Monthly Archives: February 2010

Groundbreaking Goals Hiding in Plain Sight

Colin MeehanYou probably saw today’s announcement on the formation of “Clean Energy for Austin”, a group of businesses, faith groups, low-income advocates and environmentalists that have come together to support the Austin City Council as it works to pass a forward-thinking plan for our utility. 

With  more than 70 local businesses big and small, 18 non-profits and 200 individuals in this new group, it’s pretty clear that the generation plan has strong and broad support in Austin. Some of the reasons you’ve already heard: Read More »

Posted in Energy Efficiency, Texas / Read 10 Responses

TCEQ: At It Again

Dr. Elena Craft, toxicologistWe hear a lot about the jobs that will be created as we transition to a clean-energy economy, but as a toxicologist, I like to focus also on the improved air quality that will result. However, until the day comes when everyone drives plug-in hybrids and industrial facilities are non-polluting, we must take immediate steps to ensure cleaner air for ourselves and our children.

That’s why I was encouraged by the turnout in support of cleaner air at an event last week. The EPA held one of three national hearings in Houston on its proposed new national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for ozone. The hearings gave the public the opportunity to Read More »

Posted in General, Texas / Read 30 Responses

Recommendations for New CCS Task Force

Scott Anderson, EDF Senior Policy Advisor

EDF welcomed today’s announcement by President Obama establishing an Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).

In the next six months, the Task Force is charged with proposing a plan to “overcome the barriers to the widespread, cost-effective deployment of CCS within 10 years, with a goal of bringing 5 to 10 commercial demonstration projects online by 2016.”

“By 2016?” a reporter asked me. “Is that doable?” I responded yes, absolutely. CCS as a technical matter is ready for deployment now. Read More »

Posted in Climate, Washington, DC / Read 17 Responses