WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Only the former Soviet republics are rich in hydrocarbon reserves, coveted by both Russia and the West in a replay of the "Great Game." A plant indigenous to Central Asia, Camelina sativa, however, has a rich potential as a biofuel. With Western financing and expertise, the plant offers former Soviet republics, particularly Uzbekistan, an opportunity to free themselves from dependency on their Soviet-era cotton monoculture.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. state governors who won election on Nov. 4 say they are planning scaled-back inauguration ceremonies in light of hard economic times.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer has been elected chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, succeeding West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, officials said.

RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- North Carolinians elected their first woman governor Tuesday, elevating Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue to the office over Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory.

HELENA, Mont., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Democratic incumbent Brian Schweitzer defeated Republican State Sen. Roy Brown in the Montana gubernatorial race Tuesday.

BOSTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patric will speak the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, joining other party heavyweights, officials said.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Governors across the United States are enacting regional environmental protection agreements to persuade Congress to take action on environmental issues.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Saturday the United States could be energy independent in 10 years through conservation and using coal for fuel.

HELENA, Mont., May 4 (UPI) -- Victims of Montana's harsh World War I seditionist law have been granted pardons 87 years after they were convicted.