Wyoming is learning firsthand the cost of energy independence through the recent explosion of natural gas extraction rigs that are in 20 of 23 of the state’s counties. The energy  companies are pouring money into the new rigs, hiring employees and paying taxes allows the local populations to enjoy a higher standard of living as [...]

The first increase in the federal minimum wage will take effect this week, starting the process to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 by 2009. This first increase will bring the wage level up to $5.85, which has a lot of people talking about the economic impacts on small businesses and workers alike. According [...]

BP is getting into some hot debates about their recent plans to expand their Whiting, Indiana refinery and in the process they are being allowed to dispose of 54% more ammonia and 35% more sludge into Lake Michigan on a daily basis. This exception by the Environmental Protection Agency will help to accelerate “energy independence” [...]