Studies that support global climate change are a "bunch of snake oil science," former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said during a public appearance yesterday in California, a state that often leads the nation in environmental laws.

Speaking at a logging conference in Redding, Calif., Palin criticized heavy-handed environmental laws that she said make it difficult for businesses to succeed in the state.

This is the year that the money will flow and jobs will grow from the Energy Department's $80 billion in seed money investments in clean energy. But what happens after the recovery funding is spent?

On that question, expert opinion was divided at last week's RETECH 2010 conference, sponsored by the American Council on Renewable Energy. Some industry panelists said clean energy incentives are paying off already. Others warned that policy paralysis in Washington could cripple U.S. efforts.

Environmental and faith-based activists will launch radio advertisements today targeting eight senators seen as key in a Senate vote on whether to block U.S. EPA from regulating greenhouse gases, legislation the spots describe as the "Dirty Air Act."

Funded by American Values Network and Environment Maine, the ads attempt to motivate calls to oppose the resolution from Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) that is expected next month.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched a new climate service today, a reorganization effort aimed at improving long-range assessments of climate change, sea-level rise and severe weather.

The effort is aimed at providing long-term forecasts to assist fisheries managers, farmers, state governments, renewable energy developers, water managers and others.

With federal greenhouse gas regulation set to become reality next month, a top U.S. EPA official said that Congress should not rush to pass a climate bill on account of the agency's actions.