Lawmakers working on the next Farm Bill need to find an effective way to provide aid to farmers affected by natural disasters, increase funding for agricultural research and continue important conservation programs, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. …
One of seven oil companies charged with killing migratory birds during drilling operations in North Dakota has agreed to plead guilty and pay $12,000. Slawson Exploration Co. Inc., of Wichita, Kan., was charged under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with …
Americans peg the value of coral reefs around the main Hawaiian Islands at $33.57 billion, a study commissioned by the federal government said last week. Officials frequently cite coral reefs as being vital to tourism and other industries. But there’s …
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. officials said Monday that a major gas transmission line serving the San Francisco Bay Area ruptured during a pressure test, blowing a crater in an alfalfa field in Kern County. The pipe failure south of …
As Insurance Journal has reported, Florida lawmakers are considering the future of the state’s largest homeowners’ insurer, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. It’s supposed to be the insurer of last resort but it’s become the first and only choice for many, …
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency says federal regulators will continue to push for the cleanup of coal power plants in southwestern Colorado despite the rough economy. EPA administrator Lisa Jackson praised Colorado’s plan to retire coal plants and …
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A+’ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa-” of Berkley Insurance Group, Admiral Insurance Group, Berkley Regional Group and Nautilus Insurance Group and their respective property/casualty members. Best …
The Hartford Financial Services Group has appointed Robert Rupp, 58, as executive vice president and chief risk officer, reporting to the company’s Chairman, President and CEO Liam McGee. Rupp assumes the role on Nov. 2 from Lizabeth Zlatkus, who is …
GEICO is launching a new Facebook app called “GEICO Shortcuts,” which will give GEICO policyholders access to their insurance information using the functionality of the popular social networking site. “Facebook’s dramatic growth has significantly changed the way people consume information,” …
Maryland’s highest court has ruled that a law giving owners of certain rental properties immunity from personal injury lawsuits based on a child’s ingestion of lead-based paint is invalid. The Court of Appeals issued the 7-0 ruling on Monday, Oct. …
