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Records
Bill· HRH.R. 3032 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009
Climate Change Center and Clearinghouse Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish: (1) the Office of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change within the Small Business Administration (SBA); and (2) the Climate Change Center and Clearinghouse within such Office. Requires the Office to: (1) oversee and administer the Center; (2) promote energy efficiency efforts for, and efforts to reduce energy costs of, small businesses; and (3) oversee efforts by small businesses to develop renewable energy technologies. Requires the Center to: (1) provide information to small businesses on assessing and managing the impacts of climate change and on cost savings and revenue gains possible through carbon credit trading opportunities and federal and state renewable energy and energy efficiency tax relief programs, purchase incentives, and rebate programs; (2) ensure that such information is provided to small businesses on an accessible website and through nationwide workshops; (3) coordinate federal agency efforts to provide support to small businesses for the purpose of maintaining competitiveness while developing green products or services, implementing green business practices, or reducing pollution; (4) develop a baseline study that provides a broad analysis that aggregates small business energy consumption and emissions; (5) raise awareness among small businesses of the information, technical support, and network opportunities made available through the Energy Star Program to reduce energy waste and energy costs; (6) develop a carbon footprint website that contains information on how small business concerns can reduce their carbon footprint, links to other carbon footprint websites, and a calculator for obtaining an estimate of a small business's carbon emissions based on electricity usage, heating fuel usage, and fleet mileage; and (7) develop a marketing plan. Directs: (1) the President to establish an interagency working group to establish goals and priorities for the Center and to provide for interagency coordination of Center activities; and (2) the Administrator of SBA to specify a detailed definition for the terms "green products or services" and "green business practices."
Record· Brief regering2009Z12266concluded
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 24 June 2009
Prejudiciële vragen Raad van State inzake milieuvergunningen kolencentrales
Report· HearingH.Hrg.111published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 June 2009
Question· writtenPQ 403asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 June 2009
423 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the need for climate change legislation; the representations he has made for higher targets at EU level; his plans for climate change talks at Copenhagen; if he expects the Taoiseach to represent Ireland at the Copenhagen talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[18696/09]
Question· writtenPQ 402asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 June 2009
422 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent UN report that claims that climate change is resulting in more than 300,000 deaths a year; his views on the need for climate change targets to be put on a legal footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24077/09]
Question· oralPQ 4asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 June 2009
4 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Taoiseach the number of occasions on which he attended the sub-committee on climate change and the number of times that it has met in 2009.
[24059/09]
Question· oralPQ 3asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 June 2009
3 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach the number of times the Cabinet sub-committee on climate change has met.
[20717/09]
Question· oralPQ 2asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 June 2009
2 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number of meetings of the Cabinet sub-committee on climate change he has attended.
[19794/09]
Question· oralPQ 1asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 23 June 2009
1 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Taoiseach the number of Cabinet sub-committee on climate change meetings which have been held; and the number of times he has attended these meetings.
[18718/09]
Bill· HRH.R. 2998 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009
American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to establish a combined efficiency and renewable electricity standard that requires specified retail electricity suppliers to supply an increasing percentage of their demand from a combination of energy efficiency savings and renewable energy (6% in 2012, 9.5% in 2014, 13% in 2016, 16.5% in 2018, and 20% in 2021-2039). Provides for issuing, trading, banking, retiring, and verifying renewable electricity credits. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) certifying and permitting geologic sequestration; (2) regulating sequestration wells; (3) establishing performance standards for new coal-fired power plants; (4) developing plug-in electric drive and advanced technology vehicles and infrastructure for such vehicles; (5) assessing and supporting smart grid technology and peak demand reduction goals and related requirements; (6) planning for future transmission of electricity, including electricity grid planning that facilitates the deployment of zero-carbon energy sources; (7) expanding the definition of "renewable biomass" for purposes of the renewable fuel standard; (8) advancing or encouraging clean, renewable, alternative, innovative and/or efficient energy technology, projects, research and/or practices; (9) establishing and/or revising efficiency standards for industrial equipment, lighting, appliances, electric motors, buildings, and consumer products; (10) creating water use efficiency programs; (11) establishing rebate programs, including rebates for the replacement of manufactured homes