All Environment
- Lab results raise question: Do we need oil if we have natural gas?Researchers say they've unlocked the chemistry that could help gas beat oil as a cheaper source for liquid fuels and 'commodity' chemicals used to make plastics and other products.
- Ukraine crisis: There is no US 'energy weapon'The Ukraine crisis has led many to call on the US to use its growing oil and natural gas production to help Ukraine and Europe wean itself off Russian energy. There's one very big problem with this view, Cobb writes: The US is still a net importer of both oil and natural gas.
- Europe looks to cut Russian gas imports amid Ukraine crisisEuropean leaders are scrambling to reduce their exposure to the political meddling of Russia, which has demonstrated its willingness to disrupt energy supplies for geopolitical leverage.
- Would exporting energy to Ukraine raise US gas prices?The crisis in Ukraine has stirred support for expanded energy exports that could counter Russia's oil and gas leverage. How might expanding oil and gas exports impact US consumers?Â
- Three years after Fukushima tragedy, Japan makes U-turn on nuclear energyThe terrible Fukushima nuclear accident has not stopped Japan from revamping its safety measures and restarting its nuclear reactors. Thirty-five years after its far less terrible Three Mile Island accident, the US still hesitates to embrace nuclear power
- US oil boom fuels rail industry resurgenceAn increase in US crude oil production has strained the nation's existing pipeline capacity. The rail industry is picking up the slack but oil train accidents have raised questions about how to safely transport oil.
- Cover StoryGermany's aggressive push for a clean-energy futureGermany has a bold plan for a clean-energy future. A majority of the public is on board even though they're paying a steep price – but industry is balking. Â
- Concentrated solar power: Did it miss its chance?The world's largest concentrated solar power plant is now up and running, but the technology is losing out to cheaper photo-voltaic solar power.
- Will more US natural gas to Europe help 'keep Putin in check'? Doubtful.Republicans say faster approval of LNG export terminals could help check the influence of other suppliers, like Russia, and allow Europe to take a tougher diplomatic stance on Ukraine. Energy analysts say that would take years.
- Why Russia needs to sell natural gas more than EU needs to buy itRussia has a track record of using its natural gas supplies as a political weapon, Cunningham writes, but this time around the EU appears to be in better shape.
- Caddo Lake: The open-mouthed dinosaur-era paddlefish is welcome back!At Caddo Lake, in Texas, the paddlefish will return decades after it was almost completely wiped out. The fish will be closely tracked by scientists, researchers, and students as part of a broad collaboration attempting to revitalize a long-damaged ecosystem by changing the water releases from a nearby dam.
- Why redwood burl poaching is so destructiveA road through the Redwood National and State Parks in northern California is closed at night due to a rise in redwood burl poaching. Without the burls, redwoods may not be able to reproduce.
- Chevron wins in court, avoiding $9 billion rainforest fineChevron doesn't have to pay Ecuadorean judgment because lawyers obtained it by corrupt means, a New York federal judge rules. Chevron had been sued for environmental damage to the rainforest from oil operations.Â
- Court rejects BP claim that Gulf oil spill settlement is unfairBP argues that people are fraudulently claiming business losses related to the Gulf oil spill under the settlement reached last year. But a federal appeals court has backed the claimants.
- Ukraine crisis: Could US energy save Ukraine?Ukraine's dependence on Russia for natural gas has long created friction between the two countries. The US could offer Ukraine and Europe an alternative supply, but exporting oil and gas has proved technically and politically difficult in a country scarred by energy shortages of its own.Â
- Oil prices: Ukraine crisis jolts energy marketsOil prices spiked Monday on an unfolding crisis in Ukraine, while Russian stocks took a beating. Heightening tensions between Ukraine and Russia is reverberating through energy markets, making for volatile oil prices.
- Snake eating crocodile: Watch this epic fight to the finishSnake eating crocodile: A water python took on a freshwater crocodile in a 4-5 hour battle in Australia. The snake won, eating the entire crocodile whole.
- Ukraine crisis: Would Putin shut off gas again?Ukraine crisis escalates as Russian and Ukrainian troops mobilize for a possible war in Crimea. The US and EU threaten sanctions as Russia uses its natural gas dominance as leverage over Ukraine and the West. Â
- EPA's new auto emissions regs 'a big deal,' industry saysThe EPA finalized new emissions standards Monday that will affect automakers and oil refineries. The auto industry is on board, but the oil industry is against the move.
- Yellowstone bison OK'd to start new herds outside parkYellowstone bison are among the last pure-bred bands of wild bison in the US. A USDA study concludes the 4,000 bison in Yellowstone national park deemed free of cattle disease could be used to start new bison herds elsewhere.