In his first public appearance in Texas since being sworn in as U.S. energy secretary, former Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday heaped praise on a new and first-of-its-kind energy project that captures climate-altering emissions from the state’s largest coal plant.
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
Texas Public Utility Commission Chairman Nelson to retire
Chairman Donna Nelson announced Thursday that she will retire from the Public Utility Commission of Texas, ending a nine-year tenure.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Hays County water battle renewed
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: New water bills are renewing a battle at the Capitol over pumping in Hays County, bipartisan congressional effort launched against Trump water program cuts and an interview with Julie Nahrgang of the Water Environment Association of Texas.
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Energy
Lawmakers consider requiring Texas schools to test water for lead
Advocates for mandatory water testing say schools are particularly vulnerable because so many of them are aging and have older pipes and water fountains.
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Economy
Why Texas Ag Chief Sid Miller signed a deal with disputed Israeli settlements
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has opened trade relations with group of Israeli settlements in the West Bank that neither the United States nor the United Nations legally recognizes.
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Energy
Texas GOP welcomes Trump order repealing climate regulations
Texas Republicans and fossil fuel champions are celebrating an executive order signed by President Trump on Tuesday aimed at curtailing Obama-era climate regulations, calling it a win for utility customers and the state economy.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Water Day aims to raise awareness
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Water Day is celebrated at the Texas Capitol and across the world, budget cuts offered by Trump would affect Texas environmental programs and an interview with Carlos Rubinstein of the Texas Water Foundation.
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Energy
By wading into energy policy, did Texas GOP chair break ethics law?
Texas GOP chairman Tom Mechler, an Amarillo oilman, insists that he wasn’t lobbying when he asked the state to intervene in his clients’ dispute with a pipeline giant.
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Economy
Texas sues feds — including Rick Perry — for failing to license nuclear waste facility
In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accuses U.S. agencies of violating federal law by failing to license a nuclear waste repository in Nevada.
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Energy
At Capitol, bill targeting plastic bag bans draws strong opposition
Ranchers, city officials and environmentalists testified on Tuesday against a bill that would prevent cities from banning plastic grocery bags or charging a fee for them.