Germany warns fellow EU gov'ts against GM jobs aid AP (November 23, 2009) FRANKFURT (AP) - Germany warned fellow European governments on Monday against offering financial aid to General Motors Europe in exchange for job guarantees, hours ahead of a meeting in Brussels to discuss the future of the company.
Bio-fuel growth raises concerns about forests AP (November 23, 2009) PARK FALLS, Wis. (AP) - Forests are a treasure trove of limbs and bark that can be made into alternative fuels and some worry the increasing trend of using that logging debris will make those materials too scarce, harming the woodlands.
Bombings, shooting kill 12 around Afghanistan AP (November 23, 2009) KABUL (AP) - Bombings and shootings killed 12 people across Afghanistan, including four American troops and three children, as President Barack Obama convened his war council again Monday to fine-tune a strategy to respond to the intransigent violence.
Gas prices fall to begin busy travel week AP (November 23, 2009) (AP) - Retail gasoline prices headed downward to begin one of the country's busiest travel weeks, with more than 33 million people expected to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Gunfire at home of US teachers in Indonesia's Aceh AP (November 23, 2009) BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) - Gunfire hit the home of two American lecturers in Indonesia's western province of Aceh on Monday, but no one was injured.
Another new oil formation for North Dakota? AP (November 23, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A crude-bearing cache known as the Birdbear, beneath North Dakota's already booming oil patch, can be tapped using new technology that would expand horizontal drilling to parts of the state that have never seen it, geologists believe.
Oil rises above $78 amid Iranian war games AP (November 23, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices rose above $78 a barrel Monday as Iran's war games, aimed at protecting its nuclear plants, deepened tensions in the oil-rich region.
China raises nonresidential electricity rates AP (November 20, 2009) SHANGHAI (AP) - China raised electricity rates for businesses and industries Friday, part of a long-term effort to adjust prices to reflect costs and promote energy saving as the country struggles to meet soaring demand.
Oil moves down near $77 amid economic uncertainty AP (November 20, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices edged down toward $77 a barrel on Friday after a drop in many stock markets and amid concern about the strength of the global economic recovery.
LDK Solar completes sale of stake in Chinese plant AP (November 20, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - LDK Solar Co. Ltd., a Chinese maker of parts for solar cells, on Friday said it completed the sale of a 15 percent ownership stake in a polysilicon plant in China for about $219 million.
Oil falls below $79 amid mixed economic signs AP (November 19, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices slipped below $79 a barrel Thursday amid mixed signals over the strength of the global economic recovery.
Ahead of the Bell: Rise in gas reserves expected AP (November 19, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The Energy Department on Thursday is expected to report a build of 19 billion to 23 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage inventories for the week ended Nov. 13, according to a survey of analysts by Platts, the energy information arm of McGraw-Hill Cos.
Oil above $79 after US crude supply drop AP (November 18, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices extended gains above $79 a barrel Wednesday in Asia after an unexpected drop in U.S. crude supplies suggested demand could be improving.
Investigators release video of Utah refinery blast AP (November 18, 2009) WOODS CROSS, Utah (AP) - Surveillance camera video shows a 100-foot fireball ripping through a Utah refinery during a gas explosion that knocked a nearby home off its foundation earlier this month.
Oil up near $80 as US crude supplies drop AP (November 18, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices extended gains to near $80 a barrel Wednesday, supported by a weaker dollar and as a report showed an unexpected drop in U.S. crude supplies, suggesting demand could be improving.
California targets TVs to lower electricity demand AP (November 18, 2009) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The most power-hungry television sets could soon be banned from store shelves in California as state energy regulators on Wednesday consider a first-in-the nation mandate intended to lower electricity demand.
Colo. company starts work on biofuel facility AP (November 18, 2009) DENVER (AP) - A Colorado company that has developed a process to convert wood to fuel is starting construction of what will eventually be a commercial-scale production plant.
Oil down to near $78 as dollar rebounds AP (November 17, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices fell to near $78 a barrel Tuesday as traders continued to focus on the dollar's exchange rate, whose rise makes crude more expensive for international investors.
GE in Chinese aerospace, energy, railroad ventures AP (November 17, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - General Electric Co. said Tuesday it is forming joint ventures with major Chinese groups that operate aerospace, energy and rail businesses.
