All Environment
Putin says Europe killed South Stream pipeline. Did oil play a role too?The Russian president blamed European intransigence for his decision to end the gas pipeline, which would have circumvented Ukraine via Bulgaria and Serbia. But the decision also comes as dropping oil prices put the squeeze on Russia's budget.
South Stream: Russia cancels major gas pipelineSouth Stream – a proposed pipeline to ship Russian gas to Europe – is no more. Moscow announced Monday it was spiking the multibillion dollar gas pipeline project amid tensions with the West.
First nuclear, now coal: Germany eyes expanded energy transitionGermany is weighing whether or not to undertake another monumental energy transition – shutting down its coal-fired power plants in order to slash carbon emissions. Europe's largest economy is already charting an impressive path forward with renewable energy.
With oil prices strategy, OPEC takes aim at US shaleIf oil prices continue to slide, OPEC will almost certainly achieve its goal of preventing significant investment in new US oil production. But low oil prices will also put financial pressure on some of the cartel's most vulnerable members.
Oil prices, OPEC, and the future of energy [Recharge]By letting oil prices slide and maintaining market share, OPEC is playing a risky game of chicken that will take years to play out.
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.
Smog check: EPA proposes tougher regs for ground-level ozone pollutionEnvironmental and health advocates welcome a lower level for ozone found in smog. Industry officials say it would mean 'enormous costs' for the US economy and consumers.
New 'clay' could help remold possibilities for renewable energyResearchers have produced a clay-like substance with triple the electrical capacity of its predecessor, an advance that could affect renewable energy storage.
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.
Renewable financing gets boost; Iraq regains Baiji; Senate blocks Keystone XL [Recharge]Industrialized nations make good on a pledge to finance sustainable development. Iraqi troops reportedly retake the Baiji refinery. The US Senate votes down the Keystone XL pipeline. Catch up on global energy with Recharge.
Indictment of CEO potential turning point in coal mine safety
Falling oil prices squeeze state budgets across USSeveral US states that are overly dependent on oil to meet their budget forecasts are up for a big disappointment. They're experiencing the challenge of budget woes as a fall in oil prices could pose serious consequences for their economies.
Oil markets wonder: Whither OPEC?There is a high degree of uncertainty over how November's OPEC meeting and Iranian nuclear negotiations will unfold. Either way, the end of November will have a huge impact on oil prices.
GOP Congress: 5 energy priorities Republicans captured control of Congress in the 2014 midterms elections. But what does it mean for US energy policy? Here are five GOP energy priorities.
How Russia could derail US natural gas exportsUS natural gas producers may be seeing their dream of substantial liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports suffer fatal injury because of Russian exports to the Chinese market, Cobb writes, a market that was expected to be the largest and most profitable for LNG exporters.
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: Does it matter anymore?Debate on the Keystone XL pipeline has resurfaced on Capitol Hill in the last week. But with oil prices falling and alternative routes for oil to get to market, the Keystone XL pipeline is less important to global oil flows than it was six years ago.
