A state appeals court has struck down a plastic bag ban in Laredo in a high-profile fight over local control that could ultimately impact similar laws in other Texas cities.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Draining the Ogallala Aquifer
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: The Ogallala aquifer is being drained away, a coral reef off the Texas coast is the scene of a mass marine life die-off and an interview with Paul Choules of the Texas Desalination Association.
Posted in
Energy
Toxic Landfill Plan Near Colonia Raises Racism Charges
Laredo residents are protesting a proposed landfill that they say will make their community a dumping ground for toxic waste from across the United States and Mexico.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Challenges EPA’s Crackdown on Oilfield Methane
Texas is again taking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to court, this time challenging new rules aimed at slashing methane emissions in the oil patch.
Posted in
Economy
NextEra Would Own Oncor in $18.4 Billion Deal
Florida-based NextEra Energy has unveiled an $18.4 billion deal to buy Oncor, Texas’ largest electric transmission company.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Paved-Over Wetlands and Flooding
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Paving over wetlands around Houston raise risk of flooding, more worries about contaminated water sources and an interview with David Todd of the Conservation History Association of Texas.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Gets Boost in New Mexico Water Fight
Three years after Texas filed a complaint in the U.S. Supreme Court alleging that New Mexican farmers were illegally curbing the Rio Grande’s flow into Texas, the justices appear closer to taking up the challenge.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: El Paso Water Buy Stirs Concern
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: An El Paso Water Utilities purchase of a ranch stirs concerns about water exports, algae blooms hint at systems out of balance across the globe and an interview with Greg Story of the National Weather Service West Gulf River Forecast Center.
Posted in
Energy
Sinkhole Warnings Don’t Faze West Texas
A recent study has thrust the Wink Sinks — two breathtaking sinkholes in Winkler County which have long been objects of fear and fascination — into the national spotlight.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Regulator Wants to Make Shopping for Electricity Easier
Donna Nelson, who chairs the Texas Public Utility Commission, is trying to crack down on deceptive electricity providers and make it easier for Texans to shop for electricity.