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• Clean Air Issues in the 110th Congress: Climate Change, Air Quality Standards, and Oversight [Updated October 19, 2007]

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  "Attention to environmental issues in the 110th Congress focused early and heavily on climate change -- the state of the science, and whether (and, if so, how) to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ten bills had been introduced to establish GHG emission caps as of late September, and hearings on climate change have been held by at least seven committees. Legislation has yet to be marked up, however, in either House or Senate committees. Seven of the ten greenhouse gas bills introduced as of this writing would amend the Clean Air Act, generally establishing a new Title VII to address the issue. Whether or not legislation would amend the Clean Air Act, climate change hearings and markup are among the highest expressed priorities in the coming months for the committees that have jurisdiction over air issues (principally the Senate Environment and Public Works and House Energy and Commerce Committees). Other clean air issues are less likely to be the main focus of attention, but they may be addressed, especially through oversight of Administration actions. […] On April 2, the Supreme Court decided two cases that have broad implications for EPA and state authority to control greenhouse gases and to regulate power plants. In the more sweeping of the two cases, Massachusetts v. EPA, the Court found that EPA has authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. Other cases involving climate change, clean air standards, and the regulation of power plants are pending at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and in a number of federal and state courts. Decisions in these cases may prompt hearings or legislation. […]"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  McCarthy, James E.

  2007-10-19
• Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress [Updated October 4, 2007]

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  "Congressional interest in climate change legislation has grown in recent years. In the 110th Congress, Members have introduced multiple bills that directly address various aspects of climate change. These bills cover a wide spectrum, ranging from climate change research to comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap-and-trade programs. Additional bills focus on GHG reporting or registration, or on power plant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) as part of wider controls on pollutant emissions. Within several broad categories, the bills vary in their approaches to climate change issues. For example, some bills covering research issues focus solely on modeling the effects of future climate change, whereas others address the development of monitoring systems. Bills focusing on technology deployment do so through tax incentives and credit-based programs within the United States or by promoting technology deployment in developing countries. Bills that include GHG registries are designed either as a part of a larger reduction bill or as a method for establishing a baseline for some future reduction program. Bills with mandatory emission reductions differ by the entities covered, the gases limited, and the emission targets required. This report briefly discusses the basic concepts on which these bills are based, and compares major provisions of the bills in each of the following categories: climate change research; emissions reduction technologies; U.S. actions pursuant to international emission reduction agreements; adaptation to the effects of climate change; GHG reporting and registration; and GHG emissions reduction programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Yacobucci, Brent D.; Ramseur, Jonathan L.

  2007-10-04
• Our Changing Planet: The U.S. Climate Change Science Program for Fiscal Year 2008

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  "We are pleased to transmit a copy of 'Our Changing Planet: The U.S. Climate Change Science Program for Fiscal Year 2008'. The report describes the activities and plans of the Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), which incorporates the U.S. Global Change Research Program, established under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, and the Climate Change Research Initiative, established by the President in 2001. CCSP coordinates and integrates scientific research on climate and global change supported by 13 participating departments and agencies of the U.S. Government. This Fiscal Year 2008 edition of 'Our Changing Planet' highlights recent advances and progress supported by CCSP-participating agencies in each of the program's research and observational elements, as called for in the 'Strategic Plan for the U.S. Climate Change Science Program' released in July 2003. The document describes a wide range of advances in understanding the underlying processes responsible for climate variability and change, such as advances in understanding of climate change at high latitudes. It also describes progress on understanding the ongoing and projected effects of climate change on nature and society, including the interconnected relationships between climate, forests, and wildfire. The document also describes how observational and predictive capabilities are being improved and used to create tools to support decisionmaking at local, regional, and national scales to cope with environmental variability and change."