owned by low-income families and rebates to reimburse low-income households for their estimated loss in purchasing power resulting from the Safe Climate Act provisions of this Act; (12) replacing wood or pellet stoves that do not meet specified performance standards; (13) establishing transportation-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals and standards; and (14) reducing emissions of black carbon. Safe Climate Act - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations to: (1) cap and reduce GHG emissions, annually, so that GHG emissions from capped sources are reduced to 97% of 2005 levels by 2012, 83% by 2020, 58% by 2030, and 17% by 2050; and (2) establish a federal GHG registry. Designates carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from a chemical manufacturing process at an industrial stationary source, perfluorocarbons, and nitrogen trifluoride as GHGs. Requires EPA to establish specified emission allowances (tonnage limits) for: (1) each of 2012-2049; and (2) 2050 and thereafter. Provides for the establishment and distribution of compensatory allowances for the destruction and conversionary use of fluorinated gases and the nonemissive use of petroleum-based or coal-based liquid or gaseous fuel, petroleum coke, natural gas liquid, or natural gas as a feedstock. Prohibits any person from manufacturing, introducing into interstate commerce, or emitting a significant quantity of certain fluorinated gas that is generated as a byproduct during the production or use of another fluorinated gas. Phases in prohibitions against covered entities (including electricity sources, fuel producers and importers, industrial gas producers and importers, geological sequestration sites, industrial stationary sources, industrial fossil fuel-fired combustion devices, natural gas local distribution companies, nitrogen trifluoride sources, algae-based fuels, and fugitive emissions) exceeding allowable emission levels. Requires covered entities to demonstrate compliance through: (1) holding emission allowances at least as great as attributable emissions; or (2) using offset credits. Provides for trading, banking and borrowing, auctioning, selling, exchanging, transferring, holding, or retiring emission allowances. Sets forth provisions governing the disposition of emission allowances, including giving: (1) proceeds from auctions of allocations to benefit energy consumers and low income consumers and to address the impacts of climate change; and (2) free allocations to energy-intensive, trade-exposed industries, local distribution companies, merchant coal units, generators, and refineries. Requires EPA to promulgate regulations to phase down the consumption of, and regulate the production of, HFCs. Specifies consumption allowances for: (1) each of 2012-2032; and (2) 2033 and thereafter. Provides for: (1) the distribution, auction, banking, exchange, and international transfer of such allowances; and (2) the issuance of offset credits for the destruction of chlorofluorocarbons. Requires: (1) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to promulgate regulations for the establishment, operation, and oversight of markets for regulated allowances; and (2) the President to establish an interagency working group on carbon market oversight. Provides for transactions in derivatives that involve energy commodities. Gives the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jurisdiction over the establishment, operations, and oversight of markets for regulated allowance derivatives. Amends the Natural Gas Act and the Natural Gas Policy Act to give FERC cease-and-desist authority to prevent violations of such Acts. Global Change Research and Data Management Act of 2009 - Requires the President to establish: (1) the United States Global Change Research Program to improve understanding of climate change; and (2) a Global Change Research Information Exchange. National Climate Service Act of 2009 - Provides for the establishment of a National Climate Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires the Secretary of State to establish an International Climate Change Adaptation Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2969 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009
Water System Adaptation Partnerships Act of 2009 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make grants to water systems to assist in planning, designing, constructing, implementing, or maintaining any program, strategy, or infrastructure improvement to: (1) conserve water or increase water use efficiency; (2) carry out water metering to measure water efficiency effectiveness of a water efficiency program; (3) preserve or improve water quality; (4) enhance water management by increasing source water preservation and protection, or natural or engineered green infrastructure, in the management, conveyance, or treatment of water, wastewater, or stormwater; (5) increase energy efficiency or the use and generation of renewable energy in the management, conveyance, or treatment of water, wastewater, or stormwater; (6) support the adoption and use of advanced water treatment, water supply management, or water demand management technologies or processes that maintain or increase water supply or improve water quality; (7) complete studies or assessments to project how climate change may impact the future operations and sustainability of the water system; or (8) carry out any other activity or project to address any ongoing or forecasted climate-related impact on the water quality or quantity of a region of the United States that increases the resiliency of a water system to the impacts of climate change. Sets forth grant application requirements. Requires the Administrator to conduct a competitive process to select and fund applications, giving priority to applications that: (1) are submitted by water systems that are at the greatest and most immediate risk of facing significant climate-related negative impacts; (2) will impact the largest numbers of water users; and (3) will provide the greatest benefit per dollar expended. Limits the federal share to 50% of the cost.
