Printable version (PDF) 

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES AND INSTRUMENTS

– Climate change, Japan aims to use environmental initiatives to create jobs, 105; minister outlines “green new deal,” 376
– Economic stimulus packages

– – Australia plans household energy efficiency push with focus on insulation, 107
– – Biotechnology, OECD advises nations to invest in applications to alternative energy, agriculture, 577
– – Canada

– – – Environmental review exemptions, agency adds stimulus projects to list, 445
– – – Ontario proposal promotes energy efficiency, renewables, 180; Legislature passes bill, In Brief, 450
– – – Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program, In Brief, 974
– – – 2009 budget includes clean energy funding, 134; agency seeks proposals for pilot projects, 444

– – China, minister says financial crisis will test environmental progress, 63
– – Energy efficiency, plans offer opportunities, Tanaka says announcing G-8, emerging countries partnership, 423
– – European Comm'n calls for spending $4.5B on projects, 76; Parliament approves $2.1B for carbon sequestration, wind energy proposals, 393; Comm'n seeks financial proposals, 435; Comm'n launches $10B in green tech jobs as part of economic recovery plan, 642
– – France, Grenelle initiative could generate 600,000 jobs by 2020, report says, 542
– – Germany, cabinet proposes clean car incentives, tax on vehicle emissions, 85
– – Green investments

– – – G-20 should spur green recovery by limiting carbon emissions, report says, 289
– – – Global spending recommendations, In Brief, 178
– – – Industrialized countries should boost investment, International Energy Assn. director says, 530
– – – Revival of global economy possible, UNEP forum says, 151

– – India, elections bring promises of economic growth, reforms, 615
– – Norway

– – – Electric vehicles, funding includes 5,000 stations, 90
– – – Wind energy, In Brief, 650

– – Peru includes funding for water, sanitation projects, 57; World Bank loan to help improve environmental policies, 189
– – South Korea, Green New Deal to create jobs, protect environment, ministry says, 63; prime minister to introduce framework law promoting green growth, 106; ministry plan to boost investment, jobs includes tax incentives for new technology, 660
– – Spain approves sustainable development funding, 962
– – Water resources, OECD head says wealthy nations should consider investing funds to improve management, infrastructure, 293

– Energy efficiency

– – China plans subsidies for appliance, motor vehicle purchases, 511
– – Japan

– – – Eco Point program rewards appliance buyers, 376
– – – Supplemental budget includes tax relief, incentives for consumer purchases of appliances, motor vehicles, 514
– – – Tokyo offers incentives to small firms, In Brief, 64

– Forest preservation, Brazil, state offer anti-deforestation incentive program, 321
– Motor vehicles

– – Canada scrappage program, In Brief, 509
– – Italy proposes tax on gas-guzzlers to fund rebates for low-emissions car purchasers, 88

– Solar energy, Italy lowers tax on imported equipment, 12; suspension of tax reduction, In Brief, 919
– Tax incentives

See generally TAXATION

ECOSYSTEMS

– Biodiversity

See BIODIVERSITY

– Carbon sequestration, report cites vital role in curbing climate change, 524
– Environmental protection, report calls for urgent actions in face of critical thresholds, 205

ECUADOR

– Mining, bill modernizes laws, increases environmental controls, 57
– Outlook 2009, SplRpt (1/7/09) S–37
– Solid waste management, CAN-EU funding, In Brief, 144
– Water pollution, lawyers prepare final written arguments in Amazon environmental damage suit against Chevron, 408; Chevron presents new corruption allegations, 832; Chevron brings arbitration claim, 873; human rights advocate calls on Chevron to clean up polluted sites, 969

EGYPT

– Wind energy, European Investment Bank approves loan agreements, 910

ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, AND DISTRIBUTION

– Carbon sequestration

See CARBON SEQUESTRATION

– Climate change

– – Canada

– – – Nova Scotia proposes GHG, pollutant limits, 182; province caps emissions, adds reporting requirement, 736
– – – Ontario to close 4 coal-fired plants to reduce emissions, 828

– – China, U.S. power companies consider pact on projects, 762
– – IEA publishes emissions data, 463
– – India will continue using coal, envoy says stressing need to develop clean technologies, 370
– – Loans for coal-fired power plants have contributed to increased GHG emissions, local health problems, report says, 629

– Coal will play major role as oil, gas are depleted, industry official says, 494
– Conservation areas, Chile high court upholds ruling blocking construction of plant in port of Ventanas, 608
– Emissions trading

– – Brazil measure requires offsets from utilities using oil, coal, or diesel, 366; judge suspends requirement, 971
– – European Comm'n publishes 2008 emissions data, 313

– Energy efficiency, France regulator orders energy-management box maker to compensate power company for lost revenue, 690
– Geothermal energy, UK project, In Brief, 496
– Hydropower

See HYDROELECTRIC POWER

– Labeling, Denmark companies' green energy labels confusing, council says, 730
– Nuclear energy

