Climate

129 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties that have arisen in respect of the administration of the new child care subvention scheme and that where subvention was granted in 2008 to cover the period June to December 2008, there is no possibility to request more funding which is presenting difficulties for both parents and provider; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that with the change in economic climate, parents, who previously were not eligible for subvention, have had a change in circumstances since 2007 and now qualify for the subvention; if in view of the fact that the current system does not allow for this change she will take steps to have same amended to facilitate the new situation. [35059/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 October 2008

129 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties that have arisen in respect of the administration of the new child care subvention scheme and that where subvention was granted in 2008 to cover the period June to December 2008, there is no possibility to request more funding which is presenting difficulties for both parents and provider; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that with the change in economic climate, parents, who previously were not eligible for subvention, have had a change in circumstances since 2007 and now qualify for the subvention; if in view of the fact that the current system does not allow for this change she will take steps to have same amended to facilitate the new situation. [35059/08]

22 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the aspects of the national development plan that will be retained in view of the new budgetary climate; the parts that will be removed or postponed; if the Government will be formulating a new national development plan reflecting the new economic reality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34483/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 October 2008

22 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the aspects of the national development plan that will be retained in view of the new budgetary climate; the parts that will be removed or postponed; if the Government will be formulating a new national development plan reflecting the new economic reality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34483/08]

6 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the aspects of the Programme for Government that will be retained in view of the new budgetary climate; the parts that will be removed or postponed; if the Government will be issuing a new programme reflecting the new economic reality or reprioritising the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34482/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 October 2008

6 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the aspects of the Programme for Government that will be retained in view of the new budgetary climate; the parts that will be removed or postponed; if the Government will be issuing a new programme reflecting the new economic reality or reprioritising the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34482/08]

Existenz eines Schriftwechsels zwischen dem Niedersächsischen Ministerium für Umwelt und Klimaschutz und der Rechtsanwaltskanzlei "Heinemann und Partner" bezüglich der Schließung des Forschungsbergwerkes Asse II und Vorlage dieses Schriftwechsels beim Parlament sowie gegebenenfalls Akten zur Erarbeitung des Sonderbetriebsplans 18

Germany · German Bundestag · 10 October 2008

379 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs expended to date in 2008 on the climate change awareness campaign; the anticipated costs for the remainder of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33447/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 October 2008

379 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs expended to date in 2008 on the climate change awareness campaign; the anticipated costs for the remainder of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33447/08]

317 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in the tourist industry that the marketing budget, particularly in the US market, should be maintained in the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33440/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 October 2008

317 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in the tourist industry that the marketing budget, particularly in the US market, should be maintained in the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33440/08]

Grensmaatregelen tegen carbon leakage: reactie op studie CPB-PBL

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 7 October 2008

Grensmaatregelen tegen carbon leakage: reactie op studie CPB-PBL

VTE-raad en milieuraad over energie/klimaat dossier

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 3 October 2008

VTE-raad en milieuraad over energie/klimaat dossier

244 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the moneys that were allocated in the budget for the years 2007 and 2008 under the heading of climate change; the amount of that money that has been spent; the purpose for which the money was spent; if this information will be provided in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33042/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 October 2008

244 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the moneys that were allocated in the budget for the years 2007 and 2008 under the heading of climate change; the amount of that money that has been spent; the purpose for which the money was spent; if this information will be provided in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33042/08]

59 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if budgets for education and training within Irish prisons will be reduced in view of the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32778/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 October 2008

59 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if budgets for education and training within Irish prisons will be reduced in view of the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32778/08]

50 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the infrastructural developments due to take place in the prison sector in the next 12 months; if these projects will go ahead as planned in view of the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32779/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 October 2008

50 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the infrastructural developments due to take place in the prison sector in the next 12 months; if these projects will go ahead as planned in view of the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32779/08]

Arctic Climate Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2008

Arctic Climate Preservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) conduct a study of black carbon and organic carbon emissions; and (2) propose regulations under the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of black carbon. Defines "black carbon" as the strongly light absorbing component of carbonaceous aerosols. Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the amount, type, and direction of all U.S. foreign aid for reducing black carbon pollution. States the policy of the United States with respect to international agreements and treaties relating to the reduction of black carbon emissions, protection of the Arctic environment, the the threat to polar bears from global warming, human rights under the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, and the reduction of shipping pollution through domestic means and through the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships (MARPOL).

