China Approves Special Plan to Develop Clean Technology, Efficiency as Key Sectors

SHENZHEN, China—China’s highest decisionmaking body has approved a special plan for the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011–2015) to develop seven strategic industries, including technology for energy efficiency and water resource protection, alternative energy, and innovative vehicles.

Australia’s Parliament Expected to Pass Bill to Set up Clean Energy Finance Corporation

MELBOURNE, Australia—Australia’s Parliament is expected to pass legislation that would establish a Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to invest A$10 billion ($9.93 billion) in renewable and low-emissions technologies and energy efficiency.

Mexico’s Legislature Approves Climate Bill With Carbon Reduction, Clean Energy Goals

MEXICO CITY—Mexico’s Legislature has approved a climate change bill that would provide a stronger legal framework to help Latin America’s largest economy reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and help its citizens adapt to the effects of global warming, according to observers.

European Parliament Endorses Commission’s Road Map for Reducing Greenhouse Gases

BRUSSELS—The European Commission should press ahead with measures to reduce the European Union’s greenhouse gas emissions through 2050, despite Poland blocking EU member state discussions of longer-term climate goals, according to a vote of the European Parliament March 15.

APEC Nations Agree to Cut Energy Intensity, Phase Out ‘Inefficient’ Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Twenty-one Asian and Pacific economies agreed to reduce their aggregate energy intensity 45 percent by 2035 as part of a declaration adopted Nov. 13…

China Sets Targets for Reducing Pollutant Emissions, Energy Intensity Through 2015

China’s State Council has assigned targets for reducing energy intensity and emissions and discharges of four types of pollutants for all provinces, autonomous regions, and major municipalities, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on its website Sept. 7…

Japan’s Draft Environment Plan Focuses on Renewable Energy, Recycling, Biodiversity

Japan must overhaul its policies for supplying and consuming energy and other resources in the wake of devastation caused by the March 11 earthquake…

European Commission Backs Seven Biofuel Certifying Schemes to Ensure Sustainability

To ensure that production and supply chains for biofuels both inside and outside the European Union conform to EU sustainability criteria, the European Commission July 19 approved seven certification schemes that will be recognized throughout the 27 EU member states…

Australia Unveils Carbon Price Scheme, Tougher 2050 Emissions Reduction Target

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard July 10 unveiled a carbon price package involving a A$23 ($24.60) starting price per metric ton, backed by a new Clean Energy Finance Corp. that would invest A$10 billion ($10.7 billion) over five years in renewables and other clean energy projects…

France Becomes First Country to Ban Hydraulic Fracturing for Shale Gas, Oil

The French Parliament adopted legislation June 30 that bans the hydraulic fracturing method for exploration and extraction of shale natural gas and oil, making the country the world’s first to ban the technique…

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