  U.S. Global Change Research Program

  2007-10
• How Resilient is Your Coastal Community? A Guide for Evaluating Coastal Community Resilience to Tsunamis and Other Hazards

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  "The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, which exacted a devastating toll in human suffering and destruction in affected coastal areas, was a painful reminder that coastal communities are vulnerable to unforeseen events that can bring about massive changes. Coastal communities today, around the world, are experiencing an unprecedented rate of change due to population growth in coastal areas, humaninduced vulnerability, and global climate change. The effects of this change are placing communities at increasing risk from coastal hazards such as tsunamis, severe storms, and shoreline erosion. It also has become evident that even without a major catastrophe such as a large tsunami, most coastal communities are not resilient to normally recurring hazards. This fact has raised the question of how to increase community resilience. The wide range of hazards taking their toll on coastal communities requires that the response to these various issues must be holistic, integrated, and long lasting. This Coastal Community Resilience (CCR) Guide was developed, building on lessons learned and experience gained in the Indian Ocean region after the 2004 tsunami, to address coastal hazards and reduce risk to vulnerable communities. The framework described in this CCR guide was developed in partnership with institutions throughout the Indian Ocean region, and is already beginning to guide development along Asian coasts most in need of building resilience. This guide attempts to broaden the perspective of sector plans so that a more holistic and robust planning framework evolves to truly elevate the potential for community resilience. The results of the CCR assessment process outlined in this guide can fit easily into and enhance development plans for any given coastal area, and can thereby complement traditional planning processes used by local and national governments."

  United States. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; United States. Agency for International Development

  2007-10
• Ethanol and Other Biofuels: Potential for U.S.-Brazil Energy Cooperation [September 27, 2007]

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  "Recent high oil and gas prices and concerns about global climate change have heightened interest in ethanol and other biofuels as alternatives to petroleum products. The Western Hemisphere produces more than 80% of the world's biofuels, led by Brazil (producing sugar-based ethanol) and the United States (producing cornbased ethanol). Some have argued that increasing biofuels production in Latin America could bolster energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote rural development in the region. Others are concerned about the huge investment outlays and government subsidies needed to build up nascent biofuels industries. Skeptics also worry about the potential negative effects that increased biofuels production may have on the environment, labor conditions, and food prices in the region. The United States and Brazil, the world's largest ethanol producers, have recently agreed to work together to promote the use and production of ethanol and other biofuels throughout the Western hemisphere. Increasing U.S.-Brazil energy cooperation was a top agenda issue when President Bush visited Brazil and when President Lula visited Camp David earlier this year. On March 9, 2007, the two countries signed an agreement to (1) advance research and development bilaterally, (2) help build domestic biofuels industries in third countries, and (3) work multilaterally to advance the global development of biofuels. […] This report examines the opportunities and barriers related to increasing U.S. cooperation with other countries in the hemisphere on biofuels development, focusing on the U.S.-Brazil agreement. It provides background information on Western hemisphere energy challenges, the ethanol industries in Brazil and the United States, and the biofuels potential in the region. It then raises a number of policy issues that Congress may choose to consider related to bolstering the development of ethanol and other biofuels in Latin America."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Yacobucci, Brent D.

  2007-09-27
• Fact Sheet: Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change [September 27, 2007]

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  From the Document: "Today, the United States will host representatives of 17 world leaders plus the United Nations in the first Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change. This meeting is part of the new initiative President Bush announced at the G-8 Leaders Conference in May 2007 to further the shared objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy security and efficiency, and promoting strong economic growth."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2007-09-27
• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the 2007 Meetings in Sydney, Australia [Updated September 21, 2007]

