The number of oil rigs operating in the U.S. has risen for the first time this year, suggesting stabilization in the American market. Analysts say U.S. crude prices have settled around $60 a barrel.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Under BP Deal, Another $788 Million Will Flow to Texas
Texas is set to receive another $788 million stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill under a settlement between BP, the federal government and five Gulf Coast states.
Posted in
Energy
Despite Rains, Lake Release Limits Upheld
Despite recent wet weather, state environmental regulators have extended limits on downstream releases from Lakes Travis and Buchanan, meaning rice farmers and other customers will go without water from the lakes for the fourth straight year.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Aquifers Worldwide Are in Decline
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Aquifers globally are draining more rapidly than they can refill, a new water partnership is launched in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and an interview with Steve DiMarco of Texas A&M University.
Posted in
Energy
In Starry West Texas, Some Drillers Follow Pleas to Cut Lights
As the glow from Permian Basin work sites hinders research and amateur stargazing at the McDonald Observatory in far West Texas, some companies are calling on their colleagues to address the problem.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Sues EPA Over Provision of Federal Water Law
Texas is challenging the EPA’s new “Waters of the U.S.” rule, which is aimed at better defining the the scope of bodies of water protected under the Clean Water Act. Critics say the rule will lead to more regulation and a takeover of private property.
Posted in
Energy
Supreme Court Thwarts EPA Mercury Rules in a Victory for Texas
A coalition of states including Texas has defeated the Environmental Protection Agency in a battle over major regulations on mercury, acid gases and other toxic metals emissions that spew from power plants, including many plants in Texas.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Leading Challenge to New Smog Standards
The agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws in Texas is paying a private company $1.65 million to conduct research to challenge forthcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency restrictions on ozone pollution, which exacerbates asthma, lung and heart disease.
Posted in
Energy
Railroad Commission Executive Director to Retire
Milton Rister, executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission, plans to leave the agency on Aug. 31, according to a letter he sent to commissioners.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Balking as Federal Climate Rules Loom
Come August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may require Texas to cut 200 billion pounds of carbon emissions over the next two decades. Top Republican officials still won’t confirm whether Texas will flout those rules — an option that some critics call risky.