Climate

150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the interest rates currently being charged by lending agencies in respect of house improvement or similar loans; the extent to which this is in excess of the interest paid to depositors; if his attention has been further drawn to the need to bring margins into line with the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19283/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 May 2009

150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the interest rates currently being charged by lending agencies in respect of house improvement or similar loans; the extent to which this is in excess of the interest paid to depositors; if his attention has been further drawn to the need to bring margins into line with the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19283/09]

151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the steps taken to ensure that the lending agencies become aware of the need to provide adequate working capital to the business sector in the present climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19284/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 May 2009

151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the steps taken to ensure that the lending agencies become aware of the need to provide adequate working capital to the business sector in the present climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19284/09]

Drinking Water Adaptation, Technology, Education, and Research (WATER) Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

Drinking Water Adaptation, Technology, Education, and Research (WATER) Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and provide funding for a program of directed and applied research, to be conducted through a nonprofit water research foundation and sponsored by drinking water utilities, to assist the utilities in adapting to the effects of climate change. Requires research areas to include: (1) water quality impacts and solutions; (2) impacts on groundwater supplies from carbon sequestration; (3) water quantity impacts and solutions; (4) infrastructure impacts and solutions for water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities and underground pipelines; (5) desalination, water reuse, and alternative supply technologies; (6) energy efficiency and greenhouse gas minimization; (7) regional and hydrological basin cooperative water management solutions; (8) utility management, decision support systems, and water management models; (9) greenhouse gas emissions reduction and improvement of energy demand management; (10) water conservation and demand management; and (11) communications, education, and public acceptance.

State and Local Fleet Efficiency Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2009

State and Local Fleet Efficiency Act - Recognizes state or local government authority to require fleet owners or operators to acquire only new fleet vehicles that: (1) utilize natural gas as a fuel; (2) are flexible fuel vehicles that operate on gasoline, E85, and M85; or (3) meet a technology or performance-based characteristic that is commercially available. Provides that nothing in this Act or in any other provision of law shall limit such authority to establish purchase requirements for fleets operating within the proper jurisdiction if such requirements further any policy regarding climate change, the control of air pollution, energy independence, or local economic benefits. Defines "fleet" as a group of 20 or more light duty motor vehicles or medium-duty or heavy-duty motor vehicles carrying 14 or more passengers operating primarily in a metropolitan area with a population of more than 250,000 that are: (1) centrally dispatched; or (2) centrally fueled, or capable of being centrally fueled, and owned, operated, leased, or otherwise controlled by a governmental entity or other person meeting specified criteria.

95 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the report on electric cars published recently by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18780/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 May 2009

95 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the report on electric cars published recently by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18780/09]

84 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has read the Drive to Zero electric car document published by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change; and if he will implement the recommendations of the report. [18746/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 May 2009

84 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has read the Drive to Zero electric car document published by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change; and if he will implement the recommendations of the report. [18746/09]

63 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has read the Drive to Zero electric car document published by the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security; and if he will implement the recommendations of the report. [19121/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 12 May 2009

63 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has read the Drive to Zero electric car document published by the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security; and if he will implement the recommendations of the report. [19121/09]

45 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the national strategy for adaptation to climate change will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18098/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 May 2009

45 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the national strategy for adaptation to climate change will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18098/09]

38 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take in respect of the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency report Climate Change in Ireland — Refining the Impacts for Ireland and the need to plan for climate changes that are already occurring and will be clearly evident within 40 years, and its suggestion that we need to plan ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18099/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 May 2009

38 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take in respect of the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency report Climate Change in Ireland — Refining the Impacts for Ireland and the need to plan for climate changes that are already occurring and will be clearly evident within 40 years, and its suggestion that we need to plan ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18099/09]

37 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure that local authorities have guidance from his Department on the steps they should take to adapt to the impact of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18100/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 May 2009

37 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure that local authorities have guidance from his Department on the steps they should take to adapt to the impact of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18100/09]

28 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure preparation for the impact of climate change, in particular to ensure that Ireland is prepared to deal with these impacts both at national and local government level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18101/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 May 2009

28 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to ensure preparation for the impact of climate change, in particular to ensure that Ireland is prepared to deal with these impacts both at national and local government level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18101/09]

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the impacts of climate change on health systems. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) publish a national strategic action plan to assist health professionals to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change on public health in the United States and other nations, particularly developing nations; (2) revise such plan periodically to reflect new information on the impacts of climate change on public health; (3) establish a permanent science advisory board to provide advice and recommendations on the domestic and international impacts of climate change on public health; and (4) contract with the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine to prepare a report that assesses the needs for health professionals to prepare for and respond to climate change impacts on public health.

