House Speaker Joe Straus knocks down the TSA “anti-groping” bill. Are voters ready for another Texan in the White House? News of the “tepid” response to Perry’s NALEO speech spreads inside the Beltway.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Audio: Water Needs of Proposed Coal Plant Spark Debate
Plans to build a coal plant called the White Stallion Energy Center near Bay City have stirred controversy, as residents near and far worry about air pollution and the huge amounts of water needed to operate the plant.
Proposed Coal Plant’s Water Plan Stirs Debate
Plans to build a coal plant called the White Stallion Energy Center near Bay City have stirred considerable controversy, as residents near and far worry about air pollution and the huge amounts of water needed to operate the plant.
Audio: For Texas Rice Farmers, Livelihoods At Stake in Water Talks
Rice farmers in Southeast Texas are braced to receive less water in the future, amid growing demand from cities.
Rice Farmers’ Livelihoods at Stake in Water Battle
Despite the drought, rice fields in Southeast Texas are emerald green this time of year, thanks to water released from two reservoirs hundreds of miles up the Colorado River. But the rice growers fear for their future, as water restrictions tighten.
Series Explores Central Texas’ Water Supply
The Texas Tribune and KUT 90.5 FM are running a five-part series this week on water supplies in Central Texas, looking specifically at the long-term future of two key lakes that supply water to Austin and other growing cities, as well as to rice farmers a few hundred miles down the Colorado River.
In Austin, Growing Water Needs and Conservation
As Austin prepares to tighten its watering restrictions to once a week later this summer, trees and lawns โ not to mention the water utility’s revenues โ are suffering. Long-term, Austin and nearby cities want to ensure the continued health of the Highland Lakes.
Audio: Austin Hopes for Healthy Lakes
Austin hopes to keep plenty of water in the nearby Highland Lakes over the long term, to reduce the risks posed by drought.
As Highland Lakes’ Levels Fall, Residents Fret
As Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis drop lower each day, worried locals are seeing their swimming coves dry up, and it’s not just because of lack of rain. Rice farmers and Central Texas cities are taking a good share of the water.
Audio: Drought Worries Highland Lakes Residents
With Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis getting lower by the day, local business owners fear for their livelihoods.


