"Top Energy Department officials have been taking some pricey trips lately, thanks to outside groups helping to fund their travel to destinations like Bermuda, Taipei, Tokyo, Brussels and New Delhi."

The Senate seems to be moving ahead on a bipartisan omnibus bill to expand hunting and fishing on public land, among other things. It includes provisions that would allow federal land managers to charge fees to some documentary photographers. On July 7, the Senate voted 82-12 to limit debate on the motion to proceed with the bill.

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

"DENVER — An obscure, chicken-sized bird best known for its mating dance could help determine whether Democrats or Republicans control the U.S. Senate in November."

"WASHINGTON — In November 2010, three combatants gathered in a sleek office here to build a carbon emissions policy that they hoped to sell to the Obama administration."

"BILLINGS, Mont. — Coal industry representatives say lawsuits against mines in three Western states could have consequences across the U.S. as environmentalists seek changes in how mining is approved on federally owned reserves."

"A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service official has ordered federal biologists to withdraw their conclusion that the last 300 wolverines in the continental United States deserve threatened species status."

"The coal industry is poised to score a rare victory over the Obama administration in the fight over the Export-Import Bank."

"As a federal decision looms over whether to approve Dow AgroSciences' proposed Enlist Duo herbicide -- a mix of 2,4-D and glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller -- challenges from critics across the country have poured in. And children's health advocates are among the most vocal."

"The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a challenge to California's landmark low-carbon fuel standard, in a blow to out-of-state ethanol and gasoline producers that say the rule unfairly discriminates against their products."