Jackie Chesnutt, who lives outside San Angelo, is tired of pollution from nearly inactive wells. Experts say Texas rules allow companies to defer plugging wells for far too long.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Politics
Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian peddles oil-backed crypto coin
Government watchdogs raised conflict-of-interests concerns, but Christian said his involvement in the venture is “separate” from his elected position on the Railroad Commission.
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Environment
Tesla’s Gigafactory water use surges in Austin as new chip plant looms
Tesla’s Giga Texas water use jumped more than 200 million gallons — by about 60% — in two years, as massive chip plant proposal raises concerns about Austin’s strained supply.
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Energy
Record oil production in West Texas helps stabilize U.S. supply amid Iran war
Production in West Texas has helped the U.S. stabilize its demand for foreign oil amid the Iran war, despite drilling fewer oil wells.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Texas is giving data centers more than $1 billion in tax breaks each year
The tax break is one of the state’s costliest incentive programs and soon to be the most expensive of its kind in the nation.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Hardline conservative donors Tim Dunn, Farris Wilks ballooned Bo French’s Railroad Commission campaign
Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks made their fortune in the oil business. They’ve deployed millions of dollars to pull the Texas GOP and Legislature toward their hardline stances.
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Environment
Dead gardens, dusty cars: Frustrated Corpus Christi residents take precautions as water crisis nears
The city’s water supply has been nearly depleted by a prolonged drought and a recent boom of oil refineries in the area. Locals have been limiting outdoor watering, shower time and car washes.
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Energy
Corpus Christi’s crucial refineries look for alternate water supplies amid looming water crisis
The city produces 5% of the nation’s refined products like gas and jet fuel, and experts say a serious water shortage could force production down and push fuel prices up even further.
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Energy
A plan to get more electricity to West Texas may come undone
Oil and gas companies have said the region needs more power. Environmentalists and a conservative think tank worry the state is moving too fast — and ratepayers will see the costs in their bills.
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Energy
Texas oil companies stand to profit from Iran war disruptions while consumers face higher gas prices
Texas’ status as the nation’s largest oil producer will partially insulate its residents from some gas price hikes, but it’s not immune to disruptions, experts say.
