OIL/ENERGY POLICY
Bromwich concerned budget cuts may reverse hard-won reforms
THE GULF
U.S. to seek more fines in Gulf oil spill
Oil spill claims expansion for shrimpers, crabbers is not retroactive
Oil spill cleanup to enter 'patrol and maintenance," use smaller crews
Stranded dolphin improving, fifth dead dolphin found in Mississippi
NOAA finds bacterial infection as cause of death for five northern Gulf dolphins; investigation continues
"We believe these five dolphins died from brucellosis. Die-offs from bacterial infections could be occurring because the bacterium has become more lethal, but they could also be occurring, or be more severe, because the dolphins are more susceptible to infection. Severe environmental stress, including from exposure to oil, could have reduced the animals' ability to fight infection," said Teri Rowles, DVM, Ph.D., coordinator of NOAA's National Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program.
ALTERNATIVES TO OIL
Renewable power trumps fossil fuels for first time
"Renewable energy is surpassing fossil fuels for the first time in new power-plant investments, shaking off setbacks from the financial crisis and an impasse at the United Nations global warming talks. Electricity from the wind, sun, waves and biomass drew $187 billion last year compared with $157 billion for natural gas, oil and coal, according to calculations by Bloomberg New Energy Finance using the latest data. Accelerating installations of solar- and wind-power plants led to lower equipment prices, making clean energy more competitive with coal."
