Southeastern Gas Shortage Wreaks Havoc

Obama won't issue permit, but company can reapply with alternate route

(NEWSER) - The White House will not allow the controversial Keystone XL pipeline to be built as is: The State Department is expected to make the announcement official this afternoon, but it's spreading the word in the meantime via anonymous sources in the big news outlets, including the Washington Post , Politico , and the Los Angeles Times . The Obama administration will apparently let TransCanada apply again, probably within a matter of weeks, this time with an alternate route that avoids sensitive land in Nebraska. More»

Expected to affect Florida, could hit Georgia, Carolinas

(NEWSER) - The first hurricane of the Atlantic season has officially developed. Irene is currently moving over Puerto Rico; it could eventually rattle Florida and skim Georgia and the Carolinas later this week. First, though, it’s headed toward Hispaniola, the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The storm has maximum sustained wins of 75mph and is pushing west-northwest at 12mph, the AP reports. More»

Tornadoes, rain, hail pelt the region

(NEWSER) - A devastating storm system ripped its way through the South yesterday, pummeling the region with tornadoes, flash flooding, and hail the size of softballs. The death toll shot up today to at least 47, reports NBC News, with emergency crews searching for more victims in hard-hit areas of Virginia and North Carolina. The latter alone saw 24 fatalities and declared an emergency after it weathered at least 62 tornadoes and the worst storm in 27 years, reports the AP. The death toll is expected to rise. More»

Compromise would put voucher at $4,500, nix buy-American clause

(NEWSER) - Congress is nearing agreement on a “cash for clunkers” plan that would pay Americans to give up their gas-guzzling vehicles. A House plan outlined yesterday focuses on cars and light trucks that yield less than 18 miles per gallon. Owners who junk those will receive a $3,500-$4,500 voucher, depending on the relative efficiency of their new ride, the New York Times. More»

(NEWSER) - Big oil execs, analysts, and government sources say a century-old American tradition is waning: after years of increasing oil consumption, US guzzling has peaked, they believe. Last year, demand plunged 7.1% for gas, diesel, and jet fuel—the biggest drop since 1950, when dependable records began. And major changes for the oil industry mean big changes for government budgets and consumers alike, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»