A lot has happened at home and abroad since our last update. For those readers that need a quick update on it all, we have put together three important topics that relate directly to sustainability and green business. As many of our readers know, the world of environmental sustainability is changing rapidly, not only politically, but economically and socially. As a promoter of green business, Cleanlites sustainability blog is committed to keeping our followers informed about important changes.

1. New Congress Means New Environmental Outlook

Senator Murkowski (R) from Alaska celebrates her new appointment as chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Senator Murkowski (R) from Alaska celebrates her new appointment as chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

The recent US election upended a longstanding democratic senate shifting the waters of environmental policy to the right. Among some of the important changes to note is the control of the Energy & Natural Resources Committee to the Republican Senator Murkowski of Alaska and the control of the Environment & Public Works Committee to Republican Senator Inhofe of Oklahoma.

Both of these senators have rather strong records of voting against environmental reforms. Furthermore they both have, in so many words, denounced the existence of climate change.

Both Inhofe & Murkowski have records of doubting the existence of climate change

Both Inhofe & Murkowski have records of doubting the existence of climate change

Whether this will mean the loosening of regulations on carbon emissions? Will this mean a regression in progress? We don’t know for sure, but keeping track of these changes is important.

2. US and China Announce Big Plans for Carbon Emission Reduction

Presidents Obama and Jinping announce new environmental goals for their countries this week

Presidents Obama and Jinping announce new environmental goals for their countries this week

This week, China and the US came to a mutual agreement to significantly reduce carbon emissions for the future. President Obama and President Xi Jinping made monumental progress in the efforts to move forward towards a green society.
Some of the results from the announcement are as follows:

  • The US has committed to reducing emissions 26-28% relative to 2005 levels.
  • China has committed to not allowing peak emissions to occur any later than 2030.
  • Additionally China has committed to sourcing up to 20% of energy from non-fossil fuels

3. The EPA Clean Power Plan Continues Rollout

We have been reporting on this throughout the year, the EPA’s recent proposal for strict but dynamic cuts to emissions and pollution. Met with strong opposition by the right wing, the EPA is sticking to its guns in terms of the proposed energy reduction plans for the future. No doubt such requirements will be met with opposition, however, some major energy companies are even looking like they might embrace such a change. This topic will likely be monumental in the new 2015 political environment.