Two-thirds of Americans support a binding climate agreement

PARIS:
• President Obama says the U.S. takes responsibility for its role in contributing to climate change and pledges ​“to do something about it.” (Forbes)
• World leaders urge swapping out fossil-fuel subsidies in exchange for a carbon tax. (Forbes)
• New polling shows two-thirds of Americans support the U.S. joining a binding international agreement to curb growth of greenhouse gas emissions. (New York Times)
• Stocks for low-emission companies see gains ahead of Paris talks. (Reuters)
• The climate talks aren’t meant to solve global warming, but to give structure and momentum to efforts already underway. (Vox)

BIOFUELS: In a highly awaited decision, the EPA announces new biofuel levels required in the U.S. fuel supply, increasing the amounts from a proposal earlier this year. (New York Times)

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES: In a sharp upward trend, 300,000 electric vehicles have been sold in the U.S. since 2009 as battery costs have continued to decline. (Scientific American) 

CLEAN POWER PLAN: Utility and grid experts say the true costs of implementing the federal rules won’t be known for years. (ClimateWire)

CLIMATE CHANGE:
• The economics behind ​“deep decarbonization” are ​“really brutal” and will require countries to make vast transformations. (New York Times)
• ExxonMobil goes on the offensive against Columbia University journalists’ reporting on the company’s climate history. (Politico)

SOLAR: One solar company is offering incentives to Airbnb hosts who have solar installations on their house. (Chron)

OIL AND GAS:
• Utah officials move to close nearly 20 hazardous openings at abandoned uranium and copper mines. (Deseret News)
• At least seven earthquakes occurred in northern Oklahoma Monday, including one felt 300 miles away in Iowa, prompting concerns about oil and gas activity. (NewsOK)

EFFICIENCY: A new report says costs to fight global warming can run net-neutral if strong efficiency programs are in place. (Utility Dive)

REGULATORS:
• California’s top oil regulator is resigning after 17 months at the embattled agency. (Associated Press)
• Arizona’s attorney general asks the state Supreme Court to remove the elected chairwoman of the Arizona Corporation Commission over conflict-of-interest allegations. (Phoenix Business Journal)

SECURITY: Experts say the U.S. grid is still vulnerable to a major cyber attack. (EnergyWire)

AGRICULTURE:
• Monsanto says it will become carbon neutral by 2021. (Associated Press)
• An Iowa agency helps farmers transition to more efficient and renewable-powered operations. (Midwest Energy News)

COAL: Appalachia grasps for hope as the future of coal grows bleaker. (Associated Press)

POLITICS: Ahead of a U.S. House floor debate this week, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle introduce dozens of amendments to a sweeping energy package. (E&E Daily)

COMMENTARY:
• The leader of an Ohio conservative group says members of the party need to ​“hit the reset button” and embrace clean-energy. (Midwest Energy News)
• Electrifying the transportation sector ​“presents a huge opportunity to achieve our clean air and climate goals.” (Intelligent Utility)
• Continuing to rely on corn-based ethanol to meet Renewable Fuel Standard goals is not a good idea. (Grist)