All Environment
- Texas town rejects partial fracking ban
A North Texas city voted down a petition that would have made it the first city in the state to ban further permitting of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), a controversial technique used to extract oil and gas.
- Rare forest in Florida sold to make way for Walmart
Rare forest sold by the University of Miami to developer who plans a Walmart, an LA Fitness Center, a Chik-fil-A and Chili's restaurants, and apartments. Nearly half the rare forest will be kept as a preserve, which is habitat to plants, animals, and insects found nowhere else.
- What's slowing the spread of a North Dakota pipeline spill? Beaver dams.
Beaver dams have so far prevented about 1 million gallons of fracking wastewater discovered spilled July 8 from a rural North Dakota pipeline from spreading too far. But, many North Dakota residents and experts are calling for more regulations and reliable measures.
- Europe at TTIP talks: Open the US energy spigot
European officials are using transatlantic trade talks to push for access to the US shale oil and gas boom, largely off-limits due to decades-old trade restrictions on US energy exports. Environmental groups and consumer advocates oppose lifting the ban on concerns it will raise domestic energy prices and contribute to climate change.
- Fracking FAQ: What's the link between injection wells and earthquakes?
States with abundant fracking (hydraulic fracturing) have seen a surge in seismic activity, raising suspicions that fracking and its wastewater injection wells could be to blame.
- US electricity prices are rising. Thank the 'polar vortex.'
US ratepayers will pay 3 percent more for electricity this year – the biggest increase since 2008, according to US government projections. The higher prices come after a harsh winter that strained the Northeast's grid and boosted natural gas demand.
- How long will world's oil reserves last? 53 years, says BP
The world has 53.3 years left to find an alternative to oil before current proved reserves run dry, according to BP. Of course, nations are finding new oil – meaning that number is rising – but new extraction methods are costly and can pose environmental threats.
- Melting Arctic opens new routes for energy shipping
Two companies are looking into shipping liquefied natural gas through the Arctic Ocean. What environmental and economic effects would an Arctic Ocean shipping route have?