See NUCLEAR ENERGY

– Renewable energy

See generally RENEWABLE ENERGY

– Smart-grid

– – China

– – – Obstacles in connecting power sources to nation's grid must be overcome, conference told, 841
– – – Plans ambitious, may surpass U.S., Chu says, 881

– – Japan

– – – Opposition party manifesto supports development, 712
– – – Pilot project, In Brief, 572

– – NAFTA leaders pledge cooperation, 738

– Solar energy

See SOLAR ENERGY

– Sulfur dioxide emissions, China province signs agreement with companies to meet 2010 emissions targets, 979
– Thermal generation, New Zealand government proposes lifting moratorium, 34
– Waste-to-energy facility, Alberta funding, In Brief, 974
– Wind farms

See WIND ENERGY

– Zero-emission power stations, Poland asks EU for financial assistance, 176

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

– Energy efficiency policies needed to reduce global increase in energy consumption due to personal devices, report says, 463
– Office equipment, EU, U.S. upgrade Energy Star requirements, In Brief, 581

ELECTRONIC WASTE

– Basel Convention strategy, In Brief, 207
– Batteries

See BATTERIES

– Disposal, China announces passage of rules, 239; comments on potential list of applicable items sought, 373; agency issues guidelines, 659
– Exports

– – Norway

– – – Inspection leads to seizure of shipment headed for West Africa, 869
– – – Rules guide, In Brief, 598

– – U.S. prohibition

– – – Bill has loophole, environmentalists say, 504
– – – Cal. exporter illegally sent cathode ray tubes to Hong Kong, EPA issues order against company, 831
– – – Okla. exporter illegally sent computer monitors to Hong Kong, EPA files administrative complaint against company, 555

– Halogenated chemicals, China faces increasing threat from pollutants, experts say, 793
– Management

– – Brazil state adopts law, 653
– – Peru-Switzerland agreement to design system, 789

– Producer responsibility, India alliance proposes legislation, 751
– Recycling

See RECYCLING

– Stockpiling in poor countries, prevention likely to be discussed at upcoming meeting, 342
– Verification, China issues notice on process for importers, 880

ELECTROPLATING

– Hexavalent chromium, Canada publishes final rules limiting emissions, 601

EMERGENCY PLANNING AND RESPONSE

– Accidental releases, EU court hands down judgments against Belgium, Luxembourg for noncompliance, 220
– Dangerous goods, Canada proposes new emergency response plan requirements, In Brief, 143; Parliament approves requirements, In Brief, 561
– Oil spills

– – Baltic plan, In Brief, 55
– – International Convention on Preparedness, Response, and Cooperation, Russia joins, In Brief, 695

EMISSIONS TRADING

– Air transportation

See AIR TRANSPORTATION

– Cap-and-trade systems

– – Australia

– – – Allocations, release of guidance paper on determining eligibility for free emissions permits, 197
– – – Design rules set out in policy white paper, 33; government seeks comments on draft bill establishing regime, 243; government shifts focus to gaining support of plan, 279; Senate committee splits over draft bills, 377; government delays start of scheme, may strengthen emission reduction targets, 417; time frame unclear as opposition urges delay, 453; Lower House passes bill, opposition party seeks additional information, 516; delay of vote, In Brief, 619; opposition parties outline principles required to secure support of bills, 712; Senate rejects bills, 757; government initiates talks with opposition in effort to break deadlock, 982
– – – Harmonization with New Zealand, ministers consider options, 280
– – – Registry accepts applications to trade in carbon market, 931

– – Canada

– – – Intensity-based targets will be replaced, environment minister says, 95
– – – International Carbon Action Group, Ontario participation, In Brief, 508
– – – Pricing, advisory group offers plan, 363
– – – Western Climate Initiative, Ontario participation bill, In Brief, 450; proposal authorizes participation, would spur job creation, document says, 502

– – EU

– – – Auctions, Comm'n seeks public input, 487
– – – Climate change strategy, Parliament approves component, 5
– – – France argues for single post-2012 platform for auctions, 912
– – – Options contracts for sale in U.S., 832
– – – Participating facilities yield 3 percent carbon emissions decrease in 2008, 435
– – – Sweden, bill abolishes carbon tax for businesses subject to scheme, 917

– – Japan

– – – Applicants for participation, In Brief, 35; program off to slow start with 77 participants, 332
– – – Opposition party manifesto backs system, 712
– – – Tokyo exchange trading, In Brief, 984
– – – Ukraine credits, government negotiating purchase, 241; proceeds to pay for environmental projects, 295

– – Mexico could benefit from accord with U.S., global climate agreement, speakers tell conference, 783
– – New Zealand

– – – Amendments reflect negotiations with Maori Party, 886
– – – Forestry-related parts of scheme to be postponed to review trade implications, other aspects, 571
– – – Harmonization with Australia scheme, ministers consider options, 280
– – – Special parliamentary committee supports idea, avoids specifics, 844

– – Norway

– – – Emissions cap, industries exempt from EU scheme agree to voluntary cap, 824
– – – 2008 GHG emission targets met, agency reports, 439

– – Oil company executive favors over carbon tax, 941
– – UK government seeks public comment on auction plan, 264; government releases draft plan, 914
– – U.S. could learn important lessons from EU experience, German Marshall Fund reports, 761