Kansas launches $34M energy efficiency program AP (November 17, 2009) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas launched a new energy efficiency program Tuesday to make low-interest loans available to several thousand home owners and small businesses for upgrading insulation, installing new furnaces and sealing air-leaking doors and windows.
Energy Dept. walks the walk with smart building AP (November 17, 2009) GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) - Homes and office buildings consume three-quarters of U.S. electricity, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory wants to lower that figure by erecting what it believes will be the largest "net-zero" energy building in the world - one that produces as much power
Canadian Solar 3Q more than doubles, shares jump AP (November 17, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Canadian Solar Inc. on Tuesday said its third-quarter profit more than doubled on a hefty foreign currency exchange gain, boosting shares in premarket trading. The solar products maker also forecast a surge in 2010 shipments, as it expects demand to rebound.
Judge rejects global warming trial in auction case AP (November 17, 2009) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A federal judge said Monday he won't allow global warming to be put on trial in the case of a college student charged with disrupting an auction of oil and gas drilling leases.
Devon Energy to sell Gulf of Mexico assets, others AP (November 16, 2009) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Independent oil and gas producer Devon Energy Corp. said Monday it will divest its Gulf of Mexico and international assets.
Oil rises on weak dollar, rising stock markets AP (November 16, 2009) (AP) - After hitting their lowest level in a month, oil prices bounced back, past $78 Monday on the back of a weaker dollar and rising global stock markets.
Phoenix announced as new home of Chinese solar biz AP (November 16, 2009) PHOENIX (AP) - A Chinese-owned manufacturer of solar panels plans to build a 100,000 square-foot headquarters and manufacturing plant in the Phoenix area.
Talk of Wyoming wind tax whips up debate AP (November 16, 2009) CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming lawmakers will soon take up the thorny issue of whether to impose new taxes on wind energy development, a proposal that developers say could stunt the fledgling industry's growth in Wyoming.
Colo. BLM auctions oil, gas leases for $112,969 AP (November 13, 2009) DENVER (AP) - Federal officials have sold oil and gas leases on a total of about 6,000 acres in Colorado for $112,969.
Toreador to explore strategic alternatives AP (November 13, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - French oil and natural gas company Toreador Resources Corp. said Friday it will consider a range of strategic alternatives, which include raising funds through equity or debt offerings, taking out a line of credit, equity investments and a possible partnership with its primary growth property, the Paris Basin Oil Shale.
Columbia Gas to charge 8-yr low rates in December AP (November 13, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's largest natural gas company says next month's rates will be the lowest for December in eight years.
For 3rd time, W.Va. Supreme Court finds for Massey AP (November 13, 2009) CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A multimillion-dollar coal contract dispute that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court took its latest turn Thursday with another ruling in favor of Massey Energy Co.
Mass. law pushes utilities to improve services AP (November 13, 2009) LUNENBURG, Mass. (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a new law penalizes utility companies that fail to provide safe and reliable service to customers after major storms.
Higher oil prices seen threatening global recovery AP (November 12, 2009) (AP) - Rising oil prices could imperil a modest increase in crude demand and the recovery of the global economy, the International Energy Agency said Thursday as it raised its outlook for oil demand this year.
Oil falls below $79 ahead of US supply report AP (November 12, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices fell below $79 a barrel Thursday amid signs that U.S. crude demand remains weak and as the dollar strengthened, making commodities like oil more expensive for international investors.
Polish gas monopoly PGNiG posts strong 3Q gains AP (November 12, 2009) WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's gas and oil monopoly, PGNiG, posted a better-than-expected third quarter net profit of 408 million zlotys ($148 million), as lower prices for imported gas improved its profit margins, the company said Thursday.
BLM now collecting higher drilling application fee AP (November 12, 2009) CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A huge increase in the application fee for oil and gas companies to drill on federal land is unfair and won't speed up review of drilling permits, industry officials said Wednesday.
