http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/energy_policy/ Energy Policy. Read the latest research and energy policy recommendations from scientific organizations around the world. en-us Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/energy_policy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206144127.htm In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama praised the potential of the country's tremendous supply of natural gas buried in shale. But the "Halliburton exclusion" passed by Congress says gas companies don't have to disclose the chemicals used in fracturing fluids. That was a real mistake because it makes the public needlessly paranoid, says a geophysicist. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206144127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223609.htm The economic pain of a flattening oil supply will trump the environment as a reason to curb the use of fossil fuels, say scientists. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123105.htm A researcher is developing several technologies that could improve the performance of electric motors and generators. And that could make a real difference in building sustainable energy systems. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126123105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125113149.htm Despite extensive investment in nanotechnology and increasing commercialization over the last decade, insufficient understanding remains about the environmental, health, and safety aspects of nanomaterials. Without a coordinated research plan to help guide efforts to manage and avoid potential risks, the future of safe and sustainable nanotechnology is uncertain, says a new report. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125113149.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110132414.htm New research by a sports economist shows restricting improving technology does not always have the expected outcome. His study suggests that understanding how people react to regulations can aid in policy-making. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110132414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219135228.htm A number of health and environmental issues and related risks need to be addressed when considering whether to lift the almost 30-year moratorium on uranium mining in Virginia, a new report says. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219135228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113230.htm Civil and environmental engineers are concerned about the size of bridges, especially when it relates to how materials will perform in structures where failures might lead to catastrophes. As today’s engineers investigate the rebuilding of much of the infrastructure, they are using much improved materials and analysis tools. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095501.htm Tackling rising CO2 emissions from the residential sector could make a vital contribution towards mitigating climate change, according to a new report. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190154.htm A new study concludes that small modular reactors may hold the key to the future of U.S. nuclear power generation. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209123108.htm An innovative project is using solar generators to provide IT resources and 'hands-on' science for students in developing countries. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209123108.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm The concept of the hydrogen economy (HE), in which hydrogen would replace the carbon-based fossil fuels of the twentieth century was first mooted in the 1970s. Today, HE is seen as a potential solution to the dual global crises of climate change and dwindling oil reserves. A research article suggests that HE is wrong and SHE has the answer in the sustainable hydrogen economy. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121022.htm The current Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards create a financial incentive for auto companies to make bigger vehicles that are allowed to meet lower targets, according to a new study. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152313.htm Cities are wasting the potential of smart technologies by failing to realize the value of their hidden infrastructure and digital assets. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102527.htm Global carbon dioxide emissions increased by a record 5.9 per cent in 2010 following the dampening effect of the 2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis, according to scientists working with the Global Carbon Project. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140613.htm The sharp decrease in global carbon dioxide emissions attributed to the worldwide financial crisis in 2009 quickly rebounded in 2010, according to researchers. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144648.htm Global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have increased by 49 percent in the last two decades, according to the latest figures by an international team of scientists. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201132521.htm Despite aggressive demand-management policies announced in recent years, China's oil use could easily reach levels comparable to today's US levels by 2040, according to a new energy study. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201132521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112651.htm Clean energy can help meet growing electricity demand and minimize pollution in the Southern United States, but progress to adopt renewable energy strategies has been hindered by a number of myths, according to a new study. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123255.htm A new study questions the cost-effectiveness of biofuels and says they would barely reduce fossil fuel use and would likely increase greenhouse gas emissions. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143356.htm A new study is first to focus on the extra carbon savings that can be squeezed from trees when wood not suitable for long-term building materials is used for bioenergy: Depending on the process used, ethanol from woody biomass emits less greenhouse gas than an equivalent amount of gasoline, between 70 percent and a little over 100 percent less. In contrast, corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions 22 percent on average. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122143356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175352.htm When biomass is combusted the carbon that once was bound in the growing tree is released into the atmosphere. For this reason, bioenergy is often considered carbon dioxide neutral. Research from Sweden, however, shows that this is a simplification. The use of bioenergy may affect ecosystem carbon stocks, and it can take anything from 2 to 100 years for different biofuels to achieve carbon dioxide neutrality. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115132855.htm Combustible gases generated by organic matter in landfill sites or from biomass are commonly burned to generate electricity. However, Finnish researchers suggest that such biogas might be more usefully used as an alternative feedstock for the chemical industry. They explain that using biogas in this way would reduce our dependency on oil and gas-derived products and is commercially and technically viable. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115132855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161340.htm A new interagency report recommends systematic consideration of new metering technologies, called submetering, that can yield up-to-date, finely grained snapshots of energy and water usage in commercial and residential buildings to guide efficiency improvements and capture the advantages of a modernized electric power grid. