Energy

Despite Energy Savings, Consumers In Vermont Remain Cautious

by Nina Keck

Average gasoline prices fell below $2 a gallon this week. That means U.S. consumers saved more than $100 billion this year at the gas pump, or about $550 per licensed driver. At the same time, falling natural gas prices — combined with warm temperatures in much of the country — will mean big savings on heating bills. But consumers don't seem to be spending more yet. Why? In Vermont, at least, people are worried about warm days hurting tourism.

Year-End Budget Deal Lifts Ban On American Oil Exports

NPR's Ari Shapiro interviews Jason Bordoff, professor and founding director at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. He was also the former White House energy advisor to President Obama. Bordoff talks about the part of the budget deal this week which lifts the ban on oil exports, and what it means for consumers, industry, the economy and the environment.
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Oil Industry Ups And Downs Price Out Longtime Residents Of Fracking Towns

by Marie Cusick

The sudden ups and downs of the oil and gas industry can feel like whiplash for rural communities seeing an influx of workers. Affordable housing has been a challenge. With the current slowdown in drilling, rental prices have dropped, but they're still much higher than they were pre-boom, leaving low-income and senior people still struggling to find a place they can afford.
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