"However the negotiations with Congress turn out, the budget will lock in the course of climate policy through the next presidential election."

"Many of the climate-change goals were old, but some were new in President Obama's budget request to Congress, published on Monday.

Familiar elements included more green-energy R&D, permanent status for tax breaks that subsidize renewable production of electricity, and yet another plea to end existing subsidies for fossil fuels. Among the novelties: new incentives for states to meet the low-carbon targets of proposed Clean Air Act regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency, which would manage the $4 billion Clean Power State Incentive Fund, said it would support 'state efforts to go above and beyond their carbon pollution reduction goals in the power sector.'"

John H. Cushman Jr. reports for InsideClimate News February 2, 2015. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Budget Boosts Obama's Climate Agenda" (The Hill) [3]

"2016 Proposed Budget Fact Sheet" (EPA) [4]

"Obama's Budget Calls for Billions in Climate Funding" (Mother Jones) [5]

"Obama Proposes $1 Billion Lifeline for Parts of Appalachia Where Coal Jobs Vanished" (Lexington Herald-Leader) [6]

"Obama Wants Weather Agency Moved To Interior" (The Hill) [7]

"Ag Committee Chairs Blast Obama Budget Plan" (Agri-Pulse) [8]

"Obama Spending Plan Would Cut Cash for Great Lakes Restoration By $50 Million" (Chicago Tribune) [9]

"Statement of EDF President Fred Krupp on Today’s White House Budget Proposal" (Environmental Defense Fund) [10]