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  "There is apparent agreement between Congress and the Bush Administration that the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a potential vehicle for advancing U.S. economic, trade, diplomatic, and security interests both globally and regionally. In particular, APEC offers the United States an organizational counterpoint to other proposed regional associations in Asia. However, the organization's approach and perspective on these issues may pose problems for the United States. […] The main topics of discussion during the September 2007 two-day Leaders' Meeting and the two-day Ministerial Meeting were climate change and regional economic integration. […] Proponents of greater U.S. involvement in APEC argue that the association provide the United States with a vehicle to re-energize its involvement in Asian trade discussions and to take a more active diplomatic role in the region. They suggest the United States should increase its financial assistance to APEC, through the annual contribution and specific assistance programs, and alterations in U.S. laws and policies on key issues. Others maintain that APEC may not be an effective mechanism for advancing U.S. interests in the region. The President's initiatives at Sydney present the 110th Congress with opportunities to weigh in on the issue. Congress may take up the issue of the current level of direct and indirect financial support for APEC. Also, Congress may consider APEC's goals of trade and investment liberalization when legislating on various other programs. In addition, the Senate faces consideration of the new defense treaty with Australia. "

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Martin, Michael F.

  2007-09-21
• Direct Carbon Sequestration: Capturing and Storing CO2 [Updated September 13, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "Direct sequestration is capturing carbon at its source and storing it before its release to the atmosphere. Carbon capture and storage -- also known as CCS -- is attracting interest as a measure for mitigating global climate change, because potentially large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from fossil fuel use in the United States could be eligible for sequestration. Electricity-generating plants may be the most likely initial candidates for direct sequestration because they are predominantly large, single-point sources, and they contribute approximately one-third of U.S. CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Congressional interest is growing in direct sequestration as part of legislative strategies addressing climate change. In the 110th Congress, the House and Senate have each passed bills that contain provisions expanding the current Department of Energy (DOE) carbon capture research and development program and creating new programs to accelerate R&D [research and development] for CO2 storage. The bills would require at least seven large-volume underground sequestration tests. DOE is planning to spend almost $100 million on carbon sequestration R&D in FY2007. The House- and Senate-passed bills would sharply increase that amount, doubling or tripling R&D spending on carbon sequestration within two years compared to FY2007 levels. […] DOE's carbon sequestration research program will be facilitating field tests for carbon sequestration, with seven regional partners, across the United States. DOE is also undertaking a 10-year, $1.5 billion project -- known as FutureGen -- to build a power plant that integrates carbon sequestration and hydrogen production while producing 275 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 150,000 average U.S. homes. DOE estimates direct sequestration costs of between $100 and $300 per metric ton (2,200 pounds) of carbon emissions avoided using current technologies. Power plants with CCS would require more fuel, and costs per kilowatt-hour would likely rise compared to plants without CCS."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)

  2007-09-13
• Synthesis and Assessment Product (SAP) 4.3: The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity

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  The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP)released this second draft report on the effects of climate change. As of September 11, 2007, there is a 45 day public comment period for report recommendations. "This report is an assessment of the effects of climate change on U.S. land resources, water resources, agriculture, and biodiversity, based on extensive examination of the relevant scientific literature, and measurements and data collected and published by U.S. government agencies. It is one of a series of 21 Synthesis and Assessment Products being produced under the auspices of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), which coordinates the climate change research activities of U.S. government agencies. The lead sponsor of this particular assessment product is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The team of authors includes scientists and researchers from universities, national laboratories, non-government organizations, and government agencies, coordinated by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)."

  Climate Change Science Program (U.S.)

  2007-09-11
• Renewable Energy: Background and Issues for the 110th Congress [September 6, 2007]

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  "Renewable energy can be used to produce liquid fuels and electricity. A variety of funding, tax incentives, and regulatory policies have been enacted to support renewables as a means for addressing concerns about energy security, air pollution, international competitiveness, and climate change. This report reviews the background for renewables and describes the current congressional debate. Budget and funding issues are key concerns. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorized several new renewable energy demonstration and deployment programs, but most of them have not been funded. […] Tax and regulatory policies are also at issue. The interaction of the federal renewable energy electricity production tax credit (PTC) with state renewable portfolio standard (RPS) policies has forged a strong incentive for wind energy development. […] The ethanol fuel issue has intensified. Corn ethanol production is rising rapidly, but appears to be causing food price increases. Concerns about rising food prices and apparent limits to the long-term potential for corn ethanol have brought a focus on cellulosic ethanol. […] Key challenges to the omnibus energy bills remain. First, there are significant differences between H.R. 3221 and H.R. 6. Second, because the House and Senate have passed different measures, further action would be required in at least one chamber before a conference committee could be arranged. Third, concerns about the oil and natural gas revenue offset provisions, and the lack of measures to increase oil and gas production have led the Administration to threaten to veto each bill."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sissine, Fred J.

