Steve Brown, a former legislative aide and past chairman of the Fort Bend County Democrats, is the first Democrat to enter the race for railroad commissioner.
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.
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Guides
Texplainer: What’s an Energy Capacity Market?
Hey, Texplainer: There are discussions that Texas might transform its energy market, shifting from “energy only” to a “capacity” market. What does that mean, and why does it matter?
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Guides
Texplainer: How is the Texas Grid Managed?
Hey, Texplainer: How do state officials make sure the electricity stays on during the many long, hot days of the Texas summer?
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Energy
PUC Vote Signals Support for Market Shift
Texas regulators signaled Friday that they would pursue a major overhaul of the wholesale electricity market in hopes of ensuring the long-term reliability of the state’s electric grid.
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Energy
Rethinking Texas’ Border With Oklahoma, Again
Texas is poised to reopen discussions about its border with Oklahoma after an episode involving a mollusk invasion, an idle water supply and a missing 74-year-old map.
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Energy
Federal Wind Tax Credit Could Lapse; If It Does, Would Texas Suffer?
Swift renewal of a generous federal tax incentive for wind energy producers appears unlikely after Congress directed most of its recent attention to finding a way to turn the government back on. But the industry may not fare as bad this year as it has in the past.
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Energy
Denton Drops Bid for Restraining Order Against Oil and Gas Driller
UPDATED: The North Texas city of Denton has dropped its request for a restraining order against a local driller, according to court records.
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Energy
Dallas Debate Shows City Power to Limit Drilling
Dallas is considering new rules that industry backers say would effectively bar drilling within city limits, in a debate that shows cities’ power to shape the footprint of the oil and gas industry.
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Energy
$7 Billion Wind Power Project Nears Finish
Developers expect to soon flip the switch on the final electrical transmission projects built under a nearly $7 billion effort to connect Texas’ windiest, mostly secluded regions to communities that demand more power.
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Energy
Railroad Commission Candidates Promise to Stick Around Awhile
Texans have long viewed the Railroad Commission as a launching pad for higher office. Each candidate in this year’s crowded race for an open seat has promised to serve a full term, if elected.