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.
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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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.
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Energy
In Drought, Ranchers Sending More Cattle to Auction
The relentless drought still gripping the state has dried up drinking water for cattle, pushing ranchers to sell off parts or all of their herds at auction. Matt Largey of KUT News reports.
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Energy
Perry Has Sought Energy Diversification — Within Some Important Limits
Gov. Rick Perry often emphasizes that he favors diversification of energy sources — and the record mostly bears him out. Wind farms and gas drilling have proliferated under his tenure, and he has tried to make building coal plants easier.
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Energy
Video: Austin Filmmaker Bradley Beesley on Newly Legalized Noodling
Throughout August, the Tribune will feature 31 ways Texans’ lives will change come Sept. 1, the date most bills passed by the Legislature take effect. DAY 18: The sport of catching catfish with bare hands, known as noodling, is now legal in Texas. Watch the Trib’s interview with filmmaker and avid noodler Bradley Beesley.
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Energy
A Lizard Causes Oil and Gas Industry Drama
The sand dune lizard, located in parts of West Texas and New Mexico, could potentially be interfering with the drilling of oil and gas.