Will the lights stay on in 2012? Even Texas grid operators, who are coming off a tumultuous year, cannot say for certain. A lot will depend on the weather — namely, whether the state suffers through another piping-hot summer.
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
Weekend Insider: Texas Energy Shortage, Perry’s Cost to Taxpayers
In this episode of Weekend Insider, reporter Kate Galbraith talks about whether Texas will have enough electricity to make it through another hot summer. And reporter Jay Root tries to track down just how much Gov. Rick Perry’s run for the White House is costing Texas taxpayers.
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Energy
Despite Drought, Trinity River Still Flowing
In a curious development amid the year’s record-setting drought, the Trinity River — which runs south from Dallas and empties into the Gulf just east of Houston — has kept on flowing. Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports on where all the water is coming from.
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Energy
Texas Greens Cheer New EPA Mercury Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency announced a new rule on Wednesday aimed at reducing the amount of mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants. It is unlikely to improve Texas officials’ low opinion of the federal agency.
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Energy
Tree Ring Study Warns of Long Droughts
A new study of tree rings indicates droughts are typically a once-a-decade phenomon in Texas and that the state has had several “mega-droughts” lasting 15 to 30 years over the centuries.
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Energy
Building Codes to Tighten Across Texas
In January, Texas will adopt a statewide building code that should cut the energy consumption of new single-family homes by more than 15 percent — and big cities like Houston are jumping even further ahead.
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Energy
Texas Could Feel Effects of Alarming Wyoming Fracking Study
A report from the Environmental Protection Agency showing that gas drilling led to water contamination in a Wyoming town sent shockwaves through the energy industry this week. Mose Buchele of KUT News reports on what the findings could mean for drilling in Texas.
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Energy
Price Caps at Center of Energy Debate
Though a state commission is considering raising the cap on energy prices, Dave Fehling of KUHF News and StateImpact Texas reports that some think allowing rates to rise won’t be enough to ensure that companies can keep building plants in a state that keeps on growing.
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Energy
Fracking Disclosure to Start in February
Rules requiring the disclosure of chemicals used in the controversial hydraulic fracturing process will take effect in Texas in February, the Texas Railroad Commission decided on Tuesday.
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Energy
2011: A Bad Year for Ozone Pollution
Levels of lung-damaging ozone spiked this year across Texas, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Scientists are still trying to understand why, though the hot weather is likely part of the cause. Questions are also rising about the ozone impacts of oil and gas drilling.