All Environment
- Are environmentalists wrong about the Keystone XL pipeline?
Whether the Keystone XL pipeline is or isn’t approved, the real story here is the world’s growing demand for oil, Rapier writes. The only way to stop it is to curb demand, he adds, not try to cut off the Keystone XL pipeline and other supplies.
- With Hugo Chavez gone, US oil industry eyes Venezuela
Oil analysts don't expect sudden changes in Venezuela oil policies after Hugo Chavez's death. But political change in post-Chavez Venezuela could open its oil industry to much wider foreign investment.
- Will the US block an Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline?
US officials have been fighting to stop a $7.5 billion gas pipeline that would transport natural gas between Iran and Pakistan, Alic writes.
- Will Republicans block EPA chief nominee Gina McCarthy?
Gina McCarthy's work with Republican governors could ease her confirmation as head of the Environmental Protection Agency. But her role in expanding regulations on the power industry will draw opposition from some in Congress.
- Are high oil prices pushing us towards debt limits?
The US is reaching debt limits because of a specific resource limit – lack of inexpensive oil, Tverberg writes.
- Invest in oil? Or invest in gas?
There are investment opportunities in both, but finding your edge in oil is a lot easier than in natural gas, right now.
- Will ships sail through the North Pole by 2050?
Melting Arctic ice will create new sea routes, a new study says, including the potential for light ice-breakers to reach the North Pole. New Arctic shipping routes would still be seasonal rather than year-around.
- Will ships sail through the North Pole by 2050?
Melting Arctic ice will create new sea routes, a new study says, including the potential for light ice-breakers to reach the North Pole. New Arctic shipping routes would still be seasonal rather than year-around.
- Do Obama cabinet picks match his greener second-term talk?
President Obama nominated new leaders for the Department of Energy and the EPA Monday. Environmentalists like one of them, energy-industry advocates like the other.
- Do Obama cabinet picks match his greener second-term talk?
President Obama nominated new leaders for the Department of Energy and the EPA Monday. Environmentalists like one of them, energy-industry advocates like the other.
- Physicist nominated as Energy secretary. Are there enough scientists in Washington?
President Obama's selection of nuclear physicist Ernest Moniz as Energy secretary highlights a void in Washington. The nation's capital lacks scientists in key decisionmaking positions and in Congress.
- Does Keystone XL report let Obama off the hook on climate pledge?
The State Department report on the Keystone XL pipeline does not oppose it on environmental grounds. Critics say this allows Obama to back away from his pledge to combat climate change.
- Wholesale power: bankruptcies and lessons
The possible bankruptcy of Energy Future Holdings shows how tough it is to make profits in wholesale power – or finance new coal plants. The fracking revolution is reshaping the energy landscape.
- Thailand to end ivory trade?
Thailand's prime minister pledges to put an end to her nation's ivory trade. But she sets no timeline for ending the ivory trade, which is helping boost illegal poaching in Africa.
- US oil production: Don't believe the hype
Oil production is headed back up, but it will peak below the 1970 high in the US or even the secondary high notched in 1985, federal estimates say. It can's solve worldwide oil depletion.
- Why gas prices go up in the spring
Gas prices always seem to 'spring forward' in the spring. Here's what's behind the seasonal rise in gas prices.
- State Department has no major objections to Keystone XL pipeline
The Keystone XL pipeline cleared another hurdle towards approval late Friday as the US Department of State raised no major objections in its latest environmental review. The lengthy report says Canadian tar sands are likely to be developed, regardless of whether the US approves the Keystone XL pipeline.
- Japan should invest in European shale gas
Shale gas is already having an impact as Japan looks to import suddenly plentiful natural gas from the US. Natural gas from shale should force Europe to recalibrate its own energy future.
- Demand weak, but gas prices heading to $4, anyway
Gas prices are moving higher, apparently because of price moves for Brent crude and limited refining capacity. Will Wall Street fall as gas prices rise toward $4 a gallon?
- Canada minister 'cautiously optimistic' US will approve Keystone XL
Canadian Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver said Thursday he does not expect the US to veto the proposed Keystone XL pipeline from the Alberta oil sands to Texas.