Greenplans News tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1 2009-07-02T20:16:22Z Movable Type 3.31 Sweden's EPA goals for the EU tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.51 2009-07-02T20:14:02Z 2009-07-02T20:16:22Z Sweden assumed the EU Presidency for a 6-month rotation July 1-Dec. 31, 2009. One of its goals is to push forward a carbon tax in addition to the EU’s current carbon trading program (See RRI's previous news item). During its... Sweden assumed the EU Presidency for a 6-month rotation July 1-Dec. 31, 2009. One of its goals is to push forward a carbon tax in addition to the EU’s current carbon trading program (See RRI's previous news item). During its Presidency, Sweden’s Environmental Protection Agency will be arranging expert meetings in all of the four environmental areas given priority in the preparations by its Ministry of the Environment: climate, marine environment, biodiversity and eco-efficient economy. More information on Sweden’s national green plan is available at RRI’s Green Plans in Action page. New Zealand Begins Review of Air Pollution Standards tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.50 2009-06-26T00:44:29Z 2009-06-26T00:45:31Z Restrictions on industry are expected to be set after 2013 if air quality standards are not met. The particular issues under review are minimizing industry’s need for special permits, whether the air quality standard has the right cost/benefit balance and... Restrictions on industry are expected to be set after 2013 if air quality standards are not met. The particular issues under review are minimizing industry’s need for special permits, whether the air quality standard has the right cost/benefit balance and whether the 2013 timeline is reliable. The review will be conducted as per the national environmental standard development process under the Resource Management Act 1991. The report is due February 2010. Potential Carbon Tax for EU, France tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.49 2009-06-12T23:06:17Z 2009-06-12T23:13:18Z After it rotates into the EU presidency in July Sweden will push for a Europe-wide tax on CO2. France will seek the same nationally in 2011. Sweden considers its own tax scheme on fuel and diesel to have been a... After it rotates into the EU presidency in July Sweden will push for a Europe-wide tax on CO2. France will seek the same nationally in 2011. Sweden considers its own tax scheme on fuel and diesel to have been a success. Europe's emissions trading scheme, the EU's flagship climate instrument, already sets a price on carbon for industrial emissions. But Sweden says this still leaves 60% of emissions untouched and that a tax as the best way to bring them down. The French government is arguing similarly, claiming that emissions trading is not a suitable instrument for reducing emissions from all sources as it can cover only 38% of the country's CO2 emissions. A link to France's Green Plan is available on RRI's website at: http://www.rri.org/greenplans_france.html River Warrior Awardees in the News tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.48 2009-06-05T01:47:34Z 2009-06-05T01:54:15Z Read more about 2009 winners of the River Warrior Awards at the Oregonian http://tinyurl.com/pxrvg9 and the Marin IJ http://tinyurl.com/r3soj7... http://tinyurl.com/pxrvg9 and the Marin IJ http://tinyurl.com/r3soj7 ]]> Remembrances of Brian O'Neill tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.46 2009-05-14T21:20:27Z 2009-05-14T21:34:52Z Brian was a fine friend and professional colleague. His passing leaves a hard-to-fill vacuum in the wonderful experiment of guiding the National Park Service into a large urban program. I have a memory of a little known accomplishment that reflected... Brian was a fine friend and professional colleague. His passing leaves a hard-to-fill vacuum in the wonderful experiment of guiding the National Park Service into a large urban program. I have a memory of a little known accomplishment that reflected his courage as a professional. I was on the Governor's cabinet at the time and decided to try and finish establishing 1200 miles of wild rivers in California to be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Then State Senator Peter Behr had carried legislation for the state side to passage. The Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers System had been passed for some time. The problem was that California water interests had a lot of power in Washington, and any attempts to make the final connection between the two had always been blocked by those interests. The Senator asked me as a favor to try and break the knot. After considerable effort it became clear that we had to beat that Washington group. I had as staff person working in Washington and he concluded that we could quietly run some paperwork and surprise the opposition. We needed to get a Washington Interior department official to carry things on that end, such as signing documents. Brian was with an agency called Heritage Conservation and Recreation service, which later became part of the Department of the Interior. Our attorneys choked a bit and warned that maybe we should slow things up--we seemed to have skipped some hurdles and signed documents in speeding the process past the political obstacles. We finished the required steps and established the 1200 miles of California wild rivers amid the screams of the opposition. I doubt that it ever would have happened without Brian's courage. "Oyster Farm Doesn't Belong at Point Reyes" 5/11/09 SF Chronicle op-ed tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.45 2009-05-14T18:24:07Z 2009-05-14T18:44:14Z Read Huey Johnson's position defending the integrity of Drakes Bay in Point Reyes National Seashore at http://tinyurl.com/o4d5ek... http://tinyurl.com/o4d5ek]]> UK Begins National Smart Meters for Smart Grid tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.44 2009-05-13T23:10:31Z 2009-05-13T23:13:12Z In revamping its climate strategy (CO2e cut of 34% by 2020) the UK is requiring the country's 26 million homes and millions of businesses in the country to have high technology meters installed by 2020, enabling remote readings that give... In revamping its climate strategy (CO2e cut of 34% by 2020) the UK is