Today’s Climate: April 22, 2010

Green Auction to Mark 40th Anniversary of Earth Day (Reuters)

Artists, conservationists, business leaders and film and music stars from around the globe are marking the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day with a green auction to benefit the environment.

EPA Prods Congress by Issuing Rules (The Hill)

The EPA is planning curbs of greenhouse gas emissions to the nation’s largest industrial emitters of pollutants, prodding Congress to move forward on climate legislation.

Voinovich Seeks to Preempt State, EPA on Climate (Washington Post)

Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio), a key player in the climate debate, has drafted language that would block both the states and the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases as part of a climate bill.

Congress May Push Immigration Over Climate Bill (Reuters)

Democratic leaders in the Congress may try to win passage of contentious immigration reform legislation this year in a move that could further harm prospects for a climate bill, congressional aides said.

Massey Expects West Virginia Mine Disaster to Cost $212 Million (Bloomberg)

Massey Energy, owner of the West Virginia coal mine where 29 people were killed this month, said it expects a second-quarter charge of as much as $212 million for the accident, more than twice its 2009 earnings.

Study Links Water Quality and Cancer Deaths in West Virginia Coalfields (Coal Tattoo)

West Virginians who live near streams polluted by coal mining are more likely to die of cancer, according to a first-of-its kind study published by researchers at West Virginia University and Virginia Tech.

Enviro Group Sues Interior over Wyoming Coal Leasing (AP)

An environmental group is suing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to try to get the government to increase its regulation of mining in the nation’s top coal-producing region.

‘Paltry’ Copenhagen Carbon Pledges Point to 3C World (BBC News)

Pledges made at December’s UN summit in Copenhagen would lead to a rise of at least 3 degrees Celsius by 2100, a study in the journal Nature concludes.

Challenge to IPCC’s Bangladesh Climate Predictions (AFP)

Scientists in Bangladesh posed a fresh challenge to the UN’s top climate panel Thursday, saying its doomsday forecasts for the country in the body’s landmark 2007 report were overblown.

Military Supports Wind Power Despite Radar Worries (AP)

A U.S. general is trying to reassure the public that the military supports wind power and other alternative energy, despite his concerns that turbines may interfer with radar.

Concentrated Solar Attracts Big-Name Investors (CNET)

Amonix, a concentrated PV manufacturer, announced it has raised $129.4 million in Series B funding, with Kleiner Perkins named the lead investor.

China Drivers Shun Hybrids, Electric Cars on Lack of Subsidy (Bloomberg)

Automakers including GM and Nissan plan to display a record 95 alternative energy-powered models at this year’s Beijing Auto Show, which opens on Friday. But the government has delayed a plan to introduce subsidies that may put the models within reach for buyers.

Auditor Suspends Green Certification for Indonesian Paper Firm (Reuters)

Green certification for one of Asia’s biggest paper producers has been suspended over concerns for high conservation value forests in Indonesia, an independent auditor said on Thursday.