Topic: PG&E Corporation

Energy Voices Prague blast: How big a threat are natural gas explosions? (+video)

An explosion in Prague follows by a day a blast in France, both thought to linked to natural gas. Big natural gas blasts like the one in Prague are rare in the US, but more could be done to avoid them, experts say.

West Virginia gas pipeline explosion – just a drop in the disaster bucket

The West Virginia gas pipeline explosion follows several high profile natural gas accidents and a rapid increase nationally in pipeline mileage – even as federal oversight appears to lag.

More rain-drenched days ahead in North California (+video)

More rain has been predicted for Northern California, even after the 15 to 20-inch onslaught the area saw last week. 

Energy Voices California carbon market at risk amid opposition

Political unrest and general disagreement between climate experts and business leaders is threatening to take the California emissions program under before it’s really begun, according to Consumer Energy Report.

Who has final say over the fate of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant?

If a state wants to shutter a nuclear power plant, but the feds have relicensed it, does the state have legal grounds for closure? That question is being wrestled with in federal court.

How a federal court battle in Vermont could recast nuclear power

The authority to license nuclear power plants has rested squarely with the federal government since 1983 – but if Vermont prevails in federal court, that power could shift to the states.

Critics cite 'severe seismic risk' at California nuclear power plants

State and federal legislators voice concerns about the earthquake risk at two California nuclear power plants – as well as the adequacy of safety protocols in place there.

For town made famous by 'Erin Brockovich,' a toxic sequel?

Hinkley, Calif., battled pollution of its ground water by chromium 6 in the 1990s – a case that inspired 'Erin Brockovich.' Now the substance has escaped its containment barrier.

Hexavalent chromium: Chemical found in drinking water of 31 US cities

Hexavalent chromium is the pollutant at the heart of 'Erin Brockovich.' The movie recounts the legal battle waged by residents of Hinkley, Calif., who blamed exposure to the chemical for high rates of diseases.

If Proposition 23 passes, will other greenhouse-gas laws fall?

California's 2008 law to limit greenhouse-gas emissions is seen as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's biggest achievement. If it is undone by Proposition 23, other similar laws could follow, experts say.

Community colleges: White House wants business to help place future workforce

Community colleges are the focus of a White House summit Tuesday in Washington. The Obama administration is looking to several national businesses to assist future employees coming out of community colleges find jobs.

Oil spills hit on land, too: Aging pipelines imperil Midwest

Oil spills in recent weeks, from Canadian-owned pipelines that supply Midwest refineries, are another sign of nation's aging infrastructure. Latest spill expected to raise Midwest gas prices by 30 cents a gallon for several weeks.

What caused deadly San Bruno fire? Investigations underway

As firefighters continued their search through the stricken area for victims, federal investigators indicated that they would be looking at a range of contributing factors – including maintenance records, pressure conditions, and human factors.

Gas explosion, San Bruno: how authorities will investigate it

The National Transportation Safety Board is the agency responsible for investigating pipeline accidents, and it’s likely to have a long list of questions about the gas explosion, San Bruno, Calif.

San Bruno fire, after gas explosion, destroys neighborhood

San Bruno fire crews fought the aftermath of a gas-main explosion that killed at least one person, and destroyed more than 50 homes.

Edward Burtynsky and Ansel Adams: A pairing of devastation and beauty

In a new exhibition, Ansel Adams's iconic nature images are contrasted with Edward Burtynsky's industrial scapes of rock quarries, coal heaps, and rusty ships.

Companies desert the climate deniosphere

Companies are leaving trade associations that deny human-induced global warming.

In Israel, solar power that won't need subsidies

On Monday, ZenithSolar unveiled a new solar dish that could make the cost of solar energy competitive with fossil fuels.

Ocean power surges forward

Wave power and tidal power are still experimental, but may be little more than five years away from commercial development.

Coming soon: Google your electricity use

Google.org, the philanthropy arm of the information giant, announced Tuesday that it is developing software that will allow users to monitor their home's electricity use in near real-time over the Web.

Horizon highlights – future cyber war, future solar plants, and future TV shows

Fuel cost now driving up electric bills

Disconnect notices have risen sharply, indicating stress on more households.

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