The plans, which are required by the federal government to access certain grants after a natural disaster, are laborious to assemble — especially for rural counties.
Permian Basin
Posted in
Environment
Water is bursting from another abandoned West Texas oil well, continuing a troubling trend
Pecos County rancher Schuyler Wight says the Railroad Commission continues to plug wells. But each time they do, another one starts flowing.
Posted in
Demographics
Texans are falling behind on their light bills — especially during extreme heat
One organization helping Texans pay their electric bills said the average household was $1,400 behind.
Posted in
Energy
Texas lizard added to endangered species list over the oil and gas industry’s objections
The dunes sagebrush lizard lives in the same West Texas land that supports the state’s biggest oil and gas fields, and industry leaders say the new designation will hurt drilling and production.
Posted in
Energy
Railroad Commission approves oilfield waste ponds next to Baptist camp in Permian Basin
Martin Water is building an oil and gas waste recycling facility next to the Circle 6 Baptist Camp in the Permian Basin despite concerns about water and air pollution.
Posted in
Energy
Driving in West Texas is deadly dangerous. A new report measures how much.
A nonprofit commissioned the report that found severe and fatal vehicle crashes in the Permian Basin far outpaced the state.
Posted in
Economy
Texas’ oil and gas production surges even as federal government clamps down on environmental regulations
Crude oil and natural gas extraction in Texas reached record levels in 2023, according to the industry’s annual report.
Posted in
Graphics and data reporting
Texas companies reported releasing 1 million pounds of excess pollution during recent cold snap
Called “upset” events, companies are required to tell the state when they emit pollution above what their permits allow.
Posted in
Energy
This West Texas town has a lot of money in the bank. Why can’t it pick up its trash?
Like local leaders in many other towns in West Texas, the Kermit City Council spent years saving its tax revenue fearing the energy economy would crash. Now it is struggling to keep up with essential services like trash and road repair.
Posted in
Economy
Tim Dunn, the powerhouse GOP donor, to sell his West Texas oil company for $12 billion
Tim Dunn has used his wealth to establish a network of organizations that push his ultraconservative views across Texas. The deal comes amid a time of consolidation in the Permian Basin.