– Carbon credits

– – Brazil bank opens credit line for buying certified emission reductions, 655
– – EU proposes reverse charging of value-added tax to stop carousel fraud, 909
– – India industry group calls for expanding market, extending CDM at conference, 195
– – Indonesia applies to join World Bank program issuing credits for forest maintenance, 242
– – Italy awards final credits, In Brief, 132
– – Japan

– – – Corporate tax exemption, In Brief, 666
– – – Tax credits, companies transferring credits to government account may be eligible, 240

– – U.K. high-energy-consumption organization participation, In Brief, 649

– Carbon leakage, EU

– – Heavy manufacturing industry exposed, protections may be necessary, Comm'n says, 866
– – Vulnerable sectors, Comm'n releases assessment of sectors that may relocate to less regulated locations, 395

– Carbon markets to remain depressed until 2010, financier predicts, 112
– Carbon offsets

– – Brazil

– – – Olympics candidacy, In Brief, 451
– – – Utilities using oil, coal, or diesel, measure requires offsets, 366; judge suspends requirement, 971

– – Canada

– – – British Columbia agency finalizes first purchase, 320
– – – Market plan designed to help firms meet emission goals, 551
– – – Standards group amends rules to ease use of voluntary offsets, 700

– – Denmark, Copenhagen conference emissions, In Brief, 957
– – UK government requirement to purchase gold standard offsets, In Brief, 360

– Carbon tax-trading scheme blend could spur investments in low carbon technology, consultants say, 266
– Clean Development Mechanism

See CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM (CDM)

– Emissions surplus, Poland Lower House passes bill allowing sale, 596; Parliament passes bill, In Brief, 695; President signs bill, In Brief, 732
– Market development, NAFTA leaders pledge cooperation, 738
– National allocation plans, court annuls Poland, Estonia orders to reduce number of carbon allowances, 865; analysts downplay impact of decision, 908
– Post-Kyoto agreement, carbon traders pessimistic, In Brief, 532
– Power plants, European Comm'n publishes 2008 emissions data, 313
– Reporting, Australia Parliament approves amendments imposing requirements on large GHG emitters, 846
– Ships and shipping

– – EU decision on including in scheme deferred until 2010, Comm'n says, 687
– – UK trade association proposes scheme, 14

– Sulfur dioxide, China

– – Hubei province launches exchange, 332
– – Shanghai district launches exchange, 373
– – Shenzhen pilot program, In Brief, 758

– Western Climate Initiative

– – Ontario participation, bill, In Brief, 450; proposal authorizes participation, would spur job creation, document says, 502
– – Work plan issued, 183

ENDANGERED SPECIES

– Conservation

– – EU red lists, In Brief, 440
– – India report charts decline, 752
– – Spain allocates funding for regional efforts, 870

– Elephants, West African governments agree to conservation effort, 385
– Polar bears' greatest threats climate change, contaminants, countries conclude, 293
– Whales, Brazil halts port expansion, In Brief, 789

ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS

– Pesticides, EU Council and Parliament agree on legislation tightening restrictions on authorizations and use, 8; Parliament approves legislation, 48; UK opposes legislation, 125; ministers formalize adoption, 867

ENERGY

– Climate change

– – Brazil energy expansion plan at odds with earlier climate action plan, 58
– – Canada-U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue to promote research, technology development, 182; officials discuss clean energy, transmission grid improvements, 234
– – China action likely to be interrelated, panel tells conference, 330
– – China-EU Clean Energy Center, In Brief, 469
– – Clean energy infrastructure, report calls for $515B annual investment globally to hold warming at sustainable level, 110
– – EU Comm'n outlines research plan to develop clean energy technologies, 907
– – Mexico-U.S. cooperation, speakers stress need at conference, 739
– – Poland, draft energy plan envisions diversification of sources, less reliance on coal, 226
– – Spain should reduce carbon emissions, eliminate subsidies, boost efficiency, IEA reports, 916

– Economic recovery, European Comm'n calls for spending $4.5B on projects, 76
– Efficiency

See ENERGY EFFICIENCY

– Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution

See ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, AND DISTRIBUTION

– Electricity generation using nuclear energy

See NUCLEAR ENERGY

– Hydropower

See HYDROELECTRIC POWER

– Infrastructure

– – Business council to advise ministers on spurring private investment, 247
– – Development, EU Parliament approves economic stimulus funding, 393; Comm'n seeks financial proposals, 435
– – Japan launches $5B lending facility, 285

– International initiatives, U.S. invites Western Hemisphere nations to establish partnership, 362
– Major economies forum, U.S. plans to continue, 287
– National agenda, China crafts new law, 5-year plan, 283
– Oil and gas

See OIL AND GAS

– Regulatory authority, Italy ministry seeks to oversee sector, In Brief, 694
– Renewable sources

See RENEWABLE ENERGY

– Research grants, EU seeks proposals, In Brief, 597
– Solar energy

See SOLAR ENERGY

– Subsidies, Mexico should remove, focus on green growth, OECD official tells forum, 782
– Sustainability

