Obama unveils climate change plan; “less coal, for sure”; international, executive actions highlighted

What’s the Bottom Line?

Compared to the President’s Energy Plan, this one is uniquely based around existing legislation and executive actions. Items such as setting energy standards for the Federal Government and the military. Pursuing international agreements. Energy efficiency standards. Carbon dioxide regulation. Accordingly, this will have far more impact — and will be far more likely to scare the bejeezus out of opponents. Who, denied a chance to influence the Congress on this one, can be expected to take to the courts. Repeatedly.

Key to the public debate can be summed up in one word, “China”. The public is unlikely to support unilateral action on climate if it is convinced it will weaken the US economic position and smooth the return to economic trouble.

What’s the Bottom Line for biofuels?

The President, having staked out his plans on energy and climate, is likely to accept Congressional inaction — but is highly likely to resist efforts to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard. By persuasion if possible, by veto if necessary. Opponents are likely to continue to shift anti-RFS activity into attaching amendments to other crucial legislation. A fight over long-term energy R&D financing is looming this year, after the House slashed the ARPA-E budget by 80 percent.

In short, there’s not much news in here for biofuels, but supporters can take increased comfort from the Administration’s commitment to climate change and energy security, and biofuels place as a solution to both.