32 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport the future of metro north and metro west in view of the economic climate; his plans to scale back these projects; the preparatory work that has already been funded by his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32616/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 October 2008

32 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport the future of metro north and metro west in view of the economic climate; his plans to scale back these projects; the preparatory work that has already been funded by his Department to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32616/08]

Voortgang Klimaat en Energiepakket ten behoeve van het algemeen overleg Milieuraad 9 oktober 2009

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 29 September 2008

Voortgang Klimaat en Energiepakket ten behoeve van het algemeen overleg Milieuraad 9 oktober 2009

Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the Office of Water which shall: (1) implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005; and (2) place primary emphasis on providing safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Bureau for International Water within the Office of the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs which shall: (1) coordinate U.S. diplomatic policy regarding global freshwater issues; and (2) ensure that international freshwater issues are represented within the U.S. government. Amends the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary and the Administrator to establish in every priority country a program to train local water and sanitation managers to promote government capacity to provide access to safe drinking water and sanitation; and (2) require that the water for peace and security report includes an assessment of current and likely future political tensions over water sources and an assessment of the future impacts of global climate change on water supplies. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize grants through USAID to develop technologies for providing clean water and sanitation in high priority countries with limited resources and infrastructure.

Climate Change Rebate Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Climate Change Rebate Act of 2008 - Requires that 35% of the total value of greenhouse gas emission allowances created by federal legislation limiting such emissions be auctioned each year to finance the purposes of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain low-income taxpayers a refundable tax credit for energy cost increases attributable to carbon regulation (climate change tax credit). Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) formulate and administer a Climate Change Rebate Program to provide monthly rebates based on energy cost increases to low-income families and families receiving federal assistance; (2) establish a schedule and standards to implement such Program. Requires receipts from the auction of greenhouse gas emission allowances to be used equally for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program under the Energy Conservation and Production Act.

Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Enhancement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2008

Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Enhancement Act of 2008 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the Office of Water which shall: (1) implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005; and (2) place primary emphasis on providing safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Bureau for International Water within the Office of the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs which shall: (1) coordinate U.S. diplomatic policy regarding global freshwater issues; and (2) ensure that international freshwater issues are represented within the U.S. government. Amends the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 to: (1) direct the Secretary and the Administrator to establish in every priority country a program to train local water and sanitation managers to promote government capacity to provide access to safe drinking water and sanitation; and (2) require that the water for peace and security report includes an assessment of current and likely future political tensions over water sources and an assessment of the future impacts of global climate change on water supplies. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961to authorize grants through USAID to develop technologies for providing clean water and sanitation in high priority countries with limited resources and infrastructure.

To authorize United States participation in, and appropriations for the United States contribution to, an international clean technology fund, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2008

Amends the Bretton Woods Agreements Act to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to contribute to a Clean Technology Fund to promote accelerated deployment in developing countries of technologies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Requires that such Fund be established and administered by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Prohibits the Fund from providing more than approximately 15% of Fund resources to any one country. Sets forth requirements for a country to be eligible for support from the Fund, which shall be used to cover the incremental costs of deploying clean energy technologies that result in substantial and additional reductions from baseline greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits the Fund from providing support for any new coal-fired electricity generation facility unless certain requirements are met. Requires transparency in all aspects of the governance of the Fund. Directs the Secretary to: (1) direct the U.S. representative to oppose any proposal that would result in the Fund failing to meet the requirements of this Act; (2) encourage all the multilateral development banks to apply environmental assessment procedures in their consideration of Fund proposals; and (3) ensure that the Fund complements the International Clean Energy Foundation. Amends the the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary to seek to ensure that multilateral development banks: (1) adopt and implement greenhouse gas accounting in analyzing the benefits and costs of all projects for which bank funding is sought; and (2) expand their activities supporting climate change mitigation.

Ökologisierung der Wohnbauförderung und Heizungstauschprogramme für mehr Klimaschutz und Entlastung für Haushalte

Austria · National Council · 25 September 2008

Unselbständiger Entschließungsantrag der Abgeordneten Dr. Eva Glawischnig-Piesczek, Karlheinz Kopf, Ing. Peter Westenthaler, Kolleginnen und Kollegen betreffend Ökologisierung der Wohnbauförderung und Heizungstauschprogramme für mehr Klimaschutz und Entlastung für Haushalte

Wijziging Besluit handel in emissierechten i.v.m. verlenging NOx-opt-out, aanscherping prestatienormen

