Topic: Basic Chemical Manufacturing

Russia blasts latest sanctions against Iran nuclear program

The latest sanctions against the Iran nuclear program target its oil and petrochemical industries. The US and France are also threatening more devastating measures against Iran's banks.

Illinois train explosion: How safe are ethanol tankers?

A freight train that derailed and exploded Friday in Illinois was carrying ethanol. Though rail transport of ethanol has increased dramatically, accidents involving hazardous materials are down.

How can Congress cut $2.4 trillion? Here are three places to start.

Finding $2.4 trillion in spending cuts is not easy, but Congress's search is beginning to show some signs of promise. In particular, three programs long protected by big, bipartisan majorities in the past now appear vulnerable.

Senate votes to end ethanol tax breaks: What it means

A Senate vote to eliminate $6 billion in tax breaks for ethanol producers is a strong sign that ethanol is losing allies and Congress is increasingly open to getting rid of tax breaks.

If Senate repeals ethanol subsidies, what happens at the gas pump?

The Senate vote on repealing tax subsidies for ethanol producers has big political ramifications, but the impact on the industry could be minimal. A continuing federal mandate that requires refiners to blend ethanol into gasoline provides adequate support for producers, experts say.

GOP quandary: Is a vote to eliminate tax breaks actually a tax hike?

One of the few potential points of bipartisan compromise in the budget stalemate is reining in tax breaks. A Senate vote Tuesday could reveal whether GOP senators are on board.

Libya 101: A primer on key battleground cities

Reports from Libya are a constant flurry of cities gained and lost by Muammar Qaddafi's forces and rebel troops, and it's hard to keep track if you don't know where these cities are or why they matter. Here's an quick explanation, with cities listed west to east.

Eight ways $100 oil may affect you

Here are eight ways that higher energy prices are starting to affect America.

Oil reaches $100 a barrel: Five winners, five losers

With gasoline now at $3.37 per gallon – 20 cents higher than last week, and rising daily – who is profiting from higher prices and who is not?

How ethanol production could make for crumbly corn chips

The side-by-side production of corn for food and corn for ethanol raises a spatial externality issue.

LA explosion: Firefighters search building shattered by gas leak

LA explosion in a commercial building kills one man and left another critically injured by a downed power line.

US manufacturing's decline a little less caustic

The ‘holy grail’ of biofuels now in sight

Long-promised cellulosic ethanol is in modest production, but hurdles remain.

Kenya taps into Brazil's ethanol expertise

Last month, a team of four ethanol experts from Brazil visited the East African country as part of a program to share advice.

Are alternative fuels reliving the 1980s?

Today’s slumping oil prices may undermine viability of alt-fuel programs – again.

The race to fill your tank with wax paper, grass clippings, and wood chips

Ethanol producers, backed by major investors, say a wide range of materials soon could power your car.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about ethanol, subway "smart card" security, and potatoes.

Stop the rush to corn biofuel

An EPA ruling only helps Congress keep pumping a fuel that's escalating food prices.

Ethical investing: Are US alternative-energy companies a good buy?

About a third of these firms are in the US, but some overseas prospects are too good to pass up, according to fund manager Carey Callaghan.