Energy And Economy, Intertwined On energy and climate change, Barack Obama's focus has shifted markedly over the course of the year as the economy has weakened. ...more

November 9, 2008

Florida's Public Service Commission is torn by conflicting goals. The appointed board is trying to keep electric rates as low as possible during a year of rising fuel costs, yet it also wants the utilities it regulates to begin switching to renewable sources of energy, which at this point is more expensive than coal and natural gas. ...more

November 1, 2008

As former administrators of the Environmental Protection Agency, we have served three presidents as their principal advisers responsible for the implementation and enforcement of our nation's environmental laws. We are lifelong Republicans. Yet after much thoughtful deliberation we have decided to support Barack Obama in his bid for the White House. ...more

November 1, 2008

Congress expended a lot of energy debating how to solve the energy crisis before running off for summer recess for five weeks. It ended up accomplishing nothing. Now Congress is back and seemingly ready for more of the same. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will present an energy bill next week that would expand offshore drilling. But Republicans rejected the legislation on the basis of the outlines Pelosi released Tuesday. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., will hold hearings today with an eye to bringing energy bills to a vote sometime next week. But don't expect anything to happen. ...more

September 15, 2008

Regarding "Gore Sets Goal On Fossil Fuels" (Nation/World, July 18): I have often differed with Al Gore, but this time I totally agree with him. We must cut our dependency on fossil fuels and start today if we are to continue as a nation and as a world leader. There are many renewable sources of energy: wind power, water power from falls and rivers, tidal power, wave power, solar power, nuclear power and others not yet explored or considered. ...more

July 23, 2008

Ken Wheeler, the director of solid waste, is into recycling, and Highlands County should be grateful about that. The county is likely to pick up more than $3 million in two grants – nearly one-third of the $10.5 million allocated – that Gov. Charlie Crist convinced the Legislature to award in local-government grants for innovative recycling projects. Highlands had lots of competition. A total of 140 cities and counties applied for the grants. After reviewing all 140 applications, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection picked the top 33 projects based on merit. ...more

February 3, 2008

The Manatee Viewing Center, a popular stop for locals and snowbirds who want a close-up peek at the gentle Florida sea cows, has reopened for the season. ...more

November 7, 2007

The Manatee Viewing Center, a popular stop for locals and snowbirds alike, has reopened for the season. ...more

November 1, 2007