Fishing and tourism in Matagorda Bay depend in large part on freshwater supplied by the Colorado River. But the drought has all but cut off those flows, and wildlife and recreation on Texas’ Gulf Coast have suffered.
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
Slideshow: Devils River and Dolan Falls Preserve
The Dolan Falls Preserve, run by the Nature Conservancy, exists at the crossroads of three unique regions. The convergence of the Edwards Plateau, the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande Plain brushland creates rich biodiversity. The Devils River, which runs through the Dolan Falls Preserve, is fed in part by Dolan Creek and is known by nature enthusiasts as one of the most pristine rivers in Texas. It is also partially fed by freshwater springs that flow through the surrounding limestone.
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Troubled Waters
Devils River Could Feel Impact of Hunt for Water
Thanks to conservation efforts and its remote location, the Devils River is seen as one of the state’s last pristine rivers. But change could be coming for the river, as some are eyeing its basin for new water supplies.
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Energy
Funding Woes Imperil Future of State Parks
The struggle to secure funding and land for state parks in Texas dates back to the early 1900s. Today, as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department marks the end of its 50th year in operation, the struggle continues.
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Energy
On Capacity Market Decision, Lawmakers Question PUC’s Authority
At a contentious hearing on Monday, lawmakers expressed skepticism about transforming Texas’ wholesale energy market in an attempt to ensure the long-term reliability of the state’s electric grid.
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Energy
Railroad Commission Hopeful: New Textbook is Flawed
Becky Berger, a candidate for Texas railroad commissioner, this week criticized an environmental science textbook that is under review by the Texas Board of Education, muddling the book’s path to final approval.
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Energy
Momentum for Water Recycling on Oilfields, but Still a Long Way to Go
As the drought continues across Texas, more oil and gas companies are considering the long-term benefits of water recycling, and state officials are trying to make the transition easier.
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Troubled Waters
Communities Along Red River Seek Feds’ Help
As drought-ridden communities near the Red River spend millions on major water projects, water managers say a decades-old federal project to clean up salt in the river water could also ease the strain.
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Energy
LCRA Names Interim General Manager
The Lower Colorado River Authority named Ross Phillips its interim general manager on Wednesday. Phillips will replace Becky Motal, who is retiring at the end of this year.
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Energy
In Wake of Floods, Higher Insurance Rates Expected
Flooding in Central Texas last month highlighted the possibility that more Texans will be unable to pay for flood insurance if changes to the National Flood Insurance Program move forward.