– – EU mayors sign pledge to adopt action plans, 121
– – Germany-Russia cooperation on technology promotion, In Brief, 650
– – Netherlands policies sound, IEA says, In Brief, 93

– Taxation, Danish panel recommends increase, 126
– Wind energy

See WIND ENERGY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

– Action plans, European Comm'n issues 2nd warning, 77
– Appliances

– – China plans subsidies for purchases, 511
– – European Union

– – – Regulatory panel supports labeling overhaul, phase-in of stricter consumption standards, 306; Parliament approves sticker proposal, 395; ministers delay agreement, to be settled under upcoming Swedish presidency, 540; UK consultation on implementation, In Brief, 548; standards finalized, In Brief, 693
– – – Standby mode, Eco-Design Directive limits energy consumption, 9

– – India eco-labeling, In Brief, 759
– – Italy promotes as part of economic recovery plan, In Brief, 132
– – Japan supplementary budget includes fiscal incentives for consumer purchases, 514

– Audits, Russia House approves bill, 965
– Building codes

– – China

– – – Challenges to green building projects include lack of standards, financing, speakers tell conference, 841
– – – Technology development, joint U.S. collaboration planned, 671; U.S officials discuss cooperation during visit, 942; Obama plans visit to discuss cooperation, 968

– – Denmark launches multipronged strategy, 351
– – European Union

– – – Website, In Brief, 547
– – – Zero-energy requirements, Parliament committee supports, 305; Parliament approves plan requiring energy self-sufficiency, 351

– – Finland publishes draft 2010 budget, 731
– – France, draft bill aims to improve evaluation as part of sweeping environmental process, 49; Senate approves Grenelle 1, 126; initiative could generate 600,000 jobs by 2020, report says, 542; Parliament passes Grenelle 1, 687; law published, 726
– – Hong Kong energy audit subsidies, In Brief, 333
– – India, green building practices continue despite economic slowdown, study finds, 979
– – ISO issues design guidance, 66
– – Italy, certificates for new structures, In Brief, 496

– Businesses

– – Canada publishes guide, In Brief, 101
– – Hong Kong utility installs smart meters, In Brief, 379
– – India plans to set targets for large consumers by end of 2010, 884
– – Mexico issues regulations for certification, 872

– Certificates and certification

– – Building codes

See Building codes, this heading

– – EU, U.S. Energy Star requirements for office equipment, In Brief, 581
– – France gains surpass initial goals, official says, 490
– – Mexico issues regulations for businesses, 872

– Climate change

– – Canada

– – – Nova Scotia action plan caps emissions, promotes energy efficiency, 96
– – – Private sector to use technology, In Brief, 61

– – EU, Sweden outlines eco-efficiency priorities are Are ministerial meeting, 686
– – G-8 leaders find issues interlinked, 519

– Conservation

– – Australia, study estimates programs will yield $14B net benefits, 198
– – Canada

– – – Alberta issues plan, 20
– – – Ontario economic stimulus proposal includes provisions, 180; Legislature passes bill, In Brief, 450

– – China, budget increases spending, 238
– – Denmark, critical report prompts legislators to consider tough measures to reduce consumption, 53
– – France, energy-management box maker ordered to compensate power company for lost revenue, 690
– – Japan, ministry urges industry creation, In Brief, 286
– – Taiwan

– – – Government facilities, measures reduce electricity use, statistics show, 513
– – – Promotion to build low-carbon economy, official says, 456
– – – Retailers to reduce electricity consumption by 5 percent under agreement with government, 797

– Consumer products

– – Appliances

See Appliances, this heading

– – Canada Parliament empowers government to develop standards, 445
– – South Korea plans consumption tax increase for energy-intensive products, 570

– Ecodesign, European Parliament approves extension of standard to wider range of products, 352; ministers formalize adoption, 867
– Economic stimulus projects in U.S., China, Japan firms seek contracts, In Brief, 933
– Financial assistance, Australia announces new trust, 417
– Financial incentives

– – Carbon tax, energy price hike would yield slight gains, study finds, 425
– – China environment may benefit from global economic crisis, World Bank says, 285

– Fuel efficiency, motor vehicles

See MOTOR VEHICLES

– G-8, emerging countries to launch partnership in May, 423
– Homes

– – Australia

– – – Insulation push as part of economic stimulus, 107
– – – Landlord subsidies cut for weatherization, In Brief, 799

– – Canada, incentive program, In Brief, 745
– – France plans tougher rules for tax credits, 912
– – Netherlands, improvement plans include window subsidies, 962
– – UK

– – – Consumption reduction efforts must continue, parliamentary panel says, 223
– – – Heat and energy saving strategy launched to achieve zero carbon household emissions, 124
– – – Smart meters, comments sought, 436
– – – Zero carbon home, comment sought on definition, 14

– Hotel sector, Mexico receives $10M World Bank loan, 970
– Incentives

– – India, national strategy includes loan guarantees, 795
– – Italy white certificate program, In Brief, 55
– – Japan, Tokyo offers tax breaks to small firms, In Brief, 64
– – South Africa proposes tax incentives for businesses, 579
– – Sweden, Parliament approves tax breaks, 265

