Tag: Clean Air Task Force

U.S. raises ambition in updated Nationally Determined Contribution, providing helpful measuring stick for climate progress

Stuart Mitchell

In December, the Biden administration announced a new climate target for the U.S. to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 as a part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, including for the first time an expected reduction in methane emissions. The new target: 61-66% reduction in 2035 from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions with an anticipated reduction of methane emissions by at least 35% from 2005 levels in 2035.  “The new U.S. NDC for 2035 provides a helpful measuring stick for U.S. climate…

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New report finds that improved community engagement for clean infrastructure projects is critical to New England’s energy transition

Stuart Mitchell

A new report released today by Acadia Center and Clean Air Task Force (CATF) reveals that enhanced community engagement for clean energy infrastructure projects is critical to achieving New England’s 2050 decarbonization goals. The report highlights the opportunity to accelerate the region’s clean energy progress by addressing local concerns and better equipping communities to meaningfully participate in siting and approval processes. Drawing from prominent case studies around the region, the report also identifies promising options for developers, communities, and policymakers to improve project planning and engagement, helping reduce the risk…

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New CCAC and CATF partnership to support 20 countries in cutting energy sector methane emissions, advancing goals of Global Methane Pledge

Stuart Mitchell

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and Clean Air Task Force (CATF) announced the launch of the Fossil Fuel Regulatory Programme (FFRP), supporting low- and middle-income governments in taking immediate action to reduce methane emissions from their oil, gas, and coal sectors.  The FFRP will provide targeted support to up to 20 governments eligible for official development assistance from mid-2024 to mid-2027. This will include a streamlined project approval process that allows CCAC and CATF experts to more quickly address regulatory and capacity gaps and help countries build the…

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CFTC takes step to improve carbon markets, but major gaps remain

Stuart Mitchell

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recently issued final guidance on the listing of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts, outlining key criteria to enhance the credibility and integrity of the market.  “Voluntary carbon markets can play a role in mitigating climate change, but only if the underlying carbon credits are high-quality,” said Kathy Fallon, Land Systems Director at Clean Air Task Force. “To date, inadequate standards, inconsistent implementation, and weak governance have led to the sale of low-quality credits leading to the loss of public and investor confidence. The CFTC’s…

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BLM takes critical step forward with updated Western Solar Plan, accelerates clean energy deployment while safeguarding climate

Stuart Mitchell

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently unveiled its proposed strategy for solar energy development on public lands. The proposed updated Western Solar Plan, released alongside the Final Utility-Scale Solar Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, will expand availability of applications for utility-scale solar development across 31 million acres of public lands in 11 western states.  “We commend BLM for adopting a strategic approach to accelerating clean energy development on public lands,” said Nicole Pavia, Clean Energy Infrastructure Deployment Director at Clean Air Task Force (CATF). “By steering solar development to…

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