Energy saving gestures 'do not make a difference'

Professor David MacKay, who advises the Department of Energy and Climate Change, said focusing on gestures such as turning off mobile phone chargers when not in use "is like bailing the Titanic with a teaspoon".

"The truth is that a typical mobile phone charger consumes just 0.01 kWh per day, exactly the same as the energy used by driving an average car for one second," he explained.

"I'm not saying that you shouldn't switch phone chargers off. But don't be duped by the mantra 'every little helps'."

EPA sets stage for expanded climate rules - The Hill's E2-Wire

“They are not going to succeed in stopping EPA from acting under existing law, and I think the Republicans underestimate the support of the American people for environmental legislation,” Waxman told reporters in the Capitol Wednesday.