STUFF

S Korea plans to start trading emissions credits by '15. World's 7th biggest GHG emitter.

Brookings study: US exports of LNG would have only "modest upward impact" on domestic prices and manufacturers.

US fleet of earth-monitoring satellites "at risk of collapse", threatening weather forecasting, climate change monitoring and other fundtions: National Research Council. If no change, could be at 25% of current capabilities by '20.

Vestas (wind turbines) to decide on US layoffs in Q3. Obviously also waiting on tax credit extension.

World Bank: China's cities should take lead in low-carbon projects. EU, Chinese officials now meeting on energy policies.

Panetta: climate change, oil dependence are issues of national security. Pentagon will take a lead role in energy use shift.

CBO: tougher CAFE standards (higher MPG's) will take $57B out of highway fund.

BLM halted oil/gas lease sale in Colo wine country.

Japan's last nuke reactor now idle.

China cutting solar subsidies it set in Feb from $1.11/w to 87 cents (21%) for developers who gen the power for their own use. Govt says solar prices falling at rate that projects no longer need the former subsidy level.

2 of India's largest importers of Iranian crude say they will cut imports by at least 15% in face of US pressure, insurance, shipping and payment difficulties. Iran oil exports at lowest level in 20 yrs.

ADM notes US corn planting highest in 35 yrs.

Verbio in talks with German govt to expand their straw-to-gas project. Already $198M earmarked for building 2 projects - 1 each in Germany and Hungary - by '14, and expanding existing project gone online last month. 50 gas stations in Germany selling comp's biomethane. 90K cars in Germany can use it.

UK Farmers Union lashed out at govt because >75% of biofuels used in UK comes from foreign feedstock.

Solar-powered yacht has made it around the world. Cool-looking trimaran a day out from Monaco.

Plants flowering much faster than scientists had predicted with climate change. Serious implications for nutrient cycles, pollination, global food chain.