What is the definition of “tangible personal property?” The arcane question is at the center of a lawsuit that could reap energy companies a multibillion-dollar windfall and drain the state’s budget surplus.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Economy
After Dour Report, Hegar Says Moody’s “Should Know Better”
Comptroller Glenn Hegar launched a torrent of criticism at Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday after the credit rating agency released a report suggesting a drilling slowdown could eat up a projected $4 billion budget surplus by December.
Posted in
Energy
Report: Not Enough Done Since West Explosion
The Texas Legislature’s efforts to beef up state oversight and avert deadly disasters like the 2013 West fertilizer plant explosion have been “not entirely adequate,” the federal Chemical Safety Board says in its final report.
Posted in
Economy
Disconnect for Ted Cruz Between Pipeline Stance and Attack on Trump
Despite a recent ad bashing Donald Trump for employing eminent domain for a parking lot, Ted Cruz has backed the Keystone XL and other pipeline projects that would use the same controversial tool to displace landowners.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: States Differ on Water Strategy
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: A new study highlights four states’ differing approaches to water strategies, rapid growth poses new dangers to the Hill Country and an interview with Zachary Sugg of the University of Arizona.
Posted in
Economy
As Oil Prices Plunge, Hegar Asked if Budget Outlook is Too Rosy
While Comptroller Glenn Hegar tried to assure lawmakers that plummeting oil prices do not mean the Texas economy is headed for a nosedive, some worried Hegar was being overly optimistic.
Posted in
Economy
High Power Rates Spark Outrage in Rural Texas
“Politicians shouldn’t mess with churches or farmers, and this is a church full of farmers,” says Janey Burke of Roscoe’s Champion Baptist Church, whose congregation can be counted among those outraged by Sharyland Utilities’ bills.
Posted in
Economy
Texas Loses Bid to Block Clean Power Plan
A federal appeals court on Thursday denied a request from Texas and other states to block President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, leaving the climate change rules in place as a legal challenge winds through the courts.
Posted in
Economy
Video: A Conversation with Glenn Hegar
Full video of my 1/21 conversation with Glenn Hegar, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Topics discussed: oil prices, taxes, jobs and economic incentives.
Posted in
Economy
Falling Oil Prices Leading to Drop in Texas Road Funding
Because of crashing oil prices, Texas will send far less of its money in the coming years to transportation than it originally expected, Comptroller Glenn Hegar told state lawmakers on Wednesday. But the Republican’s overarching message? Don’t panic.
