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.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
Future of Alternative Fuels Presents Test for Texas
With more car makers adding electric and natural gas vehicles to their offerings, the need for alternative fueling stations is increasing — and the state is grappling with how to respond.
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Energy
TribLive: Smitherman on the Shale Boom
At this morning’s TribLive conversation, Railroad Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman talked about the economic impact of the state’s various shale plays, as well as concerns about the negative effects on roads, water and air quality.
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Energy
Utility Commission to Consider New Power Line Rules
It’s a common occurrence: A tree or branch falls on a power line, cutting off electricity to nearby residents. On Thursday, though, the state’s Public Utility Commission will vote on rules aiming to make that a little less likely in the future.
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Energy
Guest Column: Tackle the Water Crisis
Guaranteeing safe, clean and available water supplies should be a top priority when lawmakers assemble for their regular legislative session next month.
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Energy
For Power Grid, Slower Economic Growth Could Be Beneficial
A report published Monday forecasts that the Texas power grid will be a little shakier next summer than previously projected. Thanks to the anticipation of slower power demand, the grid will be a little less shaky in 2014 and beyond.
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Energy
Railroad Commission Preparing Rule Changes for Oil and Gas Drilling
A major overhaul to oil and gas drilling rules is under way at the Texas Railroad Commission. The initiative has received a cautious welcome from both environmentalists and some industry groups.
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Energy
UT Officials Resign in Wake of Fracking Study Controversy
The same day a highly critical review of a controversial University of Texas fracking study was released, UT announced that the lead author of the study and the head of the institute that released it had resigned.
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Energy
Methane Gas May Go to Waste in Texas
Methane, a byproduct of landfill waste, can be used to generate electricity or power industrial equipment. But in Texas, future methane-capturing landfill projects may be at risk.
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Inside Intelligence
Inside Intelligence: About the Infrastructure…
For this week’s nonscientific survey of insiders in government and politics, we asked about big-ticket infrastructure issues — whether lawmakers will approve any of them and where they might look for money.