A Texas Democrat says he believes the U.S. House will pass legislation lifting the country’s 40-year-old ban on most crude oil exports — even amid a frenzy of activity in the upcoming session.
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 in
Energy
Well Explosion Could Pressure Texas Regulators
A Palo Pinto County family is suing two oil and gas operators, alleging that gas from their wells migrated into the family’s water well, which exploded and burned them.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Asks Full Appeals Court to Hear Voter ID Case
Continuing to protect a voter identification law that courts say discriminates, Attorney General Ken Paxton has asked a full federal appeals court to reconsider his arguments about why Texas’ requirements at the polls do not violate the Voting Rights Act.
Posted in
Economy
Judge Casts EPA Rule into Muddy Legal Waters
After a setback in court Thursday, can the federal government enforce its controversial “Waters of the U.S.” rule in Texas? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says yes. Texas says no.
Posted in
Economy
Massive Bankruptcy Tests Texas Utility Regulators
In coming months, the Public Utility Commission is expected to weigh in on an unprecedented plan to help Texas’ largest power company emerge from bankruptcy, with huge implications for the electric grid and Texas ratepayers. Along with the financial world, consumer advocates will be watching closely.
Posted in
Economy
For Now, Texas Economy Shrugs Off Low Oil Prices
A barrel of West Texas crude is selling for near $40 these days, a roughly 60 percent plunge from the roaring summer of 2014. Drilling communities are worried, but state officials aren’t sweating.
Posted inState Government
State Attorneys Get a Scolding From an Appeals Court
Also, a new poll commissioned by the Texas Bipartisan Justice Committee suggests that Donald Trump has momentum building in Texas.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Special Prosecutors, Paxton’s Lawyer Trade Barbs Over Latest Action
After re-filing indictments against Attorney General Ken Paxton in his securities fraud case, two special prosecutors are pushing back against criticism from Paxton’s attorney, who says Tuesday’s action raises questions about the case.
Posted in
Economy
Obama Proposal Targets Methane Emissions
The federal EPA on Tuesday proposed another set of rules aimed at battling climate change. These would slash oil and gas sector emissions of methane, which often leaks from well pads, compressor stations, processing plants and other equipment used in production.
Posted in
Politics
Miller Spokesman: No Apologies for Atomic Facebook Post
Don’t expect Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller to apologize over a social media post that appeared to call for the atomic bombing of “the Muslim world” – despite an outcry from critics.
