In an increasingly testy Republican runoff for railroad commissioner, state Rep. Wayne Christian is reaching into Gary Gates’ legal history in an effort to paint his opponent as a “slumlord.”
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Economy
In Texas, Market Forces Driving Shift From Coal, Study Says
Texans are on pace to rely more heavily on natural gas, wind and solar energy to power their lives in the coming decades, according to an analysis commissioned by the Texas Clean Energy Coalition.
Posted in
Energy
U.S. Energy Chief: Texas Should Develop Clean Power Plan
U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz says Texas can play a major role in shrinking the country’s carbon dioxide footprint and addressing climate change — if it chooses to.
Posted in
Economy
Obama’s Methane Crackdown Rankles Texas Oil and Gas Industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday finalized a new set of rules aimed at battling climate change. This time, the agency is targeting the oil patch — with big implications for Texas, the nation’s petroleum king.
Posted in
Energy
Officials: Fire That Caused West Plant Explosion Was Intentionally Set
Three years after a West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion killed 15 people, including 12 firefighters and first responders, state and federal officials said Wednesday that someone set that fire, committing a criminal act.
Posted in
Energy
Big Bend-Area Pipeline Clears Last Hurdle
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission signed off on a stretch of the Trans-Pecos Pipeline that would cross below the Rio Grande, handing a setback to a coalition of ranchers, environmentalists and landowners that sought to thwart the project.
Posted in
Economy
Survey: Texans Support a State “Clean Energy” Plan
A new poll shows most Texans believe state leaders should draw up a plan to shift from coal-fired power to natural gas and renewables — even if the state defeats the Obama administration in a high-profile court battle.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Climate Change and Water Supplies
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Threats to water supplies may be the most damaging effect of climate change, three compounds often found in wells in rural agricultural areas may be linked to birth defects and evidence is found of earlier human habitation at Spring Lake.
Posted in
Economy
Eagle Ford Town’s Residents Disgusted by Waste Site’s Approval
The Texas Railroad Commission approved a permit for a huge oil and gas waste facility outside of tiny Nordheim, ending one of the first organized protests against industry activity in South Texas’ Eagle Ford Shale.
Posted in
Economy
Energy Future Holdings Pitches New Plan To End Epic Bankruptcy
Energy Future Holdings, Texas’ largest power company, is going back to the drawing board in its efforts to emerge from one of the largest corporate bankruptcies in American history.
