At least 29 major companies are incorporating a carbon price into their long-range planning, according to a report from the environmental data company CDP. “It’s climate change as a line item,” said CDP North America President Tom Carnac. Among the companies identified are American Electric Power and Duke Energy as well as oil majors such as ExxonMobil.
More: The New York Times
Co-ops Members Can Get Loans
Customers of rural electric cooperatives can apply next year for federal loans to make energy efficiency improvements. The Agriculture Department’s Rural Utilities Service previously made loans only to cooperatives for infrastructure projects. Under a policy change, the service will make $250 million in funding available for customer projects in 2014.
More: Des Moines Register
Renewables Target Upped to 20%
President Barack Obama ordered the federal government to obtain 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, nearly triple the current 7.5% goal. The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity said the order was impractical and would raise electricity costs.
More: AP
Eagles Now Fair Game
In a decision sought by the wind power industry, the Obama administration issued rules that allow wind-power companies to get permits to kill and harm bald and golden eagles for up to 30 years. Environmentalists oppose the rule as “a blank check” for the so-called takings and said they would challenge it.
Industry Growth Cancels Coal Closings: Report
All the carbon emission reductions from closing coal plants may be canceled out by the large amount of new industrial activity fueled by natural gas, according to a report from the Environmental Integrity Project. The organization says the Environmental Protection Agency should regulate industrial greenhouse gas sources.
More: Huffington Post
