Obama Talks up Carbon Capture With Canada’s Harper

During his trip to Canada last week, President Obama emphasized carbon capture and sequestration as a way to assuage the effects of burning coal and tapping tar sand oil. "If we can figure out how to capture the carbon," said Obama, "that would make an enormous difference in how we operate. Right now, the technologies are at least not cost effective." Obama and Harper pledged to a "clean energy dialogue," to coordinate research and demonstration projects that could push CCS technology toward commercialization. Currently, no U.S. plant captures all of its emissions.

Obama didn't specify his position on whether emissions from tar sand oil extraction should be excluded from a greenhouse gas emission reduction agreement during his visit. However, Obama said he was determined to show leadership "so that by the time the international conference takes place in Copenhagen, the Unites States has shown itself committed and ready to do its part." Read more at E&E (sub. req'd)