[GWSG] Env. summit; USACE c.c. report; new PACE; new EPA site; CIA studying; C up; EU wind supergrid; AUS carbon tax

[Tilley, Al]

1.  The NE Florida Environmental Summit will be held at the Florida Coastal School of Law on Nov. 3, 9-5.  Panels will address dredging in the St. Johns River, protection of the Timucuan Preserve, air quality, climate change, and protecting natural resources. Free to the public. Thanks to Rod Sullivan for the notice.  More Information at http://www.fcsl.edu/content/northeast-florida-environmental-summit

2.  The US Army Corps of Engineers in June released the USACE Climate Change Adaptation Plan and Report for 2011.  They are in the process of mainstreaming climate change adaptation—including it in all their projects at every stage (Policy Statement, p. 7).  This report concerns primarily their relationship with other agencies on the issue, and with describing the many efforts in progress (but not the substance of their findings or proposals).  It is useful as a guide to forthcoming reports of interest, and as an indication of the how the Corps is reforming itself to take climate change fully into account.       http://www.corpsclimate.us/docs/usace_climate_change_adaptation_report_03_june_2011.pdf

3.  Richard Branson has organized a consortium to invest up to $650 million in a PACE program for commercial real estate in Miami and Sacramento.  The intent is to jump-start energy upgrades nationally.  The work would be financed through loans which are bundled into bonds, with the cost offset by expected decreases in utility bills.  (Approval of a residential PACE program will surely be eased by the new initiative.)  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/20/business/energy-environment/tax-plan-to-turn-old-buildings-green-finds-favor.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha25

4.  The EPA has opened a new site to help individuals and business select green products.  http://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/

5.  The CIA two years ago organized the Center for Climate Change and National Security.  Its work is classified.  Some Republican legislators are trying to kill it.  http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2011/09/cia-keeps-its-climate-work-under-wraps

6.  Global carbon emissions increased 45% between 1990 and 2010, according to a European Commission report.  The increase between 2009 and 2010 was 5.8%, a record.  http://e360.yale.edu/digest/co2_emissions_soared_45_percent_from_1990_to_2010_report_says/3134/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YaleEnvironment360+%28Yale+Environment+360%29

7.  A European supergrid connecting England to the mainland could cut offshore wind power costs by 25% and create 775,000 jobs by 2020. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-21/european-supergrid-to-cut-offshore-wind-cost-by-25-panel-says.html

8.  Australia’s carbon tax of $23 a ton is expected to lower incomes by .1% a year.  “Jobs grow strongly under a carbon price.”    http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2111181/aussie-carbon-tax-little-impact-incomes?WT.rss_f=Home&WT.rss_a=Aussie+carbon+tax+to+have+little+impact+on+incomes
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