Pressing Texas leaders to act on climate change, a state lawmaker on Monday appealed to his colleagues’ long-held disdain for federal intervention.
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
Texas House Approves “Denton Fracking Bill”
UPDATED: The Texas House on Friday approved House Bill 40, which would pre-empt local efforts to regulate a wide variety of oil and gas activities.
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Energy
Shark Fin Ban Back on the House Menu
A proposal to ban the trade of shark fins in Texas sailed through the Texas House on Wednesday, but it faces choppier waters ahead: the Texas Senate, where similar legislation foundered in 2013.
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Energy
Senate Votes to End Renewable Energy Programs
The Senate on Tuesday approved legislation that would close the book on two programs that helped fuel the state’s years-long surge in wind energy production.
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Energy
Tesla Makes Sales Pitch to House Panel
At a packed committee hearing Monday evening, advocates for Tesla Motors told a panel of Texas House members that it was time to bring state laws into the 21st century and let the company sell its luxury electric cars in Texas.
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Energy
Despite Rocky Start, Agriculture Commissioner Defends His Record
A collection of unflattering headlines has lawmakers and one of Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s predecessors questioning whether the world-champion calf roper was ready to steer a billion-dollar agency. But Miller is brushing off the criticism.
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Energy
Universities, Water Providers Launch Conservation Effort
With a third of Texans still facing drought conditions, a coalition of Texas universities and water providers has launched an $8 million effort to curb water use in cities.
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New in Trib+Water: California Cuts Back on Water
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: California cuts back on water use in face of prolonged drought, more on the Central Texas water fights and an interview with Sharlene Leurig, hydrologist and producer of “Our Desired Future.”
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Energy
Lawmaker’s Bill Aims to Prevent Another Fertilizer Plant Blast
State Rep. Kyle Kacal has introduced legislation that he hopes would prevent another accident like the explosion of a West fertilizer plant in 2013 that killed 15 and injured more than 200.
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Energy
Water Ruling Cuts State’s Power in Droughts
A state appeals court has sided with farmers, ranchers and other longstanding water rights holders in a Brazos River case with widespread implications for future water battles in drought-prone Texas.