Jim Hogan, the Democratic candidate for Texas agriculture commissioner, is staying true to a major campaign promise: that he won’t raise any money.
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
Sierra Club Endorses Democrat in Railroad Commission Race
A Texas environmental group is backing Democrat Steve Brown’s bid for railroad commissioner.
Posted in
Energy
Drilling Waste Plan Roils South Texas Town
Nordheim, population 307, is the site of one of the first organized protests in the heart of the Eagle Ford. Many of its residents are fighting to keep out a massive disposal facility for oil and gas waste — a sight that could become more common as energy producers search for places to dispose of their leftovers.
Posted in
Energy
In Texas, a Bright Outlook for Solar Manufacturer
Texas’ biggest solar panel manufacturing plant is ramping up production. It’s part of San Antonio’s effort to become a solar energy hub – by building solar farms to help power the area and luring the companies that manufacture their parts.
Posted in
Energy
Perry Touts National Energy Plan, Gas Exports
Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday called on the federal government to pass a comprehensive energy plan with a focus on natural gas drilling and exports — and to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.
Posted in
Energy
State Revives Low-Income Energy Efficiency Plan
Texas regulators say they have a plan to provide low-income Texans with the tools to help them interact with “smart” meters and improve energy efficiency at their homes – tapping $18.5 million of ratepayer money long earmarked for such a program.
Posted in
Energy
Texas and the EPA Find Agreement Underground
In their efforts to regulate the wells that hold Texas’ oilfield waste, state officials have found a surprising ally in the federal Environmental Protection Agency, long a political punching bag in Texas.
Posted in
Energy
Staples Leaving Ag Commissioner Post Early to Head Oil and Gas Association
UPDATED: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples confirmed he has been selected to head up the Texas Oil and Gas Association – the state’s largest and oldest petroleum group. He will leave his current post early.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Supreme Court Weighs Oilfield Fraud
For mineral owners, making sure oil and gas operators pay what they promise can prove incredibly difficult, as shown in a case the Texas Supreme Court will soon decide.
Posted inState Government
Libertarian Candidate Faults Railroad Commission for Denton Anti-Fracking Push
In an email blast on Wednesday, Libertarian Railroad Commission candidate Mark Miller said the Denton anti-fracking effort “results from a failure of government to assert its primary roles to protect individual rights and to resolve conflicts.”
