Environmental Legislation and Policy

State Calls Off Moth Spraying in Urban Areas

Date Posted: 
Jun 24 2008
Title of News: 
State Calls Off Moth Spraying in Urban Areas
Summary: 
Officials from the California Department of Food and Agriculture announced last Thursday that due to health concerns and public opposition, the controversial aerial spraying aimed at eradicating the light brown apple moth will no longer be executed in urban areas this summer. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura announced Friday that officials will now attempt to control the pest with a method called sterile insect technique, which involves releasing sterilized moths into the infested areas. This method is expected to confuse the moths in much the same way as the aerial spray by preventing them from reproducing so that they eventually die off. ... Sprayings of the hormone in Santa Cruz and Monterey last year were followed by numerous health complaints, which opponents of the spray say is evidence that it is a danger to the public.
Source: 
The Daily Cal
Picture: 
Light Brown Apple Moth small.jpg

Economist/Policy Analyst for The International Energy Agency

Name of job: 
Economist/Policy Analyst for The International Energy Agency
Description: 

Job Title: Economist/Policy Analyst

Reference: 2740

Grade: A3

Please apply before midnight, Paris time, on: 28/06/2008

We are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental body committed to advancing security of energy supply, economic growth and environmental sustainability through energy policy co-operation. The IEA operates as an autonomous agency within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD is a unique forum where the governments of 30 market democracies work together to address the economic, social and governance challenges of the globalising world economy, as well as to exploit its opportunities.

FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT OF THREE TO FIVE YEARS

We are looking for a Desk Officer who will prepare and conduct regular reviews of national energy policies for IEA Member countries. The position is located in the Country Studies Division of the IEA's Long-term Co-operation and Policy Analysis Office and the selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Head of Division.

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Job Duties

1. Overview

• The Desk Officer manages nearly all aspects of the IEA's reviews of the energy policies of the IEA's 27 Member countries. Desk officers may also be involved in reviews offered to Non-member countries. Each desk officer manages about two in-depth reviews per year, and the reviews cover all policies relating to energy, including energy markets, the environment, energy efficiency, supply and demand. The reports consist of factual background and analysis, critiques of existing policies and recommendations to the governments for improvements. These reports provide both technical information to experienced policy makers and stakeholders and general information and analysis for non-experts and are published as books by the IEA. The Desk Officer also provides on-going policy analysis for assigned countries and performs other duties as necessary.

2. Analysis and drafting

• Draft most chapters of the report, which include general explanations, quantitative and qualitative analysis, critiques and evaluations.

• Write speeches for the IEA Executive Director and press releases for press conferences.

• Monitor, on a continuing basis, all developments relating to energy matters in the countries assigned.

• Participate in the preparation and writing of an annual general report on the status of all Member countries' energy and environmental policies based on the findings of the individual country reviews and additional information as needed.

• Monitor and analyse cross-cutting activities (including developments in Non-Member countries) and assist in the formulation of national and international policy proposals to facilitate the achievement of agreed IEA energy policy goals.

• Contribute to the work of other IEA divisions where it covers specific aspects of the assigned countries.

• Prepare all policy briefing materials for country review visits.

3. Liaison and outreach

• Establish and maintain good contacts with national delegations to the OECD, with administrations of Member countries and major Non-member countries, energy industry representatives and other energy interests.

• Work closely with other IEA staff and country administrations during the preparation, drafting, printing and release stages of the review, and with the office of the IEA Executive Director in the preparation of the press conference that launches the review.

• Manage and support the expert teams conducting in-depth reviews of the IEA Member countries before, during and after the review (these teams include both IEA staff and outside experts).

• Manage and participate in team visits to countries under review. Schedule and co-ordinate meetings with government and industry in these countries to cover all aspects of their energy sector.

• Manage logistics and travel co-ordination for country reviews and serve as contact point for team members.

• Travel with the Executive Director to press conferences that launch country reviews and provide policy guidance and support during discussions with government officials and the press.

4. Other

• Perform a number of general tasks in the country review process, in particular preparation of questionnaires to be completed by national administrations for the review of specific energy policy areas or for examination of the overall energy policy, handling of statistical questions and advising on scheduling and composition of review teams.

• Participate in specific projects of the Office as required.

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Qualifications: education, experience, communication and languages

1. Education, experience and skills

• A University degree in energy economics or in a relevant discipline. Post-graduate qualifications would be an advantage.

• Three to five years' energy and energy policy experience either in government, an international organisation or the private sector.

• Expertise in one or more energy sectors (e.g. electricity, fossil fuels, energy efficiency and/or renewables) or broad energy knowledge. Facility and interest in working in all energy sectors.

2. Key competencies

• Excellent writing ability, both for long technical and analytical reports and short memos.

• Competency in co-ordination among government agencies and various interest groups.

• Very good ability to handle and analyse statistics.

