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UPSTREAM IMPLICATIONS OF COAL TO GAS SWITCH UNDER CATF’S 111(D) PROPOSAL
The analysis compares a 'No-Policy' scenario with a 'Policy Proposal' scenario for 2020, focusing on the upstream emissions from the production, processing, and transport of fuels. Under the base case using EPA figures, the policy proposal is projected to increase total upstream greenhouse gas emissions by 9.9 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2e, consisting of a 9.6 Tg increase in CO2 and a 0.3 Tg CO2e increase in methane. A sensitivity 'high case', which assumes non-hydraulic fracturing methane emissions are twice the EPA's 2011 reports, projects a total increase of 16.9 MMT CO2e. The document notes that upstream CO2 emissions are higher for natural gas (ratio of 0.108 to stack CO2) than for coal (ratio of 0.0193 to stack CO2).
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Document type: Research paper
INDIA ENERGY SUBSIDY REVIEW
The report examines India's energy subsidy regime, highlighting the significant fiscal burden of fuel subsidies, which cost an average of 1.4 per cent of GDP since FY 2008. It details policy shifts in diesel, LPG, kerosene, and natural gas markets, noting that while the government has pursued incremental price increases for diesel and consumption caps for LPG, currency depreciation and high international oil prices have maintained high under-recoveries. The document also analyzes the regressive nature of these subsidies, their impact on the trucking industry, and the inefficiencies of subsidized agricultural electricity, which encourages groundwater depletion. It recommends transitioning toward market-based pricing, targeted cash transfers, and structural improvements in transport and irrigation management.
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Document type: Report
Transport Infrastructure in Central and Northern Mozambique: The Impact of Foreign Investment on National Development and Regional Integration
The document examines the expansion of transport infrastructure in central and northern Mozambique, driven largely by foreign investment in the mining and energy sectors. It argues that while public-private partnerships could improve connectivity, the current trend of foreign companies building infrastructure for their own export needs risks creating 'enclave' developments with limited trickle-down benefits for local populations. The authors highlight a lack of coherent state planning, weak local capacity, and regional frictions—particularly with South Africa—that hinder the potential for these projects to foster genuine regional integration and national economic growth.
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Document type: Research paper
Earthjustice Statement on President Obama's State of the Union Address
Earthjustice supports President Obama's commitment to tackling carbon pollution from power plants and clean car standards, but argues that the U.S. must prioritize 'best of the above' clean energy over an 'all-of-the-above' strategy that includes natural gas and other fossil fuels.
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Document type: Statement
Position Statement on Fracking
The document outlines the environmental and health risks associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking), specifically highlighting the contamination of drinking water, high greenhouse gas emissions from methane leaks and transport, and the potential for carcinogenic effects on nearby populations. It concludes that natural gas is not a viable transition fuel and calls for a shift toward renewable energy in Canada.
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Document type: Statement
Maryland’s Six Climate Change Audiences
The report segments Marylanders into six climate change audiences: Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful, and Dismissive. In spring 2013, 62% of residents fell into the Alarmed (23%) and Concerned (39%) categories. The study finds high polarization regarding local environmental changes and health risks, while identifying broad support for renewable energy and the protection of public water supplies. It details the demographic and behavioral profiles of each segment to inform state climate and energy policy communication.
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Document type: Report
Public Beliefs, Behaviors & Preferences about Energy
The report finds that a large majority of Marylanders favor increasing the use of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, while expressing a desire to reduce the use of coal and petroleum. While there is strong support for state mandates requiring renewable energy percentages and for financial rebates on energy-efficient appliances, there is low interest and participation in home energy audits due to cost and awareness barriers. Additionally, the survey reveals a significant gap in support for natural gas depending on whether it is extracted via hydraulic fracturing within the state.
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Document type: Report
Ripe for Retirement Update
The 2013 update to the 'Ripe for Retirement' report identifies that up to 329 coal-fired generators (58.7 GW) in 38 U.S. states are no longer economically competitive with existing natural gas plants, and up to 71 GW are uncompetitive with new wind power. These units, combined with those already retired or announced for retirement, represent more than one-third of the country's coal-generating capacity. The analysis suggests that a combination of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and underutilized natural gas plants can replace this capacity, though the authors warn against overdependence on natural gas due to climate and economic risks.
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Document type: Executive summary
CER Comments on the Proposed Technical Regulations for Petroleum Exploration and Exploitation published by the Minister of Mineral Resources under s.107 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 on 15 October 2013
The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) provides a detailed critique of the proposed Technical Regulations for Petroleum Exploration and Exploitation published by the South African Minister of Mineral Resources on 15 October 2013. The CER argues that the regulations are non-binding guidelines rather than enforceable laws, lack sufficient environmental impact assessment requirements, and fail to provide for meaningful public participation or access to information. The document suggests that fracking-specific regulations should be promulgated under a broader suite of environmental laws, including NEMA, NEMWA, and the National Water Act, rather than solely under the MPRDA.
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Document type: Report
Renamo’s war talk and Mozambique’s peace prospects
The document examines the escalating tensions between the Frelimo government and Renamo in Mozambique, triggered by Renamo's 2009 electoral defeat and subsequent claims of fraud. It assesses whether Renamo's threats to return to civil war are credible, noting that while the party lacks the external support and youth it had during the 1975-1992 conflict, it remains capable of sabotaging key infrastructure. The brief highlights internal rifts within Renamo between 'bush' and 'city' factions and the rising influence of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM). It also discusses the geopolitical concerns of SADC members, particularly Zimbabwe and Malawi, regarding the disruption of economic corridors, and recommends sincere political dialogue and regional mediation to ensure peaceful 2014 general elections.