Question· writtenPQ 163asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 June 2009
163 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will bring forward new proposals to meet Kyoto climate change targets here; the number of carbon credits and the estimated cost of buying same during the Kyoto timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24253/09]
Question· writtenPQ 65asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 June 2009
64 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the future of the small business forum; if further meetings and a work programme are planned; and her views on giving the forum a significant role in view of the importance of the small business sector in the economic climate.
[24236/09]
Question· writtenPQ 40asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 June 2009
41 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposals in respect of offshore wind planning published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24083/09]
Question· writtenPQ 39asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 18 June 2009
31 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the climate change and energy security committee producing a Bill to facilitate off shore energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24166/09]
Motion· Motie2009Z11761adopted
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 18 June 2009
Motie Peters over een meer prominente plaats voor het klimaat in de subsidiekaders
Bill· Private Members' Bill (Presentation Bill)Bill 494open
United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 18 June 2009
A Bill to make provision for the display of climate change information in motor vehicle advertising and registration documents
Question· writtenPQ 125asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 June 2009
134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to broaden the scope of the RAPID programme in view of the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24016/09]
Question· writtenPQ 63asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 17 June 2009
74 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to review the operation of county enterprise boards to allow them respond to the new challenges presented by the current economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[23925/09]
Question· writtenPQ 167asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 June 2009
186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, arising from the economic downturn, he has issued instructions or given direction to groups or bodies under the aegis of his Department with a view to identifying the steps that might be taken to assist in the current climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[23817/09]
Question· writtenPQ 166asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 16 June 2009
185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has issued instructions or directions to the Arts Council or similar groups or bodies under the aegis of his Department to ensure adequate development and promotion of the arts in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[23816/09]
Record· Brief regering2009Z11478concluded
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 16 June 2009
Impressie van de recente VN-klimaatonderhandelingen in Bonn.
Bill· HRH.R. 2880 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2009
Buy American Carbon Incentives Program Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a carbon incentives program to achieve supplemental greenhouse gas emissions reductions on private agricultural and forestland; (2) provide financial incentive payments for activities that increase carbon sequestration and storage over a designated contract period, and maintain carbon sequestration and storage and avoid future emissions through permanent avoided conversion agreements; and (3) establish monitoring and compliance protocols. Requires participating owners to enter into a climate mitigation contract with the Secretary. Obligates specified funds for further incentives for activities and agreements that protect carbon reductions and otherwise enhance environmental benefits achieved under a climate mitigation contract.
Bill· HRH.R. 2846 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2009
American Energy Act - Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2009 - Considers the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 released by the Secretary of the Interior to have been approved as final under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) and to be in full compliance with all requirements of applicable laws. Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases; and (2) promulgate regulations that establish management of the surface occupancy of the portion of the OCS near the coastline. Amends the Submerged Lands Act to extend to 12 nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Excepts from the operation of provisions concerning the rights of states all of the oil and gas mineral rights for lands beneath the navigable waters that are located within the expanded offshore seaward boundaries. Deems such rights to be federal property and part of the federal OCS for purposes of OCLA. Revises the procedure for determining each state's Adjacent Zone and each OCS Planning Area. Provides a means of voluntary relinquishment of any portion of a geologically prospective lease. Revises procedures for the granting of OCS leases concerning multiple leases for the same tract, payment of receipts, joint bidding restrictions in Alaska, price thresholds applicable to royalty suspension volumes, and a conservation of resources fee for nonproducing leases. Provides schedules for the sharing and allocation of OCS receipts. Prohibits leasing east of the military mission line (86 degrees, 41 minutes West Longitude, and extending south from the coast of Florida to the outer boundary of U.S. territorial waters in the Gulf of Mexico). Revises OCS leasing provisions concerning: (1) timing and location under each five-year program; (2) consideration of other laws affecting leasing; (3) suggestions from government entities and other persons; and (4) estimates of resources within a state's Adjacent Zone and projections of receipts expected to be shared with each Adjacent State and its political subdivisions. Provides rules for the approval by a federal agency or a state of a petroleum or natural gas pipeline, respectively. Provides guidelines for the preparation of environmental impact statements. Prohibits uses on the federal OCS or in state waters by federal agencies that are incompatible with oil and gas leasing and substantially full exploration and production of geologically prospective tracts. Authorizes the repurchase and cancellation of certain leases that were subject to litigation in the Court of Federal Claims. Allows environmental mitgation requirements associated with leasing activities to be satisfied at a site away from the area affected. Requires the Secretary to establish OCS regional headquarters. Allows a lessee of an existing oil and gas lease for an area located completely within 12 nautical miles of the coastline within the California or Florida Adjacent Zones the option of exchanging such lease for a new oil and gas lease having a primary term of 5 years. Repeals the program of coastal impact assistance to producing states and political subdivisions. