All Environment
- Climate change report: How to keep lights on when water is scarce
Climate change poses threats to the extraction, production, and distribution of energy across the US, according to a new climate-change report from the Obama administration. Much of the challenge for the energy industry revolves around its reliance on water for cooling and production needs.
- US looks at climate change at local and regional levels
The US National Climate Assessment details how climate changes are influencing health, infrastructure, water supply, agriculture and may be resulting in more frequent severe weather such as floods and droughts.
- Solar power breakthrough hints at cheaper panels for more roofs
Two sets of scientists have reported promising results from a new recipe for solar cells, which could result in panels for solar power that are easier and cheaper to make.
- How long can Russia's oil and gas wealth last?
Russia is in the midst of its longest streak of declines in oil and gas production in years, its economy is in shambles and its leverage on the international stage is in question. Its energy-dominated economy may not sustain Russia's ambitions in Eastern Europe for much longer, Graeber writes.
- Ukraine crisis: Can Ukraine, Russia avoid another gas shutoff?
Ukraine violence escalated over the weekend and into Monday as pro-Russian militants clashed with Ukraine forces in the east and the Black Sea port city of Odessa. The threat of another natural gas shutoff intensified, too, with Russia and Ukraine failing to agree on terms for paying down Ukraine's gas debt.
- Oil prices stay below $100 a barrel
Oil prices rose 34 cents Friday after a strong jobs report, but still remain under $100 a barrel after US supplies of crude surged to a new record. In London, Brent crude oil prices closed at $108.59 a barrel.
- Big gamble felled Energy Future Holdings. Safe bet could resuscitate it.
Using an aggressive bet on the direction of natural gas prices, Energy Future Holdings (formerly TXU) went from big deal to bankrupt. But it still has the utility assets to emerge as a much more stable entity.
- Ukraine crisis: Why no sanctions on Russian gas giant Gazprom?
Western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine have so far avoided targeting Russia's state-owned natural gas company Gazprom. That's largely because Europe relies heavily on Russian natural gas imports and would suffer economically if sanctions are ratcheted up in the Ukraine crisis.
- Scientists: 'Fracking' should be part of assessing earthquake hazards
Researchers are now including waste-water injection – including the ‘fracking’ used in oil and gas development – to estimate earthquake hazards. The central and eastern US have seen a steep increase in earthquakes.
- Rancho Cucamonga fire grows to 800 acres
Rancho Cucamonga fire forced the evacuation of 1,100 homes near the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles in Southern California. Strong winds helped the Rancho Cucamonga fire spread to reach 800 acres Wednesday.
- Oil train fire: Tankers derail, catch fire in Lynchburg, Va.
Oil train fire started after several tanker cars carrying crude oil derailed in downtown Lynchburg, Va. The oil train fire caused the evacuation of nearby buildings but no injuries have been reported, according to Lynchburg officials.
- Ukraine crisis: How Spain could ease Europe's energy woes
The Ukraine crisis has spurred new interest in Europe finding alternatives to Russian natural gas imports. Spain is not exactly an energy powerhouse, but it could serve as a conduit to the rest of Europe for supplies of non-Russian natural gas.
- Half of Americans living in areas with polluted air, report finds
More than 147 million live in counties where levels of ozone or particle pollutions exceed safe limits, reports the American Lung Association.
- Gas prices: What's keeping them from rising even higher?
Gas prices are high in the US, but they could be even higher if it weren't for a boom in US oil production, according to AAA. US drivers are frustrated by the high gas prices, but they probably shouldn't expect a return to the days of cheap gas.
- Supreme Court OKs EPA pollution rules: another blow for coal
The Supreme Court upheld a federal regulation Tuesday that limits the amount of air pollution that can cross state lines, handing a victory to the Obama administration's efforts to limit air pollution. The Supreme Court ruling deals a blow to the US coal industry, but the biggest hit is yet to come.
- EU, US sanctions on Russia: Big Oil stands with Moscow – for now
New Western sanctions on Russia over Ukraine early this week did little to deter the world's leading energy firms from moving ahead with major oil and gas projects in Russia. That could change as Washington and Brussels mull broader sanctions on Russia's energy industry.
- Supreme Court upholds Obama EPA rules on cross-state pollution
The decision caps a decades-long effort by the Environmental Protection Agency to find a legally acceptable way to ensure that states are good neighbors and don't contribute to pollution problems in downwind states.
- Keystone pipeline moving forward ... in Canada's eyes
Keystone XL pipeline decision was delayed again in the US. But Canada's new energy minister says he's confident the controversial Keystone XL pipeline will eventually win Obama's approval.
- Google's 'green' energy plan: Build, learn, expand
Google and other top US corporations are switching to renewable energy as a way to burnish their brands. The corporate push – and government mandates – are encouraging utilities to provide that energy, although it's not a risk-free proposition.
- US energy chief Moniz: Three reasons for hope on global warming
Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz visited Boston Tuesday to commemorate Earth Day at the New England Aquarium. Before heading to Fenway Park to throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game, he sat down with the Monitor's David J. Unger to talk about the Ukraine crisis, oil exports, methane leaks, and his optimism about tackling climate change. Here are excerpts (edited for clarity):