The Texas Railroad Commission is overhauling its media policy, striking language that mentions punishment for agency employees who relay incorrect information to news outlets.
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
Lawmakers Consider Boosting Earthquake Research
State lawmakers are considering a nearly $2.5 million plan to help answer a pressing question in some Texas communities: Why does the ground keep shaking?
Posted in
Energy
Fired TCEQ Investigator: Law Firm Triggered Dismissal
A former Texas environmental investigator says he tried to blow the whistle on his employer. But instead of helping him, he said, a high-profile Texas law firm tattled on him, leading to his dismissal.
Posted inState Government
Storify: Inauguration Day for Abbott, Patrick
There was music, dancing and (literally) tons of barbecue at Tuesday’s inauguration celebration. Use this Storify page to see what folks shared on social media and follow the Tribune’s on-the-ground reporting.
Posted inState Government
Years Later, Perry Finally Spends BP Spill Gift
In one of his last acts as governor, Gov. Rick Perry gave $4 million to two Texas university consortiums to research offshore energy exploration, oil spill prevention and coastline protection.
Posted in
Energy
Obama’s Methane Plan: Why It Matters for Texas
On Wednesday, the Obama administration announced another major plan to combat climate change that aims to slash emissions of methane gas in the next decade by almost a half. Here’s why that’s a big deal for Texas.
Posted in
Politics
Storify: The 1st Day of the 84th Legislative Session
From the first day of the new legislative session, here’s a selection of tweets that journalists, lawmakers and others have shared, along with the Tribune’s on-the-ground reporting from the Texas Capitol.
Posted in
Energy
Comptroller Seldom Right on Oil Price Prediction
Texas’ recent attempts to figure out what will happen with oil prices have one thing in common: They’re rarely accurate. But that’s the norm for most anyone watching the volatile petroleum industry.
Posted in
Energy
Rule on Natural Gas Rate Hikes is Fuel for Debate
The Texas Railroad Commission recently endorsed changes to how cities can challenge natural gas utility rate increases. Commissioners say the rule should help cut expenses for ratepayers. But some critics say the rule puts cities at a disadvantage.
Posted in
Energy
Raw Gas Fuels Worry for Rural Homeowner
Thousands of rural Texas homes get their natural gas from “farm taps,” hooking up to nearby pipelines that carry raw gas on its way from wells to processing plants. One homeowner shut down his furnace when he learned of the risks.
