmentalists say President Obama is dropping a plan to set new air-quality standards with one eye on on the presidential election. The administration says it is waiting for more research.
Heat wave: Four things that will rise with the temperatures

Slowing down because of rising heat is the expected response in any summer heat wave. But in a week like this one, where high temperatures fanned across the country, sizzling toward 100 degrees F. from Texas to Boston, some things also go up. Here are four things to expect to rise along with our desire to stay indoors and beat the heat.
EPA tells coal-fired plants to reduce pollution. Some may just shut down.

The details of new EPA regulations, released Thursday, mandate reductions in power-plant emissions. 'Old, decrepit plants' without pollution controls may be just too costly to retrofit and be shut down by their owners, say analysts.
Supreme Court throws out back-door bid to curb global warming

A coalition of states and conservation groups sought to use public-nuisance law to compel five energy companies to curb greenhouse gases linked to global warming. The Supreme Court unanimously dismissed the case.
GOP presidential hopefuls dance around climate change

Republican presidential candidates steer away from anything suggesting government action on climate change, some – Pawlenty and Gingrich – reversing earlier positions. Romney says the problem is real, but offers no solutions. That alone has raised conservative ire.
Stefan Karlsson
Carbon tax would weaken Australia

As a net exporter of coal, Australia would have a lot to lose from a carbon tax
Tax VOX
Carbon taxes: the levy (some) conservatives love

Conservatives may usually oppose tax increases, but it looks like some in Washington might go for a carbon tax
Supreme Court should reject climate change nuisance suit

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in American Electric Power Co., Inc. v. Connecticut, an unprecedented “public nuisance” lawsuit brought against energy companies. The courts are hardly the place to set broad policy on climate change. Even Obama agrees.
House votes to strip EPA of power to curb carbon emissions

The House voted Thursday to bar the EPA from regulating carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases. The Senate on Wednesday rejected a similar proposal. Still, the fight is far from over.
Five ways House Republicans are striking fear in environmentalists

House Republicans are attempting to shape US environmental policy by attaching to their 2011 spending plans so-called "riders" that would target regulations ranging from greenhouse gases to mining.
The Vote
Newt Gingrich's flip-flops

Flip-flopping is an old charge in the rough-and-tumble world of politics. Mitt Romney has some explaining to do about health care, and Newt Gingrich seems to have back-flipped on Libya.
Carbon emissions trading: more buy in, small impact

Carbon emissions trading gains wider acceptance among European power companies and heavy industries. But so far, carbon emissions trading has had only a marginal impact in reducing emissions.
Is EPA greenhouse-gas plan a job killer? History might offer clues.

EPA plans to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions in the US have some industries forecasting an economic 'train wreck.' But several economists say history does not support that view.
EPA presents plan on greenhouse gases. Can next Congress stop it?

The EPA set out a timetable Thursday for curbing the emissions of greenhouse gases from power plants and refineries. But Republicans have signaled their steady opposition, and a battle looms.
As regulation of greenhouse gases nears, EPA releases guidelines

The guidelines are intended to help states and industry evaluate the cost and kind of technologies that would best reduce greenhouse gases.
Midterm elections: 12 House races to watch to judge size of a GOP 'wave'

Most observers expect Republicans to take over the House of Representatives, but more than 100 races could go either way. The magic number Republicans need to gain to take control: 39. Here are a handful of races to keep an eye on in the states with early-closing polls.
Why climate change isn't much of a campaign issue

When an economy is in the tank, it’s a lot tougher to sell what may be expensive environmental solutions whose benefits aren't seen for decades to people worried about their job today.
Donald Marron
What will it take to tax carbon?

Recent efforts at climate change legislation died in the Senate recently. Could reaching out to budget hawks help?
Stripped down energy bill leaves out 'cap and trade'

Without 'cap and trade,' Senate majority leader Harry Reid said Tuesday the narrower energy bill has a better shot at overcoming GOP opposition.
Senate Democrats forced to accept much slimmer energy bill

Without enough votes, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has been forced to abandon a comprehensive energy bill. Gone is any tough climate provision. Will the House buy it?