All Environment
Judge rejects BP bid to block Gulf spill payoutsBP's request to block settlement payouts associated with the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill was rejected Friday by a federal judge. BP estimated a year ago that it would spend roughly $7.8 billion to resolve tens of thousands of claims by businesses and individuals covered by the settlement.
Why is the Mafia investing in renewable energy?The renewable energy industry is apparently becoming a favorite playground for the underworld, Alic writes. Lucrative government subsidies for the construction of wind farms and a fairly lax regulatory system have made renewable energy attractive to the Mafia.
For some farmers, a return to animal powerA nonprofit based in Michigan teaches animal-powered farming at home and abroad. Draft power, or animal traction, is a method smaller farmers still use because draft animals cost less than tractors and require no fuel.
- For some farmers, a return to animal power
A nonprofit based in Michigan teaches animal-powered farming at home and abroad. Draft power, or animal traction, is a method smaller farmers still use because draft animals cost less than tractors and require no fuel.
Wind industry in holding pattern, awaiting new tax rulesAs long as construction starts before year-end, wind and geothermal properties are eligible for the Production Tax Credit. The problem, Hinckley writes, is no one is exactly sure what it means to begin construction.
Tax day 2013: Saving energy can save you money on taxesAs tax day 2013 approaches, look for tax savings from energy efficiency. Energy-saving appliances are more prevalent than ever. Making your home more energy efficient can generate tax credits come tax day.
Watch out: WTI-Brent spread is narrowingThe $20 per barrel gap between Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate crude has closed to $13 to $14 a barrel. WTI prices are moving up, but forces pushing energy prices up may be weakening.
Californians support coal despite LA plan to ban itCalifornian support for clean coal power is in stark contrast to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's plan to remove coal from the city's electricity mix by the year 2025, Tracey writes.
BP to sell US wind assets, renew focus on petroleumBP will sell its US wind energy assets as part of a strategy to focus on oil and gas. It also forms part of the program to raise $38 billion from assets sales in order to cover the costs that BP is facing from the fallout of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Peixe writes.
Despite public support for Keystone XL pipeline, activists step up criticismThe Keystone XL pipeline draws support from two-thirds of Americans, according to a new Pew poll. Activists plan protest at Obama fundraiser in San Francisco as they press on with efforts to block the Keystone XL pipeline.
How much is a nuclear program worth? For Iran, well over $100 billion.According to a new report, keeping Iran's condemned nuclear program going has already cost Tehran more than $100 billion in lost oil revenue and foreign investments alone.
The future of fuel-efficient, self-driving carsSemi-autonomous driving is already here, Alic writes, and the future will clearly see self-driving and an increase in fuel efficiency. According to Germany’s Continental tech supplier, we’re looking at fully automated driving by 2025.
For Keystone XL foes, oozing Canadian crude in Arkansas spill is black goldThousands of barrels of Canadian crude spilled from an ExxonMobil pipeline in Arkansas Friday. Opponents of the proposed Keystone XL say the black goo in backyards makes their case.
Nissan Leaf sales soar in record month for plug-in carsMarch car sales showed growth in electric vehicles, with a dramatic jump in Nissan Leaf sales. March 2013 will probably be one of the best months ever for the electric vehicle industry, although it's still a small sliver of the automotive market.
What does the ExxonMobil spill mean for the Keystone XL pipeline?The ExxonMobil pipeline spill accident comes roughly two weeks before State Department officials head to Nebraska to vet public comments on the Keystone XL pipeline. How will the ExxonMobil spill in Arkansas impact the Keystone XL pipeline debate?
Lake Erie: big algae problems, more to comeLake Erie's huge algae bloom in 2011 covered nearly a fifth of the lake. A new report says warming climate and modern farming are creating ideal conditions for big algae blooms to clog Lake Erie.
- Lake Erie: big algae problems, more to come
Lake Erie's huge algae bloom in 2011 covered nearly a fifth of the lake. A new report says warming climate and modern farming are creating ideal conditions for big algae blooms to clog Lake Erie.
Tesla Motors expects first profit; Fisker Automotive eyes bankruptcyTesla Motors announced late Sunday it exceded its sales target for its Model S electric car and expects to record a profit for the first time in the company's history. Meanwhile, its biggest luxury electric-car competitor, Fisker Automotive, is exploring filing for bankruptcy.
Oil supermajor drops out of Canadian tar sands projectTotal SA, a French oil supermajor, will sell its 49 percent stake in a Canadian oil sands project. The sale raises questions about whether the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project is really in the US’ interests, Alic writes.
Spread of Antarctic ice: no longer a global warming paradox?While Arctic ice shrinks to record lows, Antarctic ice has been increasing in winter. New study suggests summer melt in Antarctic is creating a surface layer of freshwater that freezes more readily in winter.
