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Combined heat and power (CHP) systems integrate heat and electric power production, achieving efficiencies of 70 percent or more compared to less than 45 percent for separate production. In the United States, there are over 4,100 systems with more than 82 GW of installed capacity, primarily in the chemical (29%), petroleum refining (18%), and pulp and paper (14%) industries. The DOE and EPA estimate an untapped potential of 130 GW, which could save U.S. businesses $10 billion annually and further reduce CO2 emissions by 150 million tons per year. Beyond efficiency, CHP provides critical resilience during extreme weather events, as demonstrated during Hurricane Sandy and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While biomass-fueled CHP offers a path to net carbon negative operations by avoiding methane emissions from waste, widespread deployment is hindered by regulatory and legal barriers, including interconnection standards and backup power rates.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) advocates for the inclusion of robust conservation measures in the 2013 Farm Bill, specifically calling for maintained funding, conservation compliance for all federal subsidy beneficiaries, and the creation of a national sod-saver program. The letter emphasizes that integrating native perennial prairie plants and short-rotation biomass crops on marginal lands can simultaneously achieve conservation goals—such as carbon sequestration and water quality improvement—and energy goals by providing sustainable bio-based feedstock to displace fossil fuels.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute advocates for mandatory funding in the 2013 Farm Bill's energy title to support biofuels, biomass, and bio-based products. It argues that such investment is necessary to develop biomass feedstock production, finance the first commercial-scale advanced biorefineries, and help rural communities transition to renewable energy, citing the 2008 Farm Bill's $1 billion investment as a successful precedent.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute advocates for $1.3 billion in mandatory funding for the 2013 Farm Bill's energy title to support the transition to sustainable bio-based products and renewable energy. The organization argues that such investment is necessary to establish biomass production systems, support the first commercial-scale advanced biorefineries via loan guarantees, and help rural communities shift away from expensive fossil fuels.

Landfills are the third largest source of anthropogenic methane in the United States, contributing 17.7 percent of all U.S. methane emissions. The EPA regulates large municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and manages the voluntary Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) to encourage the capture of landfill gas (LFG) for energy production. While projects in landfills with existing capture systems are generally profitable, those requiring new systems may face net losses unless they leverage tax credits, carbon credits, or on-site electricity use. LFG projects can produce electricity, heat, or vehicle fuels, providing both climate benefits and local employment.

Combined heat and power (CHP) systems in the U.S. offer significantly higher energy efficiency (70% or more) than separate heat and power production. With over 82 GW of installed capacity, CHP is widely used in industrial sectors, particularly chemicals, petroleum refining, and pulp and paper. The document highlights CHP's ability to provide resilient power during extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Sandy, and its potential to reduce CO2 emissions. While there is an untapped potential of 130 GW, deployment is hindered by regulatory and legal barriers. The text also emphasizes the climate benefits of biomass-fueled CHP, which can be net carbon negative and provide reliable baseload power.

EESI advocates for the continued implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), asserting that it is essential for displacing petroleum-based fuels and fostering the growth of advanced and cellulosic biofuels. The document argues that conventional ethanol provides the necessary infrastructure and economic foundation for the emerging cellulosic industry. EESI contends that factors other than the RFS—such as the 2012 Midwest drought, global meat demand, and commodity market speculation—are the primary drivers of corn and soybean price volatility. The organization highlights the RFS's role in rural economic development, job creation, and the reduction of toxic aromatic emissions in urban areas, while supporting the EPA's 2012 decision to deny a waiver request for the standard.

Landfills are the third largest source of anthropogenic methane in the U.S., contributing 17.7 percent of all U.S. methane emissions. The EPA regulates large municipal solid waste landfills through the Clean Air Act and RCRA, while the voluntary Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) facilitates the development of energy projects. As of October 2012, 605 operational energy projects exist across 48 states, producing 15 billion kWh of electricity and 100 billion cubic feet of gas for direct use annually. The economic viability of these projects depends heavily on whether capture systems are already in place; for example, a 3 MW turbine project with an existing system can yield a net return of $590,000 over 15 years, whereas one without a system may lose $3.5 million without additional tax credits or carbon offsets.

The FY 2014 budget proposal emphasizes investments in clean energy and energy efficiency, proposing a 30 percent increase in clean energy technology funding across all agencies to approximately $7.9 billion. Key initiatives include a $2 billion Energy Security Trust to reduce oil dependence, a $200 million 'Race to the Top' program for grid modernization and energy efficiency, and significant funding increases for the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The budget also proposes $2 billion for a satellite system to improve climate modeling and calls for the elimination of $4 billion in fossil fuel subsidies.

