Lawmakers will descend on the state Capitol next week to kick off the 83rd legislative session, and a host of issues related to energy and the environment — from funding a state water plan to reforming regulatory agencies — awaits them.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
Red River Water Rivalry Goes to U.S. Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday that it will hear a major cross-border water case that pits Tarrant County against Oklahoma. North Texas wants water, but Oklahoma doesn’t want to sell.
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Energy
Water Conservation Ideas Pour In Ahead of Session
Using less water is the cheapest way to meet Texas’ water needs. So what could Texas lawmakers do to promote water savings? Among the proposals are requiring meters on farmers’ wells and a sales-tax exemption for water-efficient appliances.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
State of Mind: A Plan for West Texas Water Woes
For thousands of West Texans, severe water restrictions are in store if the heavens don’t provide precipitation soon. State leaders say the unrelenting drought means they must find a way to fund a statewide water plan.
Posted in
Energy
AG Hopeful as EPA Chief Exits
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, who has waged a vociferous legal battle with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its regulation of industries and pollution, said he is hopeful for change at the EPA with the departure of its leader, Lisa Jackson.
Posted in
Energy
Year in Review: Energy, the Environment and Transportation
Drought, oil and gas production, fast lanes and toll lanes made headlines in 2012 in the Tribune. Here’s a look back at the year’s biggest stories on energy and the environment and transportation.
Posted in
Economy
School Finance Lawsuits Give Lawmakers an Out
The courts aren’t expected to finish their work on school finance until after the regular legislative session, giving lawmakers an excuse for leaving some expensive work incomplete for now.
Posted in
Energy
Turning to Outsiders to Finance Water Deals
In a growing trend across Texas, municipalities and public agencies are reaching out to the private sector for funding. Advocates say it’s the only way to meet Texas’ growing water needs, but critics worry about accountability and rising water rates.
Posted in
Energy
Legislature Prepares to Take On Water Projects
If there is a silver lining to the intensifying drought, it is that after years of hand-wringing from water experts, Texas seems poised to get serious about financing water projects. Competing proposals are floating around the statehouse.
Posted in
Energy
At Texas Railroad Commission, a Flurry of Rulemaking
A veritable flurry of rule-making is under way at the Texas Railroad Commission, involving everything from how oil and gas wells are drilled to the recycling of fracking water.