Environment

All Environment

EPA to natural gas companies: Give details on 'fracking' chemicals

The natural-gas production industry has resisted providing information about fracking or hydraulic fracturing chemicals, which some say have fouled drinking-water wells.
Gulf oil spill puzzle: A giant piece begins long rise to surface

BP raises the titanic steel blowout preventer, whose failure led to the Gulf oil spill, one of the world's worst. What story will it tell?
California set to ban plastic bags

Plastic bags from grocery stores and pharmacies would be banned starting in 2012 under a new bill before the senate. Critics of the bill say recycling programs, not bans, are the answer.
IPCC climate change panel needs transparency, review panel finds

The IPCC climate change advisory panel, stung by criticism that it ignored dissenting views, underwent an independent review of its management. Observers have called the report 'remarkably hard-hitting.'
Is new species of microbe gobbling up Gulf oil spill?

A study released Tuesday suggests that a new species of microbe is consuming the undersea plumes in the Gulf oil spill – perhaps more quickly than scientists anticipated.
Gulf oil spill to blame for oily blobs in vital Gulf sea life?

Researchers found orange blobs in blue crab larvae in May. The discovery is part of a push to understand what effect the Gulf oil spill is having on the foundations of the Gulf food chain.
Michigan hails judge's move in Asian carp fight against Chicago

A judge on Monday scheduled hearings in an Asian carp case for September – a move that will allow five Midwestern states to call on expert testimony. The five states are seeking to close two Chicago canals in a bid to stop Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes.
As 'plant productivity' dips, a search for answers

A new study recorded a slight dip in the amount of CO2 taken up over the past 10 years. If the trend continues, scientists say it could signal a tipping point in earth's ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Gulf oil spill plume stretches 22 miles, not breaking down much

US and Australian scientists measured the plume from the Gulf oil spill during a research cruise. The findings are published Thursday.
Obama's new offshore oil drilling rules: too many loopholes?

The White House’s new guidelines for offshore oil drilling in deep water were intended to make it tougher for oil companies to avoid detailed environmental reviews.
What happened to Gulf oil spill? Rosy portrait was hasty, study says.

The new estimate from marine scientists comes two weeks after a report that prompted rosy conclusions from some Obama administration officials about the Gulf oil spill.
Obama panel boosts bid to put greenhouse gas emissions underground

An Obama task force Thursday said that carbon capture – in which greenhouse gas emissions would be stored underground – is feasible. It's seen as a promising way to combat global warming.
USA
Post-Copenhagen quest for global warming accord stuck in reverse

Negotiators seeking to lay the groundwork for a global warming summit in Mexico in November appear to be moving further from consensus.
Final 'kill' of Gulf oil spill well set to begin this week

BP said its 'bottom kill' to plug the Gulf oil spill well permanently should start later this week. BP also deposited its first installment – $3 billion – in the Gulf escrow fund.
Global warming heats up a nuclear energy renaissance

Global warming and the BP oil spill have helped rehabilitate nuclear energy in the eyes of the public – and some environmentalists.
Green living: Off the grid families pioneer sustainable energy lifestyles

Once on the fringe, about 750,000 off the grid American households pioneer green living by tapping sustainable energy from the wind, sun, and earth.
Green living: Sustainable design is Big Thunder's big payoff

Green living: A $40,000 investment in sustainable design pays off in seven years at Big Thunder
Green living: tapping geothermal energy for a home HVAC system

Green living in Oklahoma: This family taps geothermal energy straight from the earth for it's HVAC system.
Green living: This solar home is completely off the grid

Green living: If you can do it here, you can do it anywhere. Off the grid in the dark Upper Peninsula of Michigan, this solar home is fully powered year round.
Green living: Wind turbines power a Bronx apartment complex

Wind turbines power green living at a Bronx subsidized apartment complex.