Texas lawmakers raised tough questions Wednesday about a plan to invest up to $250 million of teacher retirement funds in the Ray L. Hunt family’s bid to buy and reshape Oncor, the mammoth electric utility.
Energy
In-depth reporting on oil, gas, renewable power, and policies shaping the future of energy in Texas from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
Lawmakers Pledge Support for Hurricane Plan
Meeting for only the second time in two years, a panel of Texas lawmakers pledged financial and political support to efforts at developing a plan to protect the Houston-Galveston region from a devastating storm surge.
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Energy
Vista Ridge Pipeline Opponents Win Small Victory
A controversial plan for a 142-mile pipeline to carry water to San Antonio suffered a small defeat this week when the state water development agency staff said it wasn’t eligible for an $885 million low-interest construction loan.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Explore the Texas Water Explorer
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: A new online tool provides a comprehensive look at the state’s 23 river basins, a deal is made to move forward the Vista Ridge pipeline project and an interview with Steve Young of Intera.
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Economy
Years After Landmark Ruling, Court To Rehear “Bizarre” Pipeline Case
Nearly five years after issuing a ruling cheered by property rights advocates, the Texas Supreme Court is set to rehear a case pitting two Texas brothers against a pipeline company that seized their land through eminent domain.
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Economy
Federal Judge Approves $20.8 Billion BP Spill Settlement
A federal judge on Monday approved a $20.8 billion settlement between a group of five Gulf Coast states — including Texas — and BP stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.
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Economy
In South Texas County, an Investment in Survival as Oil Boom Stalls
Thanks to a surge in drilling, La Salle County was able to finance a multi-million upgrade to its emergency response capabilities. While the oil boom has stalled, the dramatic improvements are here to stay, officials say.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Lawmakers Mull Boosting Eminent Domain Protections
State lawmakers are considering whether to tighten eminent domain laws to help landowners battling pipeline companies, electric utilities, public agencies or other entities seeking to condemn land their land for public use.
Posted in
Energy
Deal Struck to Move Forward with Pipeline
The financial troubles of a Spanish company hired to build San Antonio’s $884 million Vista Ridge water pipeline won’t drag down the project, utility and city officials contend.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Regulators Approve Oncor Deal, But Uncertainty Persists
Texas regulators on Thursday approved the Ray L. Hunt family’s high-stakes plan to purchase and reshape the state’s largest electric utility. But they added major revisions, prolonging the battle to own Oncor.