– Industrial motors, EU committee votes to ban inefficient motors starting in 2017, 218; standards finalized, In Brief, 693
– Information technology, Latin America survey finds Brazilian, Mexican firms resistant make investment, 272
– Inspections, China capital will start monthly inspections of top energy consuming businesses, 791
– International cooperation, China, Germany sign agreement, 112
– Labeling

See LABELS AND LABELING

– Lighting

See generally LIGHTING

– Motor vehicles

See MOTOR VEHICLES

– National strategy, Australia, In Brief, 619
– Oil and gas, Canada, British Columbia petroleum producers agree to improvements, reduction of GHG emissions, 697
– Performance standards, Canada publishes, 18
– Personal devices, new policies needed to reduce global increase in energy consumption, report says, 463
– Procurement, China local governments, In Brief, 379
– Public buildings, Norway increases funding, 90
– Ships, improvements could reduce GHG emissions, IMO reports, 521
– Small businesses, India-UN project to promote savings, 753
– Water circulators, EU standards, In Brief, 267; standards finalized, In Brief, 693
– Water heating, U.K. report says efficiency increases could help reduce GHG emissions, 691

ENFORCEMENT

– Criminal prosecution

– – China environmental protection courts taking shape as legal authorities, 613; public interest lawsuits find traction in new courts, 747
– – EU directive expected to lead to widespread review of sanctions, 47
– – South Africa announces plan to revive environmental courts, special crime units, 625

– Environment agencies

– – Brazil

– – – Elite troops may be used for activities, 232
– – – President relaxes earlier decree, 26

– – Chile, government creates environmental ministry, 142
– – Peru Congress approves agency, 143

– Environmental protection

– – Canada bill strengthens fines, other tools, 229; Parliament approves bill, 608
– – China

– – – Guangdong Province, 16 businesses receive second red cards for failing to improve pollution records, 239
– – – Guiyang adopts supervisor system to bolster efforts, 708
– – – Regulatory framework in place, implementation lacking, OECD reports, 32
– – – Yangtze delta, governments enter cooperative agreement to create unified assessment standards, 792

– – Colombia, new law creates presumption of guilt, increases fines, 702
– – Greenland bill allows more autonomy from Denmark, 492
– – Italy, reorganization gives regions more discretion, In Brief, 496
– – Portugal, complaints increase, In Brief, 696
– – U.K. proposes more consistent sanctions for civil, criminal violations, 690

– Penalties

See PENALTIES

ENGLAND

See UNITED KINGDOM (UK)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EIAs)

– Coal mining in conservation area, European Comm'n moves forward with case against Spain, 590
– Construction projects

– – Brazil, prosecutor files injunction to suspend building license for oil refinery, 448
– – European Comm'n warns Italy of noncompliance of La Maddalena island project, 260
– – India proposes changes to ease backlog, 103

– Economic stimulus projects, Canada adds to exemption list, 445
– Fees, Brazil presidential decree sets limits, 446
– Foreign investment projects, China includes new environmental index, land-use intensity index in evaluations, 194
– Highway and road projects, Brazil

– – Amazon highway repaving, agency denies environmental license, 656
– – Licensing, House approves exemption, 365; Senate misses vote deadline, In Brief, 510

– Hydroelectric power

– – Brazil requests revision for Belo Monte Dam, In Brief, 411; incomplete assessment suspends licensing process, In Brief, 563; injunction overturned, In Brief, 745
– – China halts projects due to lack of complete assessments, 565
– – Colombia issues El Quimbo Dam permit with conditions, In Brief, 451

– Infrastructure projects using stimulus funds, Canada streamlines review process, 269
– Messina Straits Bridge project, Italy approval, In Brief, 598; environmental overseer, In Brief, 966
– Military facilties, Japan proposal requires U.S. to clean up environmental contamination, 885
– Mine-slurry pipeline-port complex, Brazil prosecutors request injunction to suspend construction, 788
– Mining, Ecuador bill increases environmental controls, 57
– Olympics projects, Russia adopts decree requiring audits, 965
– Oversight, China releases new rules requiring ongoing review of projects, 791
– Permitting process

– – Australia, Western Australia streamlining, In Brief, 983
– – Brazil

– – – Civil suit against official dismissed, In Brief, 877
– – – Criticism of licensing agency, In Brief, 878
– – – More licenses granted under new environment minister, 58; minister issues measures to further streamline process, 703; working group drafts preliminary council resolution, 786
– – – Sao Paulo state consolidates licensing within one agency, 742

– – Chile launches online complaint system to hasten requests, 561
– – China, Tianjin unveils online management system, 708
– – India

– – – Small projects exempted from requirement to seek permits, 709
– – – Transparency of process enhanced, 710

– – New Zealand considers reforms to expedite process, 198
– – Norway exempts certain companies from emissions, discharge permit requirements, 918

