House Energy and Commerce Committee Photo

Moniz seeks to counter climate, fracturing criticism by Republicans

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz on Tuesday sparred with House Republicans over climate change and hydraulic fracturing, in polite but pointed exchanges that highlighted the political divide over energy and the environment.

At a budget hearing held by the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Moniz was repeatedly challenged to back the views of climate scientists that fossil fuel use is warming the planet and contributing to severe storms and droughts.

Moniz says clean coal loans still possible

The Energy Department is still considering whether to give new government loan guarantees to advanced fossil fuel projects that could include new carbon capture, Secretary Ernest Moniz said Tuesday.

Moniz told House lawmakers that the department's existing loan guarantee program is largely focused on managing loans already made or under negotiation, but that authority remains for loans to fossil fuel projects. He offered no timetable for action.

Oil

Oil climbs above $98 ahead of Fed policy news

NEW YORK (AP) — The price of oil rose above $98 Tuesday as traders awaited the latest word on both the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and U.S. oil supplies.U.S. benchmark oil for July delivery rose 67 cents to close at $98.44 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Duke Energy names insider to take over for Rogers

NEW YORK (AP) — Duke Energy Corp., the nation's largest electric utility, named Chief Financial Officer Lynn Good to replace Jim Rogers next month as CEO.

Ex-coal official seeks leniency in conspiracy case

BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) — A former Massey Energy official who is cooperating in the investigation of the Upper Big Branch mine disaster is asking a judge for leniency when he's sentenced Aug. 1.

House, Senate on diverging paths on agency budgets

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans controlling the House unveiled slashing cuts Tuesday to a program that helps localities build community development projects, while their rivals in the Democratic-led Senate proposed to restore GOP cuts to international food aid and nutrition help for pregnant women.

Chrysler agrees to recall of Jeeps at risk of fire

DETROIT (AP) — Chrysler avoided a showdown with government safety regulators Tuesday, agreeing to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.

NYC to offer free phone-charging stations in parks

NEW YORK (AP) — It's a message busy New Yorkers hate to get: the low-battery message on your cellphone when there's no charger in sight.

Algeria electricity CEO under investigation

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — The former and current heads of Algeria's state electricity company are under investigation for alleged corruption along with 15 others, a top official said. It is reportedly the latest in a series of corruption cases involving bribes paid by foreign companies to win bids on projects.

EPA Photo

EPA 'smart growth' report encourages density, efficiency

The Environmental Protection Agency's newest report on so-called smart growth urges cities to pursue high density, energy-efficient development to help protect nature and human health.

EPA on Monday issued its first update to its 2001 report that rounds up research on the environmental impacts of development and transportation.

Illinois gov. signs tough fracking regulations law

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed legislation giving the state the nation's strictest regulations for high-volume oil and gas drilling.

Oil

Oil prices fall toward $97 before US Fed meeting

BANGKOK (AP) — The price of U.S. benchmark oil fell slightly Tuesday, a day after briefly touching a nine-month high, as traders awaited the start of a Federal Reserve policy meeting.

Chrysler expected to formally refuse Jeep recall

DETROIT (AP) — In one of the biggest-ever showdowns between an automaker and the government, Chrysler on Tuesday is expected to file papers explaining its refusal to recall 2.7 million older Jeep SUVs that are at risk of catching fire in rear-end collisions.

Investigators 'zeroing in' on Colo. wildfire start

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Rain helped firefighters douse Colorado's most destructive wildfire in state history, while a new wind-whipped blaze in California forced evacuations and threatened homes Monday near Yosemite National Park.

Official: Solar plane to help energy use on ground

CHANTILLY, Va. (AP) — The plane parked outside the airport looks more like a giant exotic insect or maybe an outsized balsa wood toy airplane.

Singapore fumes after pollution hits 16-year high

SINGAPORE (AP) — Singaporeans rolled back military training, kept cough-stricken children indoors and considered wearing protective masks to work Tuesday after a smoky haze triggered by forest fires in neighboring Indonesia caused air pollution to briefly hit its worst level in nearly 16 years.

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