"Louisiana has increased fines for inactive oil and gas wells in an effort to reduce the number of polluting and dangerous wells that are eventually abandoned and made the responsibility of the state."

"The White House on Monday issued veto threats against two GOP-led House appropriations bills expected to come up for a vote this week as lawmakers seek to avoid a government shutdown in November."

"JASPER — A sign on the way into this Newton County town states its population is 547. On Thursday evening, more than twice that number, upwards of 1,185 people, squeezed into the cafeteria at the local high school."

"The Koch network, a web of rightwing groups cultivated by billionaire businessman Charles Koch and his late brother David Koch, is spearheading the attack on federal agencies and government regulations that dominates the US supreme court agenda this term."

"A California law requiring baby food makers to test their products for toxic heavy metals is expected to surpass FDA guidelines in the race to pressure manufacturers to limit exposure, food safety groups say."

"The Biden administration on Friday designated four tracts of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas and Louisiana coasts for development of wind energy."

"A federal appeals court on Thursday indefinitely stayed an earlier order requiring the Biden administration to hold a November oil lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico, though it’s unclear whether the administration will immediately proceed with the sale."

"The UK’s oil and gas regulator is coming under fire from environmental groups for using lawyers to try to prevent the publication of five key documents relating to the environmental impact of Shell’s activities in the North Sea."

"House Republicans are diving right back into their legislative agenda and promising results after finally settling on a House speaker. But after three weeks of chaos and infighting, it’s unclear whether Mike Johnson (R-La.) will have more luck than deposed speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)."

"U.S. banks will face pressure to address the financial threats of climate change — including in underserved communities — under two new sweeping regulatory actions."