"HOUSTON -- As Gina McCarthy spoke for a second straight year at one of the world's top energy gatherings, the U.S. EPA administrator defended a plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions and told the power industry to focus on its ability to innovate."

"The number of breeding males in the greater sage-grouse population of the United States and part of Canada has declined by 56 percent in recent years, in a sign of trouble for the ground-dwelling bird, a study released on Friday showed."

An electric utility industry group this week released a report warning that EPA's "Clean Power Plan" to address climate change could hurt grid reliability. The report offers ammunition for the plan's opponents -- especially Republicans from coal-mining and coal-burning states. But a number of critics say the report's analysis is flawed.

"It’s probably in your garage and on your lawn. And it’s used on nearly every acre of corn and soy. But what risks does it pose?"

"Scientists, planes and instruments descend on San Juan Basin to find roots of the massive greenhouse gas hotspot."

"Underneath the bubbling geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming sits a volcanic hot spot that has driven some of the largest eruptions on Earth. Geoscientists have now completely imaged the subterranean plumbing system and have found not just one, but two magma chambers underneath the giant volcano."

"Federal agricultural officials announced Thursday voluntary programs and initiatives for farmers, ranchers and foresters meant to build on President Barack Obama's efforts to combat global warming — and don't require congressional approval."

"The United States Geological Survey on Thursday released its first comprehensive assessment of the link between thousands of earthquakes and oil and gas operations, identifying and mapping 17 regions where quakes have occurred."

"Facing pressure from consumer groups, Home Depot said it would discontinue use of a potentially harmful chemical in its vinyl flooring by the end of the year."

"Congress on Tuesday passed a bill focused on improving energy efficiency in buildings and water heaters, a move celebrated by both parties for breaking longstanding partisan gridlock."