A federal plan to slash emissions from coal-fired power plants remains a source of deep division. But a number of utilities say their investments in natural gas and renewable energy sources have left them well-positioned to meet their potential carbon targets.
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
Economy
With Lamb-scaping Crew, Texas Solar Farm Aims to Shave Maintenance Costs
Operators of a 45-acre San Antonio solar farm have turned to sheep – not lawnmowers – as a low-cost, low-effort way to control overgrown shrubbery that might otherwise impede the company’s technicians.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Abbott Pans BLM Response to Red River Questions
After a two-month lag, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has responded to Greg Abbott’s questions about the bureau’s claim to a disputed strip of land along the Red River, and the Texas attorney general is not impressed.
Posted in
Energy
Texas a Testing Ground for Energy Storage
Spurred in part by its fast-growing renewable energy sector, Texas has become a major testing ground for storage technology that could revolutionize the power grid.
Posted in
Economy
PUC Rejects Petition Targeting Small Electric Generators
UPDATED: The Texas Public Utility Commission on Friday unanimously rejected a petition to overturn its “small fish, swim free” rule, which gives small electricity generators an absolute defense against allegations of market power abuse.
Posted in
Energy
Rancher’s Complaint May Spur New Power Line Rules
A North Texas rancher’s protest of a power line that splits his land — one he says was built in the wrong place — could prompt new rules addressing when a transmission company can tweak a line’s route after it is approved.
Posted in
Energy
Methane Inquiry Closes, but Questions Linger
Last month, the Railroad Commission of Texas rejected an argument that drilling activity was to blame for methane migrating into a North Texas neighborhood’s water supply. But independent geoscientists remain divided on the issue.
Posted in
Energy
Railroad Commission’s Media Policy Has Some Expressing Concerns
A key Republican lawmaker and a Democratic candidate for railroad commissioner are among those expressing concerns about the Railroad Commission of Texas’ practice of preventing staffers from talking to members of the media.
Posted in
Energy
What Would It Take to Satisfy Proposed Carbon Targets? Here’s a Look
Gov. Rick Perry and other Texas leaders say a federal proposal to combat climate change is a direct assault on energy providers. This Tribune analysis examines what Texas would have to do to reach the goals set forth in the proposal — if that proposal stays as is.
Posted in
Energy
BLM Report Shows Safety Concerns Along Disputed Red River Land
A new report by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management highlights North Texans’ concerns about a disputed stretch of land along the Red River – including feral hogs, trash, meth labs and a general lack of management.
