All Environment
California gets rain at last: Will it be enough to help with drought?On Tuesday, downtown Los Angeles experienced the most rainfall in a single day since records have been kept 鈥� 1.21 inches of rain. But meteorologists suggest that the overall winter outlook is still sobering for California.
Low oil prices are a good thing, right? Not always.Plummeting oil prices seem like good news for US consumers, who are paying less at the pump than they have in four years. But cheap crude has its drawbacks 鈥� from undermining domestic oil production, to discouraging investment in new energy sources.
Ukraine nuclear plant accident cuts powerA Ukraine nuclear plant accident has cut power production but poses no danger, according to the country's energy minister. Normal power output from the nuclear plant is expected to be restored by the weekend.
Oil prices plunge. Is a shale bubble bursting?Oil prices have plunged in recent months, which is bad news for energy firms who have relied heavily on debt to finance their operations. Amid low oil prices,聽could a shakeout of the oil industry spark a broader financial crisis?
South Stream: Russia's 'nyet' and the pipeline to nowhereThe cancellation of South Stream, a proposed gas pipeline to Europe from Russia, comes amid fraying ties between two critical centers of energy supply and demand. It's the clearest signal yet that Russia's grip on European energy markets is slipping.聽
Power slowly returns to Detroit after massive power failureA massive power outage in Detroit Tuesday resulted in building evacuations, school closures, and traffic light failures.聽
Who wins from low oil prices? ChinaFalling oil prices benefit China because the country does not make money on oil. Instead, it buys it, and is the world's largest net importer of oil. The lower oil prices fall, the more affordable it becomes for China to develop its economy.聽
Detroit power outage: Cable failure darkens parts of cityDetroit power outage affected several government buildings in Detroit after a 'major cable failure' plunged the cash-strapped city into darkness. Schools and businesses said they would close or suspend services because of the Detroit power outage.
Putin says Europe killed South Stream pipeline. Did oil play a role too?The Russian president blamed European intransigence for his decision to end the gas pipeline, which would have circumvented Ukraine via Bulgaria and Serbia. But the decision also comes as dropping oil prices put the squeeze on Russia's budget.
South Stream: Russia cancels major gas pipelineSouth Stream 鈥� a proposed pipeline to ship Russian gas to Europe 鈥� is no more. Moscow announced Monday it was spiking the multibillion dollar gas pipeline project amid tensions with the West.聽
First nuclear, now coal: Germany eyes expanded energy transitionGermany is weighing whether or not to undertake another monumental energy transition 鈥� shutting down its coal-fired power plants in order to slash carbon emissions. Europe's largest economy is already charting an impressive path forward with renewable energy.聽
With oil prices strategy, OPEC takes aim at US shaleIf oil prices continue to slide, OPEC will almost certainly achieve its goal of preventing significant investment in new US oil production. But low oil prices will also put financial pressure on some of the cartel's most vulnerable members.聽
Oil prices, OPEC, and the future of energy [Recharge]By letting oil prices slide and maintaining market share, OPEC is playing a risky game of chicken that will take years to play out.聽
Crude falls below $68; oil sector stocks plungeOil prices plunge 8 percent in New York, one day after OPEC's decision to hold production steady. Europe's oil sector loses $67 billion in market capitalization over two days.
Smog check: EPA proposes tougher regs for ground-level ozone pollutionEnvironmental and health advocates welcome a lower level for ozone found in smog. Industry officials say it would mean 'enormous costs' for the US economy and consumers.
New 'clay' could help remold possibilities for renewable energyResearchers have produced a clay-like substance with triple the electrical capacity of its predecessor, an advance that could affect renewable energy storage.
Can OPEC but the brakes on falling oil prices?A coordinated cut in oil output by OPEC members could stop and possibly reverse what has been a 32 percent decline in oil prices over five months. But many analysts think OPEC won't agree to a cut, which could send oil prices falling further.
Stricter smog standards coming soon, say sourcesThe current smog standard is 75 parts per billion. In 2010, the EPA proposed tightening the standard to 60 to 70 parts per billion. AP sources say Obama will propose 65 to 70 parts per billion Wednesday, though EPA science advisers had endorsed a standard of 60 parts per billion.
Renewable financing gets boost; Iraq regains Baiji; Senate blocks Keystone XL [Recharge]Industrialized nations make good on a pledge to finance sustainable development. Iraqi troops reportedly retake the Baiji refinery. The US Senate votes down the Keystone XL pipeline. Catch up on global energy with Recharge.
Indictment of CEO potential turning point in coal mine safety
