Last year’s drought dried up hay fields, sent feed prices through the roof and forced many Texas ranchers to sell off large portions of their herds. A year later, many are still trying to recover.
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
Shale Gas Fuels Refinery “Rebirth” on Texas Gulf Coast
It’s nothing short of a “rebirth” of the petrochemical industry, one executive says. All along the Texas Gulf Coast, big companies are sinking billions of dollars into new plants.
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Energy
Drought Caused Biggest Drop in Ogallala Aquifer in 25 Years
The historic Texas drought caused the Ogallala Aquifer to experience its largest decline in 25 years across a large swath of the Texas Panhandle, new numbers from a water district show.
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Energy
Former EPA Official Al Armendariz Joining Sierra Club
Two months after Al Armendariz resigned from his post as a Texas-based regional director for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sierra Club has announced that Armendariz is joining its “Beyond Coal” campaign.
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Energy
More Areas in Gulf of Mexico to be Opened for Drilling
The Obama administration has announced plans to to expand drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico, even as lingering effects of the disastrous 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill are still felt along parts of the Texas coastline.
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Energy
Regulators Approve Hike in Wholesale Electric Prices
The Public Utility Commission approved a 50 percent increase for the cap on wholesale electricity prices on the Texas electrical grid. That will mean higher prices for ordinary Texans, consumer advocates fear.
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Energy
Recycling Efforts by Drilling Industry a Focus of House Hearing
Much of the discussion at a Wednesday House committee hearing centered around efforts by drilling companies to recycle water or reduce their water consumption. Environmentalists questioned whether they are doing enough.
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Energy
TPWD Looks to Rebound After Devastating Year
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is still feeling the effects of last year’s wildfires, drought and budget cuts, but officials say the situation is improving with increased park attendance and donations.
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Energy
As Temperatures Soar, State Weighs Risks of Blackouts
This week’s 100-degree weather across the state has raised important questions about how often Texas would need to force rolling blackouts to keep pace with demand. For the state, it mostly comes down how much power it has in its reserves — and how much it’s willing to spend for it.
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Energy
Life by the Drop: Drought, Water and the Future of Texas
Drought may be a part of life in Texas, but last year’s crisis left an indelible mark on the state. In a special report on the 2011 drought, KUT News, StateImpact Texas and Texas Monthly examine how the state will manage a growing population amid a shrinking water supply.