Oil and gas companies have said the region needs more power. Environmentalists and a conservative think tank worry the state is moving too fast — and ratepayers will see the costs in their bills.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Texas oil companies stand to profit from Iran war disruptions while consumers face higher gas prices
Texas’ status as the nation’s largest oil producer will partially insulate its residents from some gas price hikes, but it’s not immune to disruptions, experts say.
ExxonMobil set to to move its legal home to Texas, citing business friendly environment
Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the announcement on Tuesday, crediting Texas’ legal environment. Exxon has based its operations in the Houston area since 1989.
After a decade of missteps, Corpus Christi careens toward water catastrophe
City officials expect to reach a “water emergency” within months and run out of water next year. That would halt jet fuel deliveries to Texas airports, hike gas prices and trigger a local economic disaster without precedent, former officials say.
Bo French, Jim Wright head to runoff for seat on Texas Railroad Commission
The Texas Railroad Commission is responsible for regulating the state’s oil and gas industry. The election included a clash over China and diversity rules.
Used electric vehicle batteries find new life bolstering the Texas grid
A company is repurposing the batteries to store electricity and sell it to the grid when power from wind and solar dwindles.
Xcel will replace high-risk power poles after attorney general sues over 2024 wildfires
A damaged Xcel pole owned sparked the Smokehouse Creek fire, the largest in state history.
Texas refineries see opportunity in Venezuelan oil amid Mexico export declines
As President Donald Trump seeks to boost U.S. investment in Venezuela’s oil fields, Mexico is poised to export less heavy crude to Gulf refineries, creating an opening for Venezuelan oil.
How to spot AI-generated images and online content during the 2026 primary elections
Identifying falsified or digitally enhanced videos, photos and ads takes attention and awareness, but helpful tools are out there.
Momentum is building to meet electricity demand in Texas with small nuclear reactors
The first small modular nuclear reactor could be powering an industrial plant in Texas early in the next decade. And the state is pushing to become the leading site for testing and building the technology.
