Environment America Research & Policy Center. March 26, 2013.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a central strategy in the Northeastern states’ efforts to protect the region from global warming. The program, which took effect in 2009, has succeeded in cutting carbon dioxide emissions and demonstrating the effectiveness of cap-and-trade as a global warming solution while helping to sustain a growing regional economy. Now, nine Northeastern states are considering strengthening RGGI to drive additional reductions in global warming pollution. Strengthening RGGI would be a “win-win” for the Northeast, making an important contribution toward protecting the region from global warming while speeding the transition to a clean energy future. [Note: contains copyrighted material].
http://www.environmentamerica.org/sites/environment/files/reports/A%20Double%20Success%20cover%20vUS%20web.pdf [PDF format, 35 pages].
Center for American Progress. March 7, 2013.
In the past several years, small groups of some of the world’s largest carbon polluters have joined forces to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as part of their overall efforts to slow the pace of dangerous global warming. These efforts include the G20 leaders’ 2009 pledge to phase out fossil-fuel subsidies; the launch of a number of efforts on clean energy cooperation through the global Clean Energy Ministerial starting in 2010; and the creation of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants a year ago, which started with six nations and has now grown to 27 countries plus the European Union. The report propose that the 17 parties in the Major Economies Forum, the U.S.-led coalition of the world’s largest carbon emitters, set a target of generating 40 percent of their electricity from zero-carbon sources by 2035, the “40×35″ target. [Note: contains copyrighted material].
http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/40x35ZeroCarbonBrief-2.pdf [PDF format, 19 pages].
Center for American Progress. January 9, 2013.
According to the author, despite congressional failure to pass essential legislation to reduce carbon pollution and establish a renewable electricity standard, during its first term the Obama administration successfully adopted policies to protect public health from air pollution, lower oil consumption, and create jobs. [Note: contains copyrighted material].
http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ObamaFirstTermEnergy1.pdf [PDF format, 11 pages].
Center for American Progress. October 2012.
The promise of the clean economy is not a mirage or a far-off goal,the authors claim. It is being felt right now across the United States. In the second quarter of 2012 alone, more than 37,000 new clean energy jobs were announced in projects across 30 states. Recognizing the critical need to enhance energy security, the U.S. military has become a major proponent of clean energy solutions such as biofuels, efficiency, and solar. The world’s largest investors agree that long-term climate change and clean energy policy is a tremendous investment opportunity, providing a robust foundation for economic recovery and sustainable long-term economic growth. [Note: contains copyrighted material].
http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/RER_full.pdf [PDF formet, 104 pages].
National Wildlife Federation. Fall 2012.
As America struggles to revitalize its economy, create jobs, secure an energy independent future, and protect our communities and wildlife from the dangers of climate change, one energy source offers a golden opportunity to power our homes and businesses without creating more pollution —– Atlantic offshore wind, the authors claim. America has made significant progress over the last two years in pursuing offshore wind energy, but leadership by the states and federal government is critically needed to build on this momentum to make the most of the golden energy opportunity sitting right off American shores. [Note: contains copyrighted material].
http://www.environmentamerica.org/sites/environment/files/reports/FINAL%20-%20NWF%20Turning%20Point%20report–%20lower%20res.pdf [PDF format, 56 pages].
