In Pennsylvania, the No. 2 natural gas producer after Texas, the importance of the industry is emerging as a top issue among Republican contenders for governor before the state's May 17 primary.
The nation's top appeals court has ordered a federal agency to explain why it approved the construction of a pipeline sending substantial quantities of natural gas to Canada.
A $20 million international competition to make profitable products from a gas that otherwise would contribute to global warming has entered its final stretch.
