I am kind of late on this news: "Director of Policy on Climate Will Leave, Her Goal Unmet."
Carol M. Browner, the White House coordinator for energy and climate change policy, will leave the administration shortly, officials confirmed Monday night. Her departure signals at least a temporary slowing of the ambitious environmental goals of President Obama's first two years in the face of new Republican strength in Congress.
No decision has been made on whether she would be replaced or if the position would simply disappear, a White House official said.
But she is leaving with her major goals unmet and the E.P.A. — where she served for eight years under President Bill Clinton — under siege by Republicans who believe it is strangling job creation by imposing costly new pollution rules.
I am, however, right on time with this news: "White House Proposes New Green Buildings Program"
The White House has launched a package of proposals—including a new tax credit and grant competition among states and cities—that aim to make commercial buildings 20 percent more energy efficient over 10 years.
The "Better Buildings Initiative," which President Obama announced on February 3 during an appearance at Penn State University, is targeting commercial buildings, which the White House says account for about 20 percent of total U.S. energy consumption.
Obama said the plan could save businesses nearly $40 billion over the next decade in lower energy costs.
The plan has several components, some of which will require congressional action. (See a White House summary of the plan here.)
They include a proposed new tax credit for commercial-building energy upgrades, to replace the current tax deduction for such improvements.
According to a White House statement, the credit would be "more generous" than the deduction and "will encourage building owners and real estate investment trusts to retrofit their properties." The statement did not specify how large the credit would be.
Another element of the administration's plan would be a new federal grant competition among states and cities, with funds going to localities that adopt building codes, regulations, and standards that promote energy efficiency in commercial facilities.
Obama said in his speech, "So, if you show us the best ideas to change your game on the ground, we'll show you the money. We will show you the money, states and local governments."
The program would be called "Race to Green," taking off on the Department of Education's existing "Race to the Top" for federal aid for schools.
Great news for the retrofit movement.
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