EPA announces landmark rule to limit CO2 emissions from US's power sector 

Photographer: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The U.S. power sector is a source of 40 percent of the country's total GHG emissions. Because emissions have already fallen 15% from 2005 levels, the actual reductions are about 20% from today's levels. Every state has targets tailored to their current energy mix and their potential in achieving clean energy and energy efficiency improvements. Many utility companies are in support of the rule, as it allows them flexibility and provides regulatory guidance for their long-range planning horizon. You can compare the targets for each state here, and learn more about the rule here.

Photo: glennia

Power plants are a major source of air pollution, so by reducing coal burning in power generation, EPA's new rule aims to reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and particulate matter that enter deeply into lungs and damage respiratory and cardiovascular health. Starting from its first effective year, the EPA estimates that the plan will prevent 100,000-150,000 asthma attacks annually, and by 2030 will avoid 310,000 lost work days, 2,700-6,600 premature deaths, 3,700 cases of bronchitis in children, and more.

The White House report also provides a succinct summary of the key health concerns due to climate change, as well as current federal actions to protect health and reduce emissions. From increasing the risk of asthma attacks to expanding the reach of new infectious diseases, climate change's health impacts are a growing concern, especially for our vulnerable populations. (White House)

The wildfire - one of the largest ever in the Kenai Peninsula - is unusually intense due to a severe spruce beetle infestation, strong winds, unusually warm temperatures, and a winter almost devoid of snow in southern Alaska. Wildfires are growing in Alaska, which is also experiencing twice the warming as the continental U.S. (Slate)

Known for his campaign contributions to climate-savvy political candidates, billionaire Tom Steyer is putting $2 million to start a fund for victims of wildfires, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. The Climate Disaster Relief Fund will provide grants to organizations serving the victims of climate disasters in the U.S. (SF Gate) 

A fire chief in Colorado battling increasingly intense wildfires, a Texas rancher struggling in the midst of an unrelenting drought, and fifth-generation oyster farmers that risk losing their harvest to ocean acidification - these ordinary Americans can honestly say, "Climate change is very real. It's changed my entire life." (Yale 360)  

The insurance company said in a statement, "We hoped that by filing this lawsuit we would encourage cities and counties to take preventative steps to reduce the risk of harm in the future." While the suit may have had little chance of victory, it successfully drew attention to the importance of insurance companies in climate adaptation, and raised some difficult questions about public responsibility in responding to known risks and vulnerabilities. (NBC)

Photo: The National Academies

To help you answer that question, here is a free collection of reports and workshops on disaster relief and preparedness, including floodplain mapping, dam and levee safety, public-private collaboration to build resilience, using social media, responding to children and families, and how public health systems can both cope with disaster effects while providing emergency care. (National Academies Press)

The California Energy Commission is offering cities, counties, special districts, public care institutions, public hospitals, and public colleges a 1% interest rate for loans for energy efficiency projects, such as building insulation, HVAC, lighting, renewable generation and more. Schools and community colleges covered by Proposition 39 can qualify for 0% interest loans. Learn more. 

Energy funding for agricultural producers and rural small businesses

The USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is announcing funding for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to install renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. There will be $12.3 million in grants and $57.8 million in loan guarantees. REAP helps to support domestic renewable energy production, job creation, new technologies, and the rural economy. Application information and deadlines are available in the May 5, 2014 Federal Register, beginning at the bottom of page 25564 (link here).

USDA offers funding for turning biomass residue to energy

The funding will provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for harvesting and transporting biomass residues to a qualifying energy facility to generate clean energy. Program applications should come from the energy facilities that are interested in receiving forest or agricultural residues. This includes agricultural wastes such as corn husks as well as the removal of dead or diseased trees from forests, which will have an important benefit of reducing wildfires. Up to $12.5 million will be available each year. The application period is open fromJune 16 to July 14; view the Federal Register notice or the USDA website.

The Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative is a membership based collaborative network designed to promote greater climate change resilience planning coordination in the six-county Sacramento Region. The purpose of this collaborative network is to create a forum where leaders from government, academia, environmental and community groups, the business community, and labor can come together to exchange information, identify vulnerabilities and data gaps, leverage resources, and advance comprehensive solutions in an effort to create stronger, sustainable, and economically viable communities in the Sacramento Region.  

The Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative's current members include: UC Davis Policy Institute for Energy, Environment and the Economy; Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; Sacramento Area Council of Governments; Greenwise Joint Ventures; Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Pacific Gas & Electric Company; and the Local Government Commission. If you are interested in learning more about the Climate Readiness Collaborative, joining the Collaborative, or being added to the list serv, please contact Jenny Woods.