The New Republic

Climate legislation may be taking a back seat in Washington, but the wildfires currently raging near Los Angeles are making it an inescapable topic out West. READ MORE >>

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Senator Chris Dodd has a big choice to make. When Ted Kennedy died this week, he left open the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). Dodd is second in line for the post, but in order to take over the HELP chairmanship, he would have to give up his seat as chairman of the Senate Banking committee--where he is currently leading a major push for stricter financial regulations. READ MORE >>

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Following up on Brad's post about cash-for-clunkers, the House took unusually quick action today and voted to transfer $2 billion to replenish the cash-strapped program. Congressional Quarterly reports that the money would come from Title 17 renewable-energy loan guarantees—a part of the federal stimulus package that has been slow in getting doled out. READ MORE >>

The Guardian reports on a new global poll finding that 73 percent of respondents worldwide want their government to place a high priority on climate change. It's worth noting that China and India, two countries whose governments have thus far adamantly opposed binding reduction targets for greenhouse gases, had some of the most enthusiastic publics: READ MORE >>

Earlier today, congressional Democrats held their second hearing on the national security aspects of climate change in little over a week. READ MORE >>

Could the coal-burning heartland actually fare better under the House climate bill than less carbon-intensive coastal states like California and New York? In some respects, yes, according to a new Reuters report, especially when one takes into account the ways in which the bill distributes carbon allowances to different states: READ MORE >>

It's common knowledge that most farmers oppose a cap-and-trade bill—or at least it was common knowledge until last month. That's when the National Farmers Union (NFU) issued a press release that urged House members to approve Rep. READ MORE >>

Since controlling health care costs is the topic du jour in Washington right now, it's worth pointing out two environmental policies that could have some ancillary health benefits. First, it's true that gasoline taxes tend to be the ultimate political no-fly zone. But new research suggests that higher gas prices wouldn't just cut back on our carbon emissions—they might also cut back on our waistlines (and, accordingly, our medical bills). READ MORE >>