Today’s Essential Reads
FRACKING:
Natural-Gas Boom Has Regulators Scrambling
The Obama administration is moving forward on multiple fronts to regulate what has been described as America’s newfound energy panacea: natural gas.
New Study on Fracking Highlights Mineral Rights
Stronger laws to protect landowners and mineral rights holders will be needed if North Carolina legalizes fracking, according to a new draft report.
Fracking Needs to be Halted Now
In light of recent coverage of ‘fracking’ proposed throughout the Wealden area, those concerned about the process and its serious implications for the area’s environment might like to be aware of some of the following suggestions. If enough of us act now we can still halt this potentially devastating threat before it takes root.
US, China To Discuss Shale Gas During Bilateral Talks
The U.S. is prioritizing China’s development of shale gas in discussions relating to energy at an upcoming bilateral summit, as it views the unconventional fuel as vital for securing China’s energy security, reducing carbon emissions and freeing up gas for global markets, the head of the U.S. Energy Resources Bureau said Tuesday.
BP OIL SPILL:
Accord Shouldn’t Delay BP Spill Trial, U.S. Says
The U.S. government said the trial over fault for the 2010 BP Plc (BP/) Gulf of Mexico oil spill shouldn’t be delayed until after a proposed November hearing on a settlement of most private-party claims.
Feds Seek Summer Trial Date for Gulf Spill Claims
The Justice Department is urging a federal judge to set a new trial date for no later than this summer for government claims against BP over the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Baldwin County Votes to Settle BP Claim for $11.565 Million
Baldwin County commissioners voted today to accept a settlement offer of $11.565 million in their lawsuit against BP PLC relating to damages arising from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon catastrophe.
U.S., Alabama Urge No Delay In BP Oil Spill Trial
The U.S. government said a trial to assign blame and damages among BP Plc and others over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill should not be delayed until after a hearing over a $7.8 billion settlement of private party claims.
RADIATION:
After Fukushima, U.S. Flying Blind
A little more than a year ago, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake followed by a more than 100-foot-tall tsunami crippled the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, about 160 miles northeast of Tokyo. The tidal waves knocked out the plant’s backup generators, which were situated on low ground. Without the generators, workers could not keep the reactors cool. The resulting partial meltdown and release of radioactivity into the air and water dislocated tens of thousands of people who lived near the plant. Most of these people will likely never be able to move back to their original homes.