National Climate Service Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

National Climate Service Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish within the Climate Program Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a National Climate Service that includes a national center and a network of regional and local facilities for operational climate observation, modeling, and research. Requires the Service to: (1) inform the public about climate impacts; (2) serve as a clearinghouse and technical access point to stakeholders for information on climate, climate impacts, and adaptation, and relevant comprehensive databases of information; (3) provide education on climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and application of climate information in decisionmaking; (4) design decision-support tools that facilitate use of climate information in stakeholders' near-term operations and long-term planning; (5) facilitate user access to climate experts for technical assistance in the use of climate information and to inform the climate forecast community of their information needs; (6) provide researcher, modeler, and observations experts access to users to help guide direction of their activities; and (7) propose and evaluate adaptation strategies for climate variability and change. Sets forth the Service's functions, including establishing an atmospheric monitoring and verification program utilizing aircraft, satellite, ground sensors, ocean and coastal observing systems, and modeling capabilities to monitor, measure, and verify greenhouse gas concentrations and emissions throughout the oceans and atmosphere. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on a plan of action for the Service. Requires the Administrator of NOAA to appoint a Director of the Service. Requires the Director to appoint members of a National Climate Service Advisory Council to promote coordination across regional, national, and international concerns and assess information needs.

United States-China Energy Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

United States-China Energy Cooperation Act - Authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to make grants to encourage cooperation between the United States and China in joint ventures involving: (1) joint energy and climate change policy education programs; and (2) joint research, development, or commercialization of carbon capture and sequestration technology, improved energy efficiency, or renewable energy sources. Requires joint ventures to be composed of both: (1) Chinese and United States private business entities; (2) Chinese academic persons (who reside and work in China) and U.S. academic persons; or (3) Chinese and U.S. federal, state, or local government entities.

404 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the means assessment system, which places a notional income on commercial property, in view of the 7 April 2009 budget; her views on reviewing same in view of a person not being able to rent a commercial property due to the economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17442/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 May 2009

404 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will review the means assessment system, which places a notional income on commercial property, in view of the 7 April 2009 budget; her views on reviewing same in view of a person not being able to rent a commercial property due to the economic climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17442/09]

147 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason, in view of the economic climate, there are only three FÁS job clubs in the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17750/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 May 2009

147 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason, in view of the economic climate, there are only three FÁS job clubs in the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17750/09]

108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to increase naval and air surveillance in view of the need to combat drug trafficking or other criminal activity which may become more lucrative in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 May 2009

108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to increase naval and air surveillance in view of the need to combat drug trafficking or other criminal activity which may become more lucrative in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/09]

Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the House of Representatives, not later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution, copies of documents relating to the Department of Homeland Security Intelligence Assessment titled, "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment".

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to transmit to the House of Representatives copies of all documents relating to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Intelligence Assessment entitled "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment."

EXPANDING CLIMATE SERVICES AT THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA): DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 May 2009

Native American Challenge Demonstration Project Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 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.

World Bank International Development Association Replenishment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2009