– Phosphate mine/fertilizer complex, Brazil court suspends license, 924
– Public accessibility, Spain launches database, In Brief, 133
– Public participation, India court finds all citizens have right to participate in hearings, appeals, 416
– Pulp plant expansion, Chile rejects request, In Brief, 658
– Reform, Spain looks to revise law, 174; minister council approves measure, 648
– Steel mills

– – Brazil state rejects proposal to locate in already-polluted city, 28
– – China halts projects due to lack of complete assessments, 565

– Urban development projects, Brazil separation of powers forbids judicial branch interference, supreme court rules, 184

ESTONIA

– Air quality, European Comm'n issues 1st warning over noncompliance, 77
– Emissions trading, court annuls order to reduce number of carbon allowances, 865; analysts downplay impact of decision, 908

ETHIOPIA

– Kyoto Protocol, leader threatens walkout if talks ignore Africa's concerns, 856

EU

See EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

EUROPE

See also specific countries
– Climate change, former Soviet bloc nations not equipped to adapt to, mitigate impacts, World Bank reports, 527
– Radioactive waste, 14 countries form working group to consider shared geologic repository, 170

EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

– Wind energy, Poland project funding through loans, 438

EUROPEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (EFTA)

– Carbon tax exemption by Norway, rejection, In Brief, 694

EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

– Air pollution, emissions continue long-term decline, agency reports, 818
– Air quality

– – Economic downturn could help countries stay within pollutant limits, agency says, 910
– – Extensions, Comm'n denials, In Brief, 597
– – Noncompliance, Comm'n sends first warning letters to 10 member states regarding noncompliance, 77
– – Ozone-forming pollutants down, ozone persists, In Brief, 693

– Air transportation

See AIR TRANSPORTATION

– Animal testing

– – Alternatives, research funding, In Brief, 826
– – Parliament tightens restrictions, 394; ECHA launches new process to avoid unneeded testing, 725

– Baltic Sea concerns

See BALTIC SEA

– Biodiesel, members approve temporary duties on imports from U.S., 215
– Biodiversity

– – Natura 2000 network, Comm'n approves addition of 769 sites, 10
– – Protection, 2010 target goal of halting loss unlikely to be met, progress report warns, 10; officials call for improved protections to meet 2010 goal, 398; report shows inadequate progress, In Brief, 495; survey shows continued decline in habitat, species from 2001 to 2006, 641

– Biotechnology

– – Advantitious presence, seed producers, farmers seek law setting threshold for trace amounts of incidental GMO material, 216
– – Bans, member states fail to back proposal to force lifting of national bans, 164
– – Corn seeds, European Comm'n supports licenses for genetically modified crop, 78
– – Disclosure, court rules public has right to know where GMO crops are planted, 163
– – GMO-free zones, member states should be allowed to establish, conference of 5 nations say, 165
– – Soybeans, Comm'n approves use of genetically modified organism, 9
– – Trade issues, Comm'n says disputes likely to increase as inventory grows, 813

– Budget includes $134B for environmental infrastructure, technology projects through 2013, 216
– Chemical facility risk management, France lobby seeks 2-year suspension of rule covering lightning, earthquake risks, 261; France seeks to simplify registration for low-risk sites, 355
– Chemical industry, REACH proposal

See REGISTRATION, EVALUATION, AND AUTHORIZATION OF CHEMICALS (REACH) SYSTEM

– Clean energy research grants, In Brief, 597
– Climate change

– – Adaptation, Comm'n publishes action plan, 311
– – Border-adjustment taxes would lead to trade retaliation, official says, 399; French President supports tax, 490; French President reiterates support at conference, 577
– – Carbon tax, Comm'n proposes element to energy tax directive, 313; proposal expected in early 2010, 908
– – Chemical industry policy group issues corporate responsibility recommendations, 168
– – China Clean Energy Center, In Brief, 469
– – Clean energy, Comm'n outlines research plan to develop technologies, 907
– – Denmark carbon dioxide tax exemption for companies covered by emissions trading scheme, Comm'n approves, 541
– – Developed nations should adopt 2020 emission reduction targets, member states say, 165
– – Emissions reductions

– – – Briefing paper compares countries' reduction efforts, 685
– – – Climate czar, Comm'n to appoint, 960
– – – Italy minister says major economies must take on similar commitment, 953
– – – Largest GHG emitters, In Brief, 695
– – – Parliament approves far-reaching strategy to meet targets, 5; Parliament adopts report focusing on short-, medium-term efforts, 122
– – – 2007 emissions fell 1.2 percent, bloc on track to meet Kyoto goals, 488
– – – 2008 provisional data show decline, 817

– – Financing, leaders hesitant to commit to funding adaptation, mitigation measures in developing countries, 259; leaders agree nation's wealth, GHG emissions should determine financial responsibility, 539; many issues require further negotiation before members can finalize position, internal paper says, 685; Comm'n paper proposes responsibilities for wealthy, poorer nations, 815
– – Homeland security, effects spark growing concerns, panelists say, 201
– – Mayors sign pledge to reduce emissions, adopt sustainable energy action plans, 121