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 25 September 2008

Wijziging Besluit handel in emissierechten i.v.m. verlenging NOx-opt-out, aanscherping prestatienormen

1811 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to look at extending the years where maintenance and fees grants are available from a maximum of four years at present to five years to take account of students pursuing post-graduate studies and the need in the current climate to encourage students to continue with their studies in order that Ireland has a higher educated base for Ireland’s knowledge based economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31364/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 24 September 2008

1811 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to look at extending the years where maintenance and fees grants are available from a maximum of four years at present to five years to take account of students pursuing post-graduate studies and the need in the current climate to encourage students to continue with their studies in order that Ireland has a higher educated base for Ireland’s knowledge based economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31364/08]

To honor the visionary and extraordinary work of Los Alamos National Laboratory and IBM on the Roadrunner supercomputer.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2008

Honors the visionary and extraordinary work of Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) for: (1) pushing the barriers of science and providing the United States with historic high-performance computing capabilities that will allow some of the most challenging problems in science and engineering to be solved, such as the safety of the nuclear deterrent of the United States, the humane genome, and climate change; and (2) achieving the capability to make petaflop calculations (1,000,000,000,000,000 calculations per second) using the Roadrunner supercomputer which is considered a crucial milestone internationally and a sign of U.S. competitiveness in the critical new area of high-performance computing.

POLICY OPTIONS TO PREVENT CLIMATE CHANGE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 September 2008

Eight Steps to Energy Sufficiency Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008

Eight Steps to Energy Sufficiency Act of 2008 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) take designated actions to promote advanced batteries research and development for (plug-in) electric drive vehicles, including a direct loan program for domestic production. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to prescribe procedures for oil and natural gas preleasing and leasing activities in certain new producing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, to repeal the prohibition against final regulations for a commercial leasing program for oil shale resources on public land. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) enter into a streamlined refinery permitting process (upon request of a state governor or Indian tribe); and (2) report to certain congressional committees regarding additional federal incentives to increase production of cellulosic ethanol. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress regarding actions to limit litigation under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for hydrogen installation, infrastructure, and fuel costs; and (2) extend and modify tax credits for renewable energy production, solar energy and fuel cell investment, residential energy efficient property, renewable energy bonds, energy efficient new and existing homes, and energy efficient appliances produced after 2007. Extends and modifies the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to declare certain large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities eligible for the federal loan guarantee program. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a loan program for coal-to-liquid facilities. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to permit the Secretary of Energy to construct storage facilities near pipeline infrastructure and a military base and store coal-to-liquid products in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Authorizes specified funds for the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue support efforts to test and procure coal-derived synthetic fuels for aviation jet use. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow specified tax incentives for coal-to-liquid production. Energy Security and Climate Enhancement Through Clean Coal Technology Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe specified clean coal technology incentives, including: (1) an investment credit for carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage equipment; and (2) a credit for carbon dioxide sequestration in the generation of electricity. Provides for the issuance of clean energy coal bonds. Withdraws specified lands from certain leasing, mining and materials sales laws, and places them under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Energy for nuclear waste access to Yucca Mountain. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to prescribe infrastructure activities related to a facility licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at the Yucca Mountain site. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish: (1) a nuclear power facility construction credit; and (2) a five-year accelerated depreciation for new nuclear power facilities. Prescribes a leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development and production within the Coastal Plain of Alaska (known as the 1002 Coastal Plain Area). Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Prohibits exportation of oil or gas produced under this Act.

A bill to establish 4 regional institutes as centers of excellence for research, planning, and related efforts to assess and prepare for the impacts of climate change on ocean and coastal areas.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2008

Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) establish an Institute for Ocean and Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change at an institution of higher education in each of four separate regions of the United States; and (2) award grants to such educational institutions for research, planning, and related activities to assess and prepare for the impacts of climate change on ocean and coastal areas, including the Great Lakes.

Fietsen naar school voor een beter klimaat

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 16 September 2008

Fietsen naar school voor een beter klimaat

A bill to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study on black carbon emissions.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2008

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work with representatives of industry and environmental groups to conduct a study of black carbon emissions, which shall include: (1) an identification of the major sources of black carbon emissions in the United States and throughout the world, an estimate of the quantity of current and future emissions, and the net climate effects of the emissions from those sources; (2) an identification of the most effective and cost-effective control technologies, operations, or strategies for additional domestic and international reductions in black carbon reductions and the health benefits associated with additional reductions; and (3) recommendations regarding areas of focus for additional research for technologies, operations, and strategies with the highest potential to reduce black carbon emissions, government actions to encourage or require additional black carbon emission reductions, and the development of a climate-beneficial tropospheric ozone reduction strategy. Requires the Administrator to report to Congress on the study results within 180 days after enactment of this Act.