World Bank International Development Association Replenishment Act of 2009 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to seek to ensure that multilateral development banks: (1) implement greenhouse gas accounting in analyzing the benefits and costs of individual projects; and (2) expand their climate change mitigation activities. Expresses the sense of Congress that implementing greenhouse gas accounting includes: (1) calculating net greenhouse gas flows; (2) establishing uniform, publicly available calculation techniques; (3) measuring individual project emissions; (4) considering global social costs when evaluating the economic cost benefit of projects; and (5) performing greenhouse gas accounting for each project. Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank to: (1) urge the Bank to help countries build capacity to investigate and punish corruption and crime in a manner consistent with well-established law enforcement and judicial norms; and (2) enhance programs that improve recipient countries' ability to prevent and prosecute fraud and corruption. Directs the Secretary to seek to ensure that multilateral development banks: (1) evaluate the development impact of selected bank projects and financing operations; and (2) use random assignment when feasible in conducting such evaluations. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) multilateral development banks should evaluate the development impact of selected bank projects and financing operations; (2) such evaluations should focus on building a body of research-proven approaches that have sustained impacts on important development outcomes and use random assignment when feasible; and (3) multilateral development banks should issue an annual report or similar publication. Amends the International Development Association Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the International Development Association to contribute to the 15th replenishment of the Association. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to contribute to the Association for debt relief funding under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative in the period governed by the 15th replenishment of the Association. Authorizes appropriations. Defines "Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative" as the proposal set out in the G8 Finance Ministers' Communique entitled "Conclusions on Development," done at London, June 11, 2005, and reaffirmed by G8 Heads of State at the Gleneagles Summit on July 8, 2005. Directs the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other federal agencies to conduct a study on the respective roles each agency plays in the formulation of U.S. policy regarding the World Bank Group.

182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in regard to qualification for the back to education allowance; if these requirements are expected to be eased in the current climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17347/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 30 April 2009

182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in regard to qualification for the back to education allowance; if these requirements are expected to be eased in the current climate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17347/09]

Climate Change Safeguards for Natural Resources Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 April 2009

Climate Change Safeguards for Natural Resources Conservation Act - Requires the President to establish: (1) a national Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to protect, restore, and conserve natural resources to enable them to become more resilient, adapt to, and withstand the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification and to identity opportunities to mitigate those impacts; and (2) a Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Panel to serve as a forum for interagency consultation on and the coordination of the development and implementation of such Strategy. Requires each agency represented on the Panel to complete and revise every five years an adaptation plan implementing such Strategy. Directs the Chair of the Council of Environmental Quality to: (1) chair the Panel; (2) advise the President on the Strategy and agency adaptation plans; and (3) coordinate agency natural resources actions in response to climate change and ocean acidification. Requires the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to: (1) establish a coordinated process for developing and providing science and information needed to assess and address the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on natural resources; (2) undertake a climate change and ocean acidification impact survey; and (3) establish a Science Advisory Board to advise the Secretaries on state-of-the-art science regarding the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on natural resources and on scientific strategies and mechanisms for protecting, restoring, and conserving natural resources. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); (2) establish a National Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Information Program; and (3) develop a Habitat and Corridors Information System. Establishes in the Treasury the Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Account. Requires each state, to be eligible for funding from such Account, to prepare and update every five years a natural resources adaptation plan to address the potential impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on its natural resources and coastal areas. Provides for the allocation of such Account funds for specified state and federal natural resources adaptation activities.

FULL COMMITTEE HEARING ON CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND FAMILY FARMERS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 April 2009

158 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to make grants available under the Dormant Accounts Fund suicide prevention measure; if she will confirm that the economic climate will not effect the provision of these grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16631/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 April 2009

158 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to make grants available under the Dormant Accounts Fund suicide prevention measure; if she will confirm that the economic climate will not effect the provision of these grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16631/09]

Addressing the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss

European Union · European Parliament · 23 April 2009

Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) publish a list of pathogens and pathogen indicators upon the publication of the new or revised water quality criteria; and (2) specify in performance criteria for monitoring and assessing coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of interest (waters) available methods for monitoring protocols that are most likely to detect pathogenic contamination. Requires coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs to include monitoring consistent with such criteria, public notification, source tracking, sanitary surveys, and prevention efforts to address identified sources of contamination by pathogens and pathogen indicators in such waters that are used by the public. Revises requirements applicable to state recipients of monitoring and notification program grants, including to require recipients to identify: (1) the use of a rapid testing method to detect levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators that are harmful to human health; and (2) measures for communicating the results of a water sample concerning pollutants within two hours of receipt to specified officials, for ensuring that closures or advisories are made within two hours after the receipt of a water quality sample exceeding standards, and for informing the public of identified sources of pathogenic contamination. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) rapid testing methods, including provisions requiring the EPA to publish guidance that requires the use, at waters that are used by the public, of rapid testing methods that will enhance the protection of public health and safety through rapid public notification of any exceedance of applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators; and (2) compliance review. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for grants to states and local governments for developing and implementing monitoring and notification programs for FY2007-FY2013; and (2) to implement the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 through FY2013. Requires the EPA to update within a year and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically) the list indicating which coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches used by the public are, and which of such waters are not, subject to a monitoring and notification program. Requires the EPA to study and report to Congress on: (1) the long-term impact of climate change on pollution of coastal recreation waters; and (2) the impact of algae on coastal recreation waters.

Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2009

Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to specify in performance criteria for monitoring and assessing coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of interest (waters) available methods for monitoring protocols that are most likely to detect pathogenic contamination. Requires coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs to include monitoring consistent with such criteria, public notification, source tracking, sanitary surveys, and prevention efforts to address identified sources of contamination by pathogens and pathogen indicators in such waters that are used by the public. Authorizes appropriations: (1) for grants to states and local governments for developing and implementing monitoring and notification programs for FY2007-FY2013; and (2) to implement the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 through FY2013. Revises requirements applicable to state recipients of monitoring and notification program grants, including to require such recipients to identify: (1) the use of a rapid testing method to detect levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators that are harmful to human health; (2) measures for communicating any exceeding of applicable water quality standards for pathogens and pathogen indicators to specified officials within two hours of the receipt of the results of a water sample; (3) measures to ensure that closures or advisories are made within two hours after the receipt of a water quality sample that exceeds such standards; and (4) measures that inform the public of identified sources of pathogenic contamination. . Requires the EPA to: (1) prepare an annual assessment of the compliance of state and local governments with program requirements; (2) commence a study of the formula for the distribution of program grants; (3) update within 12 months after this Act's enactment and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically) the list indicating which coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches used by the public are, and which of such waters are not, subject to a monitoring and notification program; and (4) study and report to Congress on the long-term impact of climate change on pollution of coastal recreation waters.

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: U.S. LEADERSHIP FOR A NEW GLOBAL AGREEMENT

United States · United States Senate · 22 April 2009

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

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a study of black carbon emissions, which shall include the following elements: Phase I will establish for the scientific community standard definitions of the terms "black carbon" and "organic carbon." Phase II will summarize the available scientific and technical information concerning 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 projected emissions and the net climate effects of the emissions from those sources, the most effective control strategies for additional domestic and international reductions in black carbon emissions, and the health benefits associated with additional reductions. Phase III will summarize the amount, type, and direction of all actual and potential financial, technical, and related assistance provided by the United States to foreign countries to reduce, mitigate, or otherwise abate black carbon emissions and any health, environmental, and economic impacts associated with those emissions and to identify opportunities to achieve significant black carbon emission reductions in foreign countries through the provision of technical assistance or other approaches. Phase IV will provide recommendations regarding areas of focus for additional research for cost-effective technologies, operations, and strategies with the highest potential to reduce black carbon emissions and protect public health and regarding government actions to encourage or require additional black carbon emission reduction. Sets forth reporting deadlines for each phase.

National Oceans Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009

National Oceans Protection Act of 2009 - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to secure the full range of benefits of healthy ocean and Great Lakes ecosystems. Establishes a national ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes policy and related principles. Requires each federal agency, as possible and in accordance 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 - Formally establishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a civilian agency and transfers to NOAA's administrator any NOAA-related authority previously vested in the Secretary of Commerce. 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. Authoirzes the United States Postal Service (USPS) to consider printing a special postage stamp to enable the public to help protect, maintain, and restore marine ecosystems.

Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009

Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit retailers and distributors from selling beverages in containers that do not display a statement of a refund value of five cents. Defines "beverage" as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic, carbonated or uncarbonated liquid that is intended for human consumption. Requires: (1) distributors to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to retailers by a deposit initiator; and (2) retailers to collect the refund value for each beverage sold to consumers. Requires: (1) retailers to pay the refund on returned unbroken containers of brands sold for up to a specified number of containers per day based on the square footage of the retailer's space (excluding any container contaminated by a hazardous waste); and (2) distributors to pay the refund on returned containers of brands sold, plus at least three cents per container for handling costs. Directs each deposit initiator to pay to a state, quarterly, unclaimed refund amounts, which shall be available to the state for programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Prohibits distributors and retailers from intentionally disposing of containers subject to this Act or any metal, glass, or plastic from such containers (other than the top or seal) in landfills or solid waste disposal facilities. Exempts states that have implemented laws requiring beverage container deposits or that have demonstrated achievement of specified recycling, reuse, or recovery rates for beverage containers. Prohibits states or political subdivisions that impose taxes on the sale of beverage containers from imposing any tax on the amount attributable to the refund value of such containers. Provides for the adjustment for inflation of the refund amounts at ten-year intervals. Prescribes civil penalties for violations of this Act.

Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009

Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009 - 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 within the Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Trade to: (1) give assistance to provide safe water and sanitation for people worldwide; and (2) be headed by a Director for Safe Water and Sanitation. Outlines the Director's duties. Requires the Secretary of State, in order to increase the capacity of the Department of State to address international issues regarding safe water, sanitation, integrated river basin management, and other international water programs, to establish a Special Coordinator for International Water. Outlines the Special Coordinator's duties. Amends the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 to: (1) revise requirements concerning the safe water and sanitation strategy; (2) provide for the establishment of a program to build the capacity of host country institutions and officials responsible for water and sanitation in countries that receive assistance to provide safe water and sanitation under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (3) expand the list of activities that may be supported by assistance furnished by the President for programs in developing countries to provide affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation; and (4) require the report regarding water for peace and security to include an assessment of political tensions over water sources and a multidisciplinary assessment of the expected impacts of global climate change on water supplies in 10, 25, and 50 years.

Recognizing that the climate system of the Earth is warming and that most of the increase in global average temperatures is very likely due to the observed increase in human greenhouse gas emissions.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2009

Recognizes that: (1) the Earth's climate system is warming; (2) most of the increase in global average temperatures is very likely due to the observed increase in human greenhouse gas emissions; and (3) legislation is needed to mitigate risks humans and ecosystems face from a warming climate system.

International Clean Energy Development Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2009

International Clean Energy Development Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Development and Commercialization Committee on Clean and Efficient Energy Technologies within the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate Program Office of the Department of State. Directs the Committee to: (1) evaluate information on clean and efficient energy technologies; (2) identify, prioritize, and carry out projects for the development and commercialization of clean and efficient energy technologies; and (3) report to the appropriate congressional committees on Committee progress and projects.

A 21st CENTURY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: REDUCING GRIDLOCK, TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE, AND GROWING CONNECTICUT'S ECONOMY

United States · United States Senate · 16 April 2009

100 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of direct Exchequer financial support that has been provided to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service over the past three years; and her views on whether MABS is equipped to deal with the range and volume of cases presenting in the current economic climate. [14887/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 9 April 2009

100 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of direct Exchequer financial support that has been provided to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service over the past three years; and her views on whether MABS is equipped to deal with the range and volume of cases presenting in the current economic climate. [14887/09]

34 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will liaise with the Private Security Authority on the matter of the annual fee paid to them by persons employed in the security industry; and if he will ask them to consider reducing or waiving the fee for self employed persons in the current economic climate in view of the fact that they also pay an annual fee to the National Standards Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14841/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 April 2009

34 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will liaise with the Private Security Authority on the matter of the annual fee paid to them by persons employed in the security industry; and if he will ask them to consider reducing or waiving the fee for self employed persons in the current economic climate in view of the fact that they also pay an annual fee to the National Standards Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14841/09]

THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 April 2009

212 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he will take to ensure the continued viability of the forestry sector, the potential unsustainability of which will have far reaching negative consequences for the sector, and involve loss to the State in terms of taxation, energy, climate change and biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13856/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 April 2009

212 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he will take to ensure the continued viability of the forestry sector, the potential unsustainability of which will have far reaching negative consequences for the sector, and involve loss to the State in terms of taxation, energy, climate change and biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13856/09]

41 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the action that is being taken to ensure that bus services in Dublin remain available to the public at the current levels despite the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13753/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 2 April 2009

41 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Transport the action that is being taken to ensure that bus services in Dublin remain available to the public at the current levels despite the economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13753/09]

