Environmental Politics

Fracking plans in southern Louisiana have ignited a political firestorm over potential damage to a regional aquifer.

A firebrand organizer has convinced conservative Nebraska farmers to oppose the Keystone XL pipeline because they will bear the brunt of Canada's energy expansion. It's about local environmental impacts rather than climate change.

"President Obama's second pick to head the agency tasked with monitoring the nation's electric grid is set to go before the Senate next week, but it still may not be smooth sailing."

"People who disclose confidential information about hydraulic fracturing chemicals in North Carolina would be subject to criminal penalties and civil damages, under a bill in the state Legislature."

"Controversial as fracking is, Youngstown, Ohio, embraces it as an economic savior – eager to take risks that have even caused the earth to tremble."

"While Canada slashes budgets for research, education and public broadcasting, there is one part of our economy that enjoys remarkable support from the Canadian taxpayer: the energy sector."

"An Oklahoma House of Representatives committee voted to reject a new set of state science standards for schools this week, a move that, according to the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association, is 'unprecedented.'"

"Lawmakers have filed a conference report on an $8.2 billion bill to boost U.S. ports and waterways, setting the stage for final passage of the measure next week."

"Former Vice President Al Gore blamed Republicans’ fear of crossing the mega-donor Koch brothers for the GOP's skepticism on climate change."

"U.S. President Barack Obama plans to personally unveil proposed carbon-emissions rules for power plants, elevating climate change policy as a top tier issue for his final two years in office, according to two people familiar with White House strategy."