Uitstel herziening EU-richtlijn Nationale emissieplafonds (NEC)

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 15 September 2008

Uitstel herziening EU-richtlijn Nationale emissieplafonds (NEC)

Greenhouse Gas Registry Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 September 2008

Greenhouse Gas Registry Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) determine the quantity of each greenhouse gas that makes the same contribution to global warming as one metric ton of carbon dioxide; and (2) designate as a greenhouse gas any directly emitted anthropogenic gas that is included in the Inventory of the United States Greenhouse Gases and Sinks, one metric ton of which makes the same or greater contribution to global warming as one metric ton of carbon dioxide. Directs each covered entity to report to the Administrator its greenhouse gas emissions for the prior calendar year. Directs the Administrator to issue regulations establishing a federal greenhouse gas registry. Specifies that such regulations shall: (1) ensure accuracy and reliability of data submitted; (2) take into account best practices for measuring greenhouse gas emissions and the latest scientific research; (3) require that submitted data are monitored using monitoring systems for fuel use, fuel flow, or emissions, wherever feasible; (4) require annual reporting on the emission of greenhouse gases; (5) establish consistent policies for calculating carbon content and greenhouse gas emissions for each type of fossil fuel reported; (6) provide for immediate public dissemination of data reported, with certain exceptions; and (7) take into account the work done by the Climate Registry and other mandatory state or multistate authorized programs and explain the major differences in approach between the system established under the regulations and the respective registries or programs. Provides that nothing in this Act preempts any state or regional greenhouse gas registry efforts. Authorizes the Administrator to bring a civil action against any entity that fails to comply with the requirements of this Act. Sets forth civil penalties for violations.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: R&D NEEDS TO MEET AMERICA'S ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 September 2008

Veilen van emissierechten 2008-2012

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 10 September 2008

Veilen van emissierechten 2008-2012

Planning AO Klimaatbeleid

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 3 September 2008

Planning AO Klimaatbeleid

Beteiligung der Bundesregierung an einer vom niedersächsischen Minister für Umwelt und Klimaschutz veranlassten Studie über einen möglichen Zusammenhang zwischen der Sedimentverklappung aus dem Hamburger Hafen und dem vermehrten Auftreten von Schlickflächen im Watt von Cuxhaven

Germany · German Bundestag · 15 August 2008

Drie onderzoeken naar mogelijkheid van extreme klimaatverandering

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 14 August 2008

Drie onderzoeken naar mogelijkheid van extreme klimaatverandering

A resolution to honor the visionary and extraordinary work of Los Alamos National Laboratory and IBM on the Roadrunner supercomputer.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

Honors the visionary and extraordinary work of Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) for: (1) pushing the barriers of science and providing the United States with historic high-performance computing capabilities that will allow some of the most challenging problems in science and engineering to be solved, such as the safety of the nuclear deterrent of the United States, the human genome, and climate change; and (2) achieving the capability to make petaflop calculations (1,000,000,000,000,000 calculations per second) using the Roadrunner supercomputer, which is considered a crucial milestone internationally and a sign of U.S. competitiveness in the critical new area of high-performance computing.

United States Climate Action Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2008

United States Climate Action Now Act - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise provisions that require states to update their building energy efficiency codes. Modifies the duties of the Secretary of Energy under such Act relating to: (1) updating the national model building energy codes and standards for residential and commercial buildings; (2) reporting requirements; (3) providing technical assistance to model code-setting and standard development organizations; and (4) providing incentive funding to states for implementing updates of building energy efficiency codes. Requires states to certify to the Secretary that they have reviewed and updated the provisions of their residential and commercial building energy efficiency codes and to certify compliance with such codes. Imposes additional requirements on states that fail to meet compliance deadlines. Amends the Federal Power Act to require the President to: (1) report to Congress on barriers to constructing new transmission lines for increasing renewable electric power generation capacity; (2) designate areas as a National Renewable Energy Zone; and (3) identify, and provide public notice of, new transmission facilities that could substantially increase the generation of electricity from renewable entities. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to establish interconnection standards for state electric utilities not subject to the Federal Power Act. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Bioenergy Partnership to coordinate efforts between governmental entities and the private sector to promote the deployment of sustainable biomass fuels and bioenergy technologies. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a study of black carbon emissions.