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Requires the Secretary to establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of Alaska's Coastal Plain's oil and gas resources. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to terminate the prohibition against leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Directs the Secretary to hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources, under the terms offered in a specified solicitation of bids. Allows the temporary reduction of royalties, fees, rentals, bonus, or other payments for leases of federal lands for the development and production of such resources as necessary to incentivize and encourage their development. Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide financial assistance to states to hire personnel with expertise relevant to consideration of federal refinery authorizations. Requires a federal agency responsible for refinery authorization to provide nonfinancial assistance to facilitate state consideration of such authorizations. Directs the President to appoint a federal coordinator to facilitate such authorizations. Instructs the President to designate at least three closed military installations as potentially suitable for the construction of a refinery. Requires that at least one such site be designated as potentially suitable for construction of a refinery to produce biofuel. Requires the redevelopment authority for each such installation to consider the feasibility and practicability of siting a refinery on the installation. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal certain requirements regarding refinery revitalization. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the income tax credits for: (1) the purchase of a new qualified alternative fuel vehicle; (2) the cost of qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property; and (3) qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles placed in service. Directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program of awards to advance the development and application of innovative energy technologies and new energy sources, including for innovative gasoline-operated automobile and advanced battery manufacturing. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various energy efficiency tax incentives. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal the requirement that the associated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of government-procured alternative or synthetic fuels not exceed those from equivalent fuel from conventional petroleum sources. Provides for the procurement of coal-to-liquid fuel and loans to facilities that produce such fuel. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend various renewable energy tax credits and to include in certain incentives advanced nuclear power and clean-coal equipment. Establishes in the Treasury the American Renewable and Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to establish an expedited procedure for issuing combined construction and operating licenses for new reactors. Sets a goal of licensing 100 new reactors, or the megawatt equivalent, by 2030. Requires creation of a uranium supply-disruption mitigation reserve and the convening of a national summit on uranium resources. Establishes policies concerning the disposal of high-level nuclear waste. Directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a National Nuclear Energy Council to advise the Secretary and assist nuclear energy-related investors. Revises NEPA environmental assessment procedures with respect to the consideration of alternative locations or actions for renewable energy projects. Excludes greenhouse gases and climate change from regulation under the Clean Air Act. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the consideration of the impact of greenhouse gases upon species of fish, wildlife, or plants. Sets forth jurisdictional rules and procedures for claims that arise concerning any energy project under a federal lease.
Report· HearingH.Hrg.111published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 June 2009
Bill· SS. 1252 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009
Oceans and Human Health Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Oceans and Human Health Act to expand the interagency oceans and human health research program to include coasts and the Great Lakes and to direct the President, through the National Science and Technology Council, to deliver information, products, and services to reduce public health risks, including those related to climate change, and enhance health benefits from the ocean. Revises the program's scope. Requires (current law authorizes) establishment of an oceans and human health advisory panel to assist in the development and implementation of the Oceans and Human Health Initiative. Revises the focus areas of centers of excellence that strengthen the capabilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out its activities related to the ocean's role in human health. Requires extramural research grants under existing provisions to support research to improve understanding of processes within the ocean that may affect human and marine animal health and to explore the potential contribution of marine organisms to medicine and research. Authorizes establishment of a competitive program to recognize highly distinguished external scientists in any area of oceans and human health research and to involve those scientists in collaborative work with NOAA's Oceans and Human Health Initiative. Revises requirements for dissemination of information, and for reporting on the results of the research, assessments, and findings, developed under the Initiative. Extends funding to carry out the Initiative.
