In addition to the discussions of water infrastructure funding at the Capitol, an even more basic issue is also on the table: whether to restructure the Texas Water Development Board.
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
Water Use in Fracking Draws Lawmakers’ Attention
At a joint meeting of the House Natural Resources and Energy committees Wednesday, legislators said that even if fracking accounts for only a small portion of the state’s water use, every drop counts.
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Energy
Bill Aims to Calm Interstate Tension Over Water Rights
State Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, filed legislation this week that would create a commission to work with neighboring states like Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma on securing water for Texas.
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Energy
Obama’s Emphasis on Natural Gas Puts Texas in Spotlight
President Obama on Tuesday night peppered his State of the Union address with proposals for America’s energy future, including natural gas development. But what do those proposals mean for Texas?
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Energy
Sierra Club Takes Aim at Coal Plants in East Texas
A battle over Texas coal is heating up, as the Sierra Club is launching a targeted effort to close down 1970s-era coal plants owned by power-generation giant Luminant. It will be one of the club’s biggest anti-coal campaigns in the nation.
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Energy
Water-Reuse Projects Move Forward, Despite “Toilet-to-Tap” Concerns
Several Texas cities have plans to implement potable reuse projects, which put treated wastewater through extra chemical and biological processes before it eventually becomes part of the drinking supply.
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Energy
Hearing Targets Water Conservation, Cleanup
At a joint House and Senate Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, officials found common ground over the need for conservation and the development of new technologies that could be used to increase the state’s water reserves.
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Energy
Border Coal Mine Plan Advances; Opponents Consider Their Options
A decision by the Texas Railroad Commission has paved the way for an open-pit coal mine to begin operating on the Texas-Mexico border. Opponents of the plan are weighing their options, which include making a request for another hearing.
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Energy
Bills Aim to Stop Diverting Funds Meant for State Parks
Some legislators say the practice of diverting funds earmarked for state parks compromises the integrity of the state budget and the quality of parks.
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Energy
Bills Aim to Douse HOAs’ Xeriscaping Restrictions
Texas homeowners associations often require members to keep plush lawns. But some are easing their rules as the drought continues, and two Texas lawmakers have introduced legislation to prevent the groups from restricting xeriscaping.