Climate Politics
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The lead environmental negotiator should be …
The Reality-Based Community blog proposes that Obama appoint a U.S. lead climate negotiator who is based in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Interesting.
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I still heart Seth Borenstein
One of the first blog posts I ever wrote bore the headline "I heart Seth Borenstein." Back then, Borenstein was the environment writer for Knight Ridder, and he distinguished himself by cutting through the typical he-said she-said haze to describe environmental dangers directly and forthrightly. Now he’s a science writer for AP, and he’s still […]
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Steven Chu is a progressive environmentalist because he’s a good scientist
I’ve been reading the discussion sparked by Chris Hayes’ latest piece in The Nation — "The Pragmatist," about Obama’s much-discussed pragmatism — with interest. Pragmatism is a subject dear to my heart, something I studied in grad school, though the kind you study there and what goes by the name in political discussion bear little […]
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Why the much-ballyhooed utility decoupling is inadequate
I meant last week to note the extremely promising fact that Dems are talking about using the stimulus to funnel substantial money to states for energy efficiency projects — and tying that money to utility decoupling. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), in comments to the Northwest Energy Coalition earlier this month, said this is how it […]
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WaPo editorial reflects lazy resort to gas tax as answer to carbon troubles
The Washington Post has an editorial on the challenges of addressing global warming that contains this passage: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen dependence on fossil fuels, there must be a price on carbon. A cap-and-trade system is the easiest way to integrate into an international regime, but its pitfalls are legion. A gas […]
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A united environmental community gets attention from the Obama team
Enviros come together to pitch Obama on green plan. Green groups in D.C. seem downright giddy about all the signals they’re getting from Obamaland thus far. From appointments to key posts to his pledge earlier this month to “launch a massive effort to make public buildings more energy efficient,” there’s a lot of anticipation that […]
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Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar picked to head Interior Department
Ken Salazar. Photo: Mike Disharoon Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar (D) has been chosen to serve as secretary of interior, rounding out the energy and environment team formally introduced by President-elect Barack Obama on Monday afternoon. The Obama camp has not officially announced the pick, but transition officials have confirmed it. Salazar has served in the […]
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Obama officially announces his green team
Barack Obama. Barack Obama officially rolled out his green team at a press conference on Monday afternoon. “In the 21st century, we know that the future of our economy and national security is inextricably linked to one challenge: energy,” said Obama. “The team that I have assembled here today is uniquely suited to meet the […]
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Obama touts new green energy economy while introducing green team
Obama just got done officially announcing his energy and environment team. A few things that jumped out at me: Not for nothing: the guy’s a rhetorical Jedi. Unless I’m mistaken, the term "clean coal" was not uttered once. Of Steven Chu, he said: "His appointment should send a signal to all that my Administration will […]
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Jackson: Standing on the shoulders of pygmies
“This is an exciting time at EPA, and Lisa will direct an agency that is poised to build on the many environmental successes accomplished since 2001. While environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility, I am particularly proud of the role EPA has played in bringing about record results on behalf of the American people and our […]
