Four days after the Senate approved landmark legislation that would pre-empt local control over a variety of oil and gas activities, the Texas House advanced another response to Denton’s vote to ban hydraulic fracturing.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
EPA Closely Watching Bill to Speed State Permits
Texas appears poised to enact environmental legislation that could trigger an unintended consequence: more federal oversight.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Is California Texas’ Future?
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: California’s drought response could foreshadow future action in Texas, a new study raises new concerns about fracking and drinking water and an interview with Antonietta Quigg, an oceanography professor at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
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Energy
Texas to Sue Feds Over “Clean Power Plan”
Attorney General Ken Paxton says he plans to sue the Obama administration over the proposed “Clean Power Plan,” its sweeping plan to combat climate change by slashing carbon emissions from power plants.
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Energy
“Denton Fracking Bill” Headed to Abbott’s Desk
The so-called Denton fracking bill is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. The Senate on Monday approved a bill to pre-empt local efforts to regulate a wide variety of oil and gas activities.
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Energy
State High Court Punts on Major Water Case
The murky rules for regulating groundwater pumping aren’t going to get any clearer after the state Supreme Court declined to take a case that might have helped clarify when a property owner’s right of capture can be restricted.
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Energy
Justices Again Avoid Underground Trespassing Question
The Texas Supreme Court won’t re-examine a high-profile case that asked a perplexing question: If industrial wastewater pollutes your groundwater, can you sue for trespassing?
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Energy
House Advances Bill to Speed Permits, Limit Protests
Contending that Texas is struggling to lure businesses, House lawmakers on Thursday gave initial approval to bill to quicken the pace at which regulators crank out permits for major industrial projects – by limiting public scrutiny.
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Energy
Texas Republicans Push Energy Changes in Congress
At issue is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a stockpile of over 700 million barrels of crude oil stored in Texas and Louisiana. Congressional lawmakers are uncertain of the reserve’s role in an age of abundance.
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Energy
Bills Aim to Speed Up Permits, Limit Protests
Business-friendly Texas still isn’t quite friendly enough, Republican lawmakers say, and they’re pushing legislation to curtail public input and speed up permits issued by state environmental regulators.