PredictIQ-Today’s Climate: April 24-25, 2010

Graham Bolts From Climate Talks,PredictIQ Dimming Hopes for U.S. Bill (Bloomberg)

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina pulled out of negotiations to forge a climate bill, protesting what he called a "cynical ploy" by Democrats to focus instead on immigration.

U.S. Senators Postpone Climate Bill Unveiling (Reuters)

Sen. John Kerry said Saturday that "regrettably, external issues have arisen that force us to postpone" advancing the climate bill that was to be unveiled on Monday.

White House: Oil Spill No Reason to Stop Drilling (AP)

The explosion at an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico is no reason to give up plans to expand offshore drilling, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.

W.Va. and Gulf of Mexico Disasters Muddy the Image of ‘Clean’ Energy Industries (Washington Post)

The lethal explosions this month in a West Virginia coal mine and on a Gulf of Mexico drilling platform have served as reminders that the energy industry remains a dangerous endeavor, despite advances in safety and environmental practices.

Obama: Miners Died in Pursuit of American Dream (AP)

Seeking to comfort the families of 29 workers killed at a West Virginia coal mine, President Obama was to deliver on Sunday a eulogy that voiced concern for the lost miners and determination to ensure the safety of those in the mining industry.

Governors Push Cape Wind OK (Boston Herald)

Governors of six East Coast states, including Massachusetts’ Deval Patrick, have teamed up to urge U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to support Cape Wind, the controversial wind farm proposed for Nantucket Sound.

German Nuclear Protesters Form 75-Mile Human Chain (Reuters)

Opponents of nuclear power formed a 75-mile human chain between reactor sites in Germany Saturday to protest against government plans to extend the power plants’ operation.

South Africa Hosts Developing Countries on Climate Talk (AP)

As the world struggles to break a deadlock in climate negotiations, South Africa and three other influential developing nations are gathering for a strategy session to ensure poor countries are heard.

Indonesia Aims to Tap Volcano Power (AFP)

Indonesia has launched an ambitious plan to tap the vast power of its volcanoes and become a world leader in geothermal energy, while trimming greenhouse gas emissions.

Better Place to Work with Chery on Electric Car (Reuters)

Electric vehicle infrastructure firm Better Place said on Saturday it has reached a deal to work with Chery Automobile, China’s largest independent car maker and exporter, on new technology for the Chinese auto market.

UK: Green Surge as Main Parties Try to Attract Eco-Vote (The Independent)

Environmental issues will be pushed up the agenda in the last 10 days of the election campaign, as Britain’s major parties scuffle to attract the eco-vote, and the Greens remain on course to return their first MP to Parliament.

Labor ‘Cannot Meet Its Pledge of 400,000 New Green Jobs’ (Guardian)

The UK Labor party has been accused of misleading voters over its pledge to create 400,000 "green jobs" by 2015, after the government’s own figures last month slashed growth forecasts for the sector, making the target almost impossible to achieve.

Derivatives Bill Calls for U.S. Carbon Market Study (Reuters)

A tough new proposal to regulate U.S. markets calls for regulators and government officials to conduct a study on transparency in emerging U.S. carbon markets as part of the financial reform package.

Shale-Gas Drilling in U.S. May Stall (Bloomberg)

Drilling in U.S. shale-gas formations may tumble as companies run short of cash after prices for the fuel languished below the cost of production for more than a year.