"CALGARY -- The ugly scars left on the northern Alberta landscape by the oil sands have prompted calls from around the world for an independent body to gather data on the ecological damage wrought by the energy industry."

"KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A federal agency says TransCanada Corp. has temporarily shut down its existing Keystone pipeline after tests showed 'possible safety issues.'"

"As the wind industry clamors to renew a key tax credit (again), industry leaders explore how to break free from the boom-bust cycle the subsidy has them trapped in."

"A host of startup companies are pursuing new technologies that they claim will soon lead to large-scale commercialization of biofuels made from algae. But questions remain about the viability and environmental benefits of what its developers are calling 'green crude.'"

"Running out of room to dump coal waste and facing thousands of dollars in fines over blowing ash, Louisville Gas and Electric Co. on Monday said it plans to shut down its Cane Run power plant in May 2015, eight months earlier than expected, to replace it with a natural-gas fired plant."

"In news that's sure to provide fresh fodder for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney ahead of his debate tonight with President Obama, an electric-car battery maker backed by a quarter-billion-dollar grant from the Obama administration filed today for bankruptcy protection."

"Keystone XL pipeline foes have tried petitioning the government, grabbing media attention and filing lawsuits. Now, with the southern leg of the pipeline under construction, they’re turning to civil disobedience -- and actress Daryl Hannah."

"A photojournalist charters a flight to see just how close Shell's offshore rig is to the protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Turns out a photo is worth a lot more than a bunch of GPS coordinates."

"In previous elections, candidates from both parties have campaigned on pledges to be environmental presidents. This time, neither candidate is talking much about cleaning up the air or protecting scenic lands. Instead, the debate has focused on whether and how much environmental regulations hurt businesses, especially the energy industry."

After an election and a Tennessee spill disaster in 2008, the Obama administration roared into office vowing to regulate electric utility coal ash. Now, as the tight 2012 election hinges partly on coal (and coal states), the administration's proposed regulations are on hold.