EFP Online News – green power accelerates, more EBRD cash, bigger role for carbon offsets?

Business for Democracy and ASBC Lead Effort to Overturn Citizens United v. FEC

The Business for Democracy Campaign, which the American Sustainable Business Council is spearheading in partnership with Free Speech for People is tackling the compelling issue of corporate contributions to political campaigns.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision on January 21, 2010 allows corporations to spend unlimited funds to support or oppose candidates for political office, overturning campaign finance laws in place for decades. The Business for Democracy campaign is an initiative of business leaders and their companies who believe this ruling is in direct conflict with American democratic principles and a serious threat to good government. The campaign supports the four members of the Supreme Court and the 80 percent of Americans who disagree with the decision (Washington Post poll, Feb. 17, 2010).

If you'd like your business to join this effort, you can sign the statement of support here or here.

EFP Online News – green power accelerates, more EBRD cash, bigger role for carbon offsets?

Online News 14 May 2009

Despite Array, clouds on horizon for UK offshore wind

14 May: The UK government will have to extend its additional subsidy for offshore wind, or the industry will have to cut its costs, if the UK’s medium-term targets for renewable energy are to remain in sight, according to bankers and analysts.

EU, US renewables growth outstrips conventional sources
Cinderella Man movie download 14 May: More renewable energy than conventional power capacity was added in both the EU and the US for the first time in 2008, according to the annual report from stakeholder group REN21.

EBRD earmarks €3-5bn for sustainable energy
14 May: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has unveiled plans to invest €3 billion-5 billion ($4 billion-7 billion) in the second phase of its Sustainable Energy Initiative, over 2009-11.

Bigger role for international offsets in US carbon market? (from Carbon Finance)

14 May: Rumours are circulating that international offsets are to play a greater role in compromise climate legislation under preparation by the US House of Representatives’ energy and commerce committee.

WWF slams Commission proposal on carbon leakage
14 May: The European Commission’s plans to offer the EU’s biggest polluters free emissions allowances to protect them from overseas competition could undermine the bloc’s climate change credibility and reduce its clout in Copenhagen, warned the WWF today.

VC investment in clean-tech plummets – Ernst & Young

14 May: The economic gloom caused a significant drop in US venture capital investment in clean technology firms in the first quarter of 2009, according to Ernst & Young.

REG merges with single-plant biodiesel producers (from Bioenergy Business)
14 May: US company Renewable Energy Group has announced a plan to merge with three commercial-scale biodiesel plants in a move designed to better position the company to meet higher demand. More…

May issue of Carbon Finance out now
14 May: The May issue of Carbon Finance is now available, including the latest on negotiations for a US cap-and-trade bill.