Despite a drought that continues to dry up the state’s lakes and reservoirs, water experts have raised concerns about the quality of the state’s 7,500 dams, many of which are in poor condition or are nearing the end of their life spans.
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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University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
UT/TT Poll: Texans Support Water Measure by Wide Margin
Half of Texans say they’d vote to approve $2 billion in additional water infrastructure financing this November, according to a new University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll.
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Energy
$7 Billion Wind Power Project Nears Finish
Developers expect to soon flip the switch on the final electrical transmission projects built under a nearly $7 billion effort to connect Texas’ windiest, mostly secluded regions to communities that demand more power.
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Energy
Newsreel: Davis Hits the Road, Cornyn Strikes Back
This week in the Texas Weekly Newsreel: Wendy Davis starts traveling the state, Rick Perry hits the road, too (for water funding), and John Cornyn wants the Tea Party to know he’s right there with them.
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Energy
TribuneFest: Audio From the Environment Track
The environment track at the 2013 Texas Tribune Festival featured panel discussions on the aftermath of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, the future of water and parks in Texas, and the fight over climate change.
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Energy
TCEQ: Judge Wrongly Said the State Should Protect the Atmosphere
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is appealing a lawsuit that it has already won — and that was filed by children. Environmental advocates say the case is a waste of state resources.
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Energy
Researchers: Politics Obscure the Results of New Fracking Study
University of Texas scientists who led a study of methane gas emissions say both sides of the fracking debate are misinterpreting the results of the report.
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Energy
TribuneFest: Audio From the Energy Track
The energy track at The Texas Tribune Festival featured discussions about regulation, the shale boom, energy efficiency and the fight over electricity. You can hear the sessions here.
Posted inEnergy, Environment, Politics
Interactive: Campaign Finance Analyzer — Water Texas PAC
Well over half of the money raised so far by the Water Texas PAC came from heavy contractors, Dow Chemical Co. and Energy Future Holdings/Luminant. Use our analyzer to take a closer look at the donors.
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Energy
Zebra Mussels Threaten Central Texas Reservoirs
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Belton Lake, and experts worry the species could jeopardize the water supply in Central Texas towns.