The Canadian company that wants to build the Keystone XL pipeline is using its land seizure powers to get property easements for the project. And it’s causing frustration in a conservative patch of Texas.
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
Lawmakers Holding Their Breath on Wind Credit
Texas has a commanding lead over other states in wind-power production. But the looming expiration of a federal tax credit jeopardizes the boom — and Texas’ congressional delegation does not appear to be clamoring loudly to save it.
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Energy
As Town Runs Dry, Fate of Others in Question
The drought’s effect on Spicewood Beach, a community in Burnet County that recently became the first Texas town to run out of water, has raised concerns about areas of the state on the brink of similar situations. Mose Buchele of StateImpact Texas reports.
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Criminal Justice
Pipeline Companies Fighting for Property Rights
The Texas Supreme Court could decide by this week whether it erred in allowing pipeline companies to force their way onto private land. As Dave Fehling of StateImpact Texas reports, the legal wrangling comes as drilling in the state is surging.
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Energy
For Cattle Ranchers, a Long Road to Recovery
2011 — the driest year in Texas history — delivered a huge blow to cattle ranchers. And as Nathan Bernier of KUT News reports, the prospect of a continuing drought spells trouble for both ranchers and consumers.
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Energy
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Aguilar on an environmental battle in South Texas, Galbraith on the impact of the drought, Grissom on the latest in the Michael Morton case, Hamilton and Theobald on plans for greater scrutiny of faculty performance, Murphy on Rick Perry’s campaign donors and expenditures, Ramsey on where we stand on redistricting, Ramshaw on the intense interest in stem cell rules, Root on a congressman’s controversial pipeline holdings, M. Smith on the backlash against student testing and Tan on the fight for a new medical school in Austin: The best of our best content from February 6-10, 2012.
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Energy
TribLive: Gallego on the EPA and Same-Sex Marriage
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, weighed in on several issues he’ll face if he wins election to Congress, including Texas vs. the EPA, same-sex marriage and funding for Planned Parenthood.
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Energy
On the Border, a Battle Over Mexican Mining
A brawl is brewing in South Texas, but this one has nothing to do with cartels or drug smuggling — it’s an environmental battle over a proposed surface-mining site that some Eagle Pass residents worry will ruin their way of life.
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Energy
State’s Electric Capacity Under Scrutiny
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.
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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.