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109143017.htm American energy use went back up in 2010 compared to 2009, when consumption was at a 12-year low. The United States used more fossil fuels in 2010 than in 2009, while renewable electricity remained approximately constant, with an increase in wind power offset by a modest decline in hydroelectricity. There also was a significant increase in biomass consumption, according to the most recent energy flow charts. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109143017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108133045.htm Fuel made from wood could become a competitive commercial alternative to fuel made from corn by 2020 if the wood biofuel industry is supported, according to a new study. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108133045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107160237.htm Fire and life safety programs in Delaware offer a strategic, comprehensive and coordinated approach to fire prevention. A new study highlights the diversity of prevention initiatives underway in the state and documents how tradition, dedication, and a sense of community are keys to success for the program. Delaware was chosen for the study because some federal fire officials view the state as a model for fire and life safety practices. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107160237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103212157.htm New research into greenhouse gas emissions from oil palm plantations provides robust measures now being used to inform international policies on greenhouse gas emissions. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103212157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101122358.htm Policy decisions and poor management have substantially undermined the US Los Alamos National Laboratory — and, consequently, U.S. national security, according to a new article. The article calls into question media and government stereotypes that have blamed Los Alamos’s scientists for the decline. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101122358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121219.htm Researchers have developed a traffic simulator that takes into account real parking policies, the habits of urban drivers, and the movements of traffic inspectors to identify strategies for improvement and test the impact of parking policy changes before they're implemented. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031121219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026143721.htm Researchers from Hong Kong report that organic compounds of unexpected complexity exist throughout the Universe. They indicate that an organic substance commonly found throughout the Universe contains a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic components. The results suggest that complex organic compounds are not the sole domain of life but can be made naturally by stars. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026143721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084714.htm Research on geoengineering appears to have broad public support, as a new, internationally representative survey revealed that 72 percent of respondents approved research into the climate-manipulating technique. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111023135657.htm The largest and most comprehensive study yet done on the effect of biofuel production from West Coast forests has concluded that an emphasis on bioenergy would increase carbon dioxide emissions from these forests at least 14 percent. The findings are contrary to assumptions and some previous studies that suggest biofuels from this source would be carbon-neutral or even reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this research, that wasn't true in any scenario. Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111023135657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020122437.htm The U.S. government has just released a national strategy for ensuring that environmental, health, and safety research needs are fully identified and addressed in the fast-growing field of nanotechnology. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020122437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018154525.htm Natural gas mining has drawn fire recently after claims that hydraulic fracturing, an increasingly popular technique for tapping hard-to-reach reservoirs, contaminates groundwater. Surface lakes, rivers and streams may also be at risk. In a new paper, researchers estimate the average proximity of drill platforms to surface lakes and streams for two large shale basins underlying much of the eastern United States. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018154525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013111130.htm Researchers in Vermont confirm that it is technically feasible to convert cow manure to electricity on farms, but the economic returns depend highly on the base electricity price; the premium paid for converted energy; financial supports from government and other agencies; and the ability to sell byproducts of the methane generation. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013111130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010104042.htm Can the rapidly expanding automobile industry in China leapfrog to electric vehicles and so avoid the environmental harm that further decades of internal combustion engine use could cause? In a new paper, management researchers explain how China could make such a leap by setting standards. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010104042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010075532.htm The clean energy economy of the future hinges on a lot of things, chief among them the availability of the scores of rare earth minerals and other elements used to make everything from photovoltaic panels and cellphone displays to the permanent magnets in cutting edge new wind generators. And right out of the gate trouble is brewing over projected growth in demand for these minerals and the security of their supplies. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010075532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121301.htm It is unlikely the United States will meet some specific biofuel mandates under the current Renewable Fuel Standard by 2022 unless innovative technologies are developed or policies change. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927134254.htm Researchers have identified a terpene called bisabolane as a potential biofuel for replacing diesel fuel. The researchers have also engineered two strains of microbes -- a bacteria and a yeast -- that can be used in the biosynthetic production of this clean, green, renewable and domestic alternative to diesel fuel. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927134254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919194102.htm When the Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on March 11, 2011, the world witnessed the largest nuclear incident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. In a special Fukushima issue of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published today by SAGE, experts examine the current and future impact of Fukushima, what might have been done to lessen the scale of the accident, and the steps we need to take both in Japan and worldwide to prevent another nuclear tragedy. