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The document argues that federal light-duty vehicle standards set by the EPA and NHTSA provide significant financial savings, job growth, and emissions reductions for Virginia, warning that rolling back these protections would jeopardize this progress.

The document argues that federal light-duty vehicle standards set by the EPA and NHTSA provide significant financial and environmental benefits to Washington state, including millions in fuel savings and job creation, while reducing global warming emissions.

The document asserts that federal light-duty vehicle standards set by the EPA and NHTSA in 2012 benefit West Virginia through fuel savings, job creation, and emissions reductions. It claims that by 2030, the average West Virginia household will be $3,500 richer due to gas savings outweighing the upfront cost of more efficient vehicles. To date, the state has saved $220 million, and the standards are projected to create 2,300 new jobs in the state. Environmentally, the document states that these standards eliminate global warming emissions in West Virginia equivalent to more than those generated by providing electricity to Charleston.

The document argues that federal light-duty vehicle standards set by the EPA and NHTSA in 2012 provide significant financial and environmental advantages to Wisconsin. By 2030, the average Wisconsin household is projected to be $2,400 richer due to gas savings outweighing the upfront cost of more efficient vehicles. To date, Wisconsin has saved $670 million, and the standards have eliminated global warming emissions equivalent to half of those produced by providing electricity to Milwaukee. Nationally, these standards are projected to increase GDP by up to $30 billion and create 650,000 full-time jobs by 2030.

The document asserts that federal light-duty vehicle standards set by the EPA and NHTSA in 2012 benefit Wyoming by reducing gasoline consumption and increasing household wealth. It claims that Wyoming has already saved $60 million and that the average household will be $2,100 richer by 2030 due to gas savings. Environmentally, the standards are said to eliminate global warming emissions in Wyoming equivalent to more than those produced by providing electricity to Cheyenne.

Sweden has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use in heating, with fossil fuels now accounting for less than 5% of heating energy. However, the system remains locked into a supply-dominated model with limited focus on reducing heating demand. This creates tensions as the increase in waste incineration for heat and resistance to stricter building energy efficiency standards clash with EU directives and the long-term need to adapt to climate change and building renovations.

The India-UK partnership has focused on unlocking India's energy efficiency sector through technical assistance, advocacy, and the development of investment strategies. Key efforts targeted buildings, industrial efficiency, standards, labelling, and demand-side management, involving stakeholders like the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The brief highlights that while India has implemented significant schemes such as the Perform, Achieve and Trade scheme, the viability of energy efficiency investments remains dependent on national and state-level policies and the coordination of multi-level government and non-government actors.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) urges the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change to ensure the 2030 coal-fired power plant phase-out is not undermined by a reliance on natural gas. CAPE recommends amending regulations to shorten the 'useful life' of coal generators to 40 years, enforcing stricter emission rates for gas plants, and requiring that at least two-thirds of generation be replaced with renewable energy. The organization highlights that a successful phase-out could prevent 1,000 premature deaths and 900 hospital visits while reducing greenhouse gases by up to 325 Mt between 2015 and 2035.

The World Resources Institute asserts that G20 nations, which represent 80 percent of global GDP and greenhouse gas emissions, should reject the notion that climate action hinders economic growth. The author urges G20 leaders to support the German G20 Action Plan on Climate and Energy Growth and emphasizes the critical role of emerging economies like China and India in leading the global clean energy market following the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

The report identifies that while Peruvian SMEs represent 99.5% of registered companies and face higher proportional energy costs than large firms, significant barriers—including lack of information, low economic incentives due to low energy prices, and limited financial mechanisms—hinder energy efficiency adoption. A pilot study of 12 SMEs in Lima's energy-intensive sectors (primarily manufacturing) demonstrated a strong business case for investment, with an average reduction in energy consumption of 15%, total annual financial savings of US$750k, and an average payback period of two years. Key recommendations include government-led market analysis, improved auditing standards, and the creation of partnerships between finance providers, consultants, and equipment suppliers.

The document outlines a phased carbon tax for South Africa starting at R120 per ton of CO2 equivalent, designed to internalise the cost of GHG emissions while protecting industrial competitiveness through allowances. Economic modelling suggests the tax could reduce emissions by 26% to 33% by 2035 compared to business-as-usual, with significant growth in renewable energy sectors and relative declines in coal and heavy industry. The policy includes revenue recycling mechanisms to protect poor households and ensure electricity price neutrality during the first phase.

