1. JAPAN:
Looming election could strengthen climate policy

Japan's landmark elections next week could have sweeping implications for the country's climate change policies. The Democratic Party of Japan, projected to win by a landslide, has pledged to slash Japan's greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 2005 levels in the coming decade, compared to the 15 percent cut promised by the current ruling party. Go to story #1

2. GRID:
Power industry coalition seeks driver's seat in 'green' planning

A consortium of Eastern Interconnection grid operators and energy companies has agreed to seek Energy Department funding to prepare a "bottom up" blueprint for transmission line expansion to accommodate a potential surge in renewable energy and smart-grid deployment in the next decade. Go to story #2

3. EFFICIENCY:
Lincoln's summer home offers a lesson in green building

WASHINGTON -- One hundred fifty years ago, there wasn't much public officials in this city could do to escape the stifling August heat but steal away to leafy retreats on the city's fringes. For three years of his presidency, Abraham Lincoln did just that. Without air conditioning, his cottage's designers had to be clever -- using methods that the National Trust for Historic Preservation says still offer wisdom for the battle against climate change. Go to story #3