Book Excerpt: How the Public Got Behind Texas Wind Power
The renewable-energy epiphany that launched Texas wind power came through an unexpected channel: public opinion polls in the mid-1990s. An excerpt from The Great Texas Wind Rush. Full Story
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For Texas, Colorado Floods a Reminder to Plan Ahead
Environmental experts say the severe flooding in parched Colorado proves that just because drought-stricken states like Texas haven't seen that kind of weather in years doesn't mean it's gone for good. Full Story
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![A view downstream from the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Water from the Edwards Aquifer flows from San Marcos Springs into the San Marcos River.]()
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UT Scientists Measure Methane Emissions From Fracking
University of Texas at Austin researchers have released new estimates of methane emissions from the production of natural gas wells. The data could affect regulations on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. Full Story
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In Texas, Fight Over Water Spills Underground
A recent court ruling in Texas has fueled an already fiery debate over whether groundwater resources can be adequately protected alongside property rights and economic development. Full Story
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![Glenn and JoLynn Bragg invested in growing pecans in Hondo, Texas, before groundwater pumping regulations existed there. A recent landmark court decision found that the regulations resulted in a violation of their property rights.]()
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Book Excerpt: "Go Get Smart on Wind"
In 1996, then-Gov. George W. Bush shocked his Public Utility Commission chairman by endorsing wind power. A decade later, Texas would become the nation's top wind-energy producer. An excerpt from The Great Texas Wind Rush. Full Story
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To Save Energy, Groups Call for a New Texas Building Code
In energy-guzzling Texas, a group of environmental advocates and business leaders is calling a for new statewide energy building code. Full Story
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Video: On Guadalupe River, Tubers and Consumers Face Low Flows
Many Texans gauge the health of the Guadalupe River by the speed of their tubing trip. Given the drought conditions plaguing most of the state, people come prepared to walk. On a broader scale, the shallow spots are indicative of the growing demand on the spring-fed water source. Full Story
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On Guadalupe River, Tubers Aren't Only Ones Facing Low Flows
Many Texans gauge the health of the Guadalupe River by the speed of their tubing trip. Given the drought conditions plaguing most of the state, people come prepared to walk. On a broader scale, the shallow spots are indicative of the growing demand on the spring-fed water source. Full Story
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Troubled Waters: The State of Texas Rivers
In the wake of nearly unprecedented drought, environmental advocates fear that state leaders are prioritizing thirsty cities over ecology. Our Troubled Waters series explores the history, health and future of some of the state's most important waterways. Full Story
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Opinions Mixed on Energy Companies' Role in Protecting Species
Texas' biggest oil and gas companies are looking to take a prime role in protecting threatened species in the state, and such participation is drawing mixed opinions among environmental advocates. Full Story
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Battery Thefts Plague Texas Oil and Gas Drillers
In Texas oilfields, thieves are targeting batteries that power pipeline monitors, saddling drillers with big replacement costs and stalling production. Some fear the temptation to steal will only swell as production expands. Full Story
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Wayne Christian Joins Crowded Railroad Commission Race
Former State Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, says he will run for the Railroad Commission, joining a crowded field. Full Story
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Water Rights Restricted Along the San Saba
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has suspended most water rights along the upper San Saba River, where water use has become increasingly contentious. Full Story
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Eagle Ford Shale Region Sees Benefits, Concerns
Oil and gas representatives, along with academics, gathered in Laredo this week to discuss the economic benefits of the drilling boom in the Eagle Ford Shale. But concerns over the environmental impact of the boom persist. Full Story
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![An oil & gas drilling rig is drilling a well for Pioneer Natural Resources in the Eagle Ford Shale formation near Yorktown.]()
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Along the Canadian River, Concerns About Drought and Threatened Fish
The storied Canadian River has been so badly pummeled by drought that the reservoirs along it are essentially dry. That's bad news for the thirsty cities of the Panhandle, not to mention a fish fighting for survival. Full Story
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Agriculture Commissioner Hopefuls Focus on Water Policy Early in Campaigns
The three GOP candidates for agriculture commissioner stress that rural areas must not be left behind as the state moves forward on water policy. Full Story
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South Texas Farmers Making Gains in Fight Against Boll Weevils
In the Lower Rio Grande Valley, eradication efforts aimed at the boll weevil — an insect that can destroy the yields of cotton plants — are benefiting in part from the current drought. Full Story
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![Field Unit Manager Stephen Daniel of the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Program checks a boll weevil trap located adjacent to a cotton field in Mustang Ridge, Texas, Aug. 14, 2013. Daniel uses a TBWEP pickup truck as a mobile office where he weekly checks dozens of traps for the pest insect outside of Austin.]()
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Texas Groundwater Districts Face Daunting List of Challenges
Groundwater managers in Texas have applauded lawmakers' push to fund a comprehensive water plan, but as a water summit this week made clear, money alone won't fix the tangle of concerns facing the state's groundwater authorities. Full Story
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New Law Protects Bison Alongside Cows, Llamas
Texans can now rest assured that their bison are protected under the state's agriculture code if they wander off their property. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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![Southern plains bison from the Goodnight heard are raised for meat on Hugh Fitzsimons's SHAPE Ranch in Carrizo Springs, TX, February, 21, 2013.]()
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Energy Lobbyists Set Sights on Prairie Chicken
Some of Texas’ biggest oil and gas lobbyists are hoping to take control of the fate of the fast-disappearing lesser prairie chicken — much like what happened with the dunes sagebrush lizard earlier this year. Full Story
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Credit: Larry Lamsa
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