President Obama on Monday unveiled the final version of his state-by-state effort to combat climate change by reshaping the nation’s energy sector – a plan that has roiled Republican leaders in Texas.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Economy
Grid Operator Asks Texans to Temporarily Curb Electricity Use
The operator of the electric grid that covers most of the state called for Texans to temporarily curb their electricity use for a few hours on Thursday afternoon as record-breaking demands strain the state’s energy resources.
Posted in
Economy
Jerry Patterson to George P. Bush: Focus Less on “Derriere”
Upset about the way a recent state audit painted the agency he lead for 12 years, former Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is jabbing his successor, George P. Bush, for failing to push back against the audit’s findings.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: First Round of Water Projects OK’d
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: 21 applicants win financing in first round of SWIFT loans, new California desalination plant creates controversy and an interview with Sheila Olmstead of UT-Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Posted in
Energy
Groundwater Districts Seek Help Tracking Disposal Wells
As oilfield waste disposal wells proliferate in Texas, groundwater managers are keenly interested in where they’re going and how carefully they construct them. And they’re asking the industry and regulators for further help.
Posted in
Energy
In Latest EPA Ruling, Glass Half Full For Paxton, Environmentalists
Texas’ Republican leaders and environmentalists are both claiming victory Tuesday following an appeals court ruling that requires the federal government to ease limits on certain emissions for Texas and a dozen other states.
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Energy
State Audit Finds “Significant Weaknesses” in GLO Contracting
The General Land Office’s contracting process is riddled with “significant weaknesses” that threatened the agency’s ability to ensure it is wisely spending its dollars, State Auditor John Keel said in a report made public Tuesday.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Facing Major Climate Change Impacts, According to New Study
A sharp increase in heat-related deaths and storm-related losses. A decrease in worker productivity and crop yields. A new climate change study paints a bleak picture for Texas over the coming decades — if nothing is done to address the much-debated warming trend.
Posted in
Energy
In Big Bend, Pipeline Opponents Claim Small Victory
A coalition of ranchers, environmentalists and other disgruntled landowners is claiming a small victory in its long-shot battle to block a hefty pipeline planned to carry natural gas beneath 143-miles of largely untouched Big Bend-area land into Mexico.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Water Development Board OKs $4 Billion in Projects
UPDATED: From transmission pipelines to desalination plants, the Texas Water Development Board approved funding on Thursday for dozens of water supply projects from Marfa to Houston, including a handful to promote conservation.