• Capacity to work individually and in a team, as well as under pressure and on long-term projects.

• Experience managing diverse teams would be an advantage, including both managing logistics and building consensus.

• Very good command of Microsoft Office.

3. Communication and OECD official languages

• Ability to express thoughts clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing, with colleagues and with those outside the Organisation.

• Excellent ability to write and speak in English. Good working knowledge of French and knowledge of other languages would be an advantage.

NB. Short-listed candidates for this vacancy may be required to undergo a written exercise.

The appointment may initially be made at the level immediately below if the qualifications and professional experience of the selected candidate correspond to that level; in that case, the duties and responsibilities assigned to the post will be adjusted accordingly.

Contact e-mail is current job holder. She is leaving so she's posting the job.

Application deadline: 
June 28, 2008 before midnight, Paris time
Contact e-mail: 
Date posted: 
June 23, 2008

Maharashtra at the Crossroads: Berkeley Lab-Led Agreement Tackles India's Energy Shortage, Global Climate Change

Date Posted: 
Jun 23 2008
Title of News: 
Maharashtra at the Crossroads: Berkeley Lab-Led Agreement Tackles India's Energy Shortage, Global Climate Change
Summary: 
The Indian state of Maharashtra is at a crossroads. Its people endure frequent electricity blackouts due to a booming energy demand that far outpaces energy production. One solution is to build more coal-fired power plants, which are among the chief greenhouse-gas-emitting culprits of climate change. Another solution takes a different approach: reduce electricity demand, and the need for more power plants, by implementing energy-efficiency measures. The latter choice may have an edge, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) facilitated by Berkeley Lab scientists that aims to export California's lessons in adopting energy efficiency strategies to the state of Maharashtra. Maharashtra leads India in energy consumption.
Source: 
Science@Berkeley Lab
Picture: 
mumbai-smog.jpg

An alliance for green prosperity? Chile and California for the Environment

Date Posted: 
Jun 23 2008
Title of News: 
An alliance for green prosperity? Chile and California for the Environment
Summary: 
On a visit to Berkeley and LBNL this week, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet emphasized the value of collaboration between her nation and the state of California. Now that democracy has taken firm root in her nation, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet came to Berkeley Thursday in search of solutions to one of the fast-developing nation's most pressing challenges: how to provide its own energy.
Source: 
UC Berkeley News
Picture: 
bachelet.jpg

7th Annual UC/CSU/CCC Sustainability Conference Program

Jul 31 2008 - 7:00am
Aug 3 2008 - 5:00pm
Etc/GMT+5

Join over 850 students, staff, faculty and administrators in California higher education to explore the ways in which we can implement social, environmental, and economic sustainability on our campuses statewide, prepare future generations for “green collar” jobs, and bring sustainability to campus practices, policies and contemporary culture.

The 2008 Young Voices Award on Urban Air Pollution and Climate Change

Name of Competition: 
The 2008 Young Voices Award on Urban Air Pollution and Climate Change
Description: 
BAQ 2008 Young Voices Award on Urban Air Pollution and Climate Change Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) encourages new thinking and approaches to deal with the problems of urban air pollution and climate change in Asia. So far, traditional approaches used in dealing with these problems have not produced enough results nor are seen to create significant impacts in the future. It is therefore important to consult with the next generation of air quality and climate changes policy makers, experts and managers. The 2008 Young Voices Award on Urban Air Pollution and Climate Change (the Young Voices) will be handed out for the first time at the Better Air Quality (BAQ) 2008 workshop, which will be held from 12-14 November 2008 in Bangkok, Thailand (see www.baq2008.org). Eligible for the Young Voices award are full/part - time students currently enrolled at Universities or Colleges in an academic degree (undergraduate or advanced degree) program in a subject that is of relevance to urban air pollution and climate change in Asia. The maximum age at the time of BAQ 2008 (12-14 November, 2008) is 25 years. There is no geographical restriction on participation in this competition and students from all over the world can participate. The award committee will however consider the ideas submitted for their relevance for Asia. If applications are submitted on behalf of a group the application form should clearly indicate who the person is who will present at BAQ 2008 if the awards committee selects the submission as one of the winners.
Deadline: 
August 30, 2008

PG&E Environmental Policy Associate

Name of job: 
PG&E Environmental Policy Associate
Description: 

At Pacific Gas and Electric Company, we recognize that our greatest asset is our employees. This is your opportunity to join our team and make your contributions in an industry that is rapidly changing, at a company that aspires to be an environmental leader. We are seeking an Environmental Policy Associate for our Environmental Policy team in San Francisco.

The Environmental Policy team, which is part of the Corporate Environmental and Federal Affairs department, is responsible for positioning PG&E as a leader on a wide range of environmental issues. The group is responsible for, among other things, developing and implementing PG&E positions on a broad range of state and national environmental policy issues and serving as a liaison with external environmental constituencies.

