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The Sierra Club and Chesapeake Climate Action Network oppose Exelon's acquisition of Pepco Holdings, Inc., asserting that the proposed settlement is insufficient. They argue that Exelon's solar commitments are merely statutory obligations, its financial health is questionable, and the merger would conflict with Maryland's renewable energy goals. The brief claims that the acquisition offers negligible ratepayer savings while introducing substantial risks to the public interest.

The report finds that Uganda faces a critical biomass deficit by 2020, which climate change will likely exacerbate. While the government's current electricity expansion plan can cover potential hydropower losses from reduced precipitation, it requires significant investment. Adaptation focuses on reducing biomass dependence through fuel switching and energy efficiency.

The report finds that while renewable energy auctions are generally cost-effective and fair in project allocation, they often suffer from low deployment due to poor risk management. By analyzing 20 global auctions, the study identifies that project risks (such as transmission and land acquisition) have a greater negative impact on deployment than auction-specific risks. The authors recommend a 'controlled environment' for introducing wind energy auctions in India, including pre-identified sites and resource assessments, alongside the use of strong penalties for non-commissioning and payment guarantee mechanisms to ensure financial viability.

The author contends that for BRICS to be perceived as a force for positive global change rather than just a new set of dominant powers, it must move beyond narrow self-interest. The paper proposes an inclusive agenda centered on four key challenges: rising inequality, the finite nature of the Anthropocene age (climate change and sustainable development), the rise of identity-based radicalism, and the tension between state sovereignty and global public goods. The author suggests that by leading on these issues, BRICS can build collective soft power and a more legitimate global compact.

A group of 53 Illinois scientists, engineers, economists, and health professionals argues that the state's clean energy progress has stalled due to policy flaws. They advocate for increasing the renewable energy target to 35% of electricity and energy efficiency investments capable of reducing demand by 20%, while calling for a market-based approach from the Illinois EPA to reduce carbon emissions.

The document examines South Africa's 2014 five-point plan to mitigate electricity shortages, which includes emergency measures, cogeneration, gas substitution, coal independent power programmes, and nuclear and renewable energy exploration. It highlights a lack of clarity in government prioritisation of energy sources and notes that private sector confidence is waning, as evidenced by companies like Sibanye Gold Limited seeking energy independence. The author argues that the government must update the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2010-2030 and provide a transparent assessment of the financial viability and suitability of different energy sources, particularly regarding the high costs and long lead times associated with nuclear and coal investments.

Climate Investor One is an integrated financing mechanism designed to overcome barriers to renewable energy investment in low and lower-middle income countries. It combines a Development Fund for early-stage bankability, a Construction Fund to reduce debt costs and negotiation complexity, and a Re-financing Fund to attract institutional investors to de-risked projects. A pilot phase aims to deploy 300 MW of capacity and reduce 600ktCO2 emissions annually, with a goal to mobilize USD 2 billion in private finance by 2020.

Kaiser Permanente partnered with NextEra Energy Resources to procure 110 MW of solar and 43 MW of wind power, aiming to meet 50% of its California electricity consumption through renewable sources. The organization views climate change as a health issue and set a 2012 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2008 levels by 2020. The deal is expected to avoid 215,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions in California, equivalent to removing over 45,000 cars from the roads. The case study highlights the importance of assembling a cross-functional team, balancing economic feasibility with mission-driven goals, and managing internal stakeholder engagement to successfully execute complex off-site renewable energy transactions.

The Climate Development and Finance Facility (CDFF) is designed to address financing gaps for wind, solar, and hydro projects in low- and lower-middle income countries. It utilizes a three-stage approach: a Development Fund for early-stage due diligence, a Construction Fund that uses equity to avoid high-cost construction debt, and a Refinancing Fund to attract institutional investors once projects are operational. A pilot implementation requires USD 150 million in donor capital to mobilize USD 1.88 billion in private capital, aiming to install approximately 300 MW of clean energy and reduce annual CO2 emissions by around 600 ktCO2.

The Climate Development and Finance Facility (the Facility) is a proposed investment structure designed to overcome financing barriers for renewable energy projects in developing countries. It integrates three stages of support: a Development Fund for early-stage due diligence, a Construction Fund that uses equity to finance construction costs and avoid expensive early-stage debt, and a Refinancing Fund to attract institutional investors once projects are operational. The pilot targets projects between 25-75 MW in specific low- and lower-middle income countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. To launch, the Facility requires USD 150 million in donor capital, which is projected to mobilize USD 2 billion in private capital, install approximately 300 MW of clean energy, and reduce annual CO2 emissions by around 600 kt.

