coal

Montana has one of the heaviest lifts of any state to comply with the EPA's plan to reduce carbon emissions. But the state is also rich in renewable energy, and the regulations may be a boon to some.

The federal rules will deal a big blow to some energy sectors — especially coal. The change won't be so hard for states that have moved to cut emissions. But for others it will be more difficult.

The court wrapped up on Monday, supporting the use of a controversial drug for executions by lethal injection. The justices also set up cases to be heard next term on affirmative action and abortion.

Driven by new regulations and fracking, more coal power plants are retiring for cheaper, cleaner-burning natural gas. But scientists have yet to work out the fossil fuel's imperfect climate footprint.

A storage failure at a coal-fired Duke Energy plant sent tens of thousands of tons of ash into a North Carolina river last year. Now, the company wants to move its stored waste to two abandoned mines.