‘(Reuters) – The White House on Friday said the massive oil spill in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico showed the need for climate change and energy legislation, dismissing calls from a Republican backer of the bill to hold off.’

via White House says time right for climate bill | Reuters.

‘Harold T. Shapiro, the former president of Princeton University and the University of Michigan, has agreed to become chairman of a new 12-member panel that will review the practices of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The group will look into the policies of the panel on climate change that contributed to errors in a recent report, including a faulty estimate of the rate of melting of the Himalayan glaciers. Many scientists say they stand behind the panel’s findings.’

via World Briefing – United Nations – Leader Named for Climate Review – NYTimes.com.

‘(Reuters) – The massive, uncontrolled oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is roiling President Barack Obama’s carefully laid plans to open up America’s coasts to drilling again, while rattling Congress to a point where the oil industry’s exploratory plans could face a big shake-up.’

via U.S. oil spill hurting energy moves in Congress | Reuters.

‘WASHINGTON – A historic environmental protection bill is in danger after a massive oil spill put a new focus on the perils of offshore drilling, a feature that was supposed to win wider support for the legislation.’

via Climate bill could be harmed by Gulf spill – Yahoo! News.