Lights back in Brazil after outage hits up to 60M AP (November 11, 2009) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Brazil emerged early Wednesday from a widespread power outage that plunged as many as 60 million people in at least nine states into darkness for hours, prompting security fears and concern from residents about a
Oil settles near $78 as China's economy rebounds AP (November 11, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Oil prices ticked higher Wednesday as OPEC said the world would consume more crude in 2010 than previously expected, and China said its economy improved.
OPEC: Pricier crude could erode 2010 demand AP (November 11, 2009) CAIRO (AP) - OPEC on Wednesday cautioned that a sustained increase in oil prices above their current level could erode crude demand next year amid a shaky global economic recovery.
Pioneer Southwest prices 2.7M common unit offering AP (November 11, 2009) DALLAS (AP) - Independent oil and gas company Pioneer Southwest Energy Partners LP on Wednesday priced a public offering of 2.7 million common units representing limited partner interests at $20.74 per unit.
W.Va. pols vow to speak in single, pro-coal voice AP (November 11, 2009) CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - An array of West Virginia's top political leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder Tuesday with executives from the state's top coal producers, vowing to form a united front in the face of what they call mixed signals and heavy-handedness from federal mining regulators.
Oil up to near $80 as the dollar weakens AP (November 11, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices rose to near $80 a barrel Wednesday as the effects of a weaker dollar trumped a report pointing to a rise in U.S. oil inventories.
Conn. man gets year in prison in oil bribe case AP (November 11, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - A Connecticut businessman was sentenced to a year and a day in prison Tuesday for conspiring with others to corrupt the oil privatization process in Azerbaijan.
Pa. to lease 32,000 acres for gas drilling AP (November 10, 2009) HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania will open nearly 32,000 acres of additional state forest land to leasing by gas drilling companies, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said.
Energy agency warns of falling investment AP (November 10, 2009) PARIS (AP) - The global financial crisis has led to a dangerous drop in energy investment around the world which could choke off the nascent economic recovery, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.
Iraqi Cabinet approves Exxon Mobil-Shell oil deal AP (November 10, 2009) BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's prime minister says his Cabinet has approved a deal with a consortium led by U.S.-based Exxon Mobil to develop a prized oil field in the country's south.
Wash. state wind facility adds another 22 turbines AP (November 10, 2009) ELLENSBURG, Wash. (AP) - Puget Sound Energy says its Wild Horse wind farm in the hills of Central Washington has added another 22 turbines producing power.
Oil prices near $79 on US hurricane, weaker dollar AP (November 09, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices climbed toward $79 a barrel Monday as Hurricane Ida threatened oil installations in the Gulf of Mexico and the dollar weakened against other currencies.
Somali pirates hit oil tanker in long-range attack AP (November 09, 2009) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The European Union Naval Force says Somali pirates have launched an attack on an oil tanker farther out at sea than any previous assault.
Gazprom's profits cut in half in first half 2009 AP (November 09, 2009) MOSCOW (AP) - Russian gas company Gazprom saw profit cut in half in the first six months of the year as the cost of natural gas it buys from Central Asia soared and demand plummetted in Europe.
Investigator: Utah explosion caused by burst pipe AP (November 09, 2009) WOODS CROSS, Utah (AP) - A refinery explosion that severely damaged 10 homes this week was caused by a burst pipe that sprayed hydrogen gas onto a nearby heater, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board's lead investigator said.
Soaring ND oil production to get another boost AP (November 09, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota's already burgeoning oil production could soar another 50 percent next year as the state's capacity to export crude catches up with its ability to pump it, state regulators and industry officials say.
Oil falls below $78 as US unemployment rises AP (November 06, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices lost over $2 to stumble below $78 a barrel Friday as rising U.S. unemployment figures renewed concerns about the economic recovery and consumer demand.
ND oil lease auction brings record $71.6M AP (November 06, 2009) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - An auction of oil drilling rights on North Dakota state land has fetched $71.6 million, a record haul that will go mostly to benefit public schools.
Senator: No stimulus money for US-China wind farm AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - A Democratic senator is calling on the Obama administration to reject an expected request for economic stimulus money for a $1.5 billion West Texas wind energy project.
Dynegy posts 3Q loss on sale of plants AP (November 05, 2009) (AP) - Power company Dynegy Inc. said Thursday that it posted a second straight big quarterly loss as it continues to write down the value of plants that it is selling as part of a deal to bolster finances.
