Each week, we review the papers, studies, reports, and briefings posted at the “indispensable” RFF Library Blog, curated by RFF Librarian Chris Clotworthy.
Economic and Emissions Impacts of a Clean Air Tax or Fee in Oregon
[From a Climate Wire article by Nathanael Massey, sub. req’d] A carbon tax in Oregon would have minimal effects on jobs and the economy, paving the way for the state’s Legislature to pursue carbon pricing in 2015, according to an analysis by researchers at Portland State University’s Northwest Economic Research Center (NERC). That, in turn, could be a first step in joining or linking to California’s existing cap-and-trade system and perhaps British Columbia’s revenue-neutral carbon tax, as well… – via State of Oregon, Legislative Revenue Office
[Background] American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act passed by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009; was not voted on in the Senate. In the 113th Congress, seven carbon-pricing proposals have been introduced or released in draft form – Six would establish a tax; one would establish a cap-and-trade program. Since ACES Act, several regulatory measures aimed at reducing GHG emissions have been proposed or finalized… – via Congressional Budget Office / by Terry M. Dinan
Fracking Frenzy: How the Fracking Industry is Threatening the Planet
[DeSmogBlog] …The report, issued by Friends of the Earth Europe, focuses on the prospects for fracking in 11 countries in Africa, Asia, North and South America and Europe, warning of unique hazards in each location along with the climate change risk posed in countries where the rule of law is relatively weak… – via Friends of the Earth Europe
Hydraulic Fracturing and Flowback Hazards Other than Respirable Silica
This guidance document is not a standard or regulation and it creates no new legal obligations. The document is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace… Each year, an estimated 35,000 wells are hydraulically-fractured in the U.S. Although the oil and gas extraction industry as a whole has a relatively higher fatality rate compared to most of the U.S. general industry (see Appendix B), there is currently no worker injury/illness or fatality data publicly available for hydraulic fracturing or flowback operations. Regardless of the availability of data, more workers are potentially exposed to the hazards created by hydraulic fracturing and flowback operations due to the large increase in the number of these operations in the past decade. In light of this, OSHA has determined that additional information concerning hydraulic fracturing and flowback operations hazards should be provided to educate and protect workers… – via U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
What the Real Estate Industry Needs to Know About the Insurance Industry and Climate Change
[Insurance News Net] A new white paper by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) finds that while the insurance industry is a leader in developing risk standards for natural disasters, the real estate sector and governments must also play an active role in climate change adaptation…the report draws upon data and analysis provided by Lloyd’s of London, to conclude that accurately priced insurance alone cannot mitigate the effects of climate change on the built environment. The report instead advocates that continued investment into resilience infrastructure and reforms in current development practices are also necessary. – via Urban Land Institute / by Sarah Jo Peterson
