The ever-present “fracking” debate has ignited in California, as Governor Jerry Brown expressed acceptance to the use of hydraulic fracturing causing an eruption of controversy. The state is projected to have enough Monterey Shale to offset several years of oil imports. Companies have been extracting oil in California for years, but it wasn’t until now … Continue reading
On Wednesday, Sally Jewell was officially appointed as the new head of the Department of the Interior. Jewell has spent her professional life outside of the political realm, which made her a desirable candidate for many people. She began her career as an engineer for Mobil Oil where she worked for several years. She later … Continue reading
Obsessive behavior surrounding climate change continues as the EPA releases their new Tier 3 program for sulfur regulation in gasoline. The program sets new vehicles emissions standards and lower sulfur content in gasoline beginning in 2017. The policy is projected to be more effective than past emissions policy, because it controls vehicle emissions as well … Continue reading
Ethanol has been a point of excitement for the EPA for some time now; unfortunately the private sector has not been able to meet their lofty standards. The federal court of appeals struck down an EPA ruling that required petroleum refineries to increase the number of gallons of cellulosic ethanol blended into gasoline. This court … Continue reading
President Obama has been strongly promoting his plan for an energy security trust fund in recent weeks. It has met quite a bit of opposition and many doubt its viability. In this plan $2 billion of oil and natural gas royalties would go towards advancing electric car batteries, biofuels, fuel cells and renewable energy development. … Continue reading
Social, economic and political problems plague policy makers and focus attention on an array of both domestic and foreign issues. Congress is notably polarized and it seems that the more important an issue may be, the more difficult compromise is. Top environmental issues tend to revolve around energy production, renewable energy technology, food production, water … Continue reading
On Monday, March 5th the House subcommittee on Energy and Mineral resources conducted a hearing regarding offshore energy potential in the US. Recent debate over the keystone pipeline has occupied much of the president’s attention in terms of energy policy, but there is a very strong push by businessmen and environmentalists alike, pushing for greater … Continue reading
On February 15, 2013 the House Energy and Commerce committee held a hearing to look into the role of states and the protection of the environment under current law. The delegation of power between the state and federal government is one of the most prominent debates in American history. It is a debate that is … Continue reading
On February 17th the largest climate change rally in this nation’s history took place. The rally began at the National Mall where Bill McKibben—founder of 350.org an activist group focused on solving the climate crisis—delivered an energetic and motivating speech. Over 35,000 people braved the cold and turned out for the event. 350.org, The Sierra … Continue reading
President Obama has been pressured from several different directions regarding climate change and environmental action. His pending approval of the Keystone pipeline as well as policy regarding greenhouse gas emissions is making it difficult to placate both sides of the spectrum. Climate change activists are fervently against the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, and … Continue reading
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