Volatile market spikes play out in Egypt protests

The International Energy Agency (IEA) states that around 87 million barrels of oil are pumped out of the ground per day (mbbl/day).  That comes to roughly 32 billion barrels per year, so it is safe to say that disruptions in supply affecting relatively small...

America's tarred future

U.S. gasoline prices have climbed comfortably over the $3/gal. range as oil prices in the recent past have continued to approach the $100/bbl mark.  This rise in gasoline prices is forecast to continue throughout 2011 as the economy continues to recover, and in some...

Abolishing fossil fuels: Lessons learned from abolishing slavery

As the effects of climate change increase in frequency and severity over the coming years, there is no telling whether Americans and the rest of the world will embark on this journey of change choosing to adapt to our new conditions using civil discourse and rational...

Coal money talks

The coal industry is dying, and John Boehner’s crying.  Regulations being slapped on the industry regarding ash/slurry, emissions, and now mining operations have the potential to drive the beast back into the Earth from whence it came. Unless some miracle happens...

POTUS @ SOTU: 2011 ...in a parallel universe

The world of politics is becoming increasingly disconnected from the world of physical reality.  The State of the Union Address from President Obama should highlight a few of those disconnections and will undoubtedly draw intense criticisms from Republicans...

Water flows downhill

The EPA has been trying to scope the problem surrounding natural gas fracking or hydraulic fracturing in a series of hearings surrounding the risks to contamination of groundwater. This while also trying to regulate greenhouse gases in light of Congress’ inaction. ...

Falling forests

Is it possible that some forests and oceans could be losing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and are, therefore, becoming net carbon sources?  Traditionally it could be assumed that forests, absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and transferring it into the...

Third oil sand pipeline hits roadblock, delayed for further study

In the United States, there are currently three major tar sands pipeline projects, in varying stages of approval or development: Keystone, Keystone XL, and Alberta Clipper. (Sierra Club) With respect to the Keystone Project, the Department of State issued a Presidential...