A fracking boom in rural counties south of San Antonio continues to produce an enormous amount of oil for the state. But some of those counties are just now beginning to grapple with the consequences — and downsides — of the boom.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
Regulators Double Cap for Electricity Prices
Wholesale electricity prices on the Texas power grid will be allowed to go twice as high as is currently possible, following a vote Thursday by the Texas Public Utility Commission. What this move means for Texans’ electric bills is unclear.
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Energy
Texas Parks and Towns Embrace Movement to Darken the Night Sky
In West Texas, the dry desert air makes for bright stars. But light pollution remains a problem as fast-growing cities, plus a distaste for regulation, mean that light diffuses into the night sky. A few towns in West Texas and the Hill Country are trying to change that.
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Energy
“Victory or Death” Letter to Return to Alamo for Exhibit
After addressing concerns about security and preservation, the Texas Library and Archives Commission voted to allow Col. William Travis’ famous 1836 letter to be displayed at the Alamo in February as part of a special exhibit.
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Energy
Plans to Limit Pollution From F1 Race Prove Tricky
As the Formula One Grand Prix gears up for its Austin debut, the event has become an example of the promises and pitfalls of trying to organize a carbon-neutral sports event. In the case of F