Can "Smart Grids" Really Help?

December 10, 2008–"Smart grids" are packages of technologies and services that allow two-way communication between homes and utilities, as well as between various parts of regional power distribution systems.

Supreme Court Case Could Affect Nearly 550 Power Plants

December 10, 2008–On Dec. 2, the US Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could decide whether the Clean Water Act (CWA) allows EPA to weigh costs and benefits when determining the best technology available for the cooling water intake structures at existing power plants.

FEDS Set Stage for Geothermal Development

November 12, 2008–The Dept. of Interior released its final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for geothermal energy on Oct. 22, 2008

BLM Tries to Remove a Congressional Tool for Protecting Lands

October 29, 2008–A Congressional move to stop uranium mining around the Grand Canyon has led the BLM to propose removing the rules that allowed the Congressional action.

DOE Releases Nuke-Building Environmental Impact Statement

October 29, 2008–In the waning months of the Bush administration, the push for nuclear energy continues.

New Fuel Economy Data Released

October 29, 2008–As roller-coaster gas prices continue to make the news, your audience will likely be interested in the latest fuel economy stats, released Oct. 15, 2008, by EPA and DOE.

TOOLBOX: Foreign Agents Database and More

October 22, 2008–This database is useful for environmental and energy reporters looking for mischief perpetrated by government officials and the industries who influence them with money.

Canadian Tar Sands Pollution Moves South to US Refineries

October 15, 2008–New U.S. refineries will process crude oil from Canada's Tar Sands, which means that much of the pollution associated with that refining will occur in the lower 48.

Some States Win, Some Lose with Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs

October 15, 2008–Compact fluorescent lighting reduces energy use, but what's the trade-off in mercury exposure via broken bulbs and disposal? Now a team of Yale scientists has estimated where there will be a net increase or decrease in mercury emissions.

Wide Range of Environmental Issues Before Supreme Court

October 15, 2008–US Supreme Court to hear six cases with important environmental implications. Issues involved are: use of sonar in Naval training; logging in California; power plant operation; disposal of mining wastes; royalties paid to the Navajo Nation on coal leases; and liability under Superfund law.