NASA looking at geothermal energy from Yellowstone supervolcano

Iceland's Fimmvorduhals erupts. Image: Henrik ThorburnAlthough claims of imminent volcanic eruption are likely exaggerated, any eruption of what's known as the Yellowstone Supervolcano would cause global chaos. Through intense monitoring programs, scientists have a clear idea of the Yellowstone volcano's behavior. Now NASA scientists are exploring a radical idea that could one day neutralize the...

Energy Dept to award $15 million for very fast electric-car charging

AeroVironment DC fast charger, part of West Coast Electric Highway  -  Centralia, WAThe United States Department of Energy has announced a new funding initiative to accelerate the development of what it calls "Extreme Fast Charging" (XFC) systems. In total, the DoE will award $15 million for the development of electric-car charging systems as well as batteries capable of very fast charging. Each area of interest has specific...

Oklahoma Supreme Court rules state’s electric-car tax unconstitutional

2018 Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 plug-in hybrid, Catskill Mountains, NY, July 2017When the Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill earlier this year that imposed new fees on owners of hybrid and electric cars only, it was swiftly sued by the Sierra Club. Now the Oklahoma Supreme Court has rendered its verdict in that suit, filed in August. In a 6-3 decision, the state's highest court struck down the bill as an unconstitutional tax...

Seven Western states sign deal to expand electric-car charging networks

ebee streelight charging stationThe Western United States will soon see an electric-car charging network covering 5,000 miles of roadways. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced that he and six other governors in western states have agreed to develop a network of fast-charge stations in the region. The announcement expands upon Colorado, Nevada, and Utah's previous...