The Chinese green bond market grew by 33.6% in the first half of 2017, reaching a total issuance of $11.52 billion. The market saw a diversification of issuers, with non-financial enterprises and policy banks increasing their share as commercial bank dominance declined. While most bonds maintain high credit ratings and align with both domestic and international definitions, the report highlights a push toward standardization and the potential for growth in green municipal bonds.

The mining industry is a major global energy consumer, with 2014 consumption reaching almost 1,400 TWh, representing between 1.25% and 11% of total world energy use. Much of this energy is provided by carbon-intensive diesel generation, particularly at remote off-grid sites. However, falling costs for solar PV and wind energy—with global LCOE dropping by 85% and 66% respectively since 2009—now make renewables cost-competitive with diesel and grid power. The document suggests that most mining functions, excluding trucking, can be electrified, and that U.S. mines could convert an additional 30% of their energy load to electricity. Beyond carbon reduction, transitioning to renewables can provide mining companies with a 'social license to operate' by creating local jobs, improving community relations through microgrids or community solar, and helping national governments meet Paris Agreement NDCs. The 'Sunshine for Mines' program aims to catalyze the installation of 8 GW of renewable capacity in the mining sector by 2025.

The report finds that while 74% of analyzed green bonds provide some public reporting, there is significant inconsistency in quality and content. Reporting is generally more comprehensive for larger issuers and those in European markets, whereas U.S. municipalities and private placements show lower compliance. While impact reporting is increasing, it lacks standardized metrics, and over 70% of bonds fail to clearly disclose the proportion of funds used for refinancing versus new projects.

The document highlights a strong correlation between high energy efficiency scores in the RISE index and high rankings in the Ease of Doing Business among the top twenty high-impact countries. It identifies dedicated entities and specific measures like minimum energy performance standards and building codes as essential for implementing energy efficiency, while noting that Nigeria exhibits both low energy efficiency scores and a low Doing Business rank.

Fort Collins Utilities implemented the Efficiency Works-Neighborhood Pilot to accelerate the city's goal of eliminating 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. By replacing an 'à la carte' approach with bundled service packages, third-party audits, and 100 percent on-bill financing over 20 years, the program more than tripled customer participation and achieved 60 percent greater carbon savings. The initiative received the Energy Innovator Award from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for its transferable model of removing financial and procedural barriers for residential consumers.

The report by KPMG Austria GmbH concludes that the financial statements of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) for the period ending 31 December 2016 present fairly its financial position and performance. The audit confirms compliance with voluntarily applied Austrian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the organization's statutes. During 2016, SEforALL transitioned from a UN initiative to an independent International Non-Governmental Organization with 'Quasi-International Organization' status in Austria. Financially, the organization reported total revenue of €162,949.48 and total expenses of €162,949.48, resulting in a net operating income of zero. The report also details the organization's new Strategic Framework for Results (2016-2021) and its formal relationship agreement with the United Nations.

The Republic of Maldives, supported by UN Environment, is requesting USD 300,000 from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a 12-month readiness program (April 2017 to March 2018). The proposal focuses on strengthening the National Designated Authority (NDA), creating a Five Year National Strategic Framework to mobilize international climate finance, and developing a first draft of a Country Programme. Key activities include broad-based stakeholder consultations, the development of at least three project concept notes aligned with the Maldives Climate Change Policy Framework and NDC, and the creation of a monitoring platform on the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE) webpage. The project aims to leverage existing initiatives, such as the BML Green Fund and UN Environment's work on energy efficiency in housing, to enhance the country's ability to access and manage climate finance.

The policy brief asserts that while the EU ETS is necessary, it is insufficient on its own to achieve a net-zero economy due to market barriers, low carbon prices, and a lack of focus on energy security and air quality. It advocates for a complementary policy package including energy efficiency measures, renewable policies, and direct regulation to avoid high-carbon infrastructure lock-in and ensure synergy between the EU ETS and the Clean Energy Package.

The Environmental Advisory Council calls for Latvia to advocate for higher 2030 EU emission reduction targets, a more accurate baseline for non-ETS sectors starting in 2017, and the reduction of compensation mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of the Effort Sharing Decision (ESD).