  2007-09-06
• Climate Change Research: Agencies Have Data-Sharing Policies but Could Do More to Enhance the Availability of Data from Federally Funded Research, Report to Congressional Requesters

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  "Much of the nearly $2 billion annual climate change research budget supports grants from the Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and National Science Foundation (NSF). Some of the data generated by this research are stored in online archives, but much remains in a less accessible format with individual researchers. As a result, some researchers are concerned about the availability of data. GAO analyzed (1) the key issues that data-sharing policies should address; (2) the data-sharing requirements, policies, and practices for external climate change researchers funded by DOE, NASA, NOAA, and NSF; and (3) the extent to which these agencies foster data sharing. GAO examined requirements, policies, and practices and surveyed the 64 officials managing climate change grants at these agencies. GAO recommends the agencies explore opportunities in the grants process to better ensure the availability of data to other researchers and determine if additional archiving strategies are warranted. In commenting on a draft of this report, the four agencies generally agreed with our findings and recommendations. We incorporated technical clarifications as appropriate."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2007-09
• EMR-ISAC: InfoGram 34-07 [August 30, 2007]

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  The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "Credible Threats or Hoaxes"; "Climatic Change Realities"; "Rail Safety Training Tour"; and "NIMS [National Incident Management System] Intrastate Mutual Aid Instruction".

  Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)

  2007-08-30
• Climate Change: The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Gets Ready for Kyoto [August 27, 2007]

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  "The European Union's (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a cornerstone of the EU's efforts to meet its obligation under the Kyoto Protocol. It covers more than 11,500 energy intensive facilities across the 27 EU Member countries; covered entities emit about 45% of the EU's carbon dioxide emissions. A 'Phase 1' trading period began January 1, 2005. A second, Phase 2, trading period will begin in 2008, covering the period of the Kyoto Protocol, with a third one planned for 2013. Several positives resulting from the Phase 1 'learning by doing' exercise may assist the ETS in making the Phase 2 process run more smoothly, including: (1) greatly improving emissions data, (2) encouraging development of the Kyoto Protocol's project-based mechanisms -- Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI), and (3) influencing corporate behavior to begin pricing in the value of allowances in decision-making, particularly in the electric utility sector. However, several issues that arose during the first phase remain contentious as the ETS moves into Phase 2, including allocation schemes, shutdown credits and new entrant reserves, and others. In addition, the expansion of the EU and the implementation of the directives linking the ETS to the Kyoto Protocol project-based mechanisms created new issues to which Phase 2 has had to respond."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parker, Larry, 1954-

  2007-08-27
• Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE): A Comparison of Selected Legislation in the 110th Congress [Updated August 16, 2007]