requiring the country's 26 million homes and millions of businesses in the country to have high technology meters installed by 2020, enabling remote readings that give customers accurate, real-time info on their energy consumption. The meters are a prerequisite for 'smart grids' to sell back on-site generated electricity. Savings are estimated between £2.5 billion and £3.6 billion over the next twenty years. RRI tracks the UK as a Green Plan nation. Huey Johnson Honored tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.43 2009-05-05T22:38:51Z 2009-05-05T23:16:45Z Huey Johnson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Natural Resources Conservation from Utah State University, his master's degree alma mater, on May 2, 2009. He was awarded the degree as "a pioneering conservationist and environmental policymaker" and for "his life-long... Huey Johnson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Natural Resources Conservation from Utah State University, his master's degree alma mater, on May 2, 2009. He was awarded the degree as "a pioneering conservationist and environmental policymaker" and for "his life-long commitment to environmental affairs throughout the world." He spoke to the assembly about his concerns and recommendations for resource management in the face of climate change and diminishing resources such as water. The citation noted his numerous accomplishments including, as California Secretary of Resources, doubling salmon populations, strengthening forestry regulations, preserving millions of acres of California wilderness, and protecting more than 1,200 miles of wild rivers; as well as having founded organizations such as the Resource Renewal Institute, Aldo Leopold Society, the Grand Canyon Trust, the Trust for Public Land, and the Green Belt Movement International. Portland and San Francisco Sustainability tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.40 2009-04-03T19:12:47Z 2009-04-03T19:19:54Z Portland, Oregon, has created a Bureau of Planning and Sustainability by merging its Planning and Sustainable Development Offices. It has adopted as binding city policy “Sustainable City Principles,” which link economic development to resource protection. Its Business Services for a... Portland, Oregon, has created a Bureau of Planning and Sustainability by merging its Planning and Sustainable Development Offices. It has adopted as binding city policy “Sustainable City Principles,” which link economic development to resource protection. Its Business Services for a Better Future describes training, technical, incentives, and recognition. The website includes details on its food production and distribution policy, natural resource protection such as storm water management using onsite surface vegetation, watershed protection, solid waste recycling, green building, energy, procurement policies, etc. Website: http://www.portlandonline.com/osd/index.cfm?c=32927 San Francisco also has a Sustainable City program of fourteen policies including air quality, trees and open space, transportation, and hazardous waste. The program evolved from meetings among community members, government agencies, and businesses. Website: http://www.sustainable-city.org/ Proposed Changes to New Zealand's Resource Management Act tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.38 2009-03-31T00:35:41Z 2009-03-31T00:42:28Z In December 2008 the Government set up a Technical Advisory Group to study streamlining and simplifying the RMA. The following summarizes the proposed changes. The legislation is moving through Parliament with scrutiny by a Select Committee and public comment. Plans... In December 2008 the Government set up a Technical Advisory Group to study streamlining and simplifying the RMA. The following summarizes the proposed changes. The legislation is moving through Parliament with scrutiny by a Select Committee and public comment. Plans are to finalize the changes in late August 2009. a. Rationale: eliminate costs & delays from trade competition ("supermarket wars") or vexatious individuals b. Method: put up security for costs; increase filing fees from $55 to $500; loser pays if appeal based on improper motive 2. Streamlining for projects of national significance
a. Rationale: efficiency for projects with national benefit b. Method: Project proponents apply directly to the (new) Environmental Protection Authority. Eligibility based on existing "national significance" criteria in RMA with one new criterion recognizing infrastructure needs of a nationwide network utility operator. If project eligible, EPA refers it to board of inquiry; if not, it's referred back to relevant local authority. Board of Inquiry chaired by Envt Court judge (current, former or retired); board appointments to have local knowledge with nominations by local authorities. Nine-month period for decision, extendable by Envt Minister based on report from Board of Inquiry.
3. Creating Environment Protection Authority
a. Rationale: centralize regulatory roles for national envtl goals b. Method: administered by Secretary for the Environment with statutory authority separate from Environment Minister
4. Improving Plan Development and Plan Change Processes
a. Rationale: eliminate repetitive, costly consulting and broad appeal rights, time consuming reporting requirements, years of process; and administrative burden of having to notify parties, summarize submissions, make decisions on each submission, and ensure each applicant has a copy of decision b. Method: eliminate general challenges or those seeking withdrawal of entire proposed policy statements and plans; reduce local authorities' requirement to summarize submissions; change non-complying activity category to discretionary with three-year transition; local authority need not decide each individual submission but broadly, according to issues raised; regional and territorial authorities of a region can produce single RMA planning document; rules in proposed plans no legal effect until decisions noticed except to protect a natural resource, historic heritage or aquaculture management area; appeals on proposed policy and plans limited to question of law unless Envt Court gives leave; 10 year review of territorial plans eliminated in favor of as and when required.
