Texas law prohibits car companies from selling cars directly. Customers have to go through an independent dealership instead. For three years, Tesla has been trying without success to change that by lobbying Austin. Now it’s lobbying party activists.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
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Economy
Texas Lawmaker’s Startup Sells Help Shaping Local Policy
Rep. Jason Villalba, a Dallas Republican, is helping launch LightSwitch Solutions, an Austin-based public relations and consulting firm with plans to shape opinion about local policy.
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Economy
Former Mayor’s “Clean Coal” Effort Struggles
Since leaving office in 2007, former Dallas Mayor Laura Miller has been championing “clean coal” technology, but these days plans for a West Texas gasification plant appear to be on life support.
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Economy
As Petroleum Royalties Dwindle, Questions Target Property Assessments
If there’s any silver lining for those royalty owners in these cloudy times, it’s this: Their property tax bills should also plummet. But some advocates are wondering whether many local governments are assigning values that are too high.
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Rough Patch
At the Top of Texas, Town Offers Lessons In Oil Bust Survival
Nearly three decades ago, Perryton’s town-wide celebration for $20-per-barrel oil made news across the country, delivering a hopeful message to those mired in an oil bust. The Panhandle town faces a modern day oil bust, but residents are sure they’ll stay on the map.
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Economy
Christian Calls Gates “Slumlord” as Railroad Commission Runoff Nears
In an increasingly testy Republican runoff for railroad commissioner, state Rep. Wayne Christian is reaching into Gary Gates’ legal history in an effort to paint his opponent as a “slumlord.”
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Economy
In Texas, Market Forces Driving Shift From Coal, Study Says
Texans are on pace to rely more heavily on natural gas, wind and solar energy to power their lives in the coming decades, according to an analysis commissioned by the Texas Clean Energy Coalition.
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Economy
Obama’s Methane Crackdown Rankles Texas Oil and Gas Industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday finalized a new set of rules aimed at battling climate change. This time, the agency is targeting the oil patch — with big implications for Texas, the nation’s petroleum king.
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Economy
Survey: Texans Support a State “Clean Energy” Plan
A new poll shows most Texans believe state leaders should draw up a plan to shift from coal-fired power to natural gas and renewables — even if the state defeats the Obama administration in a high-profile court battle.
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Economy
Eagle Ford Town’s Residents Disgusted by Waste Site’s Approval
The Texas Railroad Commission approved a permit for a huge oil and gas waste facility outside of tiny Nordheim, ending one of the first organized protests against industry activity in South Texas’ Eagle Ford Shale.