Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
august 2015
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energy
Administration releases final carbon rules for Clean Power Plan
August 3, 2015
President Obama unveiled the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final carbon rules for the power sector in its Clean Power Plan on August 3. The plan aims to address drivers of climate change in the U.S. by reducing power emissions by 32 percent compared with 2005 levels by the time it is fully implemented in 2030. The rule includes new standards for vehicle emissions, renewable energies, and fossil fuel-based power plants. The EPA has created targets that vary by state to reflect their unique energy mix; states have the option of developing their own response or using a federal plan.
The rule is contentious among Republican members of Congress who are working to craft legislation that would allow states to opt out of the plan’s requirements. Some governors have gone a step further, saying that they will refuse to implement the regulations. Depending on the approach that states take, plans will likely develop over a few years and face challenges in Congress and the courts before being fully implemented.
Sources: E&E News
DOI approves drilling for oil in Chukchi Sea
August 17, 2015
The Department of the Interior (DOI) approved Royal Dutch Shell PLC to drill for oil in the Chukchi Sea off the northwest coast of Alaska on August 17. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) approved Shell’s request to drill the top portion of a well in July, but did not allow further drilling until a capping stack was nearby to respond to a potential spill. With the stack in place, Shell now has permission to drill to oil-bearing depths to assess the prospect.
The Chukchi Sea remains largely unexplored, and Shell’s exploration will give scientists a better idea of the resources in the region. Supporters of drilling applauded the decision to explore new energy possibilities and emphasized the safety precautions that Shell has taken to avert and recover from a spill. Opponents accused the Administration for being hypocritical in warning of the dangers of climate change while encouraging access to fossil fuel resources.
Source: E&E News