In the Lower Rio Grande Valley, eradication efforts aimed at the boll weevil — an insect that can destroy the yields of cotton plants — are benefiting in part from the current drought.
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 Groundwater Districts Face Daunting List of Challenges
Groundwater managers in Texas have applauded lawmakers’ push to fund a comprehensive water plan, but as a water summit this week made clear, money alone won’t fix the tangle of concerns facing the state’s groundwater authorities.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2013)
New Law Protects Bison Alongside Cows, Llamas
Texans can now rest assured that their bison are protected under the state’s agriculture code if they wander off their property. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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Energy
Energy Lobbyists Set Sights on Prairie Chicken
Some of Texas’ biggest oil and gas lobbyists are hoping to take control of the fate of the fast-disappearing lesser prairie chicken — much like what happened with the dunes sagebrush lizard earlier this year.
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Energy
In North Texas, Struggle to Conserve Water and Prepare for Growth
Building the reservoirs and pipelines to keep up with the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s surging population growth will cost billions of dollars. But environmentalists say conservation must come first.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2013)
Poor Texans’ Electric Bills to Dive, Then Go Back Up
The Legislature ensured that a fund to help poor Texans with their electricity bills went to its intended purpose. But it also agreed to empty the fund by 2017. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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Energy
Plan to Convert Paved Roads to Gravel Begins Despite Local Concerns
Lawmakers and rural residents worry unpaved roads will create safety hazards and reduce property values. But the Texas Department of Transportation says converting paved roads to gravel is the only safe plan it can afford.
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Energy
Creighton Releases First Ag Commissioner Campaign Video
A week after launching his bid for agriculture commissioner, state Rep. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, has released his first campaign video, in which he promises to continue his “stand against the continued overreach of the federal government.”
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Energy
Businesses Choose Reality Over Politics in Backing New Emissions Law
Despite some Texas politicians’ drumbeat against environmental regulations, the Legislature ordered the state to regulate greenhouse gases this year, with backing from big energy companies.
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Energy
Guadalupe River State Park Cuts Back on Water Service
Because of drought-related water shortages, Texas Parks and Wildlife has cut water service to Guadalupe River State Park’s three campgrounds and restrooms on most weekdays.