"Solar energy had a banner year in 2014, but as more U.S. households make their own electricity, they're paying electric utilities less. Utility companies across the nation are fighting back."

"A judge ordered Safeway to pay nearly $10 million to 41 California counties and cities for illegally disposing of household chemicals and medicines from its stores and distribution centers over a seven-year span."

"Supporters of a bill to approve the Keystone XL pipeline lack the votes to overcome a potential presidential veto and will seek changes during debate to pick up Democratic support, a key Republican lawmaker said."

"Oil prices tumbled below $50 a barrel on Monday, spooking global financial markets and signaling that the remarkable 50 percent price drop since June was continuing this year and even quickening."

"RALEIGH — New coal ash regulations issued by the Obama administration last month are not expected to greatly impact North Carolina, where the state law passed in the wake of February's massive Dan River spill generally exceeds the federal requirements."

"LONGMONT, Colo. — This northern Colorado city vaulted onto the front lines of the battle over oil and gas drilling two years ago, when residents voted to ban hydraulic fracturing from their grassy open spaces and a snow-fed reservoir where anglers catch smallmouth bass."

"As of January 1, 2015 single-hull oil tankers are no longer allowed in U.S. waters."

"The carcasses of thousands of small birds called Cassin's auklets have been washing ashore over the last few months from Northern California up to the north coast of Washington."

"How dangerous is the radioactive West Lake Landfill?"

"2,000 firefighters are battling a rapidly spreading blaze covering nearly 12,000 acres in South Australia."