Record· Brief regering2009Z10874concluded
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 10 June 2009
Beantw vrg Cie EZ inzake de beleidsdoorlichting Ondernemerschapsbeleid (30 991 nr. 5)
Report· HearingH.Hrg.111published
United States · United States House of Representatives · 9 June 2009
Question· writtenPQ 367asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 June 2009
425 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to generate interest and support for the arts throughout urban and rural communities with particular reference to the implementation of measures to address emerging needs in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22446/09]
Question· writtenPQ 52asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 June 2009
109 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if funding for the purchase of decentralisation properties identified as having been approved by Government to proceed in budget 2009 has been or will be committed in the context of the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22411/09]
Question· writtenPQ 51asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 June 2009
108 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to index section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 in view of the current climate when longer repayment schedules may be needed by borrowers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22371/09]
Question· writtenPQ 44asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 June 2009
101 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance his views on reviewing the rate of VAT on bands here in the current economic climate as gigs become harder to secure for persons whose only source of income is derived from gigs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22198/09]
Bill· HRH.R. 2757 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2009
Consumer Assistance Rebate for Energy Act - Requires any federal climate change law to return to the American people all proceeds from the sale of allowances or credits, from a tax or fee imposed on greenhouse gas emissions, or from other means through reductions in individual taxes, increases in social security or unemployment benefits, and other direct means.
Report· HearingS.Hrg.111-80published
United States · United States Senate · 4 June 2009
Bill· SS. 1191 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009
Roadmap for Addressing Climate Change in China and India Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to prepare an interagency report on climate change and energy policy in China and India and submit such report to specified committees of Congress.
Bill· HRH.R. 2685 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009
Climate and Ocean Research and Coordination Act of 2009 - Reestablishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its leadership. (NOAA was created by the Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970.) Includes in NOAA the National Weather Service and the Science Advisory Board. National Climate Enterprise Act of 2009 - Directs the President to establish a National Climate Enterprise to coordinate international, federal, and nonfederal activity to provide scientifically based climate and climate impact data, information, products, and services to better forecast climate, climate change, and climate variability and to understand climate impacts at regional and local scales. Requires that the Enterprise consist of an Interdepartmental Oversight Board, an Interagency Coordinating Committee, and a Climate Operations Office established by this Act, and nonfederal contributors. Requires the Office, subject to appropriations, to develop and implement a quality assurance program to certify climate products and services that satisfy this Act's standards. Defines "climate product and service" as any publicly or commercially available product or service produced by a nonfederal contributor that includes or displays climate data, meta-data, or information. Allows the Enterprise to authorize the use of the emblem or any trademark of the Enterprise on a certified climate product or service. Establishes in the Treasury the Climate Products And Services Account. Requires the Enterprise Advisory Board to provide advice to the Interagency Coordinating Committee on policy implementation by the Climate Operations Office, the effectiveness of data, meta-data, information, products, and services delivered to end-users, priorities for climate research and information needs, the performance of non-federal contributors, and critical climate research needs.
Question· writtenPQ 60asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 May 2009
50 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the European Union will offer adequate financial support to countries which have to adhere to climate change targets and may have difficulty in doing so.
[21827/09]
Record· Brief regering2009Z09971concluded
Netherlands · House of Representatives · 28 May 2009
Kabinetsstandpunt EU Witboek 'Adapting to climate change: towards a framework for action'
Question· writtenPQ 302asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2009
345 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his position on the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen; if he will confirm the persons who will be attending these talks; if he has pushed for higher EU targets in the run-up to Copenhagen; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21046/09]
Question· writtenPQ 64asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 26 May 2009
105 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Taoiseach if the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change met in April 2009 as planned; the timeframe for the next meeting; and the schedule for meetings in 2009.
[21046/09]
Question· writtenPQ 193asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 May 2009
193 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on allowing commercial transport operators who rely on seasonal business to tax their vehicles on a monthly basis rather than the minimum of three months which currently exists in view of the economic climate and taking into account the commercial realities and the cost of doing business here; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[20795/09]
Question· writtenPQ 82asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 May 2009
68 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is the case that a new chief executive officer has been appointed for the proposed new tertiary paediatric hospital in Dublin; when it is expected that this hospital will be operational; if the economic climate has affected planning for the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[20473/09]
Bill· HRH.R. 2569 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009
Directs the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to: (1) develop a strategic plan annually to guide DOT surface transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities for the following three years; (2) develop and execute a review process to assess the performance of university transportation centers (UTCs); and (3) report to Congress on how best to strengthen the transfer of transportation-related technology, including through the establishment of transportation technology extension centers at UTCs. Authorizes the Administrator, in order to expand the workforce of transportation professionals, to establish a grant program to fund internships for students participating in the UTC program. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a visiting committee on surface transportation research. Moves the Office of Climate Change and Environment into RITA and requires it to coordinate research, development, and technology transfer activities: (1) that focus on transportation-related emissions and energy reduction strategies; and (2) on the impacts of climate change on surface transportation infrastructure. Revises the surface transportation, research, development, and technology program to direct the Administrator to make grants to institutions of higher education (including consortia) to establish regional UTCs to carry out research, development, and technology transfer activities in the field of green transportation infrastructure (i.e., infrastructure that preserves and restores natural processes, utilizes natural design techniques, and minimizes energy consumption and pollution). Directs the Administrator to: (1) contract with the National Research Council to review the research, development, and technology transfer activities at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research facility; and (2) establish a pavement research, deployment, and education program. Reauthorizes: (1) the surface transportation research, development, and technology program; and (2) university transportation research.
