Low-income Texans can enjoy a discount on their electricity bills for a little longer. Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed legislation ensuring that the remaining balance of the state’s “System Benefit Fund” would go toward that purpose.
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
Texas Reservoir Levels Rise as Drought Subsides
As recently as 2011, Texas endured the most intense drought in recorded state history. But the rainfall so far in 2015 has left less than 1 percent of the state in drought conditions. And Texas reservoirs are not far behind; they’re collectively about 83 percent full.
Posted in
Energy
Denton Repeals Fracking Ban
The North Texas city of Denton made headlines last year when voters there banned the oil drilling technique known as fracking. Early Wednesday morning, the Denton City Council repealed that ban.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Drought, Flood Lessons Learned?
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Fears that with rain’s arrival conservation will be forgotten, using aquifers to ease future droughts and an interview with Samuel D. Brody of Texas A&M University.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed legislation that could make it tougher for local governments to sue big-time polluters – an effort that largely targets Harris County prosecutors.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas, Petroleum Industry Broaden Their Lawsuits Against Denton
The Texas Oil and Gas Association and the state’s General Land Office have expanded the scope of their lawsuits against Denton. Both are taking aim at the city’s moratorium on new gas drilling in addition to the toothless fracking ban still on its books.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
Catch Up on Our Environmental Coverage From the 84th Session
Take a look at the environmental issues we kept an eye during the 84th legislative session. You can also use our Texas Legislative Guide to see everything else we covered during the session.
Posted in
Energy
Regulators: No Evidence Wells Caused 4.0 Quake
After wrapping up a round of testing, Texas regulators say they have found no evidence that injecting oilfield waste into five disposal wells triggered the largest recorded earthquake in North Texas’ history.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
Catch Up on Energy Issues From This Session
The Texas oil boom slowed during the 84th legislative session, creating implications for the state’s budget. See how lawmakers responded to volatile oil prices, local drilling ordinances and other energy issues this session in the Texas Legislative Guide.
Posted in
Energy
Deconstructing the Session: Victories for Oil and Gas Industry
It was a good legislative session for oil and gas companies and other Texas industries. A new bill makes it easier for companies to get environmental permits, and another bill targeted local efforts to regulate drilling. Listen to our discussion of these issues in a special episode of Texas Standard.