Last summer’s record heat pushed the Texas power grid to the brink. As Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports, a state House committee today will look into what’s being done to prevent that from happening again.
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
What if There’s a Mega-Drought? Comptroller Considers Impact
A report released Wednesday by the Texas comptroller’s office looks at the impact of the current drought and other scenarios.
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Energy
Rival Targets McCaul Over Pipeline Holdings
Legislation cracking down on insider trading by members of Congress hasn’t landed on the floor of the U.S. House yet, but it’s already become a hot topic in Congressional District 10, which Michael McCaul of Austin represents.
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Energy
TPPF Criticizes Upcoming “Avalanche” of EPA Rules
A report released Monday by the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation renewed its criticism of the Environmental Protection Agency. Environmentalists say the group’s concerns are misplaced.
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Energy
In Texas’ Drilling Boom, a Human Toll
The oil and gas drilling boom continues to benefit the Texas economy, but it’s coming at a human price. Dave Fehling of StateImpact Texas reports on the disturbing number of workers in the industry who are getting injured, or worse, on the job.
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Energy
BP Spill Money for Texas: $100M — and Counting
Unlike other Gulf states, Texas beaches did not get soaked with oil after the BP spill two years ago. Nonetheless, $100 million — and possibly far more, depending on the courts and Congress — is about to start flowing to Texas from BP for coastal restoration.
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Energy
Weekend Insider: STAAR Tests, BP Spill Money
Morgan Smith explains how some parents are choosing not to let their children take the new and rigorous STAAR tests. And Kate Galbraith tells us how state officials may use money from BP for coastal restoration.
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Demographics
Maverick County Residents Fight Mexican Mining Operation
Coal may have fallen out of favor in the U.S., but it’s still big business in Mexico, as residents of Maverick County have found out. Mose Buchele of KUT News reports on an effort along the Texas border to fight a mining operation that would bring coal to Mexican power plants.
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Energy
West Texas Drilling Brings More Jobs, and More Concerns
A familiar industry has brought a boomtown bluster back to West Texas cities like Midland. But as Dave Fehling of StateImpact Texas reports, drilling has intensified concerns over issues like water use, especially amid the record drought.
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Energy
Cattle ID Proposal Has Texas Ranchers’ Attention
In Texas, the largest cattle state, branding cows with a symbol like the “Rocking R” is practically a cultural necessity. But state and federal regulators are keener on another form of identification — ear tags — that’s easier to standardize.