All Environment
- Energy firms push deeper, farther offshore in search of oil
More than three years after 2010's Gulf of Mexico oil spill, energy companies are pushing into deeper waters offshore in search of oil. Consistently high oil prices, the decline of conventional oil fields and new drilling technologies have fostered big investments in ultra-deep-water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Eagle deaths: US to let wind energy kill eagles
Eagle deaths from some wind farms will get a federal pass for up to 30 years in an effort to foster clean energy growth. Wind power is a pollution-free energy intended to ease global warming, but turbines have caused at least 67 eagle deaths since 2008, according to a federal study.
- Wind energy tax credit: Is it worth the money?
Wind energy faces yet another scheduled expiration of the wind Production Tax Credit that has promoted growth in the industry for two decades. Replacing it with a smarter policy emphasizing innovation, Styles writes, would be beneficial for taxpayers, the environment, and even the US wind energy industry.
- Amid Ukraine protests, energy sector tilts toward Russia
Ukraine's energy company has agreed with Russia gas giant Gazprom to hold of on settling natural gas debts for imports since October. With Ukraine embroiled in protests, the move signals a tilt by Kiev back to its former Kremlin patrons, Graeber writes.
- Obama wants to clean up Washington ... energy
President Obama has ordered federal agencies to rely on clean energy for 20 percent of its energy use by 2020, nearly triple its current level of renewable consumption. Mr. Obama's directive is no small order: The federal government is the country's largest energy consumer and spends billions on fuel each year.
- Tesla Motors batteries aren't just for electric cars anymore
Tesla Motors has teamed with SolarCity on a solar-powered battery system for businesses. By bundling SolarCity solar panels with Tesla Motors batteries, the companies aim to offer businesses onsite electricity during power outages or peak demand when energy is expensive.
- Florida bear attack injures woman walking dog
Florida bear attack leaves a woman injured but alive in central Florida. The Florida bear attack came Monday evening as the woman was walking her dog in the Orlando suburb of Longwood.
- Greece OKs major natural gas pipeline to Europe
The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, which will carry natural gas from the resource-rich Caspian basin in Azerbaijan to Western Europe, cleared an important hurdle this week. The Greek Parliament voted to grant the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline access through Greek territory.
- OPEC holds steady on oil despite big changes in energy
OPEC will keep its current oil production levels despite a rapidly changing global energy market. But with a shale revolution in the US, production booming in Saudi Arabia, and Iran hoping for a return to market, OPEC may eventually have to shift strategy.
- When global warming kicks into overdrive, how will we know?
A government panel suggests the creation of an early-warning system to track when global warming is threatening abrupt changes that could threaten ecosystems or political stability.
- Is energy dragging Europe down?
Energy, not low birthrates or social-safety networks, is what is dragging Europe down, according to speakers at an energy conference in the capital of Slovakia. A patchwork of contradictions, counterproductive regulations, political fiats and multiple objectives leave Europeans paying more for energy.
- Maui shark attack is 13th this year in Hawaii
Maui shark attack is the eighth this year near Maui and the 13th shark attack statewide. With the latest Maui shark attack, officials are unsure as to why the incidents are occurring more frequently than usual.
- Behind the scenes at Canada's oil sands
Energy analyst Robert Rapier recounts a tour of Canada's Athabasca oil sands and explains the controversial method for producing oil from the oil sands.
- One small step for solar? Firm envisions solar panels on moon.
Japanese engineers have drawn up plans to install a belt of solar panels around the moon's equator that would collect energy from the sun and beam it back to Earth in the form of microwaves and lasers. It may sound far fetched, but Japan isn't the only country exploring the potential for a solar industry in space.
- After nuclear deal, Iran angles for return to oil market
An accord on Iran's nuclear program opens the door for the Islamic Republic's return to prominence in the global oil market. Iranian officials are already on the hunt for regional partners and western investors to help rebuild an energy industry decimated by international sanctions.
- Sedalia explosion: Gas pipeline ruptures in Missouri
Sedalia explosion: A 30-inch natural gas pipeline rupture caused an explosion north of Sedalia, Mo., Thursday night. The fire caused by the explosion could be seen 12 miles away.
- Are gassy cattle a bigger problem than US government thought?
Cattle generate twice as much methane as the EPA supposed, according to a new report. The study's findings may also change assumptions about the safety of extracting natural gas, which consists primarily of methane.
- Oil prices fall after Iran nuclear deal
Oil prices dropped below $94 a barrel Monday as Iran reached a deal with six world powers on the country's nuclear program. The agreement dropped oil prices 92 cents to $93.92 in midday trading in New York.
- Eagle deaths: Unprecedented $1 million fine for Wyoming wind farms
Eagle deaths lead to Duke Energy Corp. paying $1 million for birds killed at two Wyoming wind farms. It was the first time a US wind energy company had been successfully prosecuted for the deaths of eagles or other protected birds.
- Explosion of gas tanks injures five in Wyoming
Wyoming gas tanks explosion is under investigation as federal investigators head to scene. Contract workers were welding in Wyoming gas field at the time of the explosion of five gas tanks.