Energy & Fuel

"North Carolina officials say they have hit Duke Energy, the nation’s largest electric utility, with the largest environmental fine in state history."

"The agencies charged with overseeing oil production and protecting California's ever-dwindling water sources from the industry's pollution all fell down on the job, one state official told a panel of peeved lawmakers Tuesday."

"Now, a new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration ... finds that the electricity generated from wind and solar grew a lot faster than electricity generated by fossil fuels last year. In fact, solar more than doubled, and wind outgrew all other sources."

"DES MOINES, Iowa -- Republican presidential hopefuls who attended the first Iowa Agriculture Summit this past weekend were divided in their views on what role the government should play in supporting the biofuels industry."

"DUBAI -- Two pilots attempting the first flight around the world in a solar-powered plane began the maiden leg of their voyage on Monday, the mission's official website said."

"A train carrying oil derailed in Ontario, the company that owns the train said Saturday, which sparked a fire but no casualties."

"Three years ago, the nation’s top utility executives gathered at a Colorado resort to hear warnings about a grave new threat to operators of America’s electric grid: not superstorms or cyberattacks, but rooftop solar panels."

"In a world awash in crude, oil producers and traders are facing a billion-barrel conundrum: where to put it all."

"Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh became the latest voice to oppose the proposed merger between Baltimore Gas and Electric parent Exelon Corp. and Pepco Holdings."

"Deepwater Wind LLC received $290 million in financing that will allow it to begin building its Block Island offshore wind project in Rhode Island, the first one in the U.S."