NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base early Wednesday morning, potentially improving scientists' ability to track climate change. The mission appeared successful after the spacecraft separated from the second stage about 55 minutes into the flight. A NASA news conference is scheduled for 8:30 am ET.

Gavin Schmidt is taking over the reins of NASA's high-powered climate lab -- the Goddard Institute for Space Studies -- from the ritiring James Hansen.

"Registered voters are three times more likely to vote against a candidate who opposes government action to mitigate climate change, according to a new study."

"Potentially potent lawsuit claiming Exxon violated pollution laws after its 2013 Mayflower oil pipeline spill survives dismissal attempts."

"In November 2012, the U.S. Department of Energy asked contract employees at the Hanford plutonium processing plant in Washington state to take an unusual oath."

"The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed federal approval of climate-friendly refrigerants used in household air conditioners and refrigerators, as part of President Obama’s quest to counter global warming."

"The U.S. hog herd shrank more than anticipated in the March-May quarter as a deadly pig virus swept through farms, a U.S. Department of Agriculture report showed on Friday."

"Tens of thousands of chemicals have not been reviewed by the EPA, and people are starting to ask questions"

"NASA will launch the first satellite designed to measure carbon dioxide in the atmosphere around the world next week."

"The Obama administration [Friday] released a final policy to guide government scientists in determining whether wildlife species deserve protection under the Endangered Species Act, making a substantive change to a draft policy released 2½ years ago."