U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz says Texas can play a major role in shrinking the country’s carbon dioxide footprint and addressing climate change — if it chooses to.
Jim Malewitz
Jim Malewitz was a reporter at the Tribune from 2013 to 2017, covering energy and environment and then working on investigations. Previously, he covered those issues for Stateline, a nonprofit news service in Washington, D.C. The Michigan native majored in political science at Grinnell College in Iowa and holds a master’s from the University of Iowa. There, he helped launch the nonprofit Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism, where he currently serves on the board of directors. Jim also coaches the Texas Tribune Runoffs, which, sources say, is the scrappiest coed newsroom softball team west of the Mississippi.
Posted inState Government
Another Officeholder Wades Into Red River Land Dispute
Also, the Texas attorney general weighs in on transgender bathroom legal fight in Virginia.
Posted in
Economy
Obama’s Methane Crackdown Rankles Texas Oil and Gas Industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday finalized a new set of rules aimed at battling climate change. This time, the agency is targeting the oil patch — with big implications for Texas, the nation’s petroleum king.
Posted in
Energy
Big Bend-Area Pipeline Clears Last Hurdle
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission signed off on a stretch of the Trans-Pecos Pipeline that would cross below the Rio Grande, handing a setback to a coalition of ranchers, environmentalists and landowners that sought to thwart the project.
Posted inState Government
Another Sunset Cycle, Another Railroad Commission Review
Also, the Public Utility Commission mulls over the state of the proposed Oncor takeover deal.
Posted in
Economy
Survey: Texans Support a State “Clean Energy” Plan
A new poll shows most Texans believe state leaders should draw up a plan to shift from coal-fired power to natural gas and renewables — even if the state defeats the Obama administration in a high-profile court battle.
Posted in
Economy
Eagle Ford Town’s Residents Disgusted by Waste Site’s Approval
The Texas Railroad Commission approved a permit for a huge oil and gas waste facility outside of tiny Nordheim, ending one of the first organized protests against industry activity in South Texas’ Eagle Ford Shale.
Posted in
Economy
Energy Future Holdings Pitches New Plan To End Epic Bankruptcy
Energy Future Holdings, Texas’ largest power company, is going back to the drawing board in its efforts to emerge from one of the largest corporate bankruptcies in American history.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Lawmaker Warns of Outer Space Death Pulse
A Texas state senator is redefining scorched-earth politics, trying to make sure Americans — and Texans — are prepared for electromagnetic pulses from space that could spell the end of civilization.
Posted in
Energy
Sunset Review Suggests Changes, New Name at Railroad Commission
The Texas Railroad Commission should beef up its oversight of oil and gas drilling, pipeline safety and abandoned wells and change its name to reflect what it actually does, the latest sunset review recommends.