• Beginning January 1 2010 the EPA will begin to collect greenhouse gas (GHG) data from large emitters of heat-trapping emissions under a new reporting system. The new program will cover approximately 85 percent of the nation’s GHG emissions and apply to roughly 10,000 facilities. (EPA)

• The 2009 Global Energy Outlook from the International Energy Agency has announced a drop in the amount of atmospheric carbon:

In the first big study of the impact of the recession on climate change, the IEA found that CO₂ emissions from burning fossil fuels had undergone “a significant decline” this year – further than in any year in the past 40. The fall will exceed the drop in the 1981 recession that followed the oil crisis.For the first time, government policies to cut emissions have also had a significant impact. The IEA estimates that about a quarter of the reduction is the result of regulation, an “unprecedented” proportion. Three initiatives had a particular effect: Europe’s target to cut emissions by 20 per cent by 2020; US car emission standards; and China’s energy efficiency policies.

Meanwhile down at the rig:  oil companies are hyping recent discoveries of oil in a lame attempt to offset the upcoming release of the Global Energy Outlook 2009. The report will provide a sobering assessment of dwindling supply and its effects on future prices. (NY Times)