Sweden OKs Baltic Sea gas pipeline AP (November 05, 2009) STOCKHOLM (AP) - Sweden on Thursday became the second nation to approve a Baltic Sea pipeline that would ship Russian natural gas to Germany, saying the project meets its demands to protect the marine environment.
Statoil partners with China in Gulf of Mexico AP (November 05, 2009) OSLO (AP) - Norwegian oil company Statoil ASA agreed last month to sell part of its interests in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, a company spokesman said Thursday.
Oil up above $80 on weak dollar, lower inventories AP (November 04, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices rose to above $80 a barrel Wednesday, helped by the weaker dollar and a report pointing to a drop in U.S. crude supplies.
Explosion reported as fire breaks out at refinery AP (November 04, 2009) WOODS CROSS, Utah (AP) - A fire broke out at a refinery north of Salt Lake City on Wednesday, reportedly causing an explosion that damaged homes.
Oil: back to $80 per barrel as dollar slides AP (November 04, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Crude prices bounced above $80 per barrel once again on Wednesday, a level that even OPEC leaders have said is too high given the fragile state of the global economy.
Oil falls to near $79 despite US crude supply drop AP (November 04, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices fell slightly to near $79 a barrel Wednesday in Asia despite an unexpected drop in U.S. crude supplies which suggested demand may be picking up.
Judge to reschedule ex-Westar CEO trial AP (November 03, 2009) TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to schedule the third criminal trial for a pair of former Westar Energy Inc. executives.
SD regulators to hold public hearing on pipeline AP (November 03, 2009) PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The Public Utilities Commission gets comments from the public Tuesday evening in Pierre on the $920 million, 313-mile stretch of the Keystone XL pipeline that TransCanada Keystone plans to build across western and south central South Dakota.
Reactor shutdown at nuclear plant in NYC suburbs AP (November 03, 2009) BUCHANAN, N.Y. (AP) - Federal regulators say a nuclear power reactor in the New York City suburbs has been shut down because of an electrical fault.
Oil hovers near $78 amid positive US economic data AP (November 03, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices hovered near $78 a barrel Tuesday in Asia as investors welcomed new U.S. manufacturing and construction figures as positive signs of an economic recovery.
Marathon production rising; profits tumble AP (November 03, 2009) (AP) - Marathon Oil said Tuesday that its third quarter profit plunged from a year ago when record-high prices sent gasoline prices over $4 per gallon.
Oil edges lower ahead of Fed meeting AP (November 03, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices edged lower Tuesday as a stronger dollar cooled the money flow into energy markets that has propped up crude prices for months.
Nevada utility panel taking public comment in Reno AP (November 03, 2009) RENO, Nev. (AP) - Nevada state utility regulators plan a public meeting in Reno to hear from residents about electric, gas, telephone, railroad and water service in northern Nevada.
Wis. regulators approve utility's biomass plan AP (November 02, 2009) ASHLAND, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has approved a utility's latest plan to replace coal and use logging residue and dead trees as the primary fuel to generate electricity.
SEC staff issues acctg. guidelines for oil cos. AP (October 30, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - To help energy companies meet a requirement of providing more detailed information to investors when reporting oil and natural gas reserves, federal regulators issued new accounting guidelines Friday.
Hydro-Quebec agrees to buy more energy assets AP (October 30, 2009) TORONTO (AP) - Canadian utility company Hydro-Quebec says it will pay 4.7 billion Canadian dollars ($4.4 billion) for the assets of New Brunswick Power, a deal that would help the company secure greater access to electricity markets in the U.S.
Number of active rigs increase by 21 AP (October 30, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. this week has risen 21 this week to 1,069.
Duke Energy profits fall; conditions stabilize AP (October 30, 2009) (AP) - Duke Energy reported Friday that sales to industrial customers have begun to stabilize, another signal that better economic conditions have led to growing power consumption.
Retail gas prices highest in a year AP (October 30, 2009) (AP) - Retail gasoline prices chugged higher Friday to a new peak for the year, forcing consumers to dig deeper into already-thin wallets to pay for fuel.
