Articles by Nichola Groom

Millions of Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells Pose Environmental, Health Risks

In May 2012, Hanson and Michael Rowe noticed an overpowering smell, like rotten eggs, seeping from an abandoned gas well on their land in Kentucky. The fumes made the retired couple feel nauseous, dizzy, and short of breath. Regulators responding …

Companies in Polluting Industries Slow to Disclose Climate Change Risks: Moody’s

U.S. and European companies in polluting industries rarely disclose the financial risks they face related to climate change even though a global task force called on them to do so two years ago, Moody’s Investors Service said in a report …

After Solar System Fires, Walmart Sues Tesla for ‘Widespread Negligence’

Walmart Inc. on Tuesday sued Tesla Inc., accusing it of “widespread negligence” that led to repeated fires of its solar systems and asking a court to force Tesla to remove solar panels from more than 240 of its U.S. stores. …

Filings Show PG&E Delayed Key Power Line Safety Overhaul

Shares of PG&E Corp fell about 3 percent after federal filings showed that the power utility had delayed a safety overhaul of a high-voltage transmission line, a prime suspect behind the deadliest wildfire in California history. The company filed for …

PG&E Cleared of Liability in 2017 California Wildfire, Bankruptcy Still Seen

California fire investigators last week concluded that a major 2017 wildfire was caused by privately owned electrical equipment, prompting the state’s new governor to estimate that PG&E Corp’s potential wildfire liabilities could be almost cut in half. Investors in the …

PG&E Cleared of Liability in Major 2017 Fire; Bankruptcy Still Likely

California fire investigators on Thursday concluded that a major 2017 wildfire was caused by privately owned electrical equipment, prompting the state’s new governor to estimate that PG&E Corp’s potential wildfire liabilities could be almost cut in half. Investors in the …

California Sues Trump Administration Fracking Rule Repeal

California on Wednesday sued the Trump administration over its repeal of Obama-era rules meant to address public safety concerns on hydraulic fracturing, the process known as fracking that is used to extract oil and natural gas, on federal lands. The …

Californians Pushed by Wildfires into High-risk Insurance Market

There are lots of reasons people live in California’s Modjeska Canyon. Nestled against the mountains and abutting the Cleveland National Forest, the area has abundant wildlife and access to nature, yet is just a 20 minute drive from larger Orange …