Category Archives: Energy
First federal fracking regulations in 30 years
The regulation of hydraulic fracturing has recently been seen as a local and state government issue. After more than 30 years however, the Obama administration has unveiled the nation’s first major federal regulations. According to the Interior Department, the new … Continue reading
America’s changing energy landscape
Commercial energy production in the United States has in recent years been a mixture of coal, nuclear, natural gas, solar, and wind. Due to advancements in technology and the abundance of natural gas, traditional coal powered plants and nuclear reactors … Continue reading
Debate heating up over Denton ban on fracking
Last week residents of Denton, Texas voted to ban hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, within the city limits. This decision drew national attention and seemed to produce equal amounts of enthusiasm and unrest. The next day, officials at the Texas General … Continue reading
Big changes in Mexico’s oil & gas industry
As the world’s 15th largest economy and 9th in crude oil production, Mexico stands in a unique position to elevate their economic status on the international market after a monumental shift in national policy Monday. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto … Continue reading
North Carolina coal ash spill update
In February, 70 miles of North Carolina’s Dan River turned gray after a broken stormwater pipe released millions of gallons of sludge from a retired power plant. The company responsible for the spill, Duke Energy, found the source of the … Continue reading
USDOT proposes new regulations for transportation of crude oil
This past week, United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (pdf) and an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (pdf) that seeks to improve the safe transportation of large quantities of flammable materials by rail. The … Continue reading