Even as the Obama administration delighted conservatives last week by pulling back on a broad regulation to combat ozone pollution, the controversial “cross-state” rule that would also reduce smog-forming pollutants in Texas remains on track.
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
Updated: “Risks of Outages” Under EPA Rule, Grid Operator Warns
The Environmental Protection Agency said Texas “has an ample range” of ways to comply with an impending pollution rule, after the state grid operator reported this morning that the rule would badly strain the electric system.
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Energy
Todd Staples: The TT Interview
The Texas commissioner of agriculture on the “catastrophic” devastation he’s seen from the worst one-year drought in recorded Texas history, what the feds and state are doing and what needs to happen to cope with a potential multiyear drought.
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Energy
New LCRA Head Orders Reorganization
As the Central Texas utility struggles to retain electric customers, its new general manager, Becky Motal, announced that four senior positions have been eliminated and said staff reductions “may be necessary.”
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Energy
Drought Scrambles Water Utilities’ Finances
A number of cities are making more money than usual from selling water this year because people are using more water to compensate for the lack of rain. But rates in many places are going up, to fix broken pipes and fund new supplies.
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Economy
31 Days, 31 Ways: Days, Services at State Parks Cut Back
DAY 26 of our month-long series on the effects of new state laws and budget cuts: 23 of the state’s 94 parks face reductions in staff or operations.
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Energy
Attention, Texas: It’s Going to Get Hotter
Are the drought and record heat due to climate change? Scientists hedge, especially on the drought question, but there’s no question it’s been getting hotter in Texas — and it’s going to continue to do so.
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Energy
Drought Pushing Thirsty, Hungry Black Bears Farther From Home
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is warning that the worst one-year drought on record is causing black bears to change their behavior, roaming farther from traditional habitats and potentially becoming more aggressive toward people.
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Energy
Despite Scrutiny, Perry Gives Two Donors Plum Posts
Despite the national media’s intense scrutiny of his history of appointing big-dollar donors to high-profile positions, Gov. Rick Perry named two such donors to key boards Wednesday.
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Energy
Cost of Wind Power Transmission Lines Rises Sharply to $6.79 Billion
The cost of building several thousand miles of transmission lines to carry wind power across Texas is now estimated at $6.79 billion, a 38 percent increase from the initial projection three years ago.