All Environment
Wyoming explosion: Natural gas purification plant rockedWyoming explosion: The town of Opal, Wyoming was evacuated, but no injuries were reported in an explosion at a facility that removes impurities from natural gas and serves large numbers of customers in the West.
New study challenges old thinking about extinctions worldwideFor some time, the accepted wisdom has been that biodiversity is declining worldwide. A new study challenges that assumption and suggests a different dynamic is at work.
US energy chief on Ukraine: Don't count out its resources, US know-howThe Ukraine crisis presents the country with an opportunity to boost its domestic energy production with the help of American expertise, says US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, in a Monitor interview. US experts will support Ukraine natural gas production and energy efficiency as part of a crisis support package announced Tuesday.聽
5 environmental wins to celebrate Where have humans made progress on energy and the environment?
Russia ships its first Arctic oil. Is a boom coming?Russia is moving ahead with its controversial Arctic oil plans, but Russia's Arctic prize won't be as big as many think, Cunningham writes.聽
Ukraine deal: How energy binds Russia, EuropeDiplomats from Russia, Ukraine, Europe, and the US agreed Thursday to steps that aim to deescalate an increasingly delicate situation in eastern Ukraine. Energy interdependency has helped tamp down tensions as the sides take a step toward settling Ukraine's natural gas debt.
California gray wolf protections mulled amid hunts elsewhereCalifornia gray wolf populations聽haven't roamed in聽California聽for nearly a century. A commission in California postponed by three months a decision聽on whether to list the gray聽wolf聽as endangered so that more public comments could be heard.
How a California county produces more power than it usesA small California county has become the first in the state to produce more power from solar panels than it uses. 聽- California gray wolf decision delayed. Should it be protected?California gray wolf advocates will have to wait 90 days to learn if the animal will fall under legal protections. A state board voted unanimously Wednesday to delay a decision on the California gray wolf so it can gather more public comments on the issue.
Are fracking emissions worse than we thought?Methane emissions from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) could be much higher than previously estimated, according to a new study. The results are troubling because natural gas has been trumpeted for its supposed emissions benefits when compared to coal.聽
Clean energy: Is a boom coming in 2014?Clean energy is off to a strong start in 2014, with global investment rising as prices for wind and solar power continue to drop. Renewables still hold a small share of total energy mixes, but clean-energy growth is picking up momentum.聽
Has crude oil production already peaked?The notion that oil is becoming abundant all over again is contradicted by the levitating price, Cobb writes, and by the evidence that actual worldwide crude oil production is either flat or growing at an infinitesimal rate.
Pollution in Asia tied to stronger Pacific storms that pull heat toward ArcticThe pollution comes in the form of tiny sulfate particles and black-carbon soot that result from burning coal, oil, and wood for power. The particles increase the vigor of the Pacific storms.
Mississippi storm overturns trailers near Gulf CoastMississippi storm left about a dozen damaged or destroyed RV trailers at a campground Tuesday. The Mississippi storm blew through Santa Maria RV Park, leaving two with minor injuries.聽
Ukraine makes inroads on energy security as Donetsk teetersUkraine declared an 'anti-terrorist operation' Tuesday against pro-Russian militia in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. Meanwhile in the West, Kiev courted its European neighbors for alternative fuel supplies that would boost its energy security.
Ukraine crisis: How will energy influence May elections?The atmosphere in Ukraine is increasingly tense ahead of its May presidential elections, with pro-Russian militia groups continuing to occupy buildings in eastern Ukraine. The country's energy history and future will help shape Ukraine's presidential elections.聽
Ukraine crisis belies shift to Asian energy marketsWhile much of the political focus has been on energy security in Eastern Europe, Graeber writes, the economic bread crumbs point to real investment security in Asia.
Gas prices tick up on Ukraine unrestGas prices rose less than a penny Monday, while the price of oil rose to close above $104 for only the second time since September. It's a sign the Ukraine crisis may be influencing oil prices, which will likely make for higher retail gas prices in the weeks ahead. 聽
IPCC report: How to fight global warming while saving moneyWhile containing global warming will require substantial investment in cleaner sources of energy, much can be accomplished through energy efficiency, a new United Nations report says. More efficient cars, buildings, and appliances will play a crucial role in curbing the effects of global warming, the report found.聽
Nuclear energy rides the 'shake table' for earthquake safetyUS nuclear power plants are designed and built to stringent seismic standards based on the surrounding region. To test against earthquakes, nuclear companies use special 'shake tables' to simulate the聽powerful earthquake ground movement.
