Texas House and Senate leaders are starting out the legislative session nearly $8 billion apart according in dueling budget proposals released Tuesday. Among the sticking points: spending on public education and border security.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Donations pour in for North Texan who couldn’t afford heat
Mary Garcia, an Arlington woman who was struggling to keep her lights on after the demise of Lite-Up Texas, said she is overwhelmed by the help she has received from those who read her story.
Wind farm plans fuel military bases’ concerns over encroachment (video)
News of a possible wind farm development near a northwest Texas Air Force base has raised concerns about protecting military properties from outside development. Related legislation is poised to be a part of this legislative session.
Energy secretary pick Rick Perry to divest of holdings that could present conflicts
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, now the nominee for U.S. energy secretary, is moving to disentangle himself from potential conflicts of interest.
New in Trib+Water: TWDB looks back at 2016
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: The TWDB reviews its challenges and accomplishments in 2016, a Travis County utility deals with the aftermath of its contamination of a nature preserve and an interview with L’Oreal Stepney of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Rex Tillerson set for tough confirmation hearings for secretary of state
Senators will grill Rex Tillerson about the longtime oil executive’s business deals in difficult parts of the world and friendships with autocratic leaders on Wednesday.
Texas electric generators bash EPA over proposed clean air rule
Environmental groups praised and power generators bashed a proposed federal environmental regulation on Tuesday aimed at improving visibility in national parks and wilderness areas in Texas and surrounding states.
Poor Texans left in dark as state electricity aid program ends
Low-income Texans are struggling to come to grips with the demise of a longstanding program that helped them pay their electricity bills.
Oil prices, pipeline protests top 2016 energy, environment news
From heated pipeline protests to stubbornly low oil prices, these are the top energy and environmental stories the Tribune covered in 2016.
Rough Patch: How plunging oil prices reversed fortunes in Texas
Amid the recent plunge in oil prices, The Texas Tribune visited various parts of Texas to see how they were being impacted. Read stories from West Texas, South Texas and the Panhandle.




