All Environment
The upside to an economic downturn? A decline in emissionsCarbon dioxide emissions resulting from energy production declined in the US in 2011, according to the US Energy Department. A battered economy and high fuel prices may account for the drop in emissions.
Tensions mount in South China Sea. Here's how to ease them.Escalating international dispute over South China Sea islands involves an oil bonanza of unknown proportions. Here are steps China, Japan, the US, ASEAN, and others can take to neutralize regional competition over energy.聽
Chesapeake Energy sells assets to focus on oilChesapeake Energy sells $6.9 billion worth of West Texas land and infrastructure. Chesapeake Energy is slashing debt to cope with the collapse in natural gas prices.
In coal-reliant West, a shift to natural gas, renewablesFor the first time in 30 years, carbon-dioxide emissions from coal-fired plants are dropping, due to the slow retirement of old coal plants. But the West is still more reliant on coal for electricity than states in the East.
Europe has had enough, but can it stand up to Gazprom?Europe wants to escape Gazprom's stranglehold by diversifying into shale gas. But Gazprom is throwing up obstacles.
Carbon-neutral natural gas? A lab breakthrough but ...A microbe can turn wind and solar electricity into natural gas while sucking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But it's commercial feasibility is not yet tested.
BP pays $1.5 million in gas recallBP has paid more than $1.5 million in claims arising from a multistate recall of incorrectly formulated gasoline that damaged some vehicles' mechanical components. BP聽recalled about 4.7 million gallons of gasoline last month distributed Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Four reasons gas prices are about to fall fastGas prices are set to decline even without a release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Temporary factors that have pushed up gas prices are now ending.
Invest in Iran's renewable energy? Not so crazy.Renewable energy is a potential solution in Iran's nuclear standoff with the West. Iran's Ahmadinejad is already investing in new renewable energy projects.
EPA regulations will raise your electric bills, threaten the gridEPA rules for compliance could force some plants to close because they don't have time for a retrofit.
Arctic sea ice falls to record low. Global warming?The decline in sea ice coincides with warming at the top of the world that has been occurring twice as fast there as it has for the northern hemisphere as a whole as the global climate warms.
Why the oil industry doesn't want you to remember the last 14 yearsOil prices belie the industry's story of continued abundance in oil supplies.
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?聽
Humans seem to need outside energyFor 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 risesIn 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 trailClimate 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 鈥� a kind of proxy. Here are four ways the candidates differ.
US to judge: Ignore BP claims of Gulf's 'robust recovery' after spillJustice 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 highIraq oil exports in August averaged 2.6 million barrels a day. Iraq made $8.4 billion from its oil exports.