Today’s Climate: April 26, 2010

BASIC Bloc Wants 2011 Climate Pact Deadline (Reuters)

Environment ministers of the Brazil, South Africa, India and China said on Sunday that a legally binding agreement to limit climate change needed to be completed by 2011, at the latest.

Lieberman Encouraged Energy Bill Will Be on Track (AP)

A day after bipartisan support for a climate bill appeared to crumble, Sen. Joe Lieberman said Sunday he was optimistic the coalition would regroup and lawmakers would consider the measure this year.

Immigration, Climate Measures Can Both Be Passed, Summers Says (Bloomberg)

Immigration and climate legislation should both be acted on, White House economic adviser Lawrence Summers said, sidestepping a dispute over which issue Congress should take up next.

Quick End to Gulf Oil Leak Depends on Robot Subs (AP)

Crews are using robot submarines to activate valves at the site of a wrecked drilling platform in hopes of cutting off a 42,000-gallon-a-day oil leak, which threatens the Gulf of Mexico’s fragile ecosystem of shrimp, fish, birds and coral.

LA Mayor’s Green Energy Goals Could Be in Jeopardy (Los Angeles Times)

The lack of funds in Los Angeles to buy clean-burning energy is putting in doubt Mayor Villaraigosa’s goal to secure at least 20% of the city’s electricity from renewable sources by Dec. 31.

Massey Energy Plans to Address Explosion (AP)

Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship is preparing to speak publicly about the Upper Big Branch mine explosion on Monday, amid growing pressure from investors, regulators and lawmakers over the tragedy.

U.S. Research Paper Questions Viability of Carbon Capture and Storage (Guardian)

A report from Houston University claims that governments wanting to use CCS have overestimated its value and says it would take a reservoir the size of a small U.S. state to hold the CO2 produced by one power station.

Utilities Start Massive Upgrade of Region’s Grid (AP)

Utilities in New England are beginning work on a half-billion-dollar plan to upgrade the region’s electric grid to make way for "smart" appliances, to improve energy conservation and connect to wind and solar energy.

UK Wind Industry Rejects Reports of Speedy Planning System (Business Green)

The UK wind industry has rejected suggestions that its criticism of the UK’s planning system are unfounded, after a report found that the UK had one of the faster planning systems in Europe when it came to delivering a decision on new wind applications.

Scientists Discover Deep Ocean Current Near Antarctica (Reuters)

Scientists have discovered a fast-moving deep ocean current with the volume of 40 Amazon Rivers near Antarctica. They describe it as a key part of a global ocean circulation pattern that helps control the planet’s climate.

Coal India May Spend $1.7 Billion on Overseas Mines (Bloomberg)

Coal India, the nation’s monopoly producer of the fuel, may spend $1.7 billion to buy stakes in five mines in Australia, Indonesia and the U.S. to help bridge a shortfall in Asia’s third-biggest energy consumer.

Toshiba, IHI to Form Nuclear Power Venture: Report (Reuters)

Toshiba and IHI plan to set up a joint venture to make key components for nuclear power plants, the Nikkei business daily reported on Monday.