Question· writtenPQ 233asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 May 2009
264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the matter of bio-energy crops; the extent to which such discussions are expected to impact positively on climate change issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[20704/09]
Report· DCCELEX 52009DC0249open
European Union · European Commission · 20 May 2009
Report· HearingS.Hrg.111-1191published
United States · United States Senate · 19 May 2009
Question· writtenPQ 294asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 May 2009
335 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is an increased role for mortgage protection policies here in view of the changing economic climate and the increasing pressure being placed on the State under the mortgage interest supplement scheme; the steps that will be taken to encourage people to make their own provision for mortgage interest protection in circumstances where they can afford it when taking out a home loan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[20344/09]
Bill· HRH.R. 2507 (111th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009
Native American Challenge Demonstration Project Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project through which federal economic development assistance may be provided for certain Native American communities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such assistance to Alaska Native nonprofit organizations, Native Hawaiian community organizations, and other Indian tribes that enter into Native American Challenge Compacts. Requires such Compacts to establish a multiyear plan for achieving certain development objectives, including promoting economic growth and the elimination of poverty, strengthening good governance, entrepreneurship, and investment in Native American communities, and enhancing the capacity of Alaska Native communities to deal with climate change.
Bill· HRH.R. 2454 (111th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2009
American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) to establish a combined efficiency and renewable electricity standard that requires utilities to supply an increasing percentage of their demand from a combination of energy efficiency savings and renewable energy (6% in 2012, 9.5% in 2014, 13% in 2016, 16.5% in 2018, and 20% in 2021-2039). Provides for: (1) issuing, trading, banking, retiring, and verifying renewable electricity credits; and (2) prescribing standards to define and measure electricity savings from energy efficiency and energy conservation measures. Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) set forth a national strategy to address barriers to the commercial-scale deployment of carbon capture and sequestration; (2) establish an approach to certify and permit geologic sequestration; and (3) promulgate regulations to minimize the risk of escape to the atmosphere of carbon dioxide injected for purposes of geological sequestration. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator to promulgate regulations for sequestration wells. Sets forth: (1) a process to establish a Carbon Storage Research Corporation to collect assessments from distribution utilities of fossil fuel-based electricity delivered directly to consumers; and (2) performance standards for new coal-fired power plants. Amends PURPA to provide for the development of electric vehicle infrastructure. Requires the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) to establish: (1) a large-scale vehicle electrification program; and (2) a program to provide financial assistance for the manufacture of plug-in electric drive vehicles. Requires the Administrator to establish a program under which a state may create a State Energy and Environment Development Account. Sets forth provisions concerning the development of a smart grid, including provisions: (1) amending the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide for the inclusion of smart grid capability information on appliance energy guide labels; (2) requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to support load-serving entities in developing their peak demand reduction goals; (3) amending the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize the energy efficiency public information program and to include smart grid information in it; and (4) reauthorizing the energy efficient and smart appliance rebate program and revising it to include smart-grid features. Amends the Federal Power Act to require FERC to adopt electricity grid planning principles derived from a federal policy (established by this Act) on electric grid planning that facilitates the deployment of renewable and other zero-carbon energy sources for generating electricity to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) while ensuring reliability, reducing congestion, ensuring cyber-security, and providing for cost-effective electricity services. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to revise: (1) rules regarding improving energy efficiency in industrial equipment; (2) efficiency standards for electric motors; (3) conservation standards for lighting and appliances; and (4) the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles. Requires the Secretary to establish Clean Energy Innovation Centers to promote commercial deployment of clean, indigenous energy alternatives to fossil fuels, to reduce GHG emissions, and to ensure that the United States maintains a lead in developing and deploying state-of-the-art energy technologies. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to revise energy conservation standards for new buildings. