All Environment
Is butanol the future of renewable fuel?Like ethanol, butanol can be produced from corn or sugar cane, but it has a far higher energy density and is easier for refiners to mix with gasoline.聽
Climate change putting penguin chicks at risk, scientists sayA 27-year study of聽Magellanic penguins found that heavy rain thought to be prompted by climate change is taking its toll on penguin chicks.聽- Penguins, even in Argentina, at risk from climate change, study saysPenguins in Punta Tombo, Argentina, have a new foe to contend with 鈥� global climate change. Heavy rains and high temperatures are endangering the world's largest breeding colony of Magellanic penguins.
Why Obama鈥檚 push for climate means trouble ahead for coalPresident Obama signals he'll push forward with tougher regulations on carbon-heavy fuels, like coal, in his bid to reduce climate change and create green jobs. That means tough times ahead for coal.
State of the Union: Is Obama's 'all-of-the-above' energy working?President Obama used Tuesday's State of the Union address to defend his 'all-of-the-above' energy policy, rankling some who would rather the president pick their favorite fuel. Promoting all energy sources, Obama said in the State of the Union speech, is 'creating jobs and leading to a cleaner, safer planet.'聽聽聽
Tesla Motors completes New York-LA fast-charging networkTesla Motors has completed the coast-to-coast section of its free Supercharger network for its Model S electric car.聽Tesla Motors expects the entire Supercharger network to be complete by the time the affordable Model E is released to the market in 2017.
Will Kazakhstan lead an oil boom in Asia?Even with Kazakhstan's giant Kashagan oil field down, the prospects look up for oil and gas in the Central Asian country, Graeber writes.聽
Ukraine holds promise for shale gas despite uncertaintyUkraine will host a summit in May to explore European shale oil and natural gas.聽Despite an uncertain political future, Ukraine is still one of more promising shale areas in the region, Graeber writes.聽
Unfazed by environmental challenges, coal industry mounts PR assaultSocial benefits of carbon outweigh costs at least 50 times, according to new coal industry report. But even coal's friends say it should push to clean up its fuel.
Pipeline explosion leaves thousands in Canada without heatPipeline explosion in聽the Canadian province of Manitoba Saturday cut heat to thousands in聽municipalities south of Winnipeg, where the wind chill could reach minus 45 degrees F. Monday. The pipeline explosion is the latest example of extreme cold testing energy infrastructure across North America.
Ukraine unrest: the energy connectionUkrainian protesters seized an administrative building in Kiev Friday, before President Viktor Yanukovych appeared to offer concessions to ease growing unrest. Ukraine's energy challenges 鈥� dependent on fickle Russia for natural gas and unable to yet develop its own resources 鈥� make a difficult situation worse.聽
Report: US rail spilled more oil in 2013 than in past 37 years combinedMore crude oil was spilled in US rail incidents last year than during the previous 37 years, according to a new government analysis. Oil by rail transport has聽become more popular as pipeline capacity has fallen behind increases in oil production during the North American shale boom.
Why trains may switch to natural gas instead of dieselRailroad companies figure using natural gas could cut fuel costs by as much as 50 percent. They are starting to redesign locomotive engines to be capable of burning both diesel and liquefied natural gas.
Historic California drought called a red flag for future of USThe California drought, the worst in its history, could have far-reaching impacts for the state and for a nation that is only now starting to cope with climate change, experts say.
5 new ways Obama could jumpstart clean energyPresident Obama can push clean energy forward without the need for congressional action, Cunningham writes. A new report lists over 200 recommendations for executive action on clean energy and energy efficiency.
Winter storm Janus: Natural gas prices soar in NortheastWinter storm Janus brings shivering cold and heavy snow to much of the Northeast Wednesday, causing a spike in demand for natural gas. Spot prices in the Northeast are already hitting record levels, and the cost of winter storm Janus may eventually trickle down to consumers.聽
Will the frequency of devastating El Ni帽o events double?Intense weather events caused by El Ni帽o may soon occur every 10 years, instead of every 20 years, thanks to warming Pacific waters.
What happens when the shale oil boom ends?The shale revolution in the United States, as with any revolution, will be brief, Graeber writes. It's what happens after the revolution ends that matters.
A quarter of world's sharks and rays at risk of extinction, say scientistsAn assessment of 1,041 species of cartilaginous fish revealed that these animals face a significantly higher risk of extinction than most other animals.- Propane shortage: Winter storm prompts energy emergency in MidwestA propane shortage in the Midwest is raising concerns about residents who rely on the fuel for heating. The propane shortage has prompted a state of emergency in Ohio,聽as bitterly cold weather descends on the Midwest.
