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.
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
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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
New Law Will Help More Texans Go Solar
A loophole in state law allowed some developers to block solar installations on homes in new neighborhoods. Now it’s been plugged. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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Economy
Obama Unveils Climate Rules, With Texas-Wide Implications
President Obama on Monday unveiled the final version of his state-by-state effort to combat climate change by reshaping the nation’s energy sector – a plan that has roiled Republican leaders in Texas.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers
Fourteen years after lawmakers first tacked on a $200 annual licensing fee for some occupations, the so-called professionals tax will be repealed Sept. 1. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.