Topic: Union of Concerned Scientists
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Focus On Earth Day 2013, a planetary report card on global warming
Planetary carbon dioxide concentrations are the highest they've been in the past 800,000 years, an ignominious milestone for Earth Day 2013. Still, the world is making some progress toward addressing global warming.
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Energy Voices Climate change deniers strike out – even in energy-rich Kansas
States, not Congress, are taking the lead on climate change laws – from a new cap-and-trade program in California to widespread adoption of renewable electricity standards. Moves to weaken those standards aren't gaining traction in state capitals.
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Energy Voices Fukushima two years later: How safe are US nuclear plants?
Two years after Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster, US officials say the country's nuclear plants are safe. A new report from an environmental organization challenges that assertion.
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In Gear My Nissan Leaf life: the Times's Tesla mistake
The New York Times report of a Tesla's failed test drive misses the point. You can't bring gas-powered car expectations to an all-electric vehicle.
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Opinion: Don't listen to the Chicken Littles: Obama made smart investments in green tech
A few falling acorns (Solyndra and A123) don't mean the sky is falling on clean technology. Far from it. The federal government’s track record on supporting green energy tech is an enviable one. And this investment is improving America’s energy, economic, and environmental fortunes.
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Energy Voices Food vs. fuel debate: It's about much more than corn
Cellulosic biofuels aren't ready for prime time. So the EPA should reduce the 2013 mandates for biofuels, not only for cellulosic but also for corn and other food-based biofuels.
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North Korea rocket test shows long road to credible missiles
Experts say Pyongyang is years from even having a shot at developing reliable missiles that could bombard distant targets, though it did gain attention and the outrage of world leaders with its first successful launch of a three-stage, long-range rocket.
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Nations extend weaker Kyoto Protocol
UN climate conference approves extending Kyoto global-warming agreement through 2020. But new Kyoto phase will cover only 15 percent of greenhouse gases.
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North Korea rocket preparations: Could it be a bluff?
There are questions about whether North Korean scientists have corrected whatever caused the embarrassing crackup of its last rocket shortly after liftoff in April, and whether Pyongyang is willing to risk another failure — along with UN condemnation and more sanctions.
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Energy Voices Report: hundreds of US coal-fired plants 'ripe for retirement'
Over 300 coal-fired electricity plants in the country should be retired due to their extreme age, according to a new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists.
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Focus Japan's nuclear dilemma: What to do with all that nuclear waste?
Japanese citizens are balking at the lack of information and supervision of waste stored in public places, such as playgrounds.
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Nuclear waste: why environmentalists are pressing NRC on reactor licenses
After a US appeals court ruled the NRC had not adequately evaluated nuclear waste provisions when licensing reactors, the groups are seeking to ensure the public has input on the process.
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NRC chairman resigns amid battle over lessons from Fukushima
In his three years as chairman, Gregory Jaczko wrangled with other NRC members over the direction of nuclear power plant safety regulations and over his leadership style.
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In Gear Do hybrids save money? Website lets you calculate it.
Hybrids cost more upfront but are cheaper to operate than nonhybrids. The federal government has launched FuelEconomy.gov so consumers can calculate the payback period for buying a hybrid.
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Why new North Korea missiles are fakes
The new North Korea missiles - carried on the biggest mobile launchers ever seen - are fakes, say arms control experts. The KN-08 missiles, displayed during a parade, raised false concerns that North Korea may be getting closer to building intercontinental ballistic missiles.
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Electric cars: Big climate aid in L.A., but not Wichita
Electric cars benefit the climate depending on where they're plugged in. In some cities, electric cars do no better than high-mileage gasoline-powered cars.
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Chevy Volt comeback: gas prices spur best-ever monthly sales
GM had temporarily closed a Chevy Volt plant because of slack demand. But that changed in March with a record 2,289 units sold. GM's new target: 3,000 a month.
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Year after Fukushima, US plodding on nuclear plant fixes, watchdog says
The Union of Concerned Scientists lauds the NRC for its initial reaction to the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, but warns it is dragging its feet on safety recommendations for US nuclear plants.
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Climategate sequel? Scientist lies to get Heartland Institute documents.
Climate scientist, Peter Gleick, lied to acquire – then leak to the press – documents from the Heartland Institute, an organization that argues that global warming poses no threat.
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Nuclear power: NRC approves first new reactors since 1978
The NRC, America's nuclear power regulatory board, has given the go ahead to two new reactors in Georgia. Industry advocates call the decision 'historic,' but it had a prominent critic.
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Q&A: Illinois nuclear plant loses power. What got vented into the air?
A nuclear plant in Illinois shut down one reactor Monday after a transformer failed. The problem is growing for aging nuclear plants. But in this case, the public was never in danger, officials say.
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Fight among nation's top nuclear regulators gets airing before Congress
At the heart of the fight is Gregory Jaczko, chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who is under fire for his management style as the agency weighed safety improvements after the Fukushima disaster.
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The climate news is bad, but prospects for climate talks may be worse
UN-sponsored climate talks opened Monday in South Africa amid grim news on global warming and deeply divisive questions over how, or whether, to expand or extend the Kyoto Protocol.
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Fuel economy: Big leap for efficiency, not hybrids
Fuel economy is headed to an average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. But higher fuel economy standards won't force an end to the gasoline engine.
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How to store nuclear waste? Panel slams US and urges new approach.
A presidential blue ribbon commission says the US government 'has not inspired confidence' and recommends that a new agency take over the search for storage sites for nuclear waste.
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