Each week, we review the papers, studies, reports, and briefings posted at the “indispensable” RFF Library Blog, curated by RFF Librarian Chris Clotworthy.
A review by a University of Texas at Austin researcher highlights the rapid proliferation of gas industry operations in urban areas and questions whether state and federal air pollution regulatory programs are well designed to ensure health and safety. The review recommends increased government monitoring, health impact studies and regulation of air pollution. — via Virginia Environmental Law Journal
Trees, Trash, and Toxics: How Biomass Energy Has Become the New Coal
...this first-ever detailed analysis of the bioenergy industry reveals that the rebooted industry is still a major polluter. Comparison of permits from modern coal, biomass, and gas plants shows that a even the “cleanest” biomass plants can emit > 150% the nitrogen oxides, > 600% the volatile organic compounds, > 190% the particulate matter, and > 125% the carbon monoxide of a coal plant per megawatt-hour, although coal produces more sulfur dioxide (SO2 ). Emissions from a biomass plant exceed those from a natural gas plant... — via Partnership for Policy Integrity.
U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group II Final Draft Report
...The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that climate change is already hurting the poor, wreaking havoc on the infrastructure of coastal cities, lowering crop yields, and endangering various plant and animal species.
But the Nobel Peace Prize-winning group said that climate change’s effects will grow more severe and that spending and planning are needed to guard against future costs, much as people buy insurance against a range of possible accidents or health problems. — via U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
A recent study details significant US jobs gains, reduced consumer fuel costs, and robust economic growth associated with future crude oil exports, according to Kyle Isakower, vice-president for regulatory and economic policy for the American Petroleum Institute. The new study, by ICF International and EnSys Energy, was released Mar. 31 during an API conference call... — via American Petroleum Institute
Interior’s Management of its Underground Injection Wells Threatens Drinking Water: IG Report
The Interior Department’s management of some underground injection wells presents a risk to drinking water sources, the department inspector general says in a new report. “First, the Department has no overarching guidance or policy to assist bureaus in complying with EPA’s regulations concerning Class V injection wells. This has led to a patchwork of inconsistent or nonexistent policies at the bureau level,” says the report. — via US Department of the Interior
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