Current rules give the agency little leverage to protect lands or restore damage once drilling companies pull out.
DC Dispatch
Posted inArticles
Jeb Bush outlines plans to limit federal control of Western lands
The presidential hopeful would move Interior Department from Washington to the West.
Posted inArticles
EPA releases a stricter, health-based smog standard
Failure to meet the new requirements can trigger serious economic consequences for some communities.
Posted inArticles
Pope Francis and Obama make joint appeal for climate action
Pope’s address promises to rile Republicans who deny human connection to climate change.
Posted inArticles
Iran deal adds to pain for US oil producers
Experts disagree about how much incremental damage US drillers will suffer.
Posted inArticles
EPA proposes reducing methane leaks from oil and gas production
The regulations are part of Obama’s strategy to fight climate change.
Posted inArticles
How a long-sought Idaho wilderness bill defies the odds
The threat of a national monument gets Boulder-White Clouds the highest protection.
Posted inArticles
Sparks fly in Colorado over the EPA’s Clean Power Plan
State attorney general may challenge the emissions limit, though a top state environment official supports it.
Posted inArticles
Obama slashes greenhouse gas emissions from power plants
The EPA’s historic Clean Power Plan makes a big push for renewables.
Posted inAugust 3, 2015: Outflanked
Arrival of the cost-benefit state
The Supreme Court wants the Environmental Protection Agency to weigh human health against costs to industry.
Posted inArticles
Interior launches national conversation on federal coal
Should royalties be higher to account for social costs of climate change?
Posted inArticles
Drought bill aims to build dams to alleviate water shortages
Despite the drought, agriculture in California is in better shape than you might think.
Posted inArticles
Obama designates three more national monuments
Vast stretches of Nevada and Northern California are now protected, bringing Obama’s count to 19.
Posted inArticles
Natural gas exports to Mexico are surging
A major new energy export market quietly emerges as Mexico takes advantage of low-priced U.S. gas.
Posted inArticles
Court sides with industry on power plant emissions
Supreme Court decision is a setback to one of the biggest environmental actions of the Obama administration.
Posted inArticles
Methane leaks from oil and gas production on federal lands
New proposals from EPA and BLM to curtail leaks are due out this summer.
Posted inArticles
Hillary would charge new fees for fossil fuel extraction
Candidate for Democratic nomination tells Republican presidential hopefuls to heed scientists on global warming.
Posted inArticles
Outfitters seek exemption from new federal minimum wage
Bill would allow recreation businesses to operate on federal land without paying staff $10.10 an hour.
Posted inArticles
Senate committee votes to block Obama’s clean water rule
Republicans say new rule would give the federal government too much authority over waterways and wetlands.
Posted inArticles
EPA says fracking could contaminate drinking water
Feds identify no widespread problem but concede to insufficient data.