President Obama is today expected to announce a moratorium on new coal development on public land, according to various media reports.
The administration is set to stop new coal mining leases being issued for public lands while it conducts a study on an overhaul of the US leasing program. The new plan will examine the impacts that the federal coal leasing program has on the environment, including climate change, sources familiar with the plan told Reuters.
In his final State of the Union address last Tuesday, Obama pledged to put more pressure on fossil fuel producers to pay for their impact on the planet while also promising to provide more support for states looking to reduce their reliance on dirty fuels.
"Rather than subsidise the past, we should invest in the future - especially in communities that rely on fossil fuels," he said. "That's why I'm going to push to change the way we manage our oil and coal resources, so that they better reflect the costs they impose on taxpayers and our planet."
Erich Pica, president of Friends of the Earth, said the latest move to limit coal development greatly improves the world's chances of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
"With this decision President Obama sent a clear signal to coal companies, and their investors, that the days of dumping their pollution onto the American public are ending," he said in a statement. "Coal companies and their investors will no longer be able to hide the fact that their business model is predicated on poisoning communities and the planet."
As Obama nears the end of his final term, the reform of fossil fuel leases is one of the last major actions he can take to curb emissions, following on from the adoption of new fuel and energy efficiency standards and the introduction of his wide ranging Clean Power Plan.
White House sources have indicated that a number of additional measures could yet be announced, including steps to crack down on methane leaks from fracking operations.
from Home - business_green http://ift.tt/1no0IqT
Advertisement
Sourced by "Home Hacks". Scouring and supporting the art of DIY home projects by sharing links and information provided by numerous active reputable DIY veterans and company's. Any projects you start please be of proper age, follow all required safety measures, and use the required protective equipment when handling any chemicals, power tools, or during any construction project. If you need advice regarding your next project we suggest visiting Contractor Talk.
