The state’s environmental regulatory agency on Wednesday rebuffed a coalition of border residents and environmental activists who hoped to halt a coal mine from expanding its operations near the Rio Grande.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Rough Patch
Oil Patch Schools Facing Budget Nightmare
The oil bust is threatening to deal a serious financial blow to schools in oil-producing regions across the state — particularly if it lingers.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Paxton Drops Challenge as Exxon Mobil Probe Shifts
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his Alabama counterpart have dropped their legal bid to squelch a U.S. Virgin Islands investigation of Exxon Mobil after the U.S. territory agreed to with draw a subpoena for company documents.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Utilities and Water Conservation
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: New opportunities for water utilities to promote conservation, a new water quality study of the Pedernales River and an interview with Chelsea A.J. Hawkins of the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
Posted in
Energy
Laredo’s Bag Ban Becomes Flashpoint in Debate Over Local Control
On Tuesday, lawyers for Laredo merchants argued the city’s plastic bag ban conflicts with state law. The case has become a flashpoint in a roiling debate over the limits of local control, and the ruling could strike bag bans across Texas.
Posted in
Energy
Texas Awarded $50 Million in Massive Volkswagen Settlement
Volkswagen has agreed to pay Texas $50 million as part of what is being described as the largest auto-related class-action settlement in U.S. history.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
A Closer Look at the Texas Twist in Fight Between Exxon, Virgin Islands
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is trying to intervene in an effort to thwart an investigation into whether Exxon Mobil misled investors about the risks of climate change. Here’s a guide to Paxton’s effort and how it fits into the much broader climate change battle in the United States.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Budget Spared in Court Ruling on Drilling Tax Case
A Texas Supreme Court ruling has spared the state from having to issue billions of dollars in tax refunds to oil and gas drillers — a prospect that had threatened to shake up the next legislative session.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Ranchers Frustrated by Frack Ponds
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Ranchers have a new problem in frack ponds, water utilities find possible vulnerability to cyberattack and an interview with Tim Loftus of Texas State University and the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Lawmaker’s Startup Sells Help Shaping Local Policy
Rep. Jason Villalba, a Dallas Republican, is helping launch LightSwitch Solutions, an Austin-based public relations and consulting firm with plans to shape opinion about local policy.