"WASHINGTON — A string of fiery train derailments across the country has triggered a high-stakes but behind-the-scenes campaign to shape how the government responds to calls for tighter safety rules. Billions of dollars are riding on how these rules are written, and lobbyists from the railroads, tank car manufacturers and the oil, ethanol and chemical industries have met 13 times since March with officials at the White House and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration."

"A federal agency has fined the company that spilled chemicals into West Virginia's largest water supply $11,000 for a pair of violations."

"It was the state’s worst industrial accident in nearly 50 years."

"While the Supreme Court dealt President Obama some heavy blows this term, the administration largely got what it wanted on environmental policy."

"A coalition of Alaska Native tribes will intervene to support the Environmental Protection Agency in a lawsuit that challenges its authority to halt a major copper and gold mine near Bristol Bay."

"If the judge's reasoning holds up in other cases it could undermine the rationales for much bigger projects, such as the Keystone XL pipeline."

"The Albany Court of Appeals Monday ruled New York cities and towns can ban hydraulic fracturing within their borders."

"Frustrated beachgoers this summer will finally have a remedy against anyone who blocks public access to California's shoreline."