SMART Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Sound Management of America's Resources and Technologies for Energy Act of 2009 or the SMART Energy Act - Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) provide for investment in and construction of an interstate Energy Superhighway administered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); (2) authorize recovery of costs associated with incremental transfer capabilities to facilitate renewable energy development; and (3) revise the coordination of federal authorizations for interstate electric transmission facilities. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose an excise tax on crude oil or natural gas removed from the Outer Continental Shelf and establish in the Treasury the Energy Security Trust Fund to hold and expend revenues from such tax; (2) allow a new tax credit for production of biogas and syngas from renewable feedstocks; (3) allow a new tax credit through 2011 for the purchase of certain fuel-efficient motor vehicles; (4) increase the national megawatt capacity limitation for the tax credit for energy production from advanced nuclear power facilities; and (5) allow accelerated depreciation of facilities placed in service before 2021 that use nuclear power to produce electricity. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) define "renewable biomass"; and (2) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to create a biofuels infrastructure. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to: (1) allow loan guarantees for new renewable energy pipelines; (2) establish in the Treasury the Biofuels Revolving Loan Fund to make loans for biofuels production; and (3) allow grants for smart grid technologies and functions. Requires the Secretary of Energy to establish a program for research and development of lightweight materials to increase the fuel efficiency of motor vehicles. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations for the reduction of gasoline consumption by federal agency motor vehicle fleets. Requires the EPA Administrator to promote smart growth development programs to provide communities with a range of transportation, housing, and employment choices. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to: (1) require all oil and natural gas produced on the Outer Continental Shelf to be made available for refining and sale solely within the United States; and (2) establish a Special Commission on Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Secretary to: (1) identify the most prospective areas for recoverable oil and natural gas accumulations for industry exploitation; and (2) require monitoring of workforce trends in the nuclear utility and energy product and service industries. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to impose an annual production incentive fee on lessees of federal land whose oil or natural gas production does not meet certain levels. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) should continue to complete the design certificate phase for scalable, modular light-water nuclear reactors and electric plants. Authorizes appropriations to the NRC to hire additional personnel to expedite the processing of applications for new nuclear plants and to streamline the licensing process. Establishes an interagency working group to promote increased domestic manufacturing and export of nuclear energy products and services. Directs the Secretary of Energy to begin construction of a spent fuel recycling research and development facility and to conduct research and development activities to reduce nuclear waste. Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to: (1) define "energy commodity"; (2) prohibit the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from permitting a foreign board of trade to provide its members (or other participants subject to CFTC jurisdiction) direct access to its electronic trading and order matching system, unless specified requirements are met; (3) require the CFTC to disaggregate and make public monthly the number of positions and total value of index funds and other passive, long-only positions in energy and agricultural markets; (4) require the CFTC to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to define and classify index traders and swap dealers and specify data reporting requirements; (5) impose new recordkeeping and reporting requirements on commodity traders; (6) establish position limits for energy and agricultural commodities and advisory groups for trading in such commodities; (7) require the CFTC to appoint additional enforcement employees; (8) establish an Office of the Inspector General in the CFTC; (9) require the CFTC to conduct a study to deter and prevent price manipulation and excessive speculation for physical-based commodities; and (10) require periodic reporting of large over-the-counter transactions of agricultural or energy commodities. Requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the international regime for regulating the trading of energy commodity futures and derivatives; and (2) the effects of speculators on agriculture and energy futures markets and agriculture and energy prices. Establishes in the legislative branch the National Commission on Energy Policy and Global Climate Change to advise and assist Congress in developing a comprehensive energy policy.

Ocean and Coastal Adaptation Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Ocean and Coastal Adaptation Planning Act - Directs the Administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to jointly establish four Institutes for Ocean and Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change and Ocean Acidification to: (1) assess, prepare for, and adapt to the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on ocean and coastal areas and resources, including the Great Lakes; and (2) create centers of excellence to document and predict coastal and ocean effects of climate change and ocean acidification and to serve as principal national and international resources for technical expertise on adaptation strategies. Requires the Administrators to jointly select and award a grant to one institution of higher education to serve as such an Institute in each of four regions: (1) the Great Lakes Region; (2) the Northeast Region; (3) the Southeast and Gulf Coast Region; and (4) the Western and Pacific Region.

Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to establish a coastal climate change adaptation planning and response program to provide assistance to coastal states to voluntarily develop coastal climate change adaptation plans and to provide financial and technical assistance and training to enable coastal states to implement those plans through coastal states' enforceable policies. Authorizes, subject to the availability of appropriations, grants to coastal states for developing the plans and grants for implementation.

