For the first time in more than five years, Texas no longer is in a drought. While less than 3 percent of the state remains “abnormally dry,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought has disappeared from every other part of Texas.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: A New Look at Groundwater Depletion
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: A new series dives into the problem of aquifer depletion, a new study shows water use for fracking is on the rise and an interview with Tom Pankratz of the Water Desalination Report.
Posted in
Energy
Scenes of a Debate Over Big Bend Pipeline
Two companies are teaming up to build a 143-mile pipeline to carry natural gas through the Big Bend region and into Mexico. An unlikely coalition is fighting to thwart the project. See these images related to the battle over the plan.
Posted in
Energy
In Pristine Big Bend Region, a Pipeline Could Run Through It
Companies run by two billionaires are teaming up to build a 143-mile pipeline to carry natural gas through the Big Bend region and into Mexico. An unlikely coalition of environmentalists, landowners and others is fighting to thwart the project.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Members of Congress Spar Over Crude Oil Export Ban
Texas Congressmen Gene Green and Joe Barton went head-to-head Thursday on a bill that would lift a 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports.
Posted in
Energy
New OSHA Penalties for DuPont After Deadly Leak
Just weeks after blasting DuPont for safety violations following a deadly chemical plant incident last November, federal regulators slapped the manufacturing giant with a new fine for safety violations at its plant in La Porte.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas is Suing the EPA — Again
Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday filed a lawsuit over the Environmental Protection Agency’s rejection of parts of a Texas clean air program, launching the state’s second battle against EPA regulations in less than two weeks.
Posted in
Energy
Miller Defends Deep Fryers in Agriculture Address
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller defended his new nutrition policy Wednesday, praising his department’s decision to “abolish outdated and unneeded state mandates” and allow schools to install deep fryers and soda machines.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Here’s a Look at What Happened With Straus’ and Patrick’s Priority Bills
Over the course of this year’s legislative session, House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made their priorities known by what bills got the lowest bill numbers. Take a look at how those proposals fared.
Posted in
Energy
Shale Drilling Leaks More Methane Than Thought
Gas producers in North Texas’ Barnett Shale are responsible for significantly more methane pollution than previously estimated, according to a new series of studies.