Texas, the country’s leading natural gas producer, could benefit from a federal bill that focuses on permits for pipelines. But critics of the measure say that there are environmental issues that should not be ignored.
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
Galveston County Public Water Systems Face Restrictions
The Gulf Coast Water Authority, which serves most of Galveston County, could run out of water in less than 180 days, according to a state list of public water systems that have placed usage limits on municipal areas.
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Energy
How Texas Won the Race to Harness the Wind
In their new book, The Great Texas Wind Rush, reporters Kate Galbraith and Asher Price tell the story of how Texas became an unlikely leader in wind energy.
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Criminal Justice
Abbott: State Has No Obligation to Aid TWIA Financially
In an opinion issued this week, Attorney General Greg Abbott says the state is under no legal obligation to help cover any potential shortfall faced by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
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Energy
In the Panhandle, an Experiment to Help Farmers Save Water
Deep in the Panhandle, a groundwater district is running a closely watched demonstration project aimed at showing farmers how to use less irrigation water on their crops. As the Ogallala Aquifer drops, saving water is an increasingly urgent task.
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Energy
Video: West Texas Town Dealing With Water Shortages
This month, the sole public water well in Barnhart went dry for nearly three days. Residents in the Permian Basin community say that the area’s thriving fracking industry is important but that a proper balance must be struck.
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Energy
North Texas Town Upset With Perry’s Veto of Water System Measure
State Rep. Charlie Geren and leaders in the North Texas town of Blue Mound are upset that Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for the town to gain control of its water system.
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Energy
Medina Leading Coalition Targeting Pipeline Expansion
Citing concerns about eminent domain abuse and the potential contamination of water resources, a coalition is asking state lawmakers to conduct interim studies and hold public meetings on the issue of oil pipeline expansion.
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Energy
Lawmakers Seek Lessons From West Explosion
A panel of House lawmakers on Monday agreed to join other state officials in calling on the federal government to send additional aid to the small town of West, which was rocked in April by a massive plant explosion.
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Energy
Railroad Commission Chairman Mulls Future
Barry Smitherman, the chairman of the Railroad Commission and former chairman of the Public Utility Commission, has earned praise as a smart and competent regulator. But he is also ambitious, and speculation is rife that he will make a bid for attorney general.