Global Warming Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Global Warming Education Act - Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a Global Warming Education Program to: (1) broaden the understanding of human induced global warming, possible long and short-term consequences, and potential solutions; (2) apply the latest scientific and technological discoveries to provide learning opportunities to people; and (3) emphasize actionable information to help people understand and to promote implementation of new technologies, programs, and incentives related to energy conservation, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction. Requires such Program to include: (1) a national information campaign to disseminate information on and promote implementation of the new technologies, programs, and incentives; and (2) a competitive grant program to provide grants to states, municipalities, educational institutions, and other organizations to create materials relevant to global warming and climate science, develop climate science K-12 curriculum and supplementary educational materials, or publish global warming and climate science information.

Recognizing the disparate impact of climate change on women and the efforts of women globally to address climate change.

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2009

Recognizes the disparate impacts of climate change on women and the efforts of women globally to address it. Encourages the use of gender-sensitive frameworks in developing climate change policies. Affirms Congress's commitment to: (1) support women who are particularly vulnerable to prepare for and adapt to climate change impacts; and (2) empower women in the planning and implementation of climate change strategies. Encourages the President to: (1) consider the impacts on women while developing climate change policies and programs; and (2) ensure that those policies and programs support women globally to prepare for and adapt to climate change.

Cap and Dividend Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2009

Cap and Dividend Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to establish a separate quantity of carbon permits for 2012 and each succeeding year in accordance with a specified emission reduction schedule that requires the quantity established for 2012 to equal the number of metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted in the United States in 2005, the quantity for 2020 to be 25% less than that amount, for 2030 to be 45% less, for 2050 to be 65% less, and for 2050 to be 85% less; and (2) to establish a system for identifying, issuing, and tracking such permits. Requires: (1) the Secretary to conduct periodic public auctions of carbon permits to owners of covered entities (i.e., persons who make the first sale in U.S. markets of an oil, natural gas, or coal product or any other derived product for use as a combustible fuel); and (2) each such owner to surrender to the Secretary for each year beginning in 2013 a quantity of permits at least as great as the number of metric tons of carbon dioxide that the Secretary determines would be emitted by the combustion of covered fuels sold by the entity during the previous calendar year. Sets forth penalties for noncompliance. Requires the Secretary to issue additional carbon permits equal to the number of metric tons of carbon dioxide a person safely and verifiably captures and sequesters from the combustion of covered fuels in the United States. Authorizes permit holders to sell, exchange, or transfer permits, subject to the limitations established by the Secretary. Provides for the banking and borrowing of permits. Establishes the Healthy Climate Trust Fund, which shall receive the proceeds from the permit auctions and noncompliance penalties, and from which annual dividends shall be paid to consumers. Requires the Secretary to: (1) impose carbon equivalency fees on imports of carbon-intensive goods; and (2) make specified payments to persons exporting carbon-intensive goods produced in the United States. Terminates such fees and payments to the extent that other countries that emit greenhouse gases and produce such goods for export markets have adopted equivalent measures.

White paper - Adapting to climate change : towards a European framework for action {SEC(2009) 386} {SEC(2009) 387} {SEC(2009) 388}

European Union · European Commission · 1 April 2009

437 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the cap on the number of post-leaving certificate, PLC, places; his views on whether in the current economic climate it would be more productive to increase the number of PLC places for students to allow them the opportunity to improve their skills, when the alternative for many would be to access unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12993/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 March 2009

437 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the cap on the number of post-leaving certificate, PLC, places; his views on whether in the current economic climate it would be more productive to increase the number of PLC places for students to allow them the opportunity to improve their skills, when the alternative for many would be to access unemployment benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12993/09]

435 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will explain his decision to suppress the second special class in a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow when in the academic years 2006-07 and 2007-08 the numbers in such classes were 16 and 13 respectively in total, in view of the fact that he stated that the decision is not in any way related to the current economic climate and the projected figures from September 2009-10 will be 18 in total; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12866/09]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 31 March 2009

435 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will explain his decision to suppress the second special class in a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow when in the academic years 2006-07 and 2007-08 the numbers in such classes were 16 and 13 respectively in total, in view of the fact that he stated that the decision is not in any way related to the current economic climate and the projected figures from September 2009-10 will be 18 in total; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12866/09]