Position Summary

Support PG&E's commitment to environmental leadership by working collaboratively to identify emerging environmental issues and develop creative strategies to address them. Work as part of a dynamic, fast-paced team to measure and communicate PG&E's environmental performance and help make PG&E an industry leader.

Application deadline: 
untill filled
Contact e-mail: 
Date posted: 
June 19, 2008

Transition to a Bioeconomy: Risk, Infrastructure & Industry Evolution

Jun 24 2008 - 8:30am
Jun 25 2008 - 12:30pm
Etc/GMT-8

This is the second in a series of four conferences sponsored by Farm Foundation and USDA to inventory current knowledge, highlight lessons learned to date, identify future possibilities and determine what we need to know for the future. These conferences and the products produced from them will provide government, industry, academic and community leaders with objective information and analysis they can use to make more informed decisions related to the bioeconomy in the next decade.

The Center for Biological Diversity Arctic Species Conservation Program Staff Scientist

Name of job: 
The Center for Biological Diversity Arctic Species Conservation Program Staff Scientist
Description: 

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a full-time Staff Scientist to
work on biodiversity protection issues in and affecting Alaska and the
Arctic. The Center is a national non-profit organization dedicated to
protecting endangered species and wild places through science, policy,
education, and environmental law.

Particular emphasis of the Staff Scientist position will be advocating for
the protection of vulnerable Arctic and sub-Arctic species such as seabirds,
polar bears and other ice-dependent marine mammals in the face of global
warming, offshore oil and gas development, industrial fishing, shipping and
other emerging threats. The Staff Scientist will work closely with the
Center's climate and oceans programs in developing and implementing actions
and strategies focused on both reducing the Arctic melt and on adapting
wildlife management to the changing conditions of a warming Arctic.

Requirements for the position include an advanced degree in a relevant
scientific field, excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, a
demonstrated commitment to environmental protection, an ability to work with
lawyers and other staff members as part of an effective team, and a strong
work ethic. Familiarity with natural resource management and wildlife law
desired.

The Staff Scientist will be responsible for engaging in policy advocacy,
interacting with local, state, and federal agencies, scientists, other
environmental organizations and the public, drafting reports, comments,
petitions and webtext, and doing media outreach. Frequent travel required.

Salary for the Staff Scientist position is commensurate with other
non-profit organizations and includes an excellent vacation and benefits
package.

Location for the Staff Scientist position is Anchorage, Alaska.

Please send a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample via email
(no paper) to alaska@biologicaldiversity.org "Attn: Staff Scientist".
Position open until filled. No telephone calls please. Only candidates
selected for interviews will be contacted.

Application deadline: 
Open until filled
Date posted: 
June 19, 2008

Center for Biological Diversity Public Lands Program Staff Scientist

Name of job: 
Center for Biological Diversity Public Lands Program Staff Scientist
Description: 

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a full-time Staff Scientist to
work as part of our Public Lands Program. The Center is a national
non-profit organization dedicated to protecting endangered species and wild
places through science, policy, education, and environmental law. The
Center’s Public Lands Program works to ensure that America’s public lands
are protected, restored, and managed for the maximum benefit to our nation’s
wildlife and ecosystems.

The Staff Scientist will play a leading role in developing the Center’s
approach to managing public lands in a changing climate. The position is
focused on ensuring that public lands are managed to optimize carbon storage
and biodiversity protection and will involve scientific analyses, public
policy advocacy, and education and outreach.

Responsibilities:

* Conduct rigorous scientific analyses on public land management and
climate change, including: 1) identifying opportunities to increase carbon
storage and reduce emissions by improving public land management; 2)
analyzing options to help species survive a changing climate through better
land management; and 3) documenting the connection between biodiversity
protection and carbon storage.
* Develop policy recommendations for managing public lands to optimize
carbon storage and biodiversity protection;
* Produce scientific and policy reports that highlight the Center’s
positions regarding public land management;
* Undertake outreach to selected constituent groups to build support
for improved management of public lands;
* Conduct policy advocacy within Congress, the California State
Legislature, and state and federal land management and regulatory agencies;
and
* Conduct public education and media outreach.

Desired qualifications:

* Ability to develop and implement rigorous analyses on the
implications for carbon and biodiversity of federal land management;
* Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills;
* Familiarity with federal land-use laws and climate change science
and politics;
* Experience in designing and implementing efforts to reform federal
land management;
* PhD or equivalent experience; and
* Demonstrated commitment to environmental protection.

Salary commensurate with experience and competitive with other non-profit
organizations. Position includes an excellent vacation and benefits
package. Located in Sacramento or San Francisco.

Please send a cover letter, résumé, references, and writing sample via email
to publiclandsscientist@biologicaldiversity.org. Only candidates selected
for an interview will be contacted. Position open until filled.

Application deadline: 
Open until filled
Date posted: 
June 19, 2008
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