News

• US tries again on pollution trading, but will viable markets emerge?

  12 July 2011

  Revamped air quality regulations proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will give power plant operators more flexibility to engage in interstate trading of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions allowances, but confusion about the rule is casting doubt on whether viable markets will emerge.

• Court battles in offing as US moves to cut pollution

  12 July 2011

  The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will face legal challenges over its new air quality standards, even though the agency sought to balance court compliance with its desire to allow a robust trading market to develop.

• Australia reveals carbon price, proposes A$10bn clean energy support

  12 July 2011

  Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has unveiled a comprehensive climate change package, setting an initial price on carbon dioxide of A$23 (US$24) per tonne from 1 July 2012.

• Developing countries take lead on green energy investments

  12 July 2011

  Developing countries invested more in renewable energy last year, overtaking the developed world for the first time, a UN report has revealed.

• Sustainability raters challenged on transparency

  12 July 2011

  A consultancy has thrown down the gauntlet to the 100-plus producers of corporate sustainability ratings, calling on them to disclose their methodologies in a bid to improve the sector's transparency.

• $5.4bn bill for Chinese flood damage

  12 July 2011

  Heavy June flooding in China has caused $5.4 billion in economic losses, while the Philippines and the US also face hefty damage bills following catastrophic events, according to research by reinsurance broker Aon Benfield.

• Fossil fuel-heavy stock market a risk to investors – report

  11 July 2011

  The world's stock markets are over-exposed to fossil fuels, putting investors at risk of a 'carbon bubble', according to a report by research group Carbon Tracker Initiative which calls for an overhaul of the way capital markets value risk.

• Smart grid firm seeks $150m in IPO

  11 July 2011

  Silver Spring Networks, a Californian firm that sells smart grid platforms to utilities, is seeking to raise up to $150 million in a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

• Australia puts A$3.2bn behind renewables body

  08 July 2011

  The Australian government will commit A$3.2 billion (US$3.4 billion) to create an agency to support renewable energy development.

• Triodos Renewables launches £15m share issue

  08 July 2011

  Triodos Renewables is seeking to raise £15 million ($24 million) from retail investors to invest in wind energy projects in the UK.