Lack of a state floodplain policy enabled oil companies to build in parts of Texas hit by an epic inundation less than 30 years ago.
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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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Railroad Commission primary: Who is running and what to know
The Railroad Commission regulates energy infrastructure across Texas. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
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Energy
In the West Texas oil patch, companies plan gas power plants to run new data centers
The developer of one project, in Pecos County, calls it the largest power project in the U.S. Data centers are sparking a surge of gas power plant construction in Texas.
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Energy
Texas’ power grid weathered another winter storm. Is it ready for the future?
Five years after Winter Storm Uri caused catastrophic blackouts that killed hundreds, the electric grid has changed significantly, but increasing demand means it will have to adapt even more.
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Panhandle Wildfires
Why a Panhandle businessman wants to take over the region’s electric utility
Salem Abraham claims Minnesota-based Xcel Energy has not lived up to its promise of protecting the region from wildfires. The company vehemently disagrees.
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TribCast
TribCast: Will Venezuela impact Texas’ oil industry?
TribCast dives into the potentially Texas-sized repercussions of President Trump’s plan to get U.S. companies to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry.
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Environment
Thousands of East Texans remain without power after winter storm shuts down most of state
East Texas experienced some of the worst freezing rain. Dense forests and icy roads are making it more difficult to restore electricity.
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Environment
El Paso’s plan to build natural gas power plant for massive data center kicks up opposition
Meta’s planned data center could be El Paso’s biggest electricity user. Some residents worry that a new power plant to run it would worsen air pollution and guzzle water.
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Environment
A small oil company polluted Midland’s water reserve. The cleanup has dragged on for years.
Cleaning up oilfield pollution in arid West Texas is costly and complicated. The bankruptcy process allows companies to move on while the public pays the price.
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Energy
How to know the difference between a local power outage and rolling blackouts
Power outages are a possibility during any severe weather event. But a local power outage is different from a larger power grid problem.
