Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R40242 [From summary] Market-based mechanisms that limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be divided into two types: quantity control (e.g., cap-and-trade) and price control (e.g., carbon tax or fee). To some extent, a carbon tax and a cap-and-trade program would produce similar effects: Both are estimated to increase the price of fossil … Continue reading »
Posted on March 26, 2009 …
Federal Lands Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service (FS) : Issues for the 11th Congress
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R40237 [Summary] The 111th Congress, the Administration, and the courts are considering many issues related to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands and the Forest Service (FS) national forests. Key issues include the following. Energy Resources. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 has led to new regulations on leasing programs … Continue reading »
Estimates of Carbon Mitigation Potential from Agricultural and Forestry Activities
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R40236 [From summary] High petroleum and gasoline prices, concerns over global climate change, and the desire to promote domestic rural economies have greatly increased interest in biofuels as an alternative to petroleum in the U.S. transportation sector. Biofuels, most notably corn ethanol, have grown significantly in the past few years as a … Continue reading »
Selected Issues Related to an Expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R40155 [From summary] The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA, P.L. 110-140) requires ever-larger amounts of biofuels produced from feedstocks other than corn starch, including sugarcane, oil crops, and cellulose, and promotes the development of these fuels. EISA requires the use of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels annually in … Continue reading »
Clean Air Issues in the 111th Congress
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R40145 [From summary] Attention to clean air issues in the 111th Congress is expected to focus on climate change and the regulation of emissions from electric utilities. In the last Congress, at least half a dozen bills were introduced to address electric utility air emissions and about a dozen bills addressed the … Continue reading »
Ocean Acidification
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R40143 [Summary] With increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, the extent of effects on the ocean and marine resources is an increasing concern. One aspect of this issue is the potential for seawater to become less alkaline (i.e., ocean acidification) as more CO2 dissolves in seawater, causing hydrogen ion … Continue reading »
Offshore Oil and Gas Development : Legal Framework
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/RL33404 [From summary] In 2008, both the President and the 110th Congress removed previously existing moratoria on offshore leasing on most areas of the outer continental shelf. The 111th Congress will likely have to address this issue soon after it commences, as the continuing resolution that is currently funding the Minerals Management … Continue reading »
Water Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R40216 [From summary] This report identifies funding for water infrastructure programs and projects contained in the [American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009] including amounts in the House- and Senate-passed versions that preceded the conference agreement. Among the purposes identified in the legislation are preservation and creation of jobs and promotion of … Continue reading »
Climate Change : Current Issues and Policy Tools
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/RL34513 [From summary] For decision-makers considering actions to address climate change, an assortment of policy instruments is available; studies suggest that a combination could be most effective in achieving various climate policy objectives. Current policy attention has focused on “cap and trade” strategies to reduce GHG emissions, with additional policy tools aimed … Continue reading »
Nanotechnology : A Policy Primer
Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/RL34511 (updated 1/4/2010) [Summary] Congress has demonstrated continuing support for nanotechnology and has directed its attention primarily to three topics that may affect the realization of this hoped for potential: federal research and development (R&D) in nanotechnology; U.S. competitiveness; and environmental,health, and safety (EHS) concerns. This report provides an overview of these topics—which … Continue reading »
