Just two Arab countries have supplied almost 50 percent of California's imported oil over the past five years, a dependence that leaves the state more vulnerable than the rest of the country to disruptions in the world oil markets.

The finding, based on an analysis of state and federal crude oil import statistics, underscores the challenges confronting California — the biggest gas-consuming state in the United States — and the country as a whole as lawmakers grapple with consumer outrage over high prices at the pump and a U.S. deficit that has widened on the back of high crude prices.

Sinopec drilling for gas in Saudi Arabia

Kremlin gives go-ahead for China oil deal:

ENERGY-hungry China gained its first stake in a Russian oil field last week, signalling a reversal in the Kremlin’s attitude to its long-time rival and launching Russia’s new energy partnership policy.

And elsewhere....

Power crisis pushing Uganda into recession

In Canada, Alberta's energy profits near bottom of barrel. The problem? "Unconventional production methods are deemed too expensive to charge the company traditional royalties."

In the U.K., Labour MP Michael Meacher says, Our only hope lies in forging a new energy world order.

Interesting article about Matthew Simmons (from Culture Change, via Energy Bulletin).

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Shippers hop aboard railroads:

Shippers across the country have been putting more and more freight on trains as the economics of hauling by rail have become more favorable.

The increased traffic has meant strong profits for the railroads. But for many who rely on trains to ship their goods it has been -- at times -- a hassle.

Congestion on the tracks and a shortage of rail cars, not to mention rising prices, have all contributed to headaches for shippers and their customers. It has also brought to a head the need for improved rail infrastructure in the United States and perhaps a public-private partnership when it comes to paying for it.

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court agreed Monday to consider whether the Bush administration must regulate carbon dioxide to combat global warming, setting up what could be one of the court’s most important decisions on the environment.

A dozen states, a number of cities and various environmental groups asked the court to take up the case after a divided lower court ruled against them.