Energy
KQED Science
Oil Transport by Train Continues to Climb
Sixty-six percent more oil came into California by rail in the first half of this year, compared to the first half of last year.
KQED Science
Richmond Approves Contentious Chevron Project
Richmond's city council has given the green light to a controversial refinery project. Chevron's $1 billion upgrade at its Richmond refinery will allow it to refine higher-sulfur crude oil.
KQED Science
Feds Propose New Safety Rules for Oil Trains
There have been several fiery oil train derailments in other parts of the country in the past year. The new rules include lower speed limits, better brakes and safer rail cars.
KQED Science
Richmond Nearly Ready to Approve Chevron Refinery Project
The Richmond City Council is considering Chevron's plans for a $1 billion project at its refinery there. If it's approved, this is one of the last steps before construction on the project would actually begin.
KQED Science
California Has Little Say Over Oil Train Safety
The state can't set speed limits on trains. It can't tell railroads to choose less hazardous routes. It can't tell oil companies not to bring trains carrying volatile crude through cities.
KQED Science
Anti-Fracking Activists in California Take Fight to County Ballots
Activists are hoping local residents will do what state legislators haven’t done -- shut down the controversial oil production technique known as hydraulic fracturing.
KQED Science
California’s New Fracking Regulations Delayed Half a Year
State lawmakers approved the delay in late June, and at the same time tightened up the environmental review process for fracking permits.
KQED Science
Benicia Extends Public Comment Period on Bay Area Crude-by-Rail
Benicia city officials are giving people more time to comment on a proposal to bring crude oil by rail to Valero’s refinery there.
KQED Science
Oklahoma Study Offers Better Insight into Industrial Earthquakes
A new study adds strong evidence that deep-injection wells can occasionally nudge a fault into activity. The key is figuring out how it happens, then learning to avoid whatever is making it happen.
KQED Science
Supreme Court Won’t Hear Dispute Over California Fuel Standard
The justices on Monday turned away appeals from fuel makers that say the law discriminates against out-of-state producers.
KQED Science
Revealed: Routes for Trains Hauling Volatile Crude Oil in California
Trains loaded with volatile Bakken crude pass through or near cities and sensitive environmental areas on a regular basis.
KQED Science
Berkeley Considers CO2 Warning Labels at Gas Pumps
Environmentalists want Berkeley drivers to see a connection between pumping gas and dumping carbon into the atmosphere.
KQED Science
California’s Not Ready for Influx of Oil Trains, Says Report
Crude-by-rail has been a growing concern as an oil boom in North Dakota has meant more and more crude is traveling to refineries by rail. A series of fiery derailments in the past year has focused attention on the need for accident prevention and emergency response preparation.
KQED Science
Chevron Refinery Plans in Richmond Pose Risks, Says Attorney General
In a letter to the city, Harris says she still has questions about the oil company's $1 billion expansion project.
KQED Science
Crude-by-Rail: More Information Coming to California
Beginning Saturday, railroads must notify states when large shipments of crude oil come through by train. The new rule is in response to safety concerns with crude-by-rail.
QUEST
Tobacco Gets a Makeover as New Source for Biofuel
Is a new biofuel a win for renewable energy or the far-reaching arms of the tobacco industry? ...Read More
KQED Science
New Rules for Power Plants: What They Mean for California
New rules for existing power plants could mean more partners for California's carbon market.
KQED Science
California’s Monterey Shale: Bonanza or Bust? Nobody Really Knows
There's more than meets the eye to the reported reassessment of the state's next big oil play.
KQED Science
Estimate of Recoverable Monterey Shale Oil Slashed by Officials
The amount of oil that can be recovered from California's vast Monterey Shale formation using existing technology is far less than thought.
KQED Science
Santa Cruz Is First California County to Ban Fracking
Tuesday morning the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the pre-emptive move against hydraulic fracturing. A state bill that would ban fracking until there is more scientific study is in limbo.