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  "The rise in crude oil and gasoline prices since the winter of 2006 has renewed the focus on U.S. fuel consumption in the transportation sector. Wider concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and climate change have contributed to interest in reducing fossil fuel consumption and improving the efficiency of the U.S. transportation sector. Possible changes to the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are one policy option to address the issue. CAFE standards are fleetwide fuel economy averages that manufacturers must meet each model year. Currently, separate CAFE standards are established for passenger cars and light trucks, which include sport utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, and pickup trucks. Several bills have been introduced in the 110th Congress to modify the CAFE program. Senate energy legislation, H.R. 6, passed that body on June 21, 2007; the bill includes language on CAFE. On August 3, 2007, the House passed energy legislation -- H.R. 3221 (241-170) and H.R. 2776 (221-189) -- but these bills did not include CAFE provisions. Two House bills addressing CAFE (H.R. 1506, H.R. 2729) were circulated as possible amendments, but neither were debated on the House floor. This report provides a side-by-side comparison of these and other bills in the 110th Congress addressing passenger vehicle fuel economy in general and the CAFE program specifically. The bills are compared on various policy options including, but not limited to, the types of provisions identified above. The report also compares provisions in bills that would establish greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars outside of the CAFE structure. Such emissions standards would likely also have the effect of increasing fuel economy."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Yacobucci, Brent D.; Bamberger, Robert

  2007-08-16
• Climate Change: Federal Funding and Tax Incentives [Updated August 2, 2007]

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  "As the prospect of climate change induced by greenhouse gases has gained increased attention, U.S. federal funding to address this issue has expanded from a few million dollars per year in the 1970s to $5.44 billion in FY2007. The rise in funding is primarily attributed to the evolution of the federal effort-from scientific research in the early years to later inclusion of technology development, voluntary and regulatory programs, and international assistance. However, the accounting of activities related to climate change also has changed somewhat over the years, introducing some uncertainty in the degree to which funding has actually increased over time. The President's FY2008 budget request includes $5.95 billion for federal programs and activities identified as addressing climate change, a 9.4% increase above FY2007. In addition to this funding, certain tax incentives may encourage reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Tax incentives are not spending per se, but they do result in less revenue than would be accrued otherwise, and as such, are costs to the federal government referred to as 'tax expenditures.' The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) estimates climate change tax expenditures would total $1.42 billion in FY2008, an 18% decrease below expenditures of $1.73 billion in FY2007. The President's strategy on climate change is directed by the Cabinet-level Committee on Climate Change Science and Technology Integration. This strategy places management responsibility and accountability for the various programs in individual agencies."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Leggett, Jane A.

  2007-08-02
• Climate Change: Agencies Should Develop Guidance for Addressing the Effects on Federal Land and Water Resources

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  "Climate change has implications for the vast land and water resources managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Forest Service (FS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and National Park Service (NPS). These resources generally occur within four ecosystem types: coasts and oceans, forests, fresh waters, and grasslands and shrublands. GAO obtained experts' views on the effects of climate change on federal resources and the challenges managers face in addressing climate change effects on these resources. GAO held a workshop with the National Academies in which 54 scientists, economists, and federal resource managers participated, and conducted 4 case studies. GAO recommends that the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Interior develop guidance incorporating agencies' best practices, which advises managers on how to address climate change effects on the resources they manage and gather the information needed to do so. In commenting on a draft of this report, the three departments generally agreed with the recommendation and provided technical comments, which GAO has incorporated into the report as appropriate. According to experts at the GAO workshop, federal land and water resources are vulnerable to a wide range of effects from climate change, some of which are already occurring."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2007-08
• U.S. Counternarcotics Strategy for Afghanistan

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  "This paper evaluates the current counternarcotics strategy for Afghanistan, examines issues, obstacles, and lessons learned, and presents a way forward on key elements of the strategy, including public information, alternative development, poppy elimination/eradication, interdiction, and justice reform. The drug trade has undermined virtually every aspect of the Government of Afghanistan's (GOA) drive to build political stability, economic growth, and rule of law and its capacity to address internal security problems. While the last two years have seen only localized progress in the struggle to contain the drug trade, the consensus among U.S. policymakers is that the current "Five Pillar" plan (Public Information, Alternative Development, Eradication, Interdiction, Justice Reform) provides the appropriate balance of incentives and disincentives. However, changing trends in poppy cultivation and trafficking, the security situation, the political climate, and economic development require significant and, in some cases, dramatic changes in the way Afghanistan and the international community implement the counternarcotics strategy."