The report finds that wind power is already cost-competitive with imported coal, while solar power is expected to become competitive by 2019. It argues that the total cost of government support for solar energy can be reduced by 96% if the government shifts from accelerated depreciation to a policy of reduced cost, extended tenor debt. To further minimize costs, the report suggests accelerating wind deployment in the near term and ramping up solar deployment after 2019.

The report identifies the California water sector as a major electricity consumer, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the state's demand. It argues that while growing needs for groundwater pumping, desalination, and water recycling increase energy intensity, utilities can mitigate this by investing in on-site renewables, power purchase agreements, and demand response services. Key barriers include a lack of standardized electricity source data, regulatory misalignment, and financial constraints like Proposition 218.

A 2014 survey of American adults reveals that Catholics are more likely than other Christians to believe global warming is occurring, express concern about it, and support policy interventions. Specifically, 70% of Catholics believe global warming is happening, compared to 57% of non-Catholic Christians. Catholics also show higher support for renewable energy mandates and incentives, including a 69% support rate for requiring utilities to produce 20% of electricity from renewables, even with a $100 annual household cost increase.

A 2014 survey of American adults reveals that Catholics are more likely than other Christians to believe global warming is occurring, express worry about it, and support policy interventions. Specifically, 70% of Catholics believe global warming is happening, compared to 57% of other Christians. Catholics also show higher support for renewable energy funding and mandates, including a 69% support rate for requiring utilities to produce 20% of electricity from renewables despite potential cost increases, compared to 53% of other Christians.

The March 2015 survey 'Climate Change in the American Mind' reveals that while a majority of Americans (63%) believe global warming is happening and support various mitigation and adaptation policies, there is a significant gap in understanding the scientific consensus. Only 10% of respondents are aware that over 90% of climate scientists agree that global warming is human-caused. Public worry remains stable but low, with only 11% being 'very worried.' Trust in information sources is highest for climate scientists (70%) and family and friends (67%), while trust in political leaders is fragmented. Most Americans view global warming as a major environmental, scientific, or agricultural issue, and a majority believe it is humankind's responsibility to care for the Earth.

The report finds that while majorities of Catholics and non-evangelical Protestants believe global warming is happening and human-caused, evangelicals are more split. There is broad support across all three groups for renewable energy research and infrastructure resilience, though evangelicals are more likely to prioritize religious beliefs over scientific explanations when they conflict. Pope Francis is identified as the most trusted religious leader on the issue, despite low general awareness of his forthcoming climate encyclical.

The report proposes a 2030 target for California to reduce carbon emissions to 40% below 1990 levels, asserting that this is technically feasible and economically viable. It recommends maintaining a policy portfolio where a broad cap-and-trade program acts as an emissions ceiling over sector-specific policies. To manage costs and uncertainty, the author suggests extending current cost-containment tools, including a three-tiered allowance reserve and a forward-borrowing mechanism. The analysis incorporates both capped emissions and uncapped sectors—such as agriculture and waste—predicting that the state can reach the target through commercially available technology and induced innovation in clean tech industries.

California is working toward supplying 33 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2020 and considering a 50 percent target by 2030. To maintain grid reliability without relying on carbon-emitting natural gas plants for ancillary services, the state must address 'overgeneration'—where renewable supply exceeds demand—which currently leads to the curtailment of clean energy. The document proposes several grid integration solutions: targeting energy efficiency during evening hours, diversifying the renewable fleet (wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal), increasing coordination between regional grid operators, deploying energy storage (pumped hydro, compressed air, and batteries), and using demand response technologies to shift electricity consumption to peak renewable output periods.

The document outlines the economic and environmental advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) in Oregon, noting that they offer lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to gasoline vehicles. It highlights that EVs in Oregon produce fewer global warming emissions than any gasoline-powered vehicle and that these emissions will further decrease as the state increases its use of renewable energy. The text advocates for policies to reduce up-front costs and expand charging infrastructure to overcome barriers to adoption.

The report examines the transition of the U.S. power sector from coal to natural gas, highlighting that while this shift provides immediate reductions in some pollutants, it creates long-term risks including price volatility, methane leakage, and stranded assets. Through modeling three scenarios—Business as Usual, a Carbon Standard, and a Carbon Standard plus Renewables and Efficiency Policies—the authors find that a diversified energy mix is the most economically and environmentally sound approach. The 'Carbon Standard plus Renewables and Efficiency Policies' scenario is projected to reduce power plant carbon emissions by 70% below 2005 levels by 2040 and generate net societal benefits of nearly $170 billion by that year. The report recommends strengthening the EPA's Clean Power Plan, implementing federal renewable electricity and energy efficiency standards, and increasing regulations on fugitive methane emissions.