The European Commission last night unveiled plans for a sweeping overhaul of the EU's emissions trading scheme. It also proposed new measures to speed up the development of carbon capture and storage and to put Europe on a path to meet its 20% by 2020 renewables target.
And in comments likely to set off alarm bells for Australian exporters to Europe, EC President José Manuel Barroso floated the prospect of protecting the competitiveness of EU industry by requiring importers to obtain emission allowances.
CE Daily reports on the latest initiatives from the region widely seen as the global pacesetter on climate change policy. (with video
TEC lobbies energy rule maker for demand management changes * Leaders set March deadline for MRET expansion plan * Alumina production to drive huge growth in manufacturing energy consumption * EnergyAustralia to spend $600,000 to assuage ACCC concerns over green energy claims
* Green Building Council rethinks timber certification * Federal government seeks advice on climate change and natural resource management * NSW survey confirms major opinion shifts on climate and water
Victoria tweaks mandatory energy and water efficiency scheme * WA orders Wyndham Port to prepare improvement plan * Federal government seeks emissions trading and climate risk experts * New climate department absorbs DFAT climate role * Upstream oil and gas greenhouse emissions up, but intensity down * Office tower owners partner with environment group * Victoria to offer second tranche geothermal permits
The lion of Brisbane is now the lamb of Bali, says Opposition * Penny Wong takes the UN stage * Victoria to use energy performance contracts to boost green rating * City West Water achieves carbon neutrality * Funding on offer to Victorian councils
Will Australia’s permit price cap bite the dust? * U.S. not alone in not wanting numbers, top negotiator says * IEA sets out massive energy challenge * Up to 8% premium on U.S. green offices now and U.S. permit price of more than $20 predicted within five years
NSW fuels plan reveals Caltex's $450,000 fuel quality 'late fee' * NZ business coalition says trading scheme risks 'substantial' * Climate change will cost rural householders more, study says * Sydney Water shortlists for desal plant wind power contract * Victoria details $77 million biosolids contract, SA announces $100,000 biodiesel grant * Federal department proposes new EPBC Act harvesting guidelines * City of Sydney tests 'car share' scheme guidelines
Magistrate orders waste company and director to pay $97,500 * SA Legislative Council stands firm on changes to solar tariff law * Environment group calls for NOx trading * SA marine parks bill through * Green Building Council seeks more business partners *
Federal and state energy officials today proposed new energy efficiency programs including a 'green lease' scheme for all major new and refurbished government buildings.