  United States. Department of State

  Schweich, Thomas A., 1960-

  2007-08
• U.S. Climate Action Report--2006: Fourth National Communication of the United States of America under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

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  "The fourth CAR [Climate Action Report] provides an update on key activities conducted by the U.S. since the third CAR, an inventory of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and sinks, an estimate of the effects of mitigation measures and policies on future emissions levels, and a description of U.S. leadership and involvement in international programs, including associated contributions and funding efforts. In addition, the text discusses U.S. national circumstances that affect U.S. vulnerability and responses to climate change. Finally, the CAR presents information on the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, the U.S. Climate Change Technology Program, our efforts in systematic observations, including the U.S. Integrated Earth Observation System, and our education, training and outreach efforts. The report takes into account activities up to and including 2006."

  United States. Department of State. Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

  2007-07-27
• Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate: H.R. 2701: Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007

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  "H.R. 2701 would authorize the appropriation of about $3.3 billion for programs to reduce environmental emissions from a variety of modes of transportation and to increase the energy efficiency of certain buildings operated by the federal government. The bill would establish several new grant programs to be administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for public transportation entities, rail carriers, and certain shippers. The bill also would establish a new commission on water resources and would implement provisions of a treaty to prevent pollution from ships. Further, the bill would require the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Army Corps of Engineers to complete studies and reports regarding global warming and energy efficiency. CBO estimates that implementing the bill would incur discretionary costs of $220 million in 2008, $2.6 billion over the 2008-2012 period, and $0.6 billion after 2012, assuming the appropriation of the necessary amounts."

  United States. Congressional Budget Office

  2007-07-18
• 2007-2011 Region 10 Strategy: Our Vision: A Helathy, Sustainable Environment for All

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  This document provides "strategy [that] applies to Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and the approximately two hundred seventy Tribal governments in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. It has been developed in consideration of the [Environmental Protection Agency] EPA Administrator's four priorities, the EPA National Strategy, employee input received through an environmental survey; perspectives of our state, tribal, federal and local partners; and the Region 10 mission, vision and values. Looking back to the 2005-2006 time-frame, the Region 10 plan included seven regional priorities: Columbia River Basin, Tribal Environmental Health, Oil and Gas in Alaska and Mining, Diesel Emissions, Coeur d'Alene and Spokane River Basins, Puget Sound Basin, and Grants Management. You will find these priorities worked into our new plan as part of a larger area of emphasis. At the start of our planning process we revised and re-affirmed our mission, vision and values. We believe that an organization is like a tree, it must be rooted in deeply held values, with all employees sharing a common mission, vision and values. Our values will be reflected in the way we implement this strategy. For fiscal years 2007-2011, Region 10 will focus on the following six strategic endeavors:" support the core; clean, affordable energy and climate change; enhancing tribal environments; protecting and restoring watersheds; sustainability and strategic partnerships; and a stronger EPA.

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Region X

  2007-07
• Climate Change Legislation in the 110th Congress [Updated June 29, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "Congressional interest in climate change legislation has grown in recent years. In the 110th Congress, Members have introduced multiple bills that directly address various aspects of climate change. These bills cover a wide spectrum, ranging from climate change research to comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cap-and-trade programs. Additional bills focus on GHG reporting or registration, or on power plant emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) as part of wider controls on pollutant emissions. [...] This report briefly discusses the basic concepts on which these bills are based, and compares major provisions of the bills in each of the following categories: climate change research; emissions reduction technologies; U.S. actions pursuant to international emission reduction agreements; adaptation to the effects of climate change; GHG reporting and registration; and GHG emissions reduction programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Ramseur, Jonathan L.

