1. EPA:
Administrator confirmation on collision course with carbon, gasoline rules
U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson's announcement last week of her resignation in late January could force the agency into a tough confirmation fight as it's proposing or finalizing controversial air regulations that would limit sulfur in gasoline and greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants. The timing could add heat to Senate Republicans' scrutiny of the White House's choice for the next EPA chief -- especially if the nominee is an agency insider who played some role in crafting the rules.