“..One way to play the carbons emissions angle is via Barclays Bank PLC Global Carbon ETN (NYSE:GRN). These Exchange Traded Notes seek to replicate the Barclays Capital Global Carbon Index Total Return. This index is tied to the performance of the most liquid carbon-related credit plans, and as such is looked at as an industry benchmark for carbon investors…”

http://seekingalpha.com/article/105266-energy-investments-under-obama-eye-on-barclays-carbon-etn

Obama wants to enact legislation that implements a wide-ranging cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050.

Currently, the index has only two carbon-related credit plans in it: the European Union’s Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS Phase II) and the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism.

It’s Barclay’s intention to add new carbon-related plans as they are developed, and certainly any plan the U.S. introduces would add to the attractiveness of this ETN as an investment. Shares are thinly traded, but are off 43% from their highs reached this past July.

As his new term unfolds, President-elect Obama’s greatest challenge will be to act as a catalyst to foster the creation of an energy coalition of both Democrats and Republicans.

Given the seriousness of our current situation, there’s a reasonably good chance he’ll have strong bi-partisan support in areas related to energy legislation.

We’ll continue to monitor Congressional energy actions, and report any meaningful and actionable ideas right here. In the meantime, turn down that thermostat and let up a little on the gas…