AEP 3Q profit climbs with rate hikes, cost cuts AP (October 29, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Power company American Electric Power said Thursday that its third quarter earnings rose 18 percent as rate increases throughout its service area and cost cutting offset continued weak demand for electricity from industrial customers.
Natural gas stocks climb to record high AP (October 29, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Natural gas stockpile levels rose last week to a new high, the government said Thursday.
Shell Q3 profit falls 62 pct, to cut 5,000 jobs AP (October 29, 2009) AMSTERDAM (AP) - Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Europe's largest oil company, reported Thursday a 62 percent fall in profit for the third quarter due to lower oil prices, and said it plans to cut 5,000 jobs to cope with continuing weakness in the global economy.
Exxon Mobil 3Q profit drops 68 pct, production up AP (October 29, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The world's largest publicly traded oil company said Thursday that oil production is bouncing back with crude prices.
Oil hangs below $78 amid demand doubts AP (October 29, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Oil prices hung below $78 a barrel Thursday in Asia as an unexpected jump in U.S. gasoline supplies cast doubt on the strength of a recovery in crude demand.
ConocoPhillips 3Q profit tumble; production jumps AP (October 28, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - ConocoPhillips said Wednesday that low natural gas prices and thin margins from its gasoline refining business drove profits down 71 percent in the third quarter, but the oil company is ramping up production as crude prices jump.
Pickens: OSU town hall will be among his last AP (October 28, 2009) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Billionaire energy magnate T. Boone Pickens says a town-hall meeting planned for his alma mater to promote his "Pickens Plan" for energy independence will be his next-to-last in a university setting.
Enterprise Products 3Q profit rises on volume AP (October 28, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - Pipeline operator Enterprise Products Partners LP said Wednesday volume growth and strong natural gas processing margins helped boost earnings 4.8 percent in the third quarter.
Kansas transmission line project back in mix AP (October 28, 2009) KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A proposed ultra high-voltage power line in southern Kansas is back on the drawing board after a regional planning body decided Tuesday to keep it a priority.
Oil below $79 on mixed signs for US recovery AP (October 28, 2009) (AP) - Oil prices fell below $79 a barrel Wednesday amid mixed signals about the strength of the U.S. economic recovery and the dollar's gains against other major currencies.
Energy prices fall ahead of govt supply report AP (October 28, 2009) (AP) - Energy prices fell Wednesday ahead of a government report that could show whether supplies of crude and gasoline are growing tighter as prices at the pump rise.
Obama promotes 'smart grid' AP (October 27, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - After an overnight stay in Miami, President Barack Obama heads to Arcadia, Fla., to promote "smart grid" technologies.
Calif. utility wants to buy more solar power AP (October 27, 2009) LOS ANGELES (AP) - California's largest utility said it plans to boost the amount of solar power it buys from residents and businesses as the state pushes for wider use of alternative energy.
Ecuador to Europe: Pay us not to drill in Amazon AP (October 27, 2009) QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Ecuador's president is in London this week to promote a unique proposal: pay his country $3 billion not to drill for oil in a pristine Amazon reserve.
Wis. nonprofit gets $3.3M grant for solar training AP (October 27, 2009) MADISON, Wis. (AP) - A Wisconsin nonprofit will train solar power instructors throughout the Midwest with a $3.3 million federal grant.
Ark. energy companies make case for climate bill AP (October 27, 2009) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - An industry group said Monday that alternative energy companies need Congress to pass the climate bill so they will be assured of a long-term market, one that will ultimately lower energy costs and employ 25,000 in Arkansas by 2020.
US reps worry ocean policy will block development AP (October 27, 2009) ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Dozens of U.S. representatives sent a letter Monday to the head of the President's Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force with concerns that the policy will block offshore energy development and cost jobs.
Valero margins get squeezed, loss widens AP (October 27, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The largest independent petroleum refiner in the U.S. reported a loss for the third quarter Tuesday with crude prices rising sharply over the past three months even as the country used less energy and Americans traveled less.
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers AP (October 27, 2009) JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation.
BP 3rd-qtr profit down by a third, tops forecasts AP (October 27, 2009) LONDON (AP) - BP PLC, Europe's second-largest oil company, reported higher than expected profits in the third quarter though earnings were depressed by the sharp fall in oil and gas prices in the past year.