Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
april 2016
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federal agencies & administration
Sec. John Kerry signs landmark climate agreement on behalf of US
April 22, 2016
The Paris Agreement, a multilateral agreement on the mitigation, adaptation, and financing of green house gas (GHG) emissions worldwide, was adopted during the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 21) held in Paris, France, in 2015. The agreement opened for signatures on April 22, with 196 parties signing on so far, including the United States.
Contention over how the agreement would go into effect in the United States has created tension between Senate Republicans and the Obama Administration. Historically, international agreements must be ratified by the Senate to take effect. However, the Obama Administration has claimed that the Paris Agreement will not require congressional approval, as most of the changes will be accomplished through executive actions.
The uncertain outcome of U.S. involvement in the deal has turned the US signing into more of a symbolic gesture. The agreement only goes into effect if 55 countries that produce at least 55 percent of global GHG emissions sign on, which is expected later this year.
Sources: E&E News, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
FAA reauthorization allows for UAVs to help monitor oil and gas facilities
April 19, 2016
The Senate has approved an amendment to streamline the permitting process for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The amendment, which was sponsored by Sens. James Inhofe (R-OK) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), also contained a provision that would allow oil and gas operators to use UAVs, or drones, to inspect and respond to facilities, refineries, and pipelines.
The amendment was included as a part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill (H.R. 636), which passed the Senate on April 19. Industry groups such as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) have praised the provision.
Guidance regarding the proper use of drones has been a lengthy process for FAA, which just released its draft rules for integrating UAVs into the National Airspace System last year. Furthermore, Sen. Inhofe had previously introduced legislation to allow energy companies to use UAVs for inspection and maintenance of facilities. However, his bill was stalled in the Senate.
The FAA reauthorization bill, along with the UAV amendment, will now go back to the House where it will be conferenced before a consensus version can be sent to the President and signed into law.
Sources: Congress.gov, E&E News, Federal Aviation Administration