All Environment
Why electricity's future is in the produce aisleNot all kilowatt-hours of electricity are created equal, Bronski writes, but most customers consume them as if they are. That's changing as consumers demand more information about how, where, and when their electricity is generated.
Mass. governor proposes $50 million plan to brace for global warmingMassachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is pushing the state to strengthen its energy grid and sea walls against the potential effects of global warming. Many states are taking up such adaptation projects.
In 2014, world races to join shale energy boomThe shale genie is out of the bottle, Warren writes. US production in shale oil and gas offers lessons learned for countries desiring to exploit their own energy resources.
Fracking and water pollution: What's the connection?Complaints in key venues of the US oil and gas boom continue to suggest that drinking water is being contaminated by fracking for oil and gas, Peixe writes. The pollution complaints against fracking have been confirmed in a number of cases, but not across the board.
Iran nuclear deal: Don't believe the hype around oilAn Iran nuclear deal would ease economic sanctions on the Islamic nation in exchange for limits to its uranium enrichment program. Oil prices slipped Monday, on news of the Iran nuclear deal, set for Jan. 20, but the promise of new Iranian oil may be overhyped.
Fracking for an energy renaissance that will not comeThe hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling used to extract oil from shale deposits is supposed to glut the world with oil and drive down the price. The record so far is not compelling, Cobb writes, and talk of an American energy renaissance is essentially baseless.
King Coal is dead. Long live King Coal!Cheap natural gas and environmental regulations have threatened King Coal's US reign in recent years, but could 2014 be the year coal stages a comeback?
Rhino permit: Can you protect a species by selling permits to hunt it?The Dallas Safari Club sold a permit to hunt an endangered African black rhino for $350,000. Though the money will go toward protecting the species and the rhino designated for the hunt is old, wildlife and animal rights groups say the event sends the wrong message.
Energy disruption: Will fracking end Big Oil?The US shale gas and oil revolution has shown that hydrocarbons are almost everywhere, Grealy writes, and we no longer need to go to the ends of the earth or spend or spend a ton of capital to find them. The new energy paradigm is a world where the most attractive projects are those closest to markets.
West Virginia chemical spill: Does it threaten clean water gains?Rivers and streams are becoming cleaner thanks to industry advances and government regulation. But this week's chemical spill in West Virginia shows that threats to the environment and public water supplies remain.
Top 10 reasons 2013 was a good year for clean energyClean energy developments helped bring us closer to a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future in 2013, Guevara-Stone writes. Here's the Rocky Mountain Institute's pick for top 10 clean energy developments of 2013.
West Virginia chemical spill: What's 4-methylcyclohexane methanol?A West Virginia chemical spill, which has cut off water to hundreds of thousands of citizens across nine counties in the state, is used in the coal industry. The compound involved in the chemical spill into West Virginia's Elk River – 4-methylcyclohexane methanol – is used to clean coal.
- Natural gas pipeline for N.J. Pinelands rejected
A 22-mile natural gas pipeline in New Jersey ignited a classic jobs-versus-the environment clash in one of the most ecologically sensitive areas of the nation's most densely populated state.
Gas prices in 2014: more relief at the pump?Gas prices averaged $3.49 per gallon in 2013, down about 12 cents from the record-high price in 2012. What's the outlook for gas prices in 2014?
Clean energy storage on the cheap in new flow batteryA new battery developed by Harvard scientists uses an inexpensive chemical and a unique structure to address the intermittent nature of wind and solar power.
Frozen Niagara Falls? OK, partially frozen.Frozen Niagara Falls came as a 'polar vortex' hit much of the US with extreme, low temperatures. Photographer Aaron Harris captured a partially frozen Niagara Falls for Reuters.
How a small town in Italy struck green goldTwo decades ago, Varese Ligure, Italy was fading away due to a lack of jobs, industry and essential services, Guevara-Stone writes. Today, it's a charming town with bustling markets and thriving tourism. How wind turbines and solar panels helped it get there.
Train derailment: Oil train catches fire in CanadaTrain derailment in Canada forces about 150 people from their homes, as oil and propane continued to burn. The train derailment is the latest in a series of accidents that have raised questions about the safety of transporting oil by rail.
Polar vortex: How will it affect your utility bill?The polar vortex gripping the nation is as unpleasant for utilities and grid operators as it is for you. What does the polar vortex mean for your next utility bill?
Polar vortex: Stressed about the cold? So is the power grid.The polar vortex that has swept much of the US in the past days is creating a headache for utilities struggling to keep up with increased demand and spiking prices. The impact of the polar vortex is particularly harsh on New England, where natural gas pipeline infrastructure is lacking.
