Today’s Climate: April 28, 2010

Reid: Senate to Act on Climate Before Immigration (AP)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday he is willing to bring up climate legislation ahead of an immigration bill, a possible first step toward resolving a dispute with Senate Republicans that threatens to derail six months of work.

Sen. Kerry Says EPA to Start Climate Bill Analysis (Reuters)

The U.S. EPA will begin analyzing a compromise climate bill, despite a significant setback the effort has suffered, Sen. John Kerry said on Tuesday.

Battle Over Climate Change, Immigration May Split Dems (The Hill)

Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) threat to abandon climate change talks over a separate spat on immigration reform may force Democrats to choose one constituency over another.

Official: Salazar to Make Wind Farm Ruling in Mass (AP)

Interior Secretary Salazar has made his choice about whether to approve the nation’s first offshore wind farm off Cape Cod, and will make the announcement Wednesday in Boston with Gov. Patrick, a Massachusetts Statehouse official confirmed Tuesday.

Florida Energy Reform Bill Approved, But Limited (Sarasota Herald-Tribune)

The Florida House passed a bill Tuesday with the potential to expand renewable energy in the state by roughly 50 percent in the next year, but it is unclear whether the controversial measure will become law.

Coast Guard May Burn Surface Oil in Gulf to Cut Spill’s Impact (Bloomberg)

The U.S. Coast Guard is considering burning off parts of an oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico as soon as today, as the spill drifts closer to Louisiana.

Documents Show BP Opposed New, Stricter Safety Rules (Wall Street Journal)

As BP defended its handling of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, documents show it argued against new, stricter safety rules proposed last year by the U.S. agency that oversees offshore drilling.

Rudd Should Call Australian Vote on Climate, Abbott, Greens Chief Say (Bloomberg)

Australian PM Kevin Rudd should call an early election after abandoning his climate change plan, opposition coalition leader Tony Abbott and Greens Party chief Bob Brown said.

New Zealand: Delaying ETS Would Cause Instability (NZPA)

New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme will start on July 1, because delaying it would create instability and uncertainty, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith said following Australia’s decision to put its own ETS on hold.

UK Power Plants May Close Early on EU Carbon Rules, Industry Lobby Says (Bloomberg)

A full quarter of British power stations may be forced to close by 2016 under proposed changes to EU emissions laws, threatening the nation’s energy security, according to an industry lobby group.

CFTC Votes Against More Oversight for Carbon Market (Reuters)

The top U.S. futures regulator, attempting to throw more light on contracts traded on unregulated exchanges, ruled on Tuesday that a carbon contract owned by the Chicago Climate Exchange did not meet the criteria for additional oversight.

Australia Grants $37 Million for First Carbon-Capture Project (Bloomberg)

Australia’s government will provide an additional $37 million for the nation’s first carbon-capture project, Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson said late yesterday.

Spanish Renewables Group T-Solar Delays IPO (Reuters)

Spanish solar energy generator T-Solar said on Tuesday it has delayed its stock market debut planned for this year until Spain’s industry ministry clarifies its plans for the country’s renewable energy subsidies.