Over 12 months of the worst drought in recorded Texas history, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul was Austin’s sixth-largest water user. It’s a disappointing record, critics say, at a time when many Texas leaders are urgently calling for conservation.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
Daniel Yergin: The TT Interview
The Pulizer Prize-winning author and leading authority on energy on his new book, The Quest; the future of Texas energy, including wind, solar and natural gas prices; and the burning national debate on how to spell “fracking.”
Posted in
Energy
Dropping Lake Levels Mean Rising Water Quality Issues
As lake and river levels continue to drop due to the intense 13-month drought, concerns about water quality are growing across Texas. It’s an issue that affects fish — and humans.
Posted in
Energy
Video: Home Weatherization Assistance Program
Austin Energy received $8 million in federal stimulus funds to weatherize the homes of low income Texans. In this video, Rusty Smith, a home inspector with the utility, explains the benefits of making these energy efficient upgrades.
Posted in
Energy
Drought Eases, but Schools Still Trying to Keep the Grass Green
Fall weather conditions may bring a small amount of relief to the drought-stricken state, but as Nathan Bernier of KUT News reports, Texas’ worst single-year dry spell still has school districts wondering what to do with their football fields.
Posted in
Energy
In the Panhandle, the Dying Art of Windmilling Hangs On — For Now
Thousands of windmills still exist in remote Texas pastures, pumping water from aquifers for cattle to drink. But the dwinding group of men who sell and fix windmills face hard times due to the drought and competition from solar pumps.
Posted in
Energy
Video: Windmillers at Work
A windmill company based in San Angelo has been making windmills since 1888 — and the family of Panhandle windmiller Mike Crowell has been in the business of fixing the machines nearly as long.
Posted in
Energy
SLIDESHOW: Texas Windmills — and Windmillers
Windmilling — the art of fixing old water windmills — is difficult and dangerous work, and now it faces competition from solar pumps. But long-time windmillers in the Panhandle wouldn’t trade their job for any other.
Posted in
Energy
Weekend Insider: Texas Weatherization Program, Windmilling
In this edition of the Texas Tribune Weekend Insider, reporter Becca Aaronson talks about the embattled Texas weatherization program getting back on track. Reporter Kate Galbraith introduces us to a family that’s been “windmilling” for more than 100 years.
Posted in
Energy
Drought’s Economic Impact Spreading From Rural to Urban Areas
Despite the record dry stretch, most Texans are still far from running out of water. But the drought’s economic impact is beginning to extend beyond agriculture and into tourism, real estate and other staples of urban economies.