Energy/Environment

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A surprising source of demand for US natural gas

The US natural gas market is on the verge of a big swing, Forest writes, but it doesn't have to do with liquid natural gas. Instead, there's an interesting and unexpected source of demand for US natural gas.
A declaration of energy independence: What it really means

True energy independence is more than a supply-demand equation. For starters, energy independence should mean freedom from gasoline price spikes caused by unstable foreign nations.
Lonesome George, famous Galápagos tortoise, to be preserved: why he's a symbol

Lonesome George, who died last year, will be displayed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York this winter. Experts hope the exhibit will spread awareness about species extinction.
A Gulf of Mexico oil platform has been leaking for 9 years

Hurricane Ivan swept away an oil production platform in the Gulf of Mexico in 2004. Nine years later, it's still leaking oil, although the company behind the project says it has reduced the leak to a trickle.
Why oil prices rise on Egypt unrest (+video)

Oil prices spiked above $102 a barrel Wednesday as protesters poured into the streets of Cairo and the Egyptian military ousted President Mohammed Morsi. Egypt is critical to regional oil transportation and has investors worried that protests could spread elsewhere in the region.
Ethiopia: Big Nile dam could ease Africa power failures

Ethiopia: Big Nile dam echoes the Hoover Dam in scale and scope, offering the hope of a brighter economic future in Ethiopia and the Nile region. Ethiopia's big Nile dam – called the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam – will cost $4.2 billion and be able to produce 6,000 megawatts of electricity.
UN: Last decade was warmest on record, but weather-related fatalities fell

The World Meteorological Organization's review of severe weather and climate 2001 to 2010 shows that nine years in that decade were among the 10 warmest on record. Even normally cool La Niña years warmed up.
Oil prices spike over Egypt unrest: How worried should we be?

Concerns over the disruption of the Suez Canal has inflated the price of crude oil to its highest point in over a year, but analysts say the spike is likely temporary.
Fourth of July travel: Gas prices drop for Independence Day (+video)

Fourth of July celebrations just got a bit more festive with a recent drop in gas prices. If it lasts much beyond the Fourth of July will depend on turmoil in Egypt and across the Middle East, the economy, and especially hurricane season.
Wildlife trafficking: US initiative in Africa 'really about people' (+video)

The US wildlife initiative to stop poaching of elephants and other animals aims to address each level of an expanding illegal global market that is rivaling the global narcotics, arms, and human trafficking markets.
Obama pledges $7 billion for clean energy in Africa

President Obama unveiled this week a $7 billion plan to improve energy access in Africa over the next five years. The "Africa Power" initiative was announced during President Obama's three country tour of Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Tanzania: Obama kicks soccer ball, generates power

Tanzania: Obama showed off his soccer skills with a so-called Soccket soccer ball that creates and stores kinetic energy during play. The Tanzania demonstration underscores President Obama's plan to invest $7 billion in energy access programs in Tanzania and across Africa.
GM, Honda to join forces on fuel cell vehicles

GM and Honda said Tuesday they would collaborate to develop new alternative fuel vehicles based on hydrogen storage and fuel cell technologies. GM and Honda already have more than 1,200 fuel cell patents between them, and both companies have experimental vehicle fleets. Ford, Daimler and Renault-Nissan have announced similar plans.
Why oil and gas drilling is going deeper and further offshore

Offshore oil and gas drilling is moving further offshore and deeper underwater as energy companies seek to find sources of production in low-risk areas, Gagliardi writes. The added incentive is that more remote basins may hold the promise of significant deposits of hydrocarbons with 200 million barrels or more of recoverable reserves.
Could nuclear weapons save the elephants?

Researchers have found a way to use radioactive isotopes from above-ground nuclear testing to determine the age – and thus the legality – of ivory.
Obama climate plan: the one thing you need to know

President Obama's plan to address climate change will at most have a slight impact, Cobb writes, but it is nonetheless a brave and even historic move towards slowing the effects of climate change.
Heat wave tests California power grid. Why no blackouts so far?

A heat wave scorching its way through the West is the first major test of summer's spiking energy demand, but it seems to be passing the test. Better technology and communications may be to thank for that. But utilities are still on high alert, particularly in California where two nuclear plants have gone offline.
Death Valley temps tie record in extreme heat wave (+video)

Death Valley temps soared Sunday at least tying the record high temperature of 128 degrees for June. One thermometer recorded Death Valley temps of 129.9, which shatters the record for June.
How to reap the rewards of the shale gas boom

The increased role for natural gas consumption is obvious, Warren writes. Smart government policies can play a positive role so society benefits from this once-in-a-century boon.
Yucaipa fire burns through California amid broiling heat wave

Yucaipa fire scorched 200 acres of brush and threatened homes in San Bernardino County in California. Firefighters worked to combat the Yucaipa fire in high temperatures as much of California broils under a massive heat wave.