The Electric Reliability Council of Texas reported that peak energy demand could quadruple by 2032, but cautioned that its estimate is likely too high and must be revised.
Paul Cobler
Paul Cobler is the Tribune's economy and industry reporter, covering the socioeconomic and political forces that impact Texans’ pocketbooks and upward mobility. Before joining the Tribune, he was a politics reporter for the Houston Landing and covered Baton Rouge City Hall for The Advocate in Louisiana. Paul grew up in Victoria, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. His reporting has appeared in news publications across the state, including the Dallas Morning News, Austin American-Statesman and the Houston Chronicle. He is based in Austin.
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State Government
Judge temporarily allows women, minority-owned businesses to qualify for Texas HUB program again
A judge has sided against the state after acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock stripped women- and minority-owned businesses of their Historically Underutilized Business certifications in December.
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Data Centers in Texas
Texas is giving data centers more than $1 billion in tax breaks each year
The tax break is one of the state’s costliest incentive programs and soon to be the most expensive of its kind in the nation.
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Transportation
Long lines linger at Houston’s biggest airport as TSA agents miss work during partial government shutdown
Wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport are expected to worsen over the weekend as agents miss a second paycheck and increasingly call in sick.
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Economy
Legislators, business leaders highlight Texas policies driving competition with Wall Street
The panelists at the Dallas event hosted by The Texas Tribune said “Y’all Street” is poised to become the nation’s financial capital.
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Energy
Corpus Christi’s crucial refineries look for alternate water supplies amid looming water crisis
The city produces 5% of the nation’s refined products like gas and jet fuel, and experts say a serious water shortage could force production down and push fuel prices up even further.
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Energy
Texas oil companies stand to profit from Iran war disruptions while consumers face higher gas prices
Texas’ status as the nation’s largest oil producer will partially insulate its residents from some gas price hikes, but it’s not immune to disruptions, experts say.
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Energy
ExxonMobil set to to move its legal home to Texas, citing business friendly environment
Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the announcement on Tuesday, crediting Texas’ legal environment. Exxon has based its operations in the Houston area since 1989.
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2026 Texas Elections
Pro-gambling interests fail to gain ground in Texas primaries as legislative roadblocks remain
Despite slow progress, casino empire Las Vegas Sands promised to continue investing in candidates who support bringing destination resort casinos to Texas.
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2026 Texas Elections
Early vote turnout in Texas outpacing past elections, fueled by Democratic primary voters
Turnout during the first week of early voting for the Texas midterm election exceeded the same period for the previous two presidential elections, years that typically see higher voter engagement.