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Below are links to the latest news articles on business-related climate issues. Please note that some news organizations require registration or a paid subscription in order to access full articles.

Carbon Forum North America 2012

Carbon Forum North America 2012 — taking place at the Marriott Metro Center in downtown Washington, DC on October 1-2, 2012—has firmly established itself as the place to go to keep abreast of the latest thinking and developments in the North American carbon space—for both carbon policy wonks and market-players alike.
From the first California auction to the establishment of a functional North American market through the Western Climate Initiative; from the advancement of RGGI’s 2012 review to progress within NA2050; from an exciting election season to the buildup preceding a new round of rejuvenated international climate talks; and from new regulatory developments at the EPA to the latest legal developments in the courts, Carbon Forum North America on October 1-2 will give market participants the best carbon coverage at the best time. Join your colleagues at CFNA for the most comprehensive carbon market analysis, the latest policy developments, and the best legal coverage in the North American carbon, climate, and clean energy space!
Carbon Forum North America —IETA’s flagship North American event—will be one of the best opportunities of the year to network with the North American and global carbon markets, browse exhibits showcasing the work of leading companies, and learn what you need to know about this rapidly evolving space.
Register now
Follow conference updates on Twitter @IETACFNA and #IETACNFA
Promoting Clean-Tech Innovation for Low-Carbon Growth
Opportunities for clean-tech innovations are growing, driven by policy changes, market shifts, and continued growth in energy and resource consumption, particularly in developing regions of the world. The next 20 years will be critical for the development, demonstration and deployment of clean technologies that can support climate mitigation and adaptation, energy security, resource efficiency, job creation, and competitiveness. This panel will feature recent projects and lessons learned in promoting low-carbon and clean-tech innovation and entrepreneurship in both established multinational companies and start-ups. Business leaders will discuss the drivers and strategies for developing solutions that reduce GHG emissions at the same time as they bring bottom-line value, improved efficiency, enhanced performance, or competitive edge in a global marketplace. Innovation experts from business and government will describe the steps that can be taken to recognize and support innovation and entrepreneurs in their countries, including the needs for mentorship and incubation for aspiring innovators and small-medium enterprises.
This RIO+20 side event will take place on Sunday, June 17, 2012, from 5:00-6:30 pm at the U.S. Center pavilion.
Opening remarks:
- David Rodgers, Senior Energy Specialist, Global Environment Facility
- Meg Crawford, Markets Business Strategy Fellow, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)
Panelists:
- Clay Nesler, Vice President, Global Energy Sustainability, Johnson Controls, Inc.
- Dawn Rittenhouse, Director, Sustainable Development, DuPont
- Rex Northen, Executive Director, Clean Tech Open
- Pradeep Monga, Director, Climate and Energy, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- Roberto Alvarez, Agency for Industrial Development in Brazil (ABDI) (invited)
This event is organizied by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)
Florida Revives Lapsed Tax Credits for Renewable Electricity
On April 14, 2012, Florida enacted H.B. 7117, the state’s first comprehensive energy law in four years. Passing with overwhelming bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate, the law includes several provisions for clean energy, including a renewal of renewable electricity production tax credits that were allowed to expire in 2010. Independent analysis suggests the law’s package of incentives will support around 3,000 jobs in all economic sectors and generate tax revenue that will match and exceed the cost of the incentives within a three year window.

Among the law’s key provisions are:
- A production tax credit of $0.01 per kilowatt-hour of renewable electricity. For fiscal year 2012-2013, up to $5 million of credits may be claimed, while $10 million of credits will be available annually from fiscal year 2013-2014 through fiscal year 2016-2017.
- An investment tax credit for capital costs, operations and maintenance, and research and development costs related to investment in the production, storage, and distribution of biodiesel, ethanol, and other renewable fuels. Up to $10 million of credits will be available annually from July 2012 to July 2016.
- Mechanisms to support residential and commercial energy efficiency improvements, rebates for renewable energy technologies, and rules for awarding the bill’s incentives.
- Rescission of a directive for the Public Service Commission to develop a Renewable Portfolio Standard of 20% renewable energy by 2020.
- The new law also removes some barriers to electric vehicle charging by defining it as a public service.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner, Adam H. Putnam, said, “The bill offers technology-agnostic tax credits to businesses that demonstrate investment in energy production and create jobs in Florida. Any form of renewable energy is eligible; the market will determine how investments are made.” Overall, supporters of H.B. 7117 view it as an important step for establishing a long-term energy policy in Florida and encouraging investment in renewable energy.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Press Release

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Economic Analysis Link