Each week, we review the papers, studies, reports, and briefings posted at the “indispensable” RFF Library Blog, curated by RFF Librarian Chris Clotworthy. Check out this week’s highlights below:
Average new vehicle CO2 emissions rate and fuel economy in the US achieved record levels in MY 2012, and have improved in 7 of the last 8 years, according to the newly released...annual “Trends” report... — via U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Geoengineering: Governance and Technology Policy
The term “geoengineering” describes an array of technologies that aim, through large-scale and deliberate modifications of the Earth’s energy balance, to reduce temperatures and counteract anthropogenic climate change. Most of these technologies are at the conceptual and research stages, and their effectiveness at reducing global temperatures has yet to be proven. Moreover, very few studies... — via U.S. Congressional Research Service
Economic Analysis of Proposed Revised Waters of the United States
An Obama administration rule proposal that would expand the reach of federal Clean Water Act oversight would have a net economic benefit of as much as $263.9 million a year, according to a document purported to be an administration analysis. — via U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Gas Rush: New Projects to Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 91 Million Tons a Year
95 new projects at oil, gas, or petrochemical plants will increase greenhouse gas emissions 91 million tons annually, or about as much as the output from 20 large coal plants. The estimates are based on Clean Air Act permits or permit applications since January 1, 2012. — via Environmental Integrity Project
Keystone XL Pipeline Project: Key Issues
TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL Pipeline would transport oil sands crude from Canada and shale oil produced in North Dakota and Montana to a market hub in Nebraska for further delivery to Gulf Coast refineries. The pipeline would consist of 875 miles of 36-inch pipe with the capacity to transport 830,000 barrels per day. Because it would cross the Canadian-U.S. border, construction of Keystone XL requires a Presidential Permit from the State Department. — via US Congressional Research Service
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