Today’s Climate: April 17-18, 2010

More Volcanoes May Erupt Due to Warming, Scientists Say (Reuters)

A thaw of Iceland’s ice caps in coming decades caused by climate change may trigger more volcanic eruptions by removing a vast weight and freeing magma deep below ground, scientists said.

Mine Disaster Shows Revolving Door Between Industry, Government (Washington Post)

More than 200 former congressional staff members, federal regulators and lawmakers are employed by the mining industry, including dozens who work for coal companies with the worst safety records, a Washington Post analysis has revealed.

Major Economies to Delve into Climate Impasse (AFP)

Representatives from the world’s leading economies are meeting in Washington on Sunday to see if they can find common ground on climate change, as wide gaps divide the U.S., China and other key nations.

Wisconsin Senate Leader Says No Agreement on Clean Energy (AP)

Majority leader of the Wisconsin State Senate, Russ Decker, said Friday he doesn’t support the legislature’s renewable energy bill because he thinks it will raise utility rates.

Obama Will Focus on Energy Bill After Bank Reform (Reuters)

Pres. Obama said on Friday his administration would shift its focus to climate legislation after finishing financial regulatory reform, which he said would take a few more weeks.

Wyoming Moving Ahead with Uranium Permits Despite EPA Concerns (AP)

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is proceeding with permits to allow uranium developers to inject wastewater underground despite federal regulators’ concerns.

Poll: Nevadans Skeptical of Global Warming (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Fifty-five percent of Nevada respondents believe global warming is "unproven and subject to debate," compared with 35 percent who consider it a scientific reality, according to a new poll. The percentage of skeptics is up 11 points from a similar survey in 2008.

Duke: New Indiana Coal Plant’s Cost Up to $2.9B (AP)

Duke Energy said Friday that the cost of a coal-gasification power plant it is building in southwestern Indiana has risen to nearly $2.9 billion, or about twice the original estimate.

Electric Cars Searching for a Place to Plug In (San Francisco Examiner)

A line will start forming this week for people wanting to buy Nissan’s fully electric Leaf, but the vehicle’s rollout could be hindered by a shortage of Bay Area charging stations.

Saudi Arabia Sets Up Nuclear Energy Science Center (Reuters)

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia said it would set up a scientific center for civilian nuclear and renewable energy to meet rising demand for power and desalinated water, state news agency SPA said on Saturday.

Massey Energy CEO’s 2009 Pay Down 12% (AP)

The AP has found that compensation for Massey Energy’s CEO fell 12 percent last year as the West Virginia coal mining company coped with sluggish demand.

Rare Earth Mining Firm Molycorp Files to Go Public (Greentech Media)

Molycorp, which wants to mine for rare earth elements in California and turn them into magnets for wind turbines, has filed for an IPO to raise up to $350 million.

New Intel Sensor Could Cut Electricity Bill (LiveScience)

A new sensor and personal energy management panel made by Intel could help combat by cutting electricity use by one-third.