Global Warming and CO2 Emissions Blog

Leonardo DiCaprio's new documentary film 11th Hour is accepting registrations. Sign up today and be notified when the film is released and other related events.

According to DiCaprio, "global warming is not only the only number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity today," "We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet's future." (Source)

At last week's Natural Resources Defense Council gala in Gotham, the three-time Oscar nominee recalled taking part in an ABC film a few years ago that focused on threats to the Earth. "Unfortunately, the message was drowned out by the inclusion of the contrary viewpoint," said DiCaprio, who narrated and co-wrote the forthcoming environmental documentary.

DiCaprio said this film focuses only on those who acknowledge global warming, such as Stephen Hawking, Mikhail Gorbachev and Andrew Weil. "The message won't be diluted by our having to yell over oil-company-funded 'scientists,' " he said.

Register here: http://www.11thhourfilm.com/

Labels: carbon dioxide emissions, documentary, environmental activism, global warming, leonardo dicaprio

TXU Energy announced today it has officially suspended efforts to obtain permits for eight coal-fueled power units in Texas.

A Motion to Stay was filed yesterday with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for seven coal-fueled power units that are under consideration in contested proceedings before SOAH. The company also has suspended permitting activities related to an eighth permit, which was not a part of the contested proceedings.

The stay request is for a period of up to six months upon approval. Upon closing of the merger agreement with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Texas Pacific Group (TPG) announced earlier this week, TXU plans to formally withdraw the eight pending air permit applications.

"This is an important step in fulfilling TXU's commitment, made in connection with the recently announced merger, to immediately seek to suspend the permit application process for the eight units announced last year," said Mike McCall, chief executive officer, TXU Wholesale. "Further, upon closing the merger agreement, TXU does not intend to apply or reapply for permits to build additional coal units utilizing current pulverized coal-fuel technology."

Last, week the Company announced that it would be going private in a purchase transaction lead by KKR and TPG. Interestingly, the Company has stated that - among other reasons for going private - "Stronger Environmental Policies and New Investments in Alternative Energy" are central to the transaction.

The Company announced several green initiatives including:

• Planned coal-fueled generation units reduced from eleven to three, preventing 56 million tons of annual carbon emissions
• 400 million investment in demand side management initiatives
• Transaction endorsed by Environmental Defense and Natural Resources Defense Council
• Increased commitment to exploring renewable energy sources and investing in alternative energy technologies

Labels: carbon dioxide emissions, environmental activism, global warming