Politics

The political winds in Washington D.C. shifted in November. Just when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was expanding its powers to regulate carbon emissions in lieu of comprehensive federal legislation, the U.S. House of Representatives moved the “Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011,” which would effectively strip the EPA of the power to regulate carbon emissions under the authority of the Federal Clean Air Act.  After the jump is an exclusive op-ed with California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols, who details the consequences of such legislation.

With forthcoming legislative packages showing promise for reform, including the surface transportation reauthorization and a climate change bill, Rep. Blumenauer details the developments in D.C.

Frank Liesman, Assistant Chief Counsel for Dart Container Corp., a leading manufacturer of polystyrene food packaging, argues that the material is practical from more than just a business standpoint.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Conference of Mayors held its first-ever Climate Protection Summit—a chance for mayors around the country to parade their green accomplishments and challenge each other to do more.