Global policy battles: tightening measures face pushback and shifts
Key Questions
What was the outcome of the Bonn climate talks?
The Bonn conference concluded with limited progress described as 'baby steps' ahead of COP31. Environmental groups noted mixed results on key issues like adaptation funding.
What new UN resolution addresses climate action?
A UN resolution passed with 141 votes making climate action a national duty, targeting 69% emissions reduction by 2030 and 81% by 2035. It was supported by countries including Japan.
How are lawmakers responding to EPA chemical recycling reviews?
Fifty lawmakers are challenging the EPA review, warning it could weaken regulations. Sen. Merkley and Rep. Huffman urged the agency not to sacrifice communities for chemical recyclers.
What changes has New York made to its climate policies?
New York rolled back parts of its climate law while approving a new gas pipeline. This reflects ongoing tensions between energy reliability and emissions goals.
What details define the CBAM definitive regime?
The CBAM regime will use weekly ETS price averaging starting in 2027 for certificate pricing. Portugal has urged the EU to pause cuts to free allowances to protect industry competitiveness.
What lawsuit was filed regarding plastic pollution in the Congaree River?
Green groups sued to halt plastic nurdle and 1,4-dioxane pollution after negotiations stalled. The case highlights failures in chemical recycling oversight.
What policy push is underway for domestic battery supply chains?
The U.S. sodium-ion coalition is advancing policy support for a domestic battery industry. DOE also reinstated funding for the ABTC lithium project.
What is India's new carbon market framework?
India launched the CCTS carbon market to link with the EU's CBAM. This aims to address trade impacts from border carbon adjustments.
Bonn climate talks end with 'baby steps' ahead of COP31; Turkish 35% electrification target; 'you-first-ism' persists. Lawmakers challenge EPA review of chemical recycling regulations (50 lawmakers push back). Merkley, Huffman, lawmakers to EPA: don't sacrifice communities for chemical recyclers. Greens sue to stop plastic pollution in Congaree River (nurdles, 1,4-dioxane). FERC orders to speed data center connections (see AI/grid). U.S. sodium-ion coalition signals policy push for domestic battery supply chain. 45Z tax credit carbon intensity rules detailed. New York rolls back climate law, approves gas pipeline. DOE reinstates ABTC lithium project funding. Renewable groups sue Pentagon over wind review halt. California SB 54 recycling law imposes $50k/day fines. Judge overturns DOE cancellation of $82.1M clean energy grants. EU ETS critique highlights failure for industrial decarbonization. Equinor drops 2030 renewable target. European industrial giants urge EU to ease carbon market rules. Nations allege attacks on science at UN talks. ISO releases draft net zero standard. Arizona court rules against APS solar fee. Adaptation Fund stalemate at Bonn. Scope 3 compliance roadmap highlights CARB SB 253 deadline. CalRecycle awards $41M to grow circular economy jobs. Science 'under attack' from fossil fuel interests. Geopolitics complicating green transition. Community energy ownership policy gap. Lummis bill for high-power grid connections. Sen. Yaw warning on grid strain. Trump admin buys back Invenergy offshore wind leases for $765M. India launches carbon market framework (CCTS) linking to CBAM. Greenpeace challenges Dutch government on deepsea mining. Study finds US climate policy uncertainty reduces trade and FDI. Türkiye and Australia share COP31 leadership. New: UN resolution makes climate action a national duty (141 votes, 69% reduction by 2030, 81% by 2035). CBAM definitive regime details released (weekly ETS price averaging from 2027). Portugal urges EU rethink on carbon market cuts. 'Energy security' rebranding of climate action noted.