US Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alas.) introduced a disapproval resolution cosponsored by 35 Republicans and 3 Democrats on Jan. 21 to keep the US Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

Natco Group Inc. agreed to pay a $65,000 civil fine to settle a charge that a subsidiary violated federal antibribery laws, the US Securities and Exchange Commission said.

European Union Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and Iraq's Minister for Oil Hussain Al-Shahristani signed a memorandum of understanding outlining priorities for an “energy strategic partnership,” which includes Iraq as a possible natural gas supplier to the Southern Corridor gas lines.

US Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) and Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.) expressed their strong support for Iraq’s commitment to make its oil and gas industry more transparent following Iraq’s Jan. 11 announcement that it plans to become an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative candidate country.

An oil state US House Democrat strongly criticized Interior Secretary Ken Salazar for his characterizations of the oil and gas industry during a teleconference last week with reporters.