The latest energy news from The Texas Tribune.
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Helium-establish.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/RioGrande-2.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/CushinOK.png)
In a surprise move, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has withdrawn its opposition to a planned Eagle Pass coal mine that opponents allege would pollute the area's air and water supply.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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-MexicanCoal008.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Oil-Barrels-Stacked.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/GasFlare.jpg)
Of crucifixions, sagebrush lizards, political primaries and brownouts. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/bulbs.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Cattle-2.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/BPPlant-TXcity.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Smitherman-Still.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/RailroadElection.jpg)
Comptroller Susan Combs and other officials testified in favor of a plan that aims to balance protecting a rare lizard species and maintaining oil and gas production in its habitat. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/sagebrush-lizard-m.png)
The resignation of Al Armendariz, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency for the Southwest region, was met with regret by environmental groups and relief in the oil and gas industry. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/al-armendariz.jpg)
At the Trib's April 13 energy symposium at the University of Houston, I talked with state Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, the House Energy Resources Committee chairman, and state Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, a committee member. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/CM_Capture_1_22.png)
As part of our day-long symposium on energy and the environment at the University of Houston on April 13, the Trib's Kate Galbraith led a discussion on clean and renewable energy. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/CM_Capture_2_9.png)
Fort Bliss has launched a massive effort to cut its net energy and water usage and reduce waste as part of a focus on self-sufficiency. Fort Hood is also working to go greener, but high upfront costs pose challenges. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-FtBlissSolar-012.jpg)
A video going viral shows Al Armendariz, who heads the EPA regional office that includes Texas, likening his job in 2010 to the crucifixion actions of the Romans — comments Gov. Rick Perry says are "unacceptable and offensive." Full Story
As part of our day-long symposium on energy and the environment at the University of Houston on April 13, UH Law Center Assistant Professor Tracy Hester led a discussion of the economic and environmental impact of the Eagle Ford Shale. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Shale-scrnsht.jpg)
The iconic pronghorn antelope once thrived in West and Central Texas, but it’s quickly disappearing. Mose Buchele of KUT News reports for StateImpact Texas on the race against the clock to save the antelope, which must now contend with the ravages of the drought. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/pronghorns.jpg)
The former county judge on why he's running for chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, what would pull the party out of the doldrums and what he thinks of the Republicans. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/GilbertoHinojosa.jpg)