The Texas Railroad Commission has a new leader. The state’s three-member oil and gas regulator on Tuesday unanimously elected David Porter as its chairman. He replaces Christi Craddick in the largely ceremonial role.
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
Despite Early Momentum, Energy Legislation Flames Out at End of Session
Who killed the House and Senate’s top energy bills? Their autopsy evokes the names of T. Boone Pickens and Koch Industries and involves plenty of squabbling between the chambers.
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Economy
EPA Finds No “Widespread” Fracking Effects on Water
A draft report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds no evidence that hydraulic fracturing has “led to widespread, systemic impacts” on the nation’s drinking water supplies, though the practice has harmed water in some cases.
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Economy
With Fracking Ban Overruled, Denton Ponders Next Steps
Frustrated Denton residents flooded a city council meeting Tuesday for a conversation about fracking that stretched late into the night. Now that state lawmakers have slapped down the city’s fracking ban, residents wonder what else they can do.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Closer Look at Blanco River Flood
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Texas floods expose risks of rapid growth in Blanco River basin, controversy over EPA Clean Water Rule and an interview with Bridget Scanlon of the University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
After the Rain, How Full Are Texas Reservoirs?
After years of drought, heavy rain across the state has finally refilled many Texas reservoirs. Check out the Tribune’s Reservoir App to see where the drought has receded, and which Texas communities’ reservoirs are still parched.
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Criminal Justice
Fracked Again, Denton Says Fight Isn’t Over
Seven months after a rag-tag group of local activists scored a surprising victory over the state’s powerful oil and gas industry when Denton voted to ban hydraulic fracturing, a natural gas company Monday resumed operations under a state law passed to overturn Denton’s ban.
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Energy
Chambers Settle Railroad Commission Squabble
The Railroad Commission of Texas is set to go under intense legislative scrutiny next session after all, under an agreement by state House and Senate lawmakers.
Posted in
Energy
Hays County Groundwater Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk
A bill designed to protect western Hays County residents’ water wells in light of a massive groundwater pumping project is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk — following an emotional week of political drama over the issue.
Posted in
Energy
Proposal Would Delay Railroad Commission Scrutiny
The Railroad Commission of Texas would avoid intense legislative scrutiny until 2023 under a deal reached late Friday, a surprise six-year reprieve that rankled the oil and gas regulator’s critics.
