In this edition of the Texas Tribune Weekend Insider, executive editor Ross Ramsey talks about the influence super PACs have on political campaigns, and reporter Kate Galbraith explains the challenges Texas faces with its wind power boom.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
New Federal Forecast Says Drought Likely to Worsen Over Winter
While already-sodden northern regions of the United States can prepare for above-average rains this winter, the worst one-year drought in Texas history looks set to persist, according to a federal winter forecast released today.
Parched Western States Looking to Perry’s Water Record
You won’t hear about the water problems out West during the GOP presidential debate, but as Ben Philpott reports for KUT News and the Texas Tribune, the problems are there โ and the next President could play a role in the solutions.
Dewhurst Tells Senate Committees to Study Drought, Wildfires
State Senate committees will soon begin studying the impact of drought on power generation, agriculture and the economy, along with how to improve Texas’ response to wildfires, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst announced today.
More Bad Drought News: End Not in Sight
The town of Junction recently endured a six-week ban on outdoor watering, during which residents sometimes used bathwater to water lawns. With the prospect of drought becoming a way of life, Junction is searching for solutions.
Looking Back on Perry’s Energy Record
With Rick Perry set to unveil an energy-centric jobs plan today, Mose Buchele of KUT News looks back at the governor’s handling of energy policy here in Texas.
Peanut Farmers Feeling Strain of Record Drought
Little-known fact: Texas is second only to Georgia in peanut farming. But as Terrence Henry of KUT News reports, while Texas’ peanut farmers have dealt with droughts before, they’ve never seen anything like this year’s crippling dry spell.
With the Drought, More Dust Storms
Despite last weekend’s rains, the Texas drought lingers โ and experts say the number of irritating and dangerous dust storms could increase across the state, especially in West Texas and the Panhandle.
UT Professor Debunks Climate Change “Myths”
The head of the UT’s Energy Institute, Raymond Orbach, is wading into politicized territory with a new paper aiming to debunk eight “myths” about climate change.
Carolyn Brittin: The TT Interview
The deputy executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board on overseeing the 295-page water plan, what the state should spend to fully ensure it has adequate water supplies and what scares her about the future.