  2007-06-29
• Carbon Cycle: Implications for Climate Change and Congress [June 25, 2007]

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  "Congress is considering several legislative strategies that would reduce U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases -- primarily carbon dioxide (CO2 ) -- or increase uptake and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere, or both. Both approaches are viewed by many as critical to forestalling global climate changed caused, in part, by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activities. Others point out that the human contribution of carbon to the atmosphere is a small fraction of the total quantity of carbon that cycles back and forth each year between the atmosphere and two huge carbon reservoirs: (1) the global oceans, and (2) the land surface of the entire planet. The exchange, or flux, of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface is called the global carbon cycle. […] This report explores the answer to that question and attempts to put the human contribution of carbon to the atmosphere in to the larger context of the global carbon cycle. The report focuses almost entirely on CO2, although methane (CH4 ), black carbon, and organic carbon pollution are also part of the carbon cycle and have roles in human-induced climate change. Carbon dioxide, alone, is responsible for over half of the change in Earth's radiation balance, and methane for about an additional 20%."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Folger, Peter (Peter Franklin)

  2007-06-25
• Adapting to a Changing World: The United States, Climate Change, and the Arctic Maritime Commons

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  "Driven by climate change in the Arctic a new maritime commons is emerging. The summer of 2007 brought the opening of the fabled Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic Islands and accessibility to non-ice hardened ships. Within the next 20 years, the entire Arctic will likely be entirely ice free during the summer, opening new ocean transport routes and access to potentially 25 percent of the world's remaining undiscovered oil and natural gas reserves. These changes will reshape both the global transport system and the world energy market, raising the specter of tension and conflict in the Arctic. With the Arctic region opening, nations are rushing to lay claim to its maritime energy resources. […]. The contest for resources and flow of trade will require that the United States, in conjunction with its allies, act to ensure access and security in the Arctic region. The present arrangement of three combatant commanders having responsibility in the Arctic will not promote efficient operations in the region in response to a re-emerging Russia. To maintain its leadership position, the United States must adapt to changes in the Arctic and the political contest it brings. It must participate in pivotal international treaties and ratify UNCLOS. To facilitate responsive operations in the Arctic, the United States must create a unique inter-agency command and control structure that will provide presence, serve as a credible deterrent against Russia and ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods and oil."

  Naval War College (U.S.). Joint Military Operations Department

  Schlauder, W.E.

  2007-06-11
• Climate Change: The Kyoto Protocol and International Actions [Updated June 8, 2007]

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  "The concerns over climate change, often termed 'global warming,' have emerged both in the United States and internationally as major policy issues. Reports in 2007 of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provided additional scientific underpinnings for these concerns, and the number of proposals and international meetings devoted to these issues has grown significantly during this year, as discussed in this report. The first treaty to address climate change, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was completed and opened for signature in 1992. This treaty includes commitments to establish national action plans for voluntary measures that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000 in order to begin mitigating possible global warming. The United States was one of the first nations to sign and ratify this treaty, and it entered into force in 1994. However, it was soon concluded by parties to the treaty that mandatory reductions in emissions of the six major greenhouse gases (of which carbon dioxide, mainly from burning of fossil fuels, is the most prevalent) would be required. The resulting Kyoto Protocol, which was completed in 1997 and entered into force in February 2005, committed industrialized nations that ratify it to specified, legally binding reductions in emissions of the six major greenhouse gases. The United States has not ratified the Protocol, and thus is not bound by its provisions. In March 2001, the Bush Administration rejected the Kyoto Protocol, and subsequently announced a U.S. policy for climate change that relies on voluntary actions to reduce the 'greenhouse gas intensity' (ratio of emissions to economic output) of the U.S. economy by 18% over the next 10 years. "

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Parker, Larry, 1954-; Fletcher, Susan R.

