State Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, filed legislation this week that would create a commission to work with neighboring states like Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma on securing water for Texas.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
Obama’s Emphasis on Natural Gas Puts Texas in Spotlight
President Obama on Tuesday night peppered his State of the Union address with proposals for America’s energy future, including natural gas development. But what do those proposals mean for Texas?
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Energy
Sierra Club Takes Aim at Coal Plants in East Texas
A battle over Texas coal is heating up, as the Sierra Club is launching a targeted effort to close down 1970s-era coal plants owned by power-generation giant Luminant. It will be one of the club’s biggest anti-coal campaigns in the nation.
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Energy
Water-Reuse Projects Move Forward, Despite “Toilet-to-Tap” Concerns
Several Texas cities have plans to implement potable reuse projects, which put treated wastewater through extra chemical and biological processes before it eventually becomes part of the drinking supply.
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Energy
Hearing Targets Water Conservation, Cleanup
At a joint House and Senate Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday, officials found common ground over the need for conservation and the development of new technologies that could be used to increase the state’s water reserves.
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Energy
Border Coal Mine Plan Advances; Opponents Consider Their Options
A decision by the Texas Railroad Commission has paved the way for an open-pit coal mine to begin operating on the Texas-Mexico border. Opponents of the plan are weighing their options, which include making a request for another hearing.
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Energy
Bills Aim to Stop Diverting Funds Meant for State Parks
Some legislators say the practice of diverting funds earmarked for state parks compromises the integrity of the state budget and the quality of parks.
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Energy
Lawmakers Seek Cash to Fix Roads Hit by Drilling
As lawmakers look for a way to fix infrastructure crumbling under the weight of a drilling boom, talk of reducing the tax money that feeds the state’s Rainy Day Fund is drawing attention.
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Energy
Bills Aim to Douse HOAs’ Xeriscaping Restrictions
Texas homeowners associations often require members to keep plush lawns. But some are easing their rules as the drought continues, and two Texas lawmakers have introduced legislation to prevent the groups from restricting xeriscaping.
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Energy
Perry Talks Water, Tax Relief in State of the State
In his seventh State of the State address, Gov. Rick Perry ignored controversial issues and urged state lawmakers to do the nitty gritty work of government: fund water projects, build more roads and improve education.