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919194102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919101919.htm Economizing on targeted funding, for example for renewable energies, makes climate protection more expensive -- as scientists have now calculated for the first time, using a complex computer simulation that spans the entire 21st century. Without funding, energy technologies with high cost reduction potentials will hardly stand a chance, since they require a significant initial investment. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919101919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163959.htm The installed cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems in the United States fell substantially in 2010 and into the first half of 2011, according to the latest edition of an annual PV cost tracking report. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915163959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914134907.htm New clean fuel regulations in California and voluntary slowdowns by shipping companies substantially reduce air pollution caused by near-shore ships, according to a new study. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914134907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914073216.htm The federal government of Germany has decided to accelerate change in energy policy. But the transition will succeed only with the help of the consumers. They are called upon to use the energy from renewable resources in a more efficient fashion. A new online game shows how energy can be saved. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914073216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912144242.htm A new study finds that helicopters that service the drilling platforms and vessels in the Gulf of Mexico crash on average more than six times per year resulting in an average of five deaths per year. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912144242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111444.htm Better physics teaching with a particular emphasis on radioactivity and radiation science could improve public awareness through education of the environmental benefits and relative safety of nuclear power generation, according to scientists. Experts have suggestsed that it might then be possible to have a less emotional debate about the future of the industry that will ultimately reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110909111444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124505.htm Although the burning of natural gas emits far less carbon dioxide than coal, a new study concludes that a greater reliance on natural gas would fail to significantly slow down climate change. Coal releases more carbon dioxide, but it also releases particles that cool the planet. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831205919.htm A new study of dust-like particles of soot in the air -- now emerging as the second most important, but previously overlooked, factor in global warming -- provides fresh evidence that reducing soot emissions from diesel engines and other sources could slow melting of sea ice in the Arctic faster and more economically than any other quick fix. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831205919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831115918.htm Solar power heavily reliant on lead batteries has the potential to release more than 2.4 million tons of lead pollution in China and India, according to new research. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831115918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092321.htm Despite the uncertainties surrounding climate change, leaders in the transportation sector agree it is time to start developing effective strategies that will keep the nation's transportation systems and other critical infrastructure running in the face of the adverse impacts that seem increasingly likely to occur. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817092218.htm Using iPad™ mobile devices, emergency preparedness officials and first responders participating in an exercise, were able, for the first time, to make use of a new, science-based software tool that allows them to view and modify accurate models of building damage and other post-event disaster effects. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817092218.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815172916.htm Researchers have pinpointed the exact, single gene that controls ethanol production capacity in a microorganism. This discovery could be the missing link in developing biomass crops that produce higher concentrations of ethanol at lower costs. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815172916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811084518.htm A new annual report gives a global overview of nuclear energy with a focus on safety and preparedness. This year's report is a bit delayed because of the accident in Fukushima, which is also mentioned in the report that would normally cover only the year 2010. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110811084518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810141253.htm Algae-based fuel is one of many options among the array of possible future energy sources. New research shows that while algae-based transportation fuels produce high energy output with minimal land use, their production could come with significant environmental burdens. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810141253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804141757.htm Researchers have made a critical review of the state of seawater desalination technology. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804141757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803111005.htm Combining biomass with carbon dioxide capture and storage could result in an annual global potential of up to 10 gigatonnes of negative CO2 emissions in the year 2050. Compared to the almost 31 gigatonnes of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2010, this represents a huge CO2 emissions reduction potential. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803111005.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803084121.htm Chemists have discovered a technique to track urban atmospheric plumes, thanks to a unique isotopic signature found in vehicle emissions. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803084121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802113610.htm A new material that can retain and release heat according to specific temperature requirements could make a significant difference to the cost of heating and cooling buildings, scientists say. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802113610.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175338.htm Millions of US drivers cross faulty or obsolete bridges every day, highway statistics show, but it's too costly to fix these spans or adequately monitor their safety, says a researcher who's developed a new, affordable early warning system. This wireless technology could avert the kind of fatal disaster along Minneapolis' I-35W on Aug. 1, 2007, he says -- and do so at one-one-hundredth the cost of current wired systems. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721150452.htm Innovative and interdisciplinary research by faculty at the University of Texas at Austin is helping to improve the safety and efficiency of hydraulic fracturing, identify issues that need to be corrected and untangle the knowns and unknowns of a process that is expected to constitute perhaps half of the nation's total natural gas supplies in coming years. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721150452.htm