To amend the Clean Air Act to provide that greenhouse gases are not subject to the Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2008

Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) exclude from the definition of the term "air pollutant" carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, or chlorofluorocarbons; and (2) declare that nothing in the Act authorizes or requires the regulation of climate change or global warming.

National Oceans Protection Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2008

National Oceans Protection Act of 2008 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to secure for future U.S. generations a full range of benefits of healthy marine ecosystems. Specifies a national ocean policy and related principles. Requires each federal agency, as possible and not inconsistent with other laws, to interpret and administer policies, regulations and laws in accordance with such policy. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings National Ocean Policy and Leadership Act - Reestablishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). States that: (1) it shall be a civilian agency administered by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and (2) there shall be transferred to the Administrator any authority that, before the date of the enactment of this Act, was vested in the Secretary of Commerce and pertains to the functions of NOAA. Establishes: (1) a National Ocean Advisor and a Council on Ocean Stewardship in the Executive Office of the President; and (2) a Presidential Panel of Advisers on Oceans and Climate. Designates nine ocean regions to promote coordinated regional efforts to implement the national ocean policy. Requires the NOAA Administrator to establish or designate a Regional Ocean Partnership for each region and requires each Partnership to prepare a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan. Establishes: (1) the Committee on Ocean Science, Education, and Operations; (2) a marine biodiversity research program; (3) a network of regional Ocean Ecosystem Resource Information Systems; (4) a national interagency ocean and coastal public education program; (5) the National Ocean Science and Technology Scholarship Program; (6) the NOAA Office of Education; and (7) an educational partnership with minority-serving institutions. Requires a national mass media campaign to increase public awareness of oceans. Establishes the Ocean and Great Lakes Conservation Trust Fund. Requires payments to coastal states for Regional Ocean Strategic Plan activities. Requires the United States Postal Service (USPS) to print a special postage stamp to enable the public to help protect, maintain, and restore marine ecosystems.

CLIMATE BENEFITS OF IMPROVED BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 17 July 2008

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2008

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes appropriations to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for FY2009 for: (1) science; (2) aeronautics; (3) exploration; (4) education; (5) space operations; (6) cross-agency support programs; and (7) the inspector general. Authorizes additional appropriations to accelerate the initial operational capability of a U.S.-owned human spacecraft capability. Affirms support for the broad goals of U.S. space exploration policy, utilization of lunar exploration, activity related to Mars exploration, and international participation and cooperation (as well as commercial involvement in exploration). Revises requirements for a compliance report on replacement of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Limits authority of the NASA Administrator to retire the Space Shuttle and requires a report on recertification of continued flightworthiness through FY2015. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning contributions of the commercial space sector. Requires, with respect to the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) project: (1) an assessment of the effects of increased funding under this Act upon development of project capabilities; and (2) a competition for completion of the COTS crewed vehicle demonstration project by the end of FY2011, or as soon thereafter as is practicable. Requires the Administrator to take certain measures in anticipation of retirement of the Space Shuttle fleet. Requires a report on a plan to support the operations of the International Space Station (ISS) beyond FY2015 for a period of not less than five years. Requires the Administrator to report a plan for continuing the activities described in the operation plan of the ISS National Laboratory submitted to Congress in May 2007 and a budget plan that reflects the anticipated use of such activities and the amount projected to be required for FY2010-FY2020 to accomplish the objectives of such activities. Requires establishment of an International Space Station Utilization Advisory Committee and development of an implementation plan for a structure for management of national laboratory research. Establishes in the Treasury an International Space Station Research Fund. Requires the planning and carrying out of an additional Shuttle mission for the scientific utilization of the U.S. portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory by the delivery of launch-ready scientific payloads, such as the alpha magnetic spectrometer, as soon as the assembly of the ISS is completed. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning use of the Space Life Sciences Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center as an asset in ISS National Laboratory capability. Reaffirms support for well-balanced scientific research support by NASA and for nanotechnology research and development and application. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning emphasis on fundamental and basic research and the transition to application development and concerning use by NASA's nanotechnology policy for ongoing research and development in green nanoscience and nanomanufacturing. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning aeronautics research and the impact of sonic booms. Requires research initiatives on certain environmental goals, the fundamental aeronautics research program, sonic booms, aviation safety, and climate change. Requires research and development activities performed by the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate with the primary objective of assisting in the development of a flight project in another Mission Directorate of the Agency to be funded by the Mission Directorate seeking assistance. Requires the Administrator to award grants to institutions of higher education to establish one or more Centers for Research on Aviation Training under cooperative agreements with appropriate NASA Centers. Revises NASA enhanced-use lease policies. Requires establishment of an interagency commission to study the establishment of a space launch range and facilities dedicated to commercial space missions. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning appointment by the President of members to the National Space Council in accordance with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989. Requires the Administrator to review and report on NASA suborbital mission capabilities. Requires the Administrator to initiate discussions with appropriate representatives of other space-faring countries to determine an appropriate framework under which information intended to promote safe access into outer space, operations in outer space, and return from outer space to Earth free from physical or radio-frequency interference can be shared. Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to study the impact of current export control policies and implementation directives on national security, the U.S. aerospace industry, and the ability of federal agencies to carry out cooperative activities in science and technology and human space flight, including the impact on research carried out under the sponsorship of such agencies. States policies concerning the detection of near-Earth objects and responses to threats posed by them. Requires development of a plan for utilizing the International Space Station in support of educational activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Requires establishment as a goal the funding of sounding-rockets, high-altitude balloon, suborbital flight, and small satellite payload opportunities directly linked to programs that provide significant hands-on training, learning, and research opportunities for students and instructors in higher education. Requires continuance of a program of unmanned aerial vehicle development and applications. Specifies funding for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. Requires establishment of an Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation. Requires an inventory of natural methane stocks and fluxes in the Polar Region of the United States. Prohibits NASA from initiating or implementing a reduction-in-force of permanent, non-Senior Executive Service, civil servant employees. Limits the number of term positions. Expresses the sense of Congress concerning the dilution, distortion, suppression, or impeding of research or its dissemination and requires a Comptroller General study of such releases.