  2007-06-08
• Water Resource Issues in the 110th Congress [Updated June 1, 2007]

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  From the Summary: "Water resources management often involves trade-offs among user groups, environmental interests, and local, regional, and national interests. Water resources development is particularly controversial because of budgetary constraints, conflicting policy objectives, environmental impacts, and demands for local control. Hurricane Katrina brought to the forefront long-simmering policy disputes involving local control, federal financing, environmental and social tradeoffs, and multi-level accountability and responsibility for water infrastructure projects, such as levees. Construction, improvement, and management of other federal water resource projects (e.g., locks, dams, and diversion facilities) face similar challenges. The 110th Congress faces numerous issues and trade-offs as it considers water resource development, technology, water supply, and climate change legislation. These issues are likely to arise as Congress considers authorizations and appropriations for Bureau of Reclamation and Army Corps of Engineers projects (e.g., Water Resources Development Act of 2007, H.R. 1495), and agency policy and program changes (e.g., water reuse, federal project operations, and oversight of ecosystem restoration programs such as CALFED and Everglades). Oversight issues related to Hurricane Katrina and the federal role in hurricane and flood protection, and levee construction and management, also are ongoing."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cody, Betsy A.; Hughes, H. Steven

  2007-06-01
• Importance of International Disaster Management Studies in the Field of Emergency Management

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  "Traditionally, the myriad courses offered by FEMA's Emergency Management Institute have focused solely on the study and practice of emergency management as they pertain to municipalities within the United States. Only a small number of these courses make even a glancing reference to the problem of how disasters are managed elsewhere in the world. As a result, curricula tend to be limited to the development and practice of the emergency management discipline at the domestic level. This paper argues that such a bias should be abandoned so that students and practitioners in the United States may benefit from the rest of the world's experience in emergency and disaster management. This knowledge is vital for five reasons: 1) The United States' emergency management system is imperfect, 2) The United States is moving towards a 'Third World' system, 3) Climate change equals bigger, stronger, and more numerous disasters, 4) Climate change means global instability, and 5) The expanding discipline demands the inclusion of international disaster management studies."

  United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency

  Coppola, Damon P.

  2007-06
• Fact Sheet: New International Climate Change Framework [May 31, 2007]

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  This fact sheet presents information on frameworks being developed to enhance energy security and promote economic growth.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2007-05-31
• Supreme Court's Climate Change Decision: 'Massachusetts v. EPA' [May 18, 2007]

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  "On April 2, 2007, the Supreme Court handed down 'Massachusetts v. EPA' [Environmental Protection Agency], its first pronouncement on climate change. By 5-4, the Court held that (1) Massachusetts had standing to sue, (2) Section 202 of the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA to regulate emissions from new motor vehicles on the basis of their possible climate change impacts, and (3) Section 202 does not authorize EPA to inject policy considerations into its decision whether to so regulate. The Court's decision leaves EPA with three options under the section: find that motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions may 'endanger public health or welfare' and issue emission standards, find that they do not satisfy that prerequisite, or decide that climate change science is so uncertain as to preclude making a finding either way. The decision also has implications for other climate-change- related litigation, particularly a pending suit seeking to compel EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources of emissions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meltz, Robert

  2007-05-18
• President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with United Kingdom Prime Minister Blair [May 17, 2007]

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  President Bush and United Kingdom Prime Minister Blair participate in a joint press availability where issues discussed include U.S.-UK relations, the situation in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, climate change, and terrorism.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-; Blair, Tony, 1953-

  2007-05-17
• Climate Change: Financial Risks to Federal and Private Insurers in Coming Decades Are Potentially Significant, Statement of John B. Stephenson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, Testimony before the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, U.S. House of Representatives

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  "Weather-related events in the United States have caused tens of billions of dollars in damages annually over the past decade. A major portion of these losses is borne by private insurers and by two federal insurance programs- the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which insures properties against flooding, and the Department of Agriculture's Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), which insures crops against drought or other weather disasters. In this testimony, GAO (1) describes how climate change may affect future weather-related losses, (2) provides information on past insured weather-related losses, and (3) determines what major private insurers and federal insurers are doing to prepare for potential increases in such losses."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  Stephenson, John B.

  2007-05-03