"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The manatee's 47-year run as an endangered species may soon come to an end, as the federal government assesses whether the tubby marine mammal can look forward to a brighter future."

"Plastic seems to be disappearing from the world's oceans, and scientists are not sure why."

"North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple wants to expand his state's oil pipeline capacity, after the state's oil production reached the 1 million barrels per day mark. But, many worry about the potential environmental consequences such as oil spills."

"The Defense Department needs to better prepare for the potential impact of climate change, a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) warns."

"If the judge's reasoning holds up in other cases it could undermine the rationales for much bigger projects, such as the Keystone XL pipeline."

"Yosemite National Park, in California's Sierra Nevada, is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the law that preserved it — and planted the seeds for the National Park system. At the same time, the park faces the challenge of protecting the natural wonders from their own popularity."

"The problem has come into focus as procedures for the first proposed restart enter the home stretch in Ichikikushikino, a town five km (three miles) from Kyushu Electric Power Co's Sendai plant."

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.

"The Albany Court of Appeals Monday ruled New York cities and towns can ban hydraulic fracturing within their borders."