Environmental Politics

"As the oilsands campaign co-ordinator for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Eriel Deranger receives numerous queries from people concerned about the environmental effects of development. But Deranger was skeptical this summer when she received an email from a fellow who claimed to be an acquaintance of Neil Young’s, and said the rock singer was interested in visiting northern Alberta."

"WASHINGTON — As the State Department readies its final review of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, environmentalists on Monday stepped up their fight against the project."

"Governor Christie has refused to join a coalition of eight Eastern states seeking to curb air pollution blowing in from Midwest and Southern coal-fired power plants that help make New Jersey’s air quality among the worst in the nation."

"WASHINGTON/CALGARY -- Canada is running out of time to offer U.S. President Barack Obama a climate change concession that might clinch the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline, as the country's energy industry continues to resist costly curbs on greenhouse gas emissions."

"When the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican governments were negotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement back in the 1990s, environmentalists warned that it would create a race to the bottom: Countries would compete to gut environmental rules to attract businesses. But by and large, those fears were not realized. Still, the trade deal had other unforeseen environmental consequences."

"WASHINGTON — In a battle that pits the East Coast against the Midwest over the winds that carry dirty air from coal plants, the governors of eight Northeastern states plan to petition the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to force tighter air pollution regulations on nine Rust Belt and Appalachian states."

"ARLINGTON, VA. — Scores of farmers, politicians, engineers and refiners on Thursday blasted the Obama administration's latest plan for renewable fuels, with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad accusing the White House of caving to Big Oil and turning its back on rural America."

"EDMONTON -- A key environmental agency working to clean up the oilsands is within weeks of folding, but board members say they’re still hopeful Environment Minister Diana McQueen will find a way to renew its industry funding."

"The Interior Department is on the cusp of finalizing a rule that would give wind farms 30-year permits that authorize killing eagles."

"WASHINGTON -- Saying the government should lead by example, President Barack Obama on Thursday ordered the federal government to nearly triple its use of renewable sources for electricity by 2020."