– Coal mining, European Comm'n moves forward with case regarding mining in conservation area, 590
– Conservation

– – Ireland, Comm'n closes 2 cases, 77
– – Spain

– – – Airport extension, Comm'n issues compliance deadline, 169
– – – Canal project, warning letter, In Brief, 695
– – – Canary Islands, Comm'n issues 2nd warning for nondesignation of sites, 590

– Dimethylfumarate use in leather items, states seek ban, In Brief, 131; European Comm'n bans imports of products containing biocide, 396
– Ecolabeling scheme, Parliament approves revision, 305
– Economic recovery, European Comm'n calls for spending $4.5B on energy projects, 76; Parliament approves $2.1B for carbon sequestration, wind energy projects, 393; Comm'n seeks financial proposals, 435; Comm'n launches $10B in green tech jobs as part of economic recovery plan, 642
– Emergency planning, court hands down judgments against Belgium, Luxembourg for noncompliance, 220
– Emissions trading

– – Cap-and-trade program

– – – Auctions, European Comm'n seeks public input, 487
– – – Climate change strategy, Parliament approves component, 5
– – – France argues for single post-2012 platform for auctions, 912
– – – Participating facilities yield 3 percent carbon emissions decrease in 2008, 435

– – Carbon leakage, EU

– – – Heavy manufacturing industry exposed, protections may be necessary, Comm'n says, 866
– – – Vulnerable sectors, Comm'n releases assessment of sectors that may relocate to less regulated locations, 395

– – Power plants, Comm'n publishes 2008 emissions data, 313
– – Ships and shipping, decision on including deferred until 2010, Comm'n says, 687
– – Value-added tax, proposal for reverse charging designed to combat fraud, 909

– Endangered species, red lists detail conservation status, In Brief, 440
– Energy efficiency

– – Action plans, European Comm'n issues 2nd warning to 17 member states, 77
– – Appliances

– – – Regulatory panel supports labeling overhaul, phase-in of stricter consumption standards, 306; Parliament approves appliance sticker proposal, blocks TV label, 395; ministers delay agreement, to be settled under upcoming Swedish presidency, 540; UK consultation on implementation, In Brief, 548; standards finalized, In Brief, 693
– – – Standby mode, Eco-Design Directive limits energy consumption, 9

– – BUILD UP web portal, In Brief, 547
– – Ecodesign standards, Parliament approves extension of standard to wider range of products, 352; ministers formalize adoption, 867
– – Energy Star requirements for office equipment, In Brief, 581
– – Industrial motors, committee votes to ban inefficient motors starting in 2017, 218; standards finalized, In Brief, 693
– – Lighting, incandescent light bulbs to be phased out by 2012 under draft standards, 9; Parliament committee supports plan, 168; EU Commission finalizes phaseout plan, 258; consumer groups say alternatives pose health risks, 820
– – Water circulator standards, In Brief, 267; standards finalized, In Brief, 693
– – Zero-energy buildings, Parliament committee supports requirements, 305; Parliament approves plan requiring energy self-sufficiency, 351

– Energy policy, Comm'n calls for spending $4.5B on projects as part of economic recovery plan, 76
– Enforcement, environmental crime directive expected to lead to widespread review, 47
– Environmental impact assessments, Comm'n warns Italy of noncompliance of La Maddalena island construction project, 260
– Environmental liability

– – Directive remains untested, group calls for implementation guidelines, 123
– – Slovenia directed to transpose law, pay court costs, 220

– European Comm'n President re-elected, In Brief, 870
– Fisheries, consultation opens on overhauling policies, 354
– Food packaging, Comm'n adopts regulation on active and intelligent materials authorization, 487
– Forest fire damage in 2008, In Brief, 732
– Global mega-trends study, In Brief, 650
– Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, consultation on 4 substances, In Brief, 547
– Industrial emissions, universal regime proposal, Env't Comm. supports minimum performance standards, 77; Parliament supports proposal, 217; environment ministers agree on controls, diverge from Parliament stance, 591
– Industrial plant permits, Comm'n issues warnings to 10 member states over failure to issue, 77
– Kyoto Protocol

– – Carbon tax, France report seeks consideration if emissions imbalances persist after Copenhagen talks, 644
– – Developing countries must share emissions reduction target, Reinfeldt says, 643
– – Flexibility, Comm'n may be willing to modify target year, emission reductions, Bento Pais says, 642
– – Implementation, Comm'n seeks comments on report, In Brief, 267
– – Midterm emission goals, environment officials stress value in response to U.S. climate envoy speech, 220
– – Policy paper outlines negotiating position for Copenhagen talks, 75; Parliament resolution calls for stronger position to push developed countries towards greater emissions reduction commitments, 218; Swedish reports state Europe lacks understanding of Chinese, U.S. policies, 312; ministers agree on position for Copenhagen talks, reactions mixed, 951
– – U.S. climate change bill passes in House, officials offer guarded responses, 589; official seeks more commitment from U.S., 952

– Landfills

– – Italy

– – – Illegal waste tips, Comm'n issues final warning, 590
– – – Transposition of law improper, Comm'n issues 2nd warning, 260

