Policy Developments
EC says shipping will be included in carbon trading scheme
The European Commission has confirmed plans to bring the sea transport sector into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The Commission has reportedly concluded that attempts to cut emissions through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are not happening quickly enough.
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Commission publishes impact assessment of planned 2012 car emission targets
The cost of reaching the EU's mandatory goal of cutting new car carbon emission to 120g/km by 2012 will cost between 10 and 23bn Euros to achieve according to the European Commission's delayed impact assessment of the plans announced in February.
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Government announces terms of reference of the King Review of low carbon cars
The King/Stern Review of road transport will examine vehicle and fuel technologies which could help to decarbonise road transport over the next 25 years. The terms of reference for the initiative, which was announced in last month's Budget, were released on the Treasury's website.
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International Developments
Sweden introduces 'cashback' on purchase of greener cars
Sweden has announced a €27m Government-funded 'cashback' scheme to encourage private car buyers to buy more fuel efficient vehicles. Until December 2009, Swedish buyers will receive a subsidy worth around €1070 from the Government if they buy a car emitting less than the EU's 2012 car emissions target of 120g/km CO2. Meanwhile, Sweden's Scandinavian neighbour, Norway, has announced plans for the country to go 'carbon neutral' by 2050.
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French postal service plans order for 10,000 electric delivery vehicles
France's postal service, La Poste, is planning to order 10,000 electric delivery vehicles which, it says, will save the organisation significant running costs. The order is thought to be the world's biggest ever for electric vehicles.
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UN Security Council debates climate change for the first time
In another indication of the growing priority accorded by policy makers to the issue of climate change, the UN Security Council has held its first ever discussions on the subject. The UK Government, which proposed the debate and currently holds the Council presidency, said that climate change must be seen as a global security issue as well as an environmental concern.
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US Supreme Court rules that EPA has power to limit emissions
The Supreme Court has ruled that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are 'pollutants' under the Clean Air Act and has authorised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate emissions from cars and trucks. The Bush administration has refused to impose limits on greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
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Events
Emissions Trading and the Road Transport Sector: A one-day conference
1st May 2007
There are a few remaining places for the LowCVP/Energy Institute one-day event to discuss the latest thinking on the prospects for introducing a carbon emissions trading system to the road transport sector. LowCVP members receive a £100 (35%) discount on the full delegate fee for the event.
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LowCVP Annual Conference - Book Now!
28th Jun 2007
This year's LowCVP conference will include a keynote address by the Secretary of State for Transport, Douglas Alexander, and many other high profile speakers; Dr Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP for South-East England is the latest to confirm her attendance. The event will feature the winning entries to the Cars NOT Carbon competition which aims to promote greener motoring marketing. There will be debates on 'hot topics' including CO2 regulation and biofuels. Delegates will also be the first to learn the results of the largest survey of the opinions of the LowCVP's 250+ stakeholder organisations. There are a limited number of places left for the event, so book now to ensure your seat.
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Reports & Studies
Expert group says policy must take account of air pollution and climate change linkages
Environment policies at local, national and international level should take more account of the interactions between air pollution and climate change, according to a new report by the Air Quality Expert Group which was established to provide advice to the Government.
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European Investment Bank accused of ignoring climate impacts of transport
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is failing to consider the impacts of its investments on climate change and, in particular, is failing to consider the progressive goals of the EU White Paper on transport according to a new report by campaign group CEE Bankwatch Network.
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Technology News
Virgin Atlantic to fly jumbo jet on biofuels
Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to fly the first commercial aircraft on biofuel in 2008. Virgin says that this could be a significant step towards airlines reducing their oil consumption and CO2 emissions.
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Natural gas-fuelled vehicle in round-the-world attempt
A vehicle running around the world on natural gas - in a project dubbed the 'EcoFuel World Tour' - is to visit Manchester on May 2nd, having crossed five continents since starting the journey from Germany in October 2006.
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LowCVP News
Deadline for entries to LowCVP's 'Cars NOT Carbon' marketing challenge approaches
There are just 3 weeks to go until the deadline for entries to the LowCVP's Cars NOT Carbon competition which focuses on greener motoring marketing. The announcement of the winning entries to the competition will be the centre-piece of the LowCVP's annual conference which is set to take place on 28 June in central London.
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Industry News
Low emission vehicles on display at the Commercial Vehicle Show
The Commercial Vehicle Show, which has just closed at the NEC in Birmingham, attracted 650 exhibitors and up to 30,000 visitors over three days. Some exhibitors chose to focus on the environmental and emissions performance of the vehicles and associated technologies on display.
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Europe's car industry should give united response to EC 2012 targets proposal
The head of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has urged Europe's car industry to give a united response to European Commission proposals for mandatory targets for new car emissions even if small car producers are likely to find the limits easier to meet.
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Climate Change News
Government says UK greenhouse emissions rose in 2006
The Government provisionally estimates that total UK greenhouse gas emissions were up by 1.25% in 2006, compared with 2005. Emissions are still, however, about 15% below the 1990 'Kyoto base year'.
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Other News
Friends of the Earth says most car advertising still for 'gas guzzlers'
Friends of the Earth says that motor companies are still concentrating most of their advertising on the least efficient vehicles. In an analysis of car adverts placed in national newspapers over a two week period over half (55%) were for cars in the most polluting VED bands E to G FoE said. Meanwhile, the ippr has called for climate change 'health warnings' on new car advertising.
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