In drilling regions like the Permian Basin, where the water needs of fracking have run up against a historic drought, drillers are increasingly turning to brackish groundwater previously thought too expensive to use.
West Texas
West Texas is home to the nation’s largest oil field, the Permian Basin. The region is defined by its energy production and wide-open spaces. It also includes Big Bend country and cities such as El Paso, Midland and Odessa.
Posted in
Public Education
An Accidental State Board of Education Candidate?
El Paso Democrat Martha Dominguez’s apparent absence from the campaign trail has prompted her SBOE opponent to call her a “ghost” — and has sparked criticism from members of her own party. But that may not stop her from winning the race.
Posted in
State Government
State Board of Education Debate Turns to District Size
The 15 members of the State Board of Education share three staffers and at times must travel hundreds of miles to meet with constituents. At a hearing on Tuesday, the House Redistricting Committee heard debate on whether members can adequately represent such large districts.
Posted in
Energy
The Hot Seat: A Conversation with West Texas Lawmakers
At our Hot Seat conversation at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, state Reps. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, and Tryon Lewis, R-Odessa, and state Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, discussed cuts to public and higher education and other by-products of the 82nd Session.
Posted in
Health care
First Minority Cancer Month Highlights Disparities
Lawmakers and health care advocates gathered today to kick off the state’s first annual Minority Cancer Awareness Month, designated in the last legislative session to bring awareness to racial disparities in cancer survival.
Posted in
Health care
Senate Committee Tackles Rural Child Welfare
Child Protective Services officials got an earful on Wednesday at a Senate hearing on improving the caseworker retention rates in rural communities. And they got a minor scolding from Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville.
Posted in
Energy
Seeking a Nonlethal Exit Strategy for Wild Burros
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has suspended the killing of wild burros in Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Gets a D+ in Public Integrity Study
Texas has scored a 68 out of 100, placing 27th in a national state integrity study. The state got high marks for auditing and for monitoring pension funds, but not as high for accountability of the governor and legislators.
Posted in
Energy
Urban Water Use Climbs Despite Restrictions
In 2011, residents of some large Texas cities increased their water usage — despite the widespread adoption of restrictions on lawn-watering.
Posted in
Health care
Planned Parenthood Laments Expected Demise of Women’s Health Program
A crowd gathered Friday at the Planned Parenthood Health Center in Austin to express concerns over the expected demise of the Women’s Health Program.
