A Rice University-based group is proposing an entirely new plan for protecting Houston, its ship channel and its residents from a massive storm surge during the next big hurricane. But consensus remains elusive.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
A Funding Boost For Texas’ Parks
For years, the Legislature has been stockpiling hundreds of millions of dollars meant for Texas’ parks in order to artificially balance the budget. House Bill 158 scales that down. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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Economy
Judge Casts EPA Rule into Muddy Legal Waters
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.
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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.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Fighting Drought With Shade Balls
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: A new study says climate change is making California’s drought worse, Los Angeles uses shade balls to protect its reservoir and we’ve got coverage of a trial over undrinkable water in Webb County.
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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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Energy
Defendant Pleads Guilty in Webb County Water Trial
On the fourth day of a criminal trial involving undrinkable water in two border communities, one of the two defendants pleaded guilty to all charges against him.
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Energy
State’s Role in Unhealthy Water Probed
State environmental regulators should have done more to protect the safety of drinking water for two small border communities in Webb County, defense lawyers argued Thursday in the criminal trial for two former water treatment plant employees.
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Energy
Paxton Asks EPA to Halt Global Warming Plan
Renewing his vow to sue if the answer is no, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday officially asked the Environmental Protection Agency to halt a sweeping plan designed to combat climate change while existing legal challenges from other states play out.
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Energy
Trial Begins Over Undrinkable Water in Webb County
The blame game over who’s responsible for the problems 8,000 border residents have with their drinking water is playing out in a Laredo court, as Webb County water treatment plant workers face charges of falsifying records to hide contamination from state regulators.