Energy

Susan and Bill Dunavan own 80 acres of land in York County.

On Nebraska's Farmland, Keystone XL Pipeline Debate Is Personal

2:46pm December 17, 2014

by Melissa Block

The pipeline's fate looms large in Washington. But for people living in Keystone XL's proposed path, the project will alter livelihoods and legacies — for better or worse, depending on whom you ask.

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A pilot for Earl's Flying Service sprays chemicals on a field in southeastern Missouri.

For Crop-Duster Pilots, Wind Towers Present Danger

11:29am December 17, 2014

by Jacob McCleland

Short, unlit towers are used to prospect for new wind farms. But the structures pose a threat to crop-duster pilots. Transportation officials are urging better markings and other safety improvements.

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Politics & Government

Should Homeowners With Solar Panels Pay To Maintain Electrical Grid?

12:14pm December 11, 2014

by Peter Overby

Utilities say consumers who put solar panels on their roofs should help pay to maintain the lines that carry the power they sell back into the system. Panel leasing firms say that's anti-competitive.

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Environment

Scientists Track Down Serious Methane Leaks In Natural Gas Wells

12:27pm December 09, 2014

by Christopher Joyce

Faulty gear and attempts to clear liquid from wells can release enough gas to power hundreds of homes, new research reveals. Scientists say finding the leaks is a first step to plugging them.

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Gas prices in Oklahoma City have dipped under $2.

Coming Soon To A Filling Station Near You: $1.99 Gasoline

5:50pm December 05, 2014

by Scott Neuman

OnCue in Oklahoma City was the first place in the country to drop its price per gallon below $2. Several other cities are likely to get similarly cheap gas soon, an expert says.

World News

Oil Deal Provides Much-Needed Revenue In Iraq

6:57pm December 02, 2014

Melissa Block talks with Ben Lando of the Iraq Oil Report about the deal between Baghdad and the Kurds over oil revenue.

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Science

Tumbling Oil Prices Give A Boost To Drivers During The Holidays

5:16pm December 02, 2014

by Jeff Brady

An OPEC meeting last week sent oil prices tumbling when the cartel decided not to restrict production to boost prices. Now some are predicting parts of the U.S. will see gas prices under $2 a gallon.

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World News

Low Oil Prices Accelerate Trouble For Venezuela

6:28pm December 01, 2014

The drop in the price of oil might be having a positive effect on the disposable income of Americans, but for people who live in countries whose economies are dependent on the high price of oil it's a different story. Audie Cornish talks to Daniel Yergin, author of The Quest: Energy, Security and the Remaking of the Modern World

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Mango trees would be grateful for the nutrients in human poop.

A Bus Isn't The Only Thing That Can Be Powered By Poop

5:20pm December 01, 2014

by Linda Poon

Human waste can help things grow and even cook your dinner. It might sound gross, but don't worry, the odor has been removed. Plus: It's good for the environment!

The lowest gas prices in years are seen Wednesday on a fuel sign in Lawrence, Kan. A day later, OPEC decided to maintain current production levels, virtually ensuring continued low prices at the pump.

Oil Prices Tumble After OPEC Holds Firm On Output

11:53am December 01, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Ministers of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting in Austria could not agree to cut production in an effort to stabilize global crude prices.