The state’s biggest electricity generator is adding solar power to its mix. In the latest sign that solar energy is fast gaining a foothold in Texas, Dallas-based Luminant has announced plans to tap 116 megawatts of West Texas solar power.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Economy
Cuellar: House Will Pass Bill Lifting Crude Export Ban
A Texas Democrat says he believes the U.S. House will pass legislation lifting the country’s 40-year-old ban on most crude oil exports — even amid a frenzy of activity in the upcoming session.
Posted in
Economy
Plummeting Peso Hurting Border Economy
The Mexican peso is well below its exchange rate against the dollar compared to a year ago, and store owners on the border are bracing for a prolonged drought of Mexican shoppers. In some cities that could mean a loss of up to 45 percent of business.
Posted in
Economy
Judge Casts EPA Rule into Muddy Legal Waters
After a setback in court Thursday, can the federal government enforce its controversial “Waters of the U.S.” rule in Texas? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says yes. Texas says no.
Posted in
Economy
Massive Bankruptcy Tests Texas Utility Regulators
In coming months, the Public Utility Commission is expected to weigh in on an unprecedented plan to help Texas’ largest power company emerge from bankruptcy, with huge implications for the electric grid and Texas ratepayers. Along with the financial world, consumer advocates will be watching closely.
Posted in
Economy
Austin Sues Texas Over “Unequal” Property Appraisal System
The city of Austin filed a lawsuit Monday against the state of Texas charging that the current property appraisal system is unconstitutional and creates “an imbalance in the tax burdens between residential and commercial property owners.”
Posted in
Economy
For Now, Texas Economy Shrugs Off Low Oil Prices
A barrel of West Texas crude is selling for near $40 these days, a roughly 60 percent plunge from the roaring summer of 2014. Drilling communities are worried, but state officials aren’t sweating.
Posted in
Economy
Obama Proposal Targets Methane Emissions
The federal EPA on Tuesday proposed another set of rules aimed at battling climate change. These would slash oil and gas sector emissions of methane, which often leaks from well pads, compressor stations, processing plants and other equipment used in production.
Posted in
Economy
Abbott to Texans: Try to Use Less Power
Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday made this appeal to Texans: Curb your electricity use, if you can – for the grid’s sake.
Posted in
Economy
UT, Japan Partner to Cut Data Center Energy Use
The University of Texas at Austin and the Japanese government are joining forces to tackle a growing problem of the digital age: As data centers crop up across the U.S., they’re sucking up a lot of electricity.