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) standards for a national energy and environmental building retrofit policy for residences; and (2) a building energy performance labeling program. Establishes a rebate program to assist low-income households residing in pre-1976 manufactured homes in purchasing new Energy Star qualified manufactured homes. Requires the Secretary to establish a Best-in-Class Appliances Deployment Program. Requires the President to use statutory authorities to set motor vehicle emissions standards. Amends the CAA to require the Administrator to promulgate standards applicable to GHG emissions from specified mobile sources, including heavy-duty vehicles and engines, new marine vessels, locomotives, and aircraft. Establishes within EPA a SmartWay Transport Program, a SmartWay Transport Partnership program, and a SmartWay Financing Program. Requires the Secretary to establish a program to make monetary awards to encourage owners and operators of electric energy generation facilities or thermal energy production facilities using fossil or nuclear fuel to use innovative means of recovering any thermal energy that is a potentially useful byproduct of their processes to: (1) generate additional electric energy; or (2) make sales of thermal energy not used for electric generation, in the form of steam, hot water, chilled water, or desiccant regeneration, or for other commercially valid purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to community development organizations to provide financing to businesses and projects that improve energy efficiency, develop alternative, renewable, and distributed energy supplies, provide technical assistance and promote job and business opportunities for low-income residents, and increase energy conservation in low income rural and urban communities. Safe Climate Act - Amends the CAA to require the Administrator to promulgate regulations to: (1) cap and reduce GHG emissions, annually, so that GHG emissions from capped sources are reduced to 97% of 2005 levels by 2012, 83% by 2020, 58% by 2030, and 17% by 2050; and (2) establish a federal GHG registry. Designates carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from a chemical manufacturing process at an industrial stationary source, perfluorocarbons, and nitrogen trifluoride as GHGs and establishes a carbon dioxide equivalent value for each gas. Prohibits any person from manufacturing, introducing into interstate commerce, or emitting a significant quantity of certain fluorinated gas that is generated as a byproduct during the production or use of another fluorinated gas. Requires the Administrator to establish specified emission allowances (annual tonnage limits) for: (1) each of 2012-2049; and (2) 2050 and thereafter. Provides for the establishment and distribution of compensatory allowances for the destruction and conversionary use of fluorinated gases and the nonemissive use of petroleum-based or coal-based liquid or gaseous fuel, petroleum coke, natural gas liquid, or natural gas as a feedstock. Phases in prohibitions against covered entities (including electricity sources, fuel producers and importers, industrial gas producers and importers, geological sequestration sites, industrial stationary sources, industrial fossil fuel-fired combustion devices, natural gas local distribution companies, nitrogen trifluoride sources, algae-based fuels, and fugitive emissions) exceeding allowable emission levels. Requires covered entities to demonstrate compliance through: (1) holding emission allowances (including international emission or compensatory allowances) at least as great as attributable emissions (as specified); or (2) using offset credits. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Provides for trading, banking and borrowing, auctioning, selling, exchanging, transferring, holding, or retiring emission allowances. Requires the Administrator to: (1) establish a strategic reserve account and place into that account specified amounts (ranging from 1% to 3%) of the emission allowances for each of calendar years 2012-2050; and (2) auction such strategic reserve allowances once each quarter of each of such years. Requires stationary sources subject to the CAA to have permits that require the covered entity to hold a number of emission allowances at least equal to the total annual amount of carbon dioxide equivalents for its combined emissions and attributable GHG emissions. Authorizes the Administrator to designate an international climate change program as a qualifying international program for purposes of international emission allowances provisions, if certain conditions are met. Establishes the Offsets Integrity Advisory Board. Requires the Administrator, considering the Board's recommendations, to promulgate regulations establishing a program for the issuance of offset credits. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning reducing GHG emissions from deforestation in developing countries. Sets forth provisions governing the disposition of emission allowances, including specifying allocations: (1) for supplemental emissions reductions from reduced deforestation; (2) for the benefit of electricity, natural gas, and/or home heating oil and propane consumers; (3) for auction, with proceeds for the benefit of low income consumers and worker investment; (4) to energy-intensive, trade-exposed industries; (5) for the deployment of carbon capture and sequestration technology; (6) to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy; (7) to be distributed to Clean Energy Innovation Centers; (8) to invest in the development and deployment of clean vehicles; (9) to domestic refiners; (10) for domestic and international adaptation; (11) for domestic wildlife and natural resource adaptation; and (12) for international clean technology deployment. Requires the Administrator to auction off certain unused allowances and to deposit the proceeds for 2012-2025 into the Treasury and for 2026-2050 into the Climate Change Dividend Fund. Requires the President to distribute funds in the Consumer Climate Change Rebate Fund (established by this Act) to U.S. households. Amends the CAA to require the Administrator to promulgate GHG emission performance standards for specified categories of stationary sources that: (1) have uncapped GHG emissions greater than 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and are responsible for emitting at least 20% of the uncapped GHG gas emission annually; or (2) are responsible for at least 10% of the uncapped methane emissions. