Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday filed a lawsuit over the Environmental Protection Agency’s rejection of parts of a Texas clean air program, launching the state’s second battle against EPA regulations in less than two weeks.
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
Shale Drilling Leaks More Methane Than Thought
Gas producers in North Texas’ Barnett Shale are responsible for significantly more methane pollution than previously estimated, according to a new series of studies.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Under BP Deal, Another $788 Million Will Flow to Texas
Texas is set to receive another $788 million stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill under a settlement between BP, the federal government and five Gulf Coast states.
Posted in
Energy
In Starry West Texas, Some Drillers Follow Pleas to Cut Lights
As the glow from Permian Basin work sites hinders research and amateur stargazing at the McDonald Observatory in far West Texas, some companies are calling on their colleagues to address the problem.
Posted in
Energy
Supreme Court Thwarts EPA Mercury Rules in a Victory for Texas
A coalition of states including Texas has defeated the Environmental Protection Agency in a battle over major regulations on mercury, acid gases and other toxic metals emissions that spew from power plants, including many plants in Texas.
Posted in
Energy
Railroad Commission Executive Director to Retire
Milton Rister, executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission, plans to leave the agency on Aug. 31, according to a letter he sent to commissioners.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Balking as Federal Climate Rules Loom
Come August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may require Texas to cut 200 billion pounds of carbon emissions over the next two decades. Top Republican officials still won’t confirm whether Texas will flout those rules — an option that some critics call risky.
Posted in
Politics
Law Increasing Unemployment Taxes Gets Abbott’s Signature
The new law will give tax breaks to a small group of businesses but slightly increase taxes across the rest of the state.
Posted in
Energy
Law Extends Electric Bill Help for Poor Texans
Low-income Texans can enjoy a discount on their electricity bills for a little longer. Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed legislation ensuring that the remaining balance of the state’s “System Benefit Fund” would go toward that purpose.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed legislation that could make it tougher for local governments to sue big-time polluters – an effort that largely targets Harris County prosecutors.
