Possibly a true case of, "Last one out, turn off the lights," the economic downturn resulted in a reduction of total U.S. electrical use for the second straight year in 2009, according to a new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (more)

The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed the creation of a service to keep Americans updated on the effects of climate change and global warming "in order to make the best choices for their families, communities and businesses." (more)

Plug-in electric hybrid cars will remain costly to purchase and not result in significant savings to their owners for "several decades," according to a new report from the National Academies of Science. (more)

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has confirmed what Floridians have suspected for a long time; that two species of non-native giant and potentially dangerous snakes -- the reticulated python and the green anaconda - are slithering about in the southern parts of their state. (more)

Yes, the federal government can be very giving. Well, when it comes to its sand, anyway. The Department of Interior has announced it will give 1.3 million cubic yards of federally-owned sand from the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to Brevard County, Florida to help rebuild its storm eroded, tourist-attracting beaches. (more)

There must have been a twitch in the universe on Wednesday evening as NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams – who has a history of highlighting concerns of interest to the environmentalist left – actually ran a story highlighting complaints by some Europeans that the "going green" movement is going too far as the European Union is banning the use of old-fashioned lightbulbs in favor of a more energy efficient model. Correspondent Dawna Friesen noted that the new bulbs not only are more expensive but tha... (more)

Noting its “continued commitment to openness and transparency,” the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published the latest raw preliminary data about toxic chemicals released into the environment by companies and utilities nationwide. (more)

"Between 2000 and 2006, carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels increased 0.7 % in the United States, as compared with 4.9 % in Europe. This, mind you, during a period when the U.S. growth rate exceeded the European average. Worldwide, CO2 emissions increased 21.6%" (more)

In a packed and sometimes contentious hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday, representatives of the oil and gas industry and their state regulators vigorously defended the practice of injecting toxic fluids underground without federal regulatory oversight. (more)

WASHINGTON — The problem with global warming, some environmentalists believe, is “global warming.” The term turns people off, fostering images of shaggy-haired liberals, economic sacrifice and complex scientific disputes, according to extensive polling and focus group sessions conducted by ecoAmerica, a nonprofit environmental marketing and messaging firm in Washington. (more)