In the wake of nearly unprecedented drought, environmental advocates fear that state leaders are prioritizing thirsty cities over ecology. Our Troubled Waters series explores the history, health and future of some of the state’s most important waterways.
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
Opinions Mixed on Energy Companies’ Role in Protecting Species
Texas’ biggest oil and gas companies are looking to take a prime role in protecting threatened species in the state, and such participation is drawing mixed opinions among environmental advocates.
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Troubled Waters
On Guadalupe River, Tubers Aren’t Only Ones Facing Low Flows
Many Texans gauge the health of the Guadalupe River by the speed of their tubing trip. Given the drought conditions plaguing most of the state, people come prepared to walk. On a broader scale, the shallow spots are indicative of the growing demand on the spring-fed water source.
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Criminal Justice
Battery Thefts Plague Texas Oil and Gas Drillers
In Texas oilfields, thieves are targeting batteries that power pipeline monitors, saddling drillers with big replacement costs and stalling production. Some fear the temptation to steal will only swell as production expands.
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Energy
Wayne Christian Joins Crowded Railroad Commission Race
Former State Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, says he will run for the Railroad Commission, joining a crowded field.
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Energy
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Hamilton on UT rolling out some online learning opportunities for non-UT students, Ramsey on the challenges for some political candidates to gain traction, MacLaggan details a county’s efforts to ensure the census counts all its residents, Murphy updates our campaign finance analyzer, Aguilar examines a case that could impact property rights along the border, Satija looks at benefits and challenges tied to the Eagle Ford Shale, and Batheja writes about three counties getting the OK to raise vehicle registration fees: The best of our best for the week of Sept. 2 to 6, 2013.
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Energy
Water Rights Restricted Along the San Saba
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has suspended most water rights along the upper San Saba River, where water use has become increasingly contentious.
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Troubled Waters
Along the Canadian River, Concerns About Drought and Threatened Fish
The storied Canadian River has been so badly pummeled by drought that the reservoirs along it are essentially dry. That’s bad news for the thirsty cities of the Panhandle, not to mention a fish fighting for survival.
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Energy
Eagle Ford Shale Region Sees Benefits, Concerns
Oil and gas representatives, along with academics, gathered in Laredo this week to discuss the economic benefits of the drilling boom in the Eagle Ford Shale. But concerns over the environmental impact of the boom persist.
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Energy
Agriculture Commissioner Hopefuls Focus on Water Policy Early in Campaigns
The three GOP candidates for agriculture commissioner stress that rural areas must not be left behind as the state moves forward on water policy.