5. Improving Resource Consent Process
a. Rationale: time spent on complex applications ranges from 20-85 days b. Method: remove presumption in favor of notice of application and change criteria when public notice required regarding projects with more than minor impact on environment; simplify council decisions' reporting requirements; remove ability for blanket tree protection rules in urban areas; limit local authorities' ability to stop the clock when requesting additional information to one time only; develop a fee discount policy for delayed processing; formally close proceedings 10 working days after hearing.
6. Streamlining Decision Making
a. Rationale: costs and time delays b. Method: Consent applicants can choose to be heard by elected local representatives or an independent commissioner selected by local authority and accredited by "Making Good Decisions" program; request applicant can submit directly to Environment Court to complement 'proposals of national significance' process; remove power of Conservation Minister regarding restricted coastal activities and replace with recommendation of the hearing panel to the Minister
7. Improving Workability and Compromise
a. Rationale: enforcement officers and local authorities ability to act limited by minor technical matters and inability to recover substantial proportion of their costs; Crown treated differently from private companies b. Methods: raising fine for offenses from $200k to $600k for corporate and $300k for individuals; enable enforcement to be taken against crown by local authorities
8. Improving National Instruments
a. Rationale: clarify relationships between competing national strategies and matters of national importance b. Methods: Give Environment Minister power to cancel, postpone, restart a national policy statement before published; allow national authority to order local authority to change objectives and policies without need for further local planning processes; appeals on plan and policy changes limited to points of law only; consent decisions must relate to national envt standards
]]> 2008 Green Plans Conference Video Now Available Online tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.37 2009-03-27T01:43:40Z 2009-03-27T01:50:30Z Video of "Creating and Implementing National Green Plans: How Countries are Succeeding," RRI's successful 2008 conference, is available online in eight separate segments. Watch the conference speakers via Google Video, Vimeo, Youtube and other online video sharing sites! Also coming... Video of "Creating and Implementing National Green Plans: How Countries are Succeeding," RRI's successful 2008 conference, is available online in eight separate segments. Watch the conference speakers via Google Video, Vimeo, Youtube and other online video sharing sites! Also coming soon to this site... Singapore Water Technology Centre Established tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.36 2009-03-26T01:12:55Z 2009-03-26T01:14:59Z The National University of Singapore and General Electric are collaborating on an institute to “develop new solutions for low-energy sea water desalination, water reclamation and more efficient water use” with a focus on alleviating water crises in regions of China,... The National University of Singapore and General Electric are collaborating on an institute to “develop new solutions for low-energy sea water desalination, water reclamation and more efficient water use” with a focus on alleviating water crises in regions of China, India and the Middle East. International water experts and policy makers will meet in June at the Centre. The news is reported by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, www.wbcsd.org Nations Urged to Recognize Water Crisis tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.35 2009-03-24T18:37:59Z 2009-03-24T19:48:48Z The International Union for Conservation of Nature urged world leaders at the World Water Forum to do more to protect rivers and wetlands which provide energy and clean drinking water. Business leaders asked the international community to recognize the inextricable... The International Union for Conservation of Nature urged world leaders at the World Water Forum to do more to protect rivers and wetlands which provide energy and clean drinking water. Business leaders asked the international community to recognize the inextricable links between water, energy and climate change at the Copenhagen climate change talks in December. A water advisor to the UN noted that the global water crisis is where climate change was five years ago on the public and political radar. The WWF website is at http://www.worldwaterforum5.org/ France Environmental Ministry Launches Oceans Initiative tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.34 2009-03-19T00:38:49Z 2009-03-19T00:53:39Z France has launched an addition to its Green Plan (le Grenelle Environment Round Table) known as Le Grenelle de la Mer. Announced in February 2009, le Grenelle Oceans will bring together experts, stakeholders, industry, government, and NGOs to form four... France has launched an addition to its Green Plan (le Grenelle Environment Round Table) known as Le Grenelle de la Mer. Announced in February 2009, le Grenelle Oceans will bring together experts, stakeholders, industry, government, and NGOs to form four working groups. Themes to be addressed include sustainable fisheries, biodiversity, transportation, energy, climate change, marine sector jobs, coastal development, and governance at local and global levels. While le Grenelle Environment does address marine issues, Le Grenelle Oceans aims to bring deeper, single-issue analysis to the overarching Green Plan. Sustainability Plans Must Address Water Management tag:www.rri.org,2009:/news//1.33 2009-03-16T19:24:46Z 2009-03-16T19:25:19Z The essence of a Green Plan is the comprehensive management of resources for the benefit of the environment, economy and society as a whole. Water, the most fundamental of resources, is low on the political radar around the world but... The essence of a Green Plan is the comprehensive management of resources for the benefit of the environment, economy and society as a whole. Water, the most fundamental of resources, is low on the political radar around the world but it is a major reason for conflicts. Climate change and overpopulation are driving the devastation that includes catastrophic floods and droughts. This week the World Water Forum sponsors a meeting of heads of state, environment and development ministers to prepare a list of recommendations. RRI also is working to raise consciousness about the impact of water quantity and quality on wildlife, especially here in the U.S., and the impact of poor or failed water policies on the economy.