THE YEAR AHEAD IN ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY
John SullivanJanuary 25, 2013
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THE YEAR AHEAD
‘The Threat of Climate Change’• Possibilities and Pitfalls
• What Lies Ahead?
The Broader Agenda • Key Regulatory Actions
• Setting the Tone for the Next Term
‘THE THREAT OF CLIMATE CHANGE’
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RAISING THE STAKES
)
January 2013
‘We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations … The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. ‘
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POSSIBILITIES & PITFALLS
IN CONGRESS
Flurry of Activity• Priority for Sen. Reid
• Climate Caucus in Senate; Bicameral Task Force
Laying the Groundwork• 2014 and Beyond
Carbon Tax• A Revenue Raiser, but Where is the Support?
• Sanders Bill Would Impose a ‘Fee’
Renewables/Energy Efficiency• Some minor bills, but no major initiatives expected
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POSSIBILITIES & PITFALLS
REGULATORY FRONT
EPA Greenhouse Gas Standards• New Power Plant Regs Due by April
• What to Do About Existing Plants?
• Refineries Down the Road?
Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards• Double Standards for Cars, Lt. Duty Trucks by 2025
• 1st Tier of Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Place
• More Action on Heavy-Duty Vehicles Possible
DOE Energy Efficiency Standards• Rules Stalled Under White House Review
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POSSIBILITIES & PITFALLS
WHAT LIES AHEAD?
State of the Union• More Meat on Policy Bones
Fiscal 2014 Budget Proposal• A Tale of Numbers and Policies
THE BROADER AGENDA
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THE BROADER AGENDA
THE REGULATORY FRONT
Air Pollution • New Proposed Smog Standards Coming
• Interstate Transport of Pollution a Vexing Problem
• Defending Mercury Standards for Power Plants
• New Gasoline Standards
Water Pollution• New Effluent Limits for Power Plants
• What Does the Clean Water Act Protect? > Guidance/Rule Could Expand Reach
Power Plant Coal Ash • Hazardous Waste or Not?
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THE BROADER AGENDA
THE REGULATORY FRONT
Toxic Chemicals• More Data, Disclosure by Manufacturers
> Significant New Use Rules
> Chemical Data Reporting Rule
> Data Collection Rules
> Challenges to Claims of Confidentiality
> Looking to move regulations through OMB
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THE BROADER AGENDA
TOUGH DECISIONS AHEAD
Life After Lisa• How Aggressive Will EPA Be?
> Agenda Driven by Lawsuits, Statutes
> Policy Choices Remain
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Acknowledgments
Bloomberg BNA Reporters Andrew Childers, Jessica Coomes,
Ari Natter, Pat Rizzuto, Amena Saiyid, Dean Scott
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Contact Information:
John Sullivan
Director, Environment, Health, & Safety News
Bloomberg BNA
(703) 341-3752
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