– – Waste reduction, In Brief, 547

– Marine pollution

– – Criminal sanctions, committee approves proposal applying to serious or repeat cases, 168
– – Italy receives warning, In Brief, 440

– Mediterranean Sea management, In Brief, 870
– Motor vehicles

– – Fuel efficiency, European Investment Bank approves loans to manufacturers, 303
– – Procurement, public agencies must consider environment in purchases, 303
– – Truck and bus Euro VI emissions standard, Parliament approves significantly reduced limits for NOx and PM, 6; EU adopts tougher limits, 639

– Nanotechnology

– – Cosmetics, Parliament approves changes to law, introduces procedure to regulate nanomaterials in beauty products, 258
– – Risk assessment

– – – Comm'n panel opinion, In Brief, 178
– – – Regulatory definition needed, other constraints exist, adviser says, 814

– Ocean management, strategy making progress, report says, 959
– Outlook 2009, SplRpt (1/7/09) S–8
– Ozone-depleting substances, Parliament updates law, review of existing products pending, 257
– Parliament Environment Comm., Leinen named as chair, In Brief, 650
– Pesticides

– – Active ingredients

– – – Comm'n authorizes use of 5 substances, 166
– – – Review published online, 219

– – Authorization and use, Council and Parliament agree on legislation tightening restrictions, 8; Parliament approves legislation, 48; UK opposes legislation, 125; ministers formalize adoption, 867
– – Biocides, Comm'n seeks overhaul of authorizing rules, 539
– – Crop spraying in rural areas, UK agency complied with directive, court rules, 640
– – Epoxiconazole, ECHA opens consultation on classification, labeling, 167
– – Metam, farm ministers agree to restrict use, 639
– – Sales and use data, Parliament committee amends compilation proposals, 307
– – Tetraconazole, farm ministers agree to allow use, 639

– Presidency

– – Spain outlines priorities for upcoming term, 915
– – Sweden outlines priorities, 544

– REACH proposal

See REGISTRATION, EVALUATION, AND AUTHORIZATION OF CHEMICALS (REACH) SYSTEM

– Renewable energy policies, report template, In Brief, 597
– Ship discharges, Parliament endorses criminalization of pollution incidents, 400
– Shipbreaking

– – IMO convention, members approve adoption, 959
– – Rulemaking, Comm'n seeks public input on creation of effective rules, 354

– Solar energy

– – Desertec Industrial Initiative, In Brief, 649
– – Joint India technology research initiative launched, 762

– Solid waste management

– – Colombia-Ecuador project funding, In Brief, 144
– – Directive implementation, Parliament panel chair backs agency to coordinate action, 819

– Sustainable development

– – Economic policy, Green Group lawmakers urge resource efficiency focus, 819
– – Measurement of progress, Comm'n plans environmental index to complement economic indicators, 818

– Timber, EU committee approves proposal preventing imports of illegally logged products, 168; Parliament approves due diligence plan , 353
– Tires

– – Energy and noise labeling, Parliament committee approves, 305; Parliament approves rules, 352; ministers adopt requirements, 590; Commission changes proposals from directive to regulation, 641; Parliament, member states agree on scheme, 910
– – Used tire dispute with Brazil, countries agree to delay sanctions, 39

– Toxic substances

– – Abamectin consultation, In Brief, 826
– – Classification and labeling, Comm'n adopts final amendments, 79
– – Diantimony trioxide, ECHA opens consultation on classification, labeling, 167; ECHA issues first opinion, 591
– – Dichloromethane in paint strippers, Parliament approves ban, 48
– – High concern substances, ECHA launches consultation on 15 proposed substances, 813
– – Tetrahydrofuran consultation, In Brief, 826
– – Toys, Parliament finalizes restrictions on use, 7
– – (Tris[2-chloro-1-chloromethyl)ethyl] phosphate consultation, In Brief, 826

– Transportation, Comm'n seeks comments on long-term strategy, 541
– Urban wastewater treatment

– – Italy, Comm'n issues compliance deadline, 169; Comm'n issues first warning, 590
– – Variances exist between countries, Comm'n reports, 726

– Waste management

– – Germany receives 2nd warning over procurement violations, 77
– – Spain receives final warning over industrial waste storage on marshland, 260

– Wastewater discharges

– – Belgium, Comm'n issues final warning over noncompliance, 590
– – Finland nitrogen treatment policy, European Court approves, 963
– – Greece, Comm'n issues final warning over noncompliance, 77

– Water resources

– – Bathing water quality improvements, In Brief, 548
– – Demand must be controlled through pricing, reuse, report says, 257

– Wetlands, Comm'n issues 2nd warning to Greece for pollution and overextraction of water, 590
– Wind energy market, In Brief, 778

EXPLOSIONS AND FIRES

– Fertilizers, French court orders Total Oil to face criminal charges, 171
– Flame retardants

See FLAME RETARDANTS

Contact the Webmaster at webmaster@bna.com
1801 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202 - Phone: 1-800-372-1033

Copyright © The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. All Rights Reserved.