energy

Report on Electric Grid Cites Concerns With Reserves

By Kate Galbraith June 1, 2012

A 135-page report by a Massachusetts-based consulting group is the latest analysis suggesting that the Texas electric grid does not have adequate reserves for future years. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Neil McIntosh
Michael Burgess: The TT Interview

By Minjae Park May 31, 2012

The Republican congressman from Lewisville on his objections to a law setting higher efficiency standards for lightbulbs and how he intends to stop the Department of Energy from enforcing the standards. Full Story
Rice Farmers Renew Battle for Colorado River Water

By Mose Buchele, KUT News May 24, 2012

The Lower Colorado River Authority earlier this year approved a far-reaching water plan that determined, in part, how much water rice farmers could draw from the Colorado River. But as Mose Buchele reports for StateImpact Texas, aggrieved rice farmers aren't done making their case. Full Story

Credit: Ihwa Cheng / KUT News
Report: Texas' Energy Use Could Exceed Capacity by 2022

By Minjae Park May 22, 2012

Texas' chief power-grid operator forecasts that in 10 years, demand for electricity in Texas will outpace the state's capacity to generate it. Demand for electricity is rising with growth in the population and the economy. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
Higher Electricity Prices at Center of Energy Debate

By Dave Fehling, Houston Public Media May 22, 2012

With the arrival of higher temperatures now boosting energy demand in the state, higher electricity prices aren't likely to prove popular with Texans. But as Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas, some say that's the only way to avoid rolling blackouts. Full Story

Credit: Dave Fehling NPR StateImpact/KUHF Houston Public Radio
Guest Column: Beach Ruling Protects Property Rights

By Bill Peacock and Vikrant P. Reddy May 21, 2012

The Texas Supreme Court protected property owners on the state's coast and also left the state's beaches open and accessible to the general public. But beaches don't become public overnight, when hurricanes strike. Full Story
Guest Column: Texas Beaches Are for the Public

By Garry Mauro and Jan Reid May 21, 2012

The Texas Supreme Court got it wrong when it ruled earlier this year that the state's Open Beaches Act doesn't apply to three properties in Galveston. The Texas shoreline might now perish in court, trial by trial. Full Story
Conserving Water a Daily Chore for One Central Texas Community

By Andy Uhler, KUT News/StateImpact Texas May 21, 2012

Within the past year, the drought has spurred many municipalities in Texas to impose water restrictions. But as Andy Uhler of KUT News reports, the stakes are much higher in Las Lomitas, a low-income community in Travis County whose residents lack running water. Full Story

Credit: Maggie Osterberg
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It

By Evan Smith May 19, 2012

Aaronson on why the latest Texas job gains are a mixed bag, Aguilar on the fight over an Eagle Pass coal mine, Batheja on nasty U.S. Senate race ads, Galbraith on El Paso's water woes, Grissom on John Bradley's tough primary, Hamilton and M. Smith on the controversial chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, Murphy's cool higher ed stats interactive, Ramsey talks to Robert Draper about what's wrong with Congress, Ramshaw on Joe Barton vs. himself, Root on Perry's Mitt embrace and my exclusive sit-down with the chancellor of the UT System: The best of our best content from May 14-18, 2012. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
Helium Sales Legislation Would Impact Panhandle

By Kate Galbraith May 18, 2012

A site near Amarillo operated by the federal government produces about a third of the world's helium, which is needed for MRIs and semiconductors. Lawmakers are looking to keep vital sales of the gas from being interrupted. Full Story

Credit: David Bowser
With the Rio Grande Dry, El Paso Turns to Water Alternatives

By Kate Galbraith May 17, 2012

The Rio Grande, which supplied 39 percent of El Paso's water last year, is dry near the city — a situation that has not occurred for nearly 10 years. El Paso is pumping more groundwater and cranking up its desalination plant. Full Story

Credit: Pedrik
In Keystone Debate, Concerns Over Higher Gas Prices

By Mose Buchele, KUT News May 17, 2012

The debate over the Keystone XL pipeline has focused mainly on economic benefits and environmental concerns. But as Mose Buchele of KUT News reports for StateImpact Texas, the project might have another indirect consequence that's largely been overlooked: higher gas prices. Full Story

Credit: Thomas & Dianne Jones
Major Player in Fight Against Mexican Coal Company Bows Out

By Julián Aguilar May 16, 2012

In a surprise move, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has withdrawn its opposition to a planned Eagle Pass coal mine that opponents allege would pollute the area's air and water supply. Full Story

Credit: Jennifer Whitney
In Texas, Price of Oil Hits a Sweet Spot

By Dave Fehling, Houston Public Media May 15, 2012

In Texas right now, gas prices are high enough to boost the oil industry but not high enough to hurt demand. Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas on how the "Goldilocks price" — not too high, not too low — is benefiting the state's economic prospects. Full Story

Credit: Kim Strømstad
Increase in Natural Gas "Flaring" Tied to Pipeline Shortages

By Minjae Park May 14, 2012

With oil production on the rise in Texas, drilling companies are increasingly burning off the natural gas that surfaces with the oil, because they can't get pipelines in place fast enough to transport it. Full Story

Credit: Roy Luck
Keeping the Lights on in Texas

By Kate Galbraith May 11, 2012

Of crucifixions, sagebrush lizards, political primaries and brownouts. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Rains Pushing Cattle Prices to All-Time Highs in Texas

By Mose Buchele, KUT News May 10, 2012

Cattle prices have hit record highs in Texas, and that, naturally, means consumers can expect to pay more for beef. Mose Buchele of KUT News reports for StateImpact Texas on what the drought has to do with the rise in prices. Full Story

Credit: BBC World Service
Houston Lawyer Turns to Class-Action Suits to Battle Refineries

By Dave Fehling, Houston Public Media May 2, 2012

In the past, settlement money involving large-scale industrial accidents has largely gone to the state. But as Dave Fehling of StateImpact Texas reports, one Houston lawyer representing thousands of Texas residents says he has found a way to enforce environmental laws better than the government can. Full Story

Credit: Callie Richmond
TribuneFest: Smitherman's Energy Plan for Texas

By Evan Smith May 1, 2012

At the Trib's April 13 energy symposium at the University of Houston, Railroad Comission Chairman Barry Smitherman sketched out his vision of an energy plan for the state. Full Story
GOP Candidates for Railroad Commission Share a Target: The EPA

By Kate Galbraith May 1, 2012

One overriding theme unifies the multiple Republican candidates for two Texas Railroad Commission slots: The Environmental Protection Agency has overreached and must be scaled back. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman