NJ Governor Chris Christie announced last week that his state would be pulling out the ten-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), providing an interesting look at the way in which governors, and other politicians struggling with economic woes, are handling pressures to reduce carbon emissions and internal pressures from constituencies.
RGGI is intended to lower greenhouse gas emissions by setting a cap and trade pricing system with steadily contracting limits.
Christie cited the low auction prices and competition from Pennsylvania coal plants as reasons for exiting the program.
Christie also outlined a detailed plan for energy efficiency, including increased development of wind, solar and natural gas generators.
RGGI is intended to lower greenhouse gas emissions by setting a cap and trade pricing system with steadily contracting limits.
Christie cited the low auction prices and competition from Pennsylvania coal plants as reasons for exiting the program.
Christie also outlined a detailed plan for energy efficiency, including increased development of wind, solar and natural gas generators.
Installations of wind farms with less than 20 megawatts of capacity may rise to a record this year if lawmakers expand a federal tax credit.
Two big wind development projects on Appalachian ridges in Bedford and Clearfield counties have been canceled, and fewer new turbines will be spinning across the nation next year due to the possible end of a federal tax credit program that has driven development.
The world's most efficient solar cells, a new vaccine against chicken cholera and recycling car tyres to make steel are among the five winning inventions at the inaugural Australian Collaborative Innovation Awards.