Ontwerp-nationaal toewijzingsbesluit broeikasgasemissierechten 2008-2012

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 16 July 2008

Ontwerp-nationaal toewijzingsbesluit broeikasgasemissierechten 2008-2012

Concurrentiepositie Nederlandse industrie

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 14 July 2008

Concurrentiepositie Nederlandse industrie

523 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to promote forestry plantation to increase biomass production demand in the building and fuel markets and to provide carbon sinks to combat climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28577/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 July 2008

523 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to promote forestry plantation to increase biomass production demand in the building and fuel markets and to provide carbon sinks to combat climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28577/08]

261 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he agrees with the Minister for Finance when he states that in the current economic climate an alternative scheme to the public transport vehicle fuel rebate scheme is unlikely to be initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28787/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 10 July 2008

261 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he agrees with the Minister for Finance when he states that in the current economic climate an alternative scheme to the public transport vehicle fuel rebate scheme is unlikely to be initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28787/08]

Verslag FAO High Level Conference on World Food Security and the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy

Netherlands · House of Representatives · 10 July 2008

Verslag FAO High Level Conference on World Food Security and the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy

94 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the finding in the survey on people’s attitudes to climate change that when specific prices were given for carbon taxes that the majority of those surveyed opposed the specific carbon taxes suggested to them; and the reason these findings were not published when he first announced the results of the survey in February 2008. [27584/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 July 2008

94 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the finding in the survey on people’s attitudes to climate change that when specific prices were given for carbon taxes that the majority of those surveyed opposed the specific carbon taxes suggested to them; and the reason these findings were not published when he first announced the results of the survey in February 2008. [27584/08]

68 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the challenging EU 20% reduction target, he will update and redraft the National Climate Change Strategy to take into account this new target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27689/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 July 2008

68 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the challenging EU 20% reduction target, he will update and redraft the National Climate Change Strategy to take into account this new target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27689/08]

900 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated breakdown on the emissions reduced for 2007 and 2008 arranged by sectors covered by the chapter headings in the national climate change strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27054/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 July 2008

900 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated breakdown on the emissions reduced for 2007 and 2008 arranged by sectors covered by the chapter headings in the national climate change strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27054/08]

899 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown of the cost to implement the national climate change strategy for 2007 and 2008 arranged by sectors covered by the chapter headings in the national climate change strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27053/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 July 2008

899 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown of the cost to implement the national climate change strategy for 2007 and 2008 arranged by sectors covered by the chapter headings in the national climate change strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27053/08]

898 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the programmes that are behind schedule in the national climate change strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27052/08]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 July 2008

898 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the programmes that are behind schedule in the national climate change strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27052/08]