Proponents and critics weighed in Wednesday on a bill that would allow the sale of raw milk at farmer’s markets and other sites like fairs and flea markets.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Stretch of Keystone XL Pipeline Progressing
The 485-mile Oklahoma-to-Texas leg of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline is about half done and should be operational by late this year or early 2014, according to officials from TransCanada, the company building it.
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Energy
Lawmakers Propose Fixes for Roads Damaged by Drilling
At a StateImpact Texas forum on Tuesday, a group of lawmakers agreed that the state must address road damage caused by the oil and gas boom. Such damage is estimated to have cost the Eagle Ford Shale area up to $2 billion.
Posted in
Energy
Agriculture Stakes Its Claim as Water Debate Heats Up
As Texas lawmakers mull a plan to safeguard the state against future water shortages, agriculture groups are already worried they might be left high and dry.
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Energy
Bill Could Bring Dairy Farming Back to El Paso
State Rep. Mary González, D-Clint, wants to bring dairy farming back to her district by repealing a decade-old ban on the practice, the result of longstanding concerns over bovine tuberculosis.
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Energy
At House Hearing, Mayors Stress Water Conservation
A who’s who of mayors, lawmakers and agency officials testified at the Capitol on Tuesday in support of using $2 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund for water projects. But before that, they said, the state must focus on conservation.
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Energy
A&M Wants More Funding for State Climatologist
Texas A&M University has requested $284,000 from the Legislature to expand the operations of the state climatologist, John Nielsen-Gammon, who says more money would help support research and relieve some of his ever-growing workload.
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Energy
After Plant is Canceled, Coal Faces Bleak Future in Texas
Plans to build a new Gulf Coast power plant called White Stallion have fizzled, marking a victory for environmental advocates and — for now, at least — the demise of new coal plant projects in Texas.
Posted in
Energy
Renewable Energy Faces Hurdles in Legislature
This session, renewable energy advocates are bracing to defend critical policies that have helped Texas become the leading wind-power state. The discussions include a renewable energy mandate and a key tax incentive.
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Energy
The Wind Blows, the Sun Shines: The Tax Breaks
Ten years ago, the renewable energy industry basked in political popularity. With the rise of the Tea Party, it is now under fire. Clean energy advocates will spend part of the legislative session fending off attacks. But they also have some big dreams.