Deferred Maintenance Imperils State Parks
Fall weather may bring more Texans outside, but delayed maintenance and years of cuts have left state parks and historical sites struggling — and some on the verge of closure. Full Story
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Electricity Concerns Persist After Pollution Ruling
With temperatures projected to soar during the final days of August, the state of the Texas electric grid will once again be on policymakers’ minds — though some reliability concerns may be eased since a federal court struck down an EPA rule that could have affected coal plants. Full Story
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At Senate Hearing, a Debate Over Renewable Energy Incentives
At a Senate hearing on Thursday, Texas Public Utility chairwoman Donna Nelson sharply criticized renewable energy incentives, saying that they are “one of the primary causes” of the current strains on the state power grid. Full Story
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Interactive Map: Public Water System Shortages
The drought that began in October 2010 has continued into 2012, and it has taken a toll on Texas' water supplies. This map shows communities that are at risk of running out of water within 180 days. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman / Ryan Murphy -
Texas Sees Growing List of Property-Rights Cases
A Texas farmer's battle to keep the Keystone XL oil pipeline off her property is only the most visible of what some legal experts describe as a rising tide of property-rights cases across Texas. Full Story
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Forged in Flames: An Oral History of the Labor Day Wildfires
A year ago, much of Central Texas was in danger because of raging wildfires. Drought-sticken green spaces had provided the perfect tinder for far-reaching blazes. These are the stories of Central Texans who lived through the Labor Day wildfires. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
In Texas, Moving Crude Relies on Aging Pipeline System
Starting last year, federal regulators began urging pipeline operators to replace aging systems. Nowhere may that be more critical than in Texas, which is experiencing a major change in how crude oil is flowing up and down the state. Full Story
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Bastrop Park's Planting Campaign Puts Emphasis on Seed Banking
The Texas Forest Service wants to plant 4 million loblolly pine seedlings in Bastrop State Park over the next few years, to help restore the forest after last year's fires. But stored seedlings were almost thrown out ahead of the fires. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Court Rulings Reflect a Losing Streak for Abbott
The state's top lawyer has filed a pile of lawsuits against the federal government. Two decisions last week — on redistricting maps and the state's voter ID law — went against Attorney General Greg Abbott and the state. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Two Units at Major Texas Coal-Fired Power Plant to Shut
Texas will lose about 1 percent of its power supply over the winter and spring as Luminant temporarily shuts two units at its 1970s-era Monticello coal plant. The company blamed low power prices. Full Story
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Space-Tech Cameras May Help Spot Wildfires
In the year since wildfires destroyed thousands of homes across Central Texas, officials have looked for ways to reduce the threat of fires. They've since found one, in technology developed not for fighting fires but for exploring outer space. Full Story
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Solar Power Could Aid Texas Electric Grid, Officials Say
Texas lags in solar-power development, and lawmakers have been reluctant to promote it with incentives. Nonetheless, solar power can play a role in aiding Texas’ strained electric grid, industry officials and regulators said at a meeting in San Antonio. Full Story
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Credit: Mike Baker -
A Year After Fires, Communities Focus on Prevention
Sept. 4 marks one year since wildfires ravaged Central Texas, causing officials and residents to rethink how they manage their land. Since then, some communities have taken it upon themselves to make their surroundings safer in the event of another wildfire. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Central Texans Recount an Escape From Roaring Fires
Nearly a year after wildfires tore through Central Texas, Spicewood residents Melvin Pulver and Debbie Opdahl recount how Pulver survived the Pedernales fire Sept. 4 through quick thinking and a little luck. Full Story
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Credit: Reshma Kirpalani/KUT News -
U.N.-Backed Agenda 21 Triggers Strong Reactions From Many in Texas
Where did a Lubbock County judge get the idea that the U.S. might cede sovereignty to the U.N.? In Texas, activists fearful of such a prospect have cited a 20-year-old resolution called Agenda 21. Full Story
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A Year Later, Tracing the Roots of Texas' Wildfires
As the anniversary of last year's Central Texas wildfires draws near, KUT News and StateImpact Texas revisit what led to the worst fires in state history, and how the state has changed since last summer. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Conventions, Pollution, Planned Parenthood
A look at the upcoming Republican and Democratic party conventions, the state's win in a court battle over women's health programs, and a second win on federal cross-state pollution rules. Full Story
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Texas State Receives Major Gift for Water Research
Texas State University in San Marcos on Friday will announce a major gift from the Meadows Foundation. The $1 million donation will help launch the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. Full Story
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As Climate Hurts Cattle, Ranchers Turn to Genetics
For years researchers have been studying how to develop cattle that are heat and drought tolerant. And while crossbreeding isn't a new development, it's becoming more common among Texas ranchers as summers become drier and hotter. Full Story
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Drought Eases in Texas, but State Still Feeling Others' Pain
In a twist of fate for Texas, where dry conditions wreaked havoc last year, much of the state has pulled out of the drought just as the rest of the country has entered into it. But that doesn't mean Texas isn't feeling the effects. Full Story
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