The document aggregates data from multiple polling organizations, indicating a general rise in American concern regarding climate change and a growing belief in its human causes. While there is broad support for renewable energy and power plant emission regulations, public support for carbon taxes and cap-and-trade measures remains low. The data highlights significant demographic variations, with higher levels of concern and support for government action among Democrats, minorities, and younger adults compared to Republicans.

The Obama Administration's FY 2014 budget proposal emphasizes investments in clean energy and energy efficiency, proposing a total of approximately $7.9 billion for clean energy technology programs across all agencies. Key highlights include a $2 billion Energy Security Trust to reduce oil dependence, a $200 million 'Race to the Top' program for grid modernization and energy efficiency, and significant funding increases for the Department of Energy's (DOE) renewable energy programs. The budget also proposes $2 billion for a satellite system to improve climate modeling and weather forecasts, while calling for the elimination of $4 billion in fossil fuel subsidies. Substantial allocations are directed toward vehicle technologies, building efficiency, and international climate resilience through the Department of State.

The 'Energy 101' Model Curriculum is a one-semester interdisciplinary framework developed by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It aims to foster 'energy literate decision making' by combining the science of energy with economic, ethical, societal, and international factors. The curriculum is structured into five units: Introduction to Energy, Energy Basics, Energy Sources, Energy Technology and Practice, and Energy Policy and Decision-Making. It utilizes the National Training & Education Resource (NTER), an open-source cloud-based platform, to provide instructional materials and interactive graphics. The framework is currently being tested at the University of Maryland, with further implementations planned at Harford Community College and Cecil Community College.

This executive summary outlines the needs of transportation planners in the United States to adapt infrastructure to climate change. It highlights the significant financial losses from extreme weather, such as Superstorm Sandy, and argues that adaptation requires a combination of high-resolution climate data (specifically short-duration rainfall intensity), better understanding of local non-climate factors, and improved science literacy among transportation professionals. The document emphasizes that adaptation is a management and economic challenge requiring tools that integrate climate variability with local economic and community values.

The document identifies short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs)—including black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—as gases and particulates with atmospheric lifetimes of less than 20 years that contribute to approximately half of global warming. It argues that while CO2 reduction is vital for long-term stability, SLCP mitigation offers faster results to slow the rate of warming, particularly in sensitive regions like the Arctic and Himalayas. The text details the specific radiative forcing and warming potentials of these pollutants, their primary sources (such as oil and gas production and biomass burning), and the associated co-benefits for food security and public health.

The Safe Streets Act of 2013 proposes requiring State Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to implement 'complete streets' policies that accommodate all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. The legislation applies to new federally funded road construction and modification projects, provided they are not already substantially underway (at or beyond 30 percent design). It establishes a framework for project exemptions based on cost, usage, or roadway type (such as freeways), and mandates the creation of accessibility standards for pedestrian facilities. Additionally, the act requires the Secretary of Transportation to evaluate compliance, report to Congress, and provide technical guidance and data on non-motorized transportation.

The document presents a collection of declarations from major world religions and interfaith organizations, framing climate change as a moral, spiritual, and justice-related crisis. These organizations advocate for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and the protection of vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by global warming.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) calls for a fundamental shift in how the United States generates and distributes energy to address the increasing frequency and severity of climate-driven disasters. The author advocates for a 'moon-shot challenge' of energy transformation, emphasizing the need for a smarter, more resilient, and distributed power grid, as well as the integration of climate variability assumptions into all new infrastructure and building projects.

The briefing examines the limitations of current U.S. federal tax incentives for renewable energy, which often require complex tax-equity arrangements. It proposes expanding the use of Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) via the MLP Parity Act, seeking IRS clarification on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and utilizing the JOBS Act of 2012 to enable crowdfunding for small-scale projects to lower the cost of capital.

China has become a global leader in renewable energy investment and wind capacity, though it remains heavily dependent on coal for electricity and heat. While the 12th Five Year Plan sets targets for increasing non-fossil fuel use and reducing carbon emissions intensity, the country faces challenges such as grid connectivity for wind power and water shortages in arid provinces due to coal base construction. The government is also piloting emissions trading schemes in several cities and provinces as a precursor to a national system by 2015.

The EESI advises the EPA against waiving the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) despite 2012 extreme weather, arguing that the RFS is not the cause of the economic harm to livestock and poultry producers. The document asserts that market forces and existing RFS flexibility are already reducing corn demand, and that a waiver would create policy uncertainty, deterring the estimated $168 billion in investment needed for advanced biorefineries by 2022. EESI maintains that the long-term benefits of the RFS—including reduced oil imports, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and rural economic growth—outweigh the potential short-term gains of a waiver.