All Environment
- US military attacked for its clean-tech push (but sticks to its guns, anyway)
Conservatives say Pentagon shouldn't worry so much about oil prices. Really?
- Humans seem to need outside energy
For starters: Without the energy to cook their food, humans would have much more limited food supply and spend half the day eating.
- US energy sector better off than four years ago? Duke CEO says yes.
Duke CEO Rogers gives Obama's energy plan a thumbs up, pointing to improved efficiency, low natural gas prices, and two nuclear plants licensed.
- The real reason behind oil price rises
In an interview, energy economist James Hamilton reveals how demand for oil keeps outstripping production, even with new shale oil supply coming from the United States.
- Climate change: why it could be a hot topic on the campaign trail
Climate change had been virtually absent from the campaign until Mitt Romney and President Obama traded jabs at their conventions. Some polls say it could be a vote-getter for Democrats.
- Obama vs. Romney 101: 4 ways they differ on climate change As recently as 2008, presidential candidates openly sparred over their own plans for dealing with climate change. This year it's such a touchy topic that both sides prefer instead to talk about energy policy – a kind of proxy. Here are four ways the candidates differ.
- US to judge: Ignore BP claims of Gulf's 'robust recovery' after spill
Justice Department's strong language in court filings suggests it's ready to go to trial next year against BP for 'gross negligence,' 'willful misconduct.' BP could face billions of dollars in damages.
- Iraq oil exports hit 30-year high
Iraq oil exports in August averaged 2.6 million barrels a day. Iraq made $8.4 billion from its oil exports.
- Open season: Will rebounding Wyoming wolves thrive without US protection?
The US Fish and Wildlife Service dropped federal protections for reintroduced wolves in Wyoming Friday, part of a decades-long plan to bring back the howling of wolves while allowing ‘trophy hunts’ for the apex predator.
- Does Obama need to step in to protect power grids from cyberattack?
Congress appears gridlocked on a cybersecurity bill to protect power grids and other critical infrastructure, so President Obama is considering an executive order.
- Isaac behind biggest one-day jump in gas prices
Gasoline prices hit a national average of $3.80 per gallon, up five cents in one day. Hurricane Isaac shut down several refineries along the Gulf Coast and others are operating at reduced rates. In all, about 1.3 million barrels per day of refining capacity is affected.
- Venezuela oil fire is out. Two days for refinery restart?
Venezuela's huge refinery fire is finally extinguished after three days and 41 fatalities. Oil minister says Venezuela refinery will restart in two days.
- Fuel-efficient US cars? Obama sets target of 54.5 mpg by 2025.
The 54.5 mpg target is double the average fuel efficiency of today's US vehicle fleet. Automakers and environmentalists endorsed the new standards, but some Republicans decried the regulatory burden.
- FocusUsing Chinese star power to fight ivory poaching in Africa
The biggest demand for ivory is in China, so conservationists are trying to give Chinese consumers a greater understanding of poaching – with the help of Chinese celebrities like Yao Ming.
- Tropical Storm Isaac expected to hit Gulf Coast as hurricane
The storm that left 24 dead in Haiti and the Dominican Republic over the weekend had shifted course from Tampa, where the Republican National Convention had pushed back its start to Tuesday in case Isaac passed closer to the gulfside city.
- Gulf Coast evacuations begin ahead of Isaac
Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi have issued evacuation orders as Isaac slows and gathers strength in the Gulf of Mexico. Isaac could be a category 1 hurricane today and hit the Gulf Coast Tuesday.
- Venezuela refinery fire burns for third day
Venezuela's biggest refinery may not be able to restart production after gas explosion causes one of oil industry's worst accidents.
- 'Coalgate' scandal roils India's politics
Indian lawmakers drown out India's prime minister as he defends government role in 'coalgate.' The coalgate controversy involves awarding coal-mining concessions without competitive bidding.
- Venezuela's refinery explosion its worst ever
Venezuela's biggest refinery was rocked by an explosion that claimed 39 lives. Venezuela says the fire is under control and that it won't halt exports.
- A domestic clean-tech industry? US aid backfired.
US taxpayers supported troubled battery firms Ener1 and A123 Systems. Ener1 is now owned by a Russian oligarch. A Chinese company owns 80 percent of A123.