Railroad Commission Chairman and Texas attorney general candidate Barry Smitherman released a new campaign video in which he promises to protect Texans against the “job-killing policies” of the Obama administration and the EPA.
Neena Satija
Neena Satija worked at the Tribune from 2013 to 2019. She was an investigative reporter and radio producer for the Tribune and Reveal, a public radio program from the Center for Investigative Reporting. Previously, she was the environment reporter at the Tribune. A native of the Washington, D.C. area, she graduated from Yale University in 2011, and then worked for the New Haven Independent, the Connecticut Mirror, and WNPR/Connecticut Public Radio. She has also been a regular contributor to National Public Radio. As an East Coast transplant she is particularly thrilled with Austin tacos and warm weather.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Whooping Crane Case Poised to Have Impact on State’s Water Supplies
A federal appeals court will hear arguments Thursday in a lawsuit over whooping cranes that could have major implications for Texas water supplies and for natural resource planning across the United States.
Posted in
Energy
Water Legislation to Lift Agency’s Profile
The new water bill has raised the profile of the Texas Water Development Board, which loans money for water projects and could be a powerful player in shaping water policy in the coming decades.
Posted in
Energy
Video: Ag Commissioner Hopeful Opiela Touts His Roots
In a web video titled “Future Generations,” Republican agriculture commissioner candidate Eric Opiela highlights his deep ranching roots in South Texas and criticizes the White House’s policies.
Posted in
Energy
San Antonio Officials Investigating Eagle Ford Shale’s Effect on Ozone
As the ozone rating in San Antonio continues its slow upward march, area officials are beginning to investigate whether oil and gas drilling in the Eagle Ford Shale has anything to do with it. But their efforts are fraught with complications.
Posted in
Energy
Restrictions to Increase as Edwards Aquifer at Near-Historic Low
The Edwards Aquifer is the subject of new pumping restrictions that are being announced Wednesday. San Antonio’s water utility, which relies significantly on the aquifer, says that the city can avoid further restrictions of its own if it follows the authority’s guidelines.
Posted in
Energy
Study: High Levels of Arsenic Found in Water Near Natural Gas Sites
A new study of water quality in the Barnett Shale region has found high levels of arsenic in wells that are closer to natural gas extraction sites. It’s sure to fuel an already fierce debate over the impacts of hydraulic fracturing.
Posted in
Public Education
Video: Roadway Study Leads to Effort to Save Bees
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority analysts recently discovered a large beehive in a tree near Austin’s airport. To protect the honeybees, whose population is declining worldwide, the mobility authority asked a local beekeeper for help.
Posted in
Energy
Despite Challenges, Texas’ Electric Grid Ranks High
A new report ranks Texas first out of 41 states for improvements in its electric grid. But that doesn’t mean electricity prices are lower for most Texans — or that the grid doesn’t face serious challenges.