With new procedures in place to streamline permits for liquefied natural gas export terminals, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in late August slated 12 LNG terminals for environmental review.

Nearly all industry sectors gained jobs, led by specialty trade contractors, which added 15,300 positions.

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake occurred on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido on Sept. 6, leaving at least seven dead and damaging buildings and structures in the region, including a 1,650MW coal-fired thermal power plant that was taken offline. 

Reductions, which start Oct. 1, bring fees back to their 2006 levels.

The roof of the sludge concentration building at Chicago's Calumet Water Reclamation Plant collapsed at around 11 a.m. August 30. Ten people were hurt and successfully evacuated to area hospitals for treatment by the Chicago Fire Dept.