All Latest News Wires
Crude falls below $68; oil sector stocks plungeOil prices plunge 8 percent in New York, one day after OPEC's decision to hold production steady. Europe's oil sector loses $67 billion in market capitalization over two days.
Can OPEC but the brakes on falling oil prices?A coordinated cut in oil output by OPEC members could stop and possibly reverse what has been a 32 percent decline in oil prices over five months. But many analysts think OPEC won't agree to a cut, which could send oil prices falling further.
Stricter smog standards coming soon, say sourcesThe current smog standard is 75 parts per billion. In 2010, the EPA proposed tightening the standard to 60 to 70 parts per billion. AP sources say Obama will propose 65 to 70 parts per billion Wednesday, though EPA science advisers had endorsed a standard of 60 parts per billion.
Keystone XL: Don't count it out yetKeystone XL vote failed in the Senate yesterday, but Republicans are promising they'll pass the bill early next year when they assume control of the Senate. Keystone XL has shown Democratic divisions, pitting environmentalists against energy advocates.
Japan whale quota: Hunting resumes despite rulingJapan whale quota calls for hunting 333 minke whales, down from some 900 in previous whale quotas. The announcement comes despite an international court ruling that said previous Japan whale hunts were illegal.
Oil and gas decision in GW National Forest: Fracking, yes. Drilling, some.Over the objection of environmental groups and Virginia’s governor, fracking and drilling will occur in parts of the George Washington National Forest, the largest national forest on the East Coast.
Keystone XL supporters scramble for one more voteKeystone XL, a controversial oil pipeline, needs one more vote in the Senate to send a bill to President Obama approving the proposed project. Keystone XL has been the subject of a fierce struggle between environmentalists and energy advocates ever since Calgary-based TransCanada proposed it in 2008.
Halliburton, Baker Hughes merge as oil prices plummetThe Halliburton acquisition of Baker Hughes comes as oil prices have tumbled 31 percent over the past 5 months to levels not seen in four years. A scaling back of drilling has led to less work for Halliburton and Baker Hughes.
South Africa tests shark fence: An electronic 'punch' in the noseA 100-meter-long cable was installed on Friday in a small bay in Cape Town that seeks to exploit the sharks' super-sensitive nose. Think underwater electronic dog fence.
Progress WatchSurprise US-China climate deal sets aggressive targetsUnder the deal signed Nov. 12, the US would cut emissions twice as fast as President Obama's earlier target. China, for the first time, set an emissions target, saying they would peak by about 2030, if not earlier.
McConnell promises La. GOP Senate candidate spot on Energy committeeKentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, expected to become majority leader in January, says Republican candidate Bill Cassidy, who faces Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu in a runoff next month, will promote energy jobs in Louisiana.
GOP wins Senate control, boosting energy sharesRepublicans won Senate control in Tuesday's midterm elections, leading many to believe that will mean faster action on pipelines and trade agreements. News of Republicans gaining Senate control sent energy shares higher on Wednesday.
Baby hippo: LA zoo gets rare surpriseBaby hippo born at LA zoo comes as a bit of a surprise, although staffers had noticed the mother hippos had gained weight. The baby hippo born at the LA zoo is the first in 26 years.
Hyundai, Kia gas mileage penalty totals $100 millionCarmakers Hyundai and Kia are fined $100 million for overstating gas mileage figures on window stickers for 1.2 million vehicles. The Hyundai Kia gas mileage penalty is the first under new rules aimed at limiting the amount of heat-trapping gases cars are allowed to emit.
South Africa anti-poaching sting uncovers rhino hornsA South Africa anti-poaching operation resulted in the confiscation of 90 pounds of rhino horn, officials said Saturday. Two suspects were arrested in the South Africa anti-poaching sting.
UN climate change report: Do we need another one?The United Nations issued its fifth climate change report Sunday, affirming with 95 percent certainty that humans are responsible for global warming. But now some outside and within the UN are wondering if it makes sense to embark on another mammoth climate change report.- Uranium plant leak prompts investigationUranium plant leak Sunday in southern Illinois is being investigated by an official from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. No injuries were reported from the uranium plant leak.
Solar electric cars: When your gas station is the sunA growing number of electric car drivers are fueling their vehicles with the power of the sun. Rooftop solar panels can easily generate enough electricity to power an electric or plug-in gas-electric hybrid vehicle.
BP oil spill 'bathtub ring' on Gulf floor, study saysBP oil spill 'bathtub ring' about the size of Rhode Island remains on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico according to new research. The 2010 BP oil spill spewed millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, leaving what researchers say resembles an oil spill 'bathtub ring' on the sea floor.
Gas prices dropping. Where are the lowest prices?Gas prices are dropping around the US, driven by a decrease in crude oil prices. One survey says US gas prices have dropped 18 cents per gallon in the last two weeks.