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Document type: Policy brief
Public Listening Session on 111(d) Carbon Pollution Standards For Existing Power Plants
The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) argues that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should use its authority under Clean Air Act section 111(d) to mandate deep carbon dioxide reductions from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants. CATF asserts that these reductions are necessary to protect public health and meet President Obama's goal of reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. Based on analyses conducted with The NorthBridge Group, CATF claims that power sector carbon pollution could be reduced by more than 25 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 without increasing monthly bills for electric ratepayers, primarily by optimizing the dispatch of existing plants to favor efficient natural gas units over inefficient coal units.
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Document type: Statement
Mozambique’s Foreign Policy: Pragmatic Non-Alignment as a Tool for Development
The document analyzes Mozambique's foreign policy across three periods: liberation and civil war, post-conflict consolidation, and the current era of attracting foreign direct investment. It highlights how Mozambique's 'pragmatic non-alignment' allowed it to maintain diverse partnerships with Western donors, emerging powers like China and Brazil, and regional partners such as South Africa. While the country is viewed as a post-conflict success story, the paper warns that corruption, inequality, and a lack of domestic accountability threaten long-term stability as the country transitions toward financial independence driven by vast coal and natural gas discoveries.
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Document type: Research paper
A Bright Economic Future for the Mountain State
The report details a multi-stakeholder forum focused on transitioning West Virginia from a coal-dependent economy to a diversified one. It identifies key assets such as natural gas, tourism, and a strong workforce, while highlighting the need for state-level leadership and policies like the proposed West Virginia Future Fund. The document emphasizes the role of innovation, STEM education, and energy efficiency in creating sustainable, high-quality jobs.
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Document type: Report
Climate Risks of Overreliance on Natural Gas for Electricity
The U.S. electricity sector is shifting from coal to natural gas, with natural gas projected to account for nearly two-thirds of electricity by 2050 if current trends continue. However, this transition risks generating up to three times the carbon emissions recommended by the National Research Council (NRC) to limit climate change. While natural gas provides near-term public health benefits and supports grid reliability for variable renewables, it remains a fossil fuel that emits carbon dioxide and leaks methane. To meet the NRC's carbon budget, the U.S. must increase the share of renewable energy in the power supply to 25 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050.
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Document type: Fact sheet
Russia and Angola: The Rebirth of a Strategic Partnership?
The document analyzes the evolution of Russia-Angola relations from the Cold War era to 2013, noting a strong political and military bond that has not yet translated into significant bilateral trade. While state-owned enterprises like ALROSA and VTB have found success, Russian SMEs face high barriers to entry in Angola. The authors argue that both nations must institutionalize their cooperation and diversify economic ties beyond hydrocarbons to achieve a fully-fledged strategic partnership.
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Document type: Research paper
Re-assessment of CO₂ and SO₂ emissions in energy sector by using LEAP-model: experiences from Estonian energy sector planning
This policy brief evaluates the use of the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) model in Estonian energy planning. A 2012 re-assessment found that actual CO₂ and SO₂ emissions between 2000 and 2006 were slightly higher than 2009 model projections, primarily due to revised statistical methodologies and unexpected increases in electricity exports. The study highlights that while LEAP is effective for supply predictions, it is less accurate for demand forecasts due to the influence of unpredictable political and economic decisions. The authors argue for the necessity of periodic ex post re-assessments of modelling results to improve policy planning and reduce future uncertainties.
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Document type: Policy brief
Addressing Carbon Pollution from Power Plants Is Vital for Avoiding Catastrophic Climate Change
The World Resources Institute supports the U.S. EPA's proposed emissions standards for new power plants as a key component of the President's Climate Action Plan. While the standards provide flexibility through carbon capture and storage (CCS) and reflect market shifts toward natural gas and renewables, the document emphasizes that addressing the existing power plant fleet is the most critical opportunity for emissions reductions, as electricity generation accounts for one-third of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
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Document type: Statement
4 Ways North Carolina Can Reduce its Power Sector Emissions
North Carolina can reduce its power sector CO2 emissions by 29 percent below 2011 levels by 2020 using existing policies and infrastructure. Key strategies include meeting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) targets with in-state generation, increasing the utilization of combined cycle natural gas units, improving coal plant efficiency, and expanding combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Long-term reductions of 69 percent below 2011 levels by 2030 are possible through expanded legislation, including annual energy efficiency savings of 2 percent from 2015 to 2030.
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Document type: Fact sheet
A TALE OF TWO COUNTRIES: RENEWABLE ENERGY IN GERMANY
The document examines Germany's 'Energiewende', a policy aimed at reducing CO2 emissions by 80 percent by 2050 and phasing out nuclear power. It highlights that while feed-in tariffs (FiT) increased residential electricity prices, they successfully reduced the cost of solar PV by more than 80 percent and wind by about half, benefiting global energy markets. The author notes that renewable growth has more than offset the reduction in nuclear power, though the transition requires new 'flexibility markets' to manage intermittency and new business models for utilities facing declining profits from conventional generation.
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Document type: Research paper
Gas Ceiling
The report argues that replacing coal with natural gas is insufficient to meet U.S. climate goals due to continued CO2 emissions and methane leakage. It highlights risks including water contamination from fracking, price volatility, and the potential to crowd out renewables. The authors advocate for a transition to a system where renewables and efficiency provide 80% of electricity by 2050.
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Document type: Report