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Several loopholes must be closed to prevent the UN climate talks delivering a result that will make it all but impossible to deliver emission cuts that can avoid dangerous climate change, WWF says.

• NRMA and ACF urge ministers to act now on fuel efficiency
  
• Ferguson seeks CCS proposals
  
• Senate sets deadline for inquiry submissions
  
• Wind presents unique grid challenges, NEMMCO says
  
• 'Ridiculous workplace relations rule will hinder climate change action'
  
• SA approves second wave energy plant

Chair of the Senate trading bills inquiry, Labor Senator Annette Hurley, has poured cold water on an ACF suggestion that a further round of legislation could be passed before mid-2010 if the current bill fails. Plus Colonial First State on the different messages firms can give to politicians and to investors, and more Senate testimony.

• WWF attacks BCA report
  
• Government canvasses 7 star minimum for gas water heaters
  
• Clark wins Greens support for NZ trading bill
  
• EPA Victoria to promote energy-efficient glass
  
• Defence to establish environment panel

Averting runaway climate change requires "nothing short of an energy revolution", according to a Greenpeace report to be launched in Sydney today by Australia Institute founder Clive Hamilton and Greens Senator Christine Milne.

The Australian Conservation Foundation tells the Wilkins review the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target scheme is an essential policy measure, while the Business Council of Australia suggests more precise targeting.

A transport forum with members including NRMA, the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority, VicRoads, toll road company Transurban and car rental businesses yesterday combined with the Australian Conservation Foundation to send an open letter to Treasurer Wayne Swan urging him to abolish tax breaks for salary-packaged cars.

An alliance of industry, union and environment organisations launched this morning has urged the Rudd government to set a goal of having the equivalent of three 500MW power stations fitted with CCS by 2020.



As a first step, Australia needs to finalise by this September nationally-consistent legislation and a policy framework to overcome first-mover barriers, the alliance says.

The Rudd government should remove tax breaks for personal use of company cars and abolish the Fuel Tax Credits scheme that gives tax breaks worth more than a billion dollars a year to the mining industry, Australian Conservation Foundation chief Don Henry told the National Press Club today. (plus audio)



Henry also urged the government to remove tax concessions for aviation fuel and push for resource companies to boost their 'miserable' levels of spending on R&D into technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

• Tests finds patchy compliance with energy performance standards
  
• Emissions should peak in 2010, say WWF and IAG
  
• Productivity Commission floats chemicals reforms