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to phase down the consumption of and regulate the production of HFCs. Specifies consumption allowances for: (1) each of 2012-2032; and (2) 2033 and thereafter. Provides for: (1) the distribution, auction, banking, exchange, and international transfer of such allowances; and (2) the issuance of offset credits for the destruction of chlorofluorocarbons. Establishes the Stratospheric Ozone and Climate Protection Fund, into which the Administrator shall deposit all proceeds from the sale of such allowances. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations to reduce emissions of black carbon (light absorbing component of carbonaceous aerosols) or propose a finding that existing CAA regulations adequately regulate such emissions. Prohibits states from implementing a cap and trade program that covers any capped emissions emitted during 2012-2017. Amends the Federal Power Act to require FERC to promulgate regulations for the establishment, operation, and oversight of markets for regulated allowances. Requires the President to establish an interagency working group on carbon market oversight. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to provide for transactions in derivatives that involve energy commodities. Gives the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) jurisdiction over the establishment, operations, and oversight of markets for regulated allowance derivatives. Amends the CAA to require the Administrator to: (1) distribute emission allowance rebates to eligible industrial sectors (with eligibility based on specified energy, GHG, or trade intensity criteria); and (2) provide for the sale of and require submission of international reserve allowances by U.S. importers of products of industrial sectors that the President determines have suffered certain negative impacts from compliance with GHG emission requirements. Sets forth provisions concerning green jobs and worker transition, including: (1) authorizing the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible partnerships to develop programs of study focused on emerging careers and jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change mitigation; and (2) providing climate change adjustment assistance to adversely affected workers. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain low income taxpayers a refundable energy tax credit to compensate such taxpayers for reductions in their purchasing power, as identified and calculated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), resulting from regulation of GHGs. Requires: (1) the Administrator to implement the Energy Refund Program to give low-income households a monthly cash energy refund equal to the estimated loss in purchasing power resulting from this Act; (2) the Secretary of State to oversee distributions of allowances from the International Clean Technology Account; (3) the President to establish within the United States Global Change Research Program a National Climate Change Adaptation Program; (4) the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a National Climate Service; (5) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to publish a strategic action plan to assist health professionals in preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change; (6) the President to develop a Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Strategy; and (7) the Secretary of State to establish an International Climate Change Adaptation Program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2407 (111th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009
National Climate Service Act of 2009 - Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish the National Climate Service within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to: (1) analyze the effects of weather and climate on communities; (2) carry out observations, data collection, and monitoring of atmospheric and oceanic conditions; (3) provide information and technical support for government efforts to assess and respond to climate variability and change; (4) develop systems for the management and dissemination of data, information, and assessments; and (5) conduct research to improve forecasting, characterization, and understanding of weather and climate variability and change and its effects on communities. Requires the Under Secretary to: (1) establish a Climate Service Office; (2) operate the National Climate Service through a national center, the Climate Service Office, and a network of regional and local facilities; (3) maintain a network of six Regional Climate Centers; (4) maintain a network of offices as part of Integrated Sciences and Assessments Program; (4) establish a Climate Service Advisory Committee; (5) establish Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments Teams to conduct applied regional climate research and projects to address the needs of local and regional decision makers for information and tools to develop adaptation and response plans to climate variability and change; and (6) report to Congress on climate products and services currently delivered by an NOAA office or partner organization to user groups and stakeholders and the new products and services needed. Repeals the National Climate Program Act.