The Railroad Commission, which oversees the state’s oil and gas industry, took more than 10 hours of testimony about whether the agency should lower production as the coronavirus lowers demand.
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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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas: Hard-line conservatives want stay-at-home order relaxed; Paxton issues opinion on temporary tax exemption
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As oil price crisis grips the globe, small Texas producers feel the ripple effects
Plummeting demand and an international price dispute have forced Texas oil producers to begin shutting wells.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Someone says they have 2 million N95 masks for sale. The asking price is six times the usual cost.
As health care professionals beg for supplies to protect themselves from COVID-19 infection, a Texas company found a seller with at least 2 million masks and quietly offered them for sale at $6 each. Before the pandemic, they cost around $1.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas shale producers ask state to cut oil output as demand plummets during coronavirus pandemic
Two Texas oil companies with big business in the Permian Basin wrote to state regulators requesting an emergency meeting to consider reducing oil production as demand around the world has collapsed due to the new coronavirus.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Midland confronts coronavirus after oil prices plummet
The city’s new mayor is struggling to inspire in a moment of overlapping crises.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Citing coronavirus pandemic, Trump administration stops enforcing environmental laws
A Texas environmental protection group said it is “reckless” for the Environmental Protection Agency to waive enforcement of many protections. The federal agency said companies could have trouble complying due to the new coronavirus.
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Economy
Texas regulators contemplating a reduction in oil production amid coronavirus crisis
A Texas Railroad Commission official said no decision has been made yet and the agency is looking into options.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texans were already feeling coronavirus’ financial squeeze. Then the cases increased and cancellations mounted.
The state’s oil and gas industry has cratered. Major events have been called off, and tourism across Texas has dipped. It is too soon to tell the statewide economic impact from COVID-19, but Texans are already feeling a pinch.
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Energy
White House likely to pursue federal aid for shale companies hit by oil shock, coronavirus downturn
The idea could face resistance from those who support direct aid to workers. One critic called the idea ‘absurd.’