All Energy Voices
- Fracking poses water threat in drought-stricken states
Hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas is posing a growing risk to water supplies in several regions around the country, according to a new report. Competition between water use for fracking and other uses is not new, particularly in dry areas, but as oil and gas production rises, the issue will only grow in importance.
- Renewables disrupt utilities. That's a good thing.
Rather than lament renewable energy's disruption of the traditional utility business model, Lovins writes, we should help progressive utilities and disruptive upstarts shape a new electricity system powered increasingly by clean, distributed renewables.
- Snow, ice leaves 400,000 still without power. Can the grid handle winter?
Hundreds of thousands remained in the dark Thursday after a winter storm brought a mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain to the Northeast United States. The recent spate of cold weather and winter storms has weighed heavily on the nation's energy infrastructure.
- Winter storms send natural gas prices to 4-year high
Winter storms in the Northeast United States sent natural gas prices Wednesday to a high not see since early 2010. An unusually cold January complete with multiple snow storms has the region burning through more natural gas than expected.
- How to use less fossil fuel at home
Putting solar panels on your roof will only take you so far. The trick is finding ways to use more of the electricity in your home and send less of it to the grid where you will likely be charged per kilowatt-hour for your share of upkeep.
- Is this the beginning of the end of coal?
Coal may be poised for a comeback in 2014 as natural gas prices rise and extreme cold push up electricity demand. But new EPA regulations and investor trepidation point to a structural decline for coal, Cunningham writes, not a cyclical one.
- Winter storm hits Northeast as emergency energy aid runs low
After dumping snow, sleet, and freezing rain on Midwestern states Tuesday, the latest winter storm is bringing another blast of cold to the Eastern Seaboard. The recent string of winter storms has sapped the home energy assistance funds used to aid low-income households with utility payments.
- Why Europe won't buy Canadian oil
Canada says it wants to expand its oil export market, Graeber writes, but overseas obstacles and national trade policies could keep much of its crude oil out of Europe.
- Nissan Leaf sales slip on icy weather
Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt sales slid in January, rounding out a bad start to 2014 for electric cars. Bitter cold was mostly to blame for a lack of interest in Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, and just about every other car on the market.
- The Lone Star State's clean-energy leader
Denton, Texas is known for its festivals and eclectic music scene, Guevara-Stone writes, but the bustling community 30 miles northwest of Dallas is also a leader in clean energy, boasting more wind power per capita than any other city in the nation.
- Shareable economy: Sharing cars means saving energy
As we develop a renewable-energy economy powered by clean-energy technologies, we must in the meantime find ways to cut down on resource consumption, Cobb writes. Car sharing and other elements of the 'shareable economy' can help.
- Keystone XL pipeline study puts ball in Obama's court
The US State Department released its final environmental report on Keystone XL, triggering a 90-day deadline for President Obama to make a final decision on the controversial oil pipeline. Over five years of debate, Keystone XL has become a flash point in US energy.
- Chevron follows Shell, Exxon Mobil profit slide. Is Big Oil in trouble?
Oil and gas multinationals record billions in profits, but a shifting energy landscape has taken its toll. Shell and Exxon Mobil posted disappointing earnings, further evidence the US oil boom isn't boosting the usual suspects.
- Is butanol the future of renewable fuel?
Like ethanol, butanol can be produced from corn or sugar cane, but it has a far higher energy density and is easier for refiners to mix with gasoline.
- Why Obama’s push for climate means trouble ahead for coal
President Obama signals he'll push forward with tougher regulations on carbon-heavy fuels, like coal, in his bid to reduce climate change and create green jobs. That means tough times ahead for coal.
- State of the Union: Is Obama's 'all-of-the-above' energy working?
President Obama used Tuesday's State of the Union address to defend his 'all-of-the-above' energy policy, rankling some who would rather the president pick their favorite fuel. Promoting all energy sources, Obama said in the State of the Union speech, is 'creating jobs and leading to a cleaner, safer planet.'
- Tesla Motors completes New York-LA fast-charging network
Tesla Motors has completed the coast-to-coast section of its free Supercharger network for its Model S electric car. Tesla Motors expects the entire Supercharger network to be complete by the time the affordable Model E is released to the market in 2017.
- Will Kazakhstan lead an oil boom in Asia?
Even with Kazakhstan's giant Kashagan oil field down, the prospects look up for oil and gas in the Central Asian country, Graeber writes.
- Ukraine holds promise for shale gas despite uncertainty
Ukraine will host a summit in May to explore European shale oil and natural gas. Despite an uncertain political future, Ukraine is still one of more promising shale areas in the region, Graeber writes.
- Unfazed by environmental challenges, coal industry mounts PR assault
Social benefits of carbon outweigh costs at least 50 times, according to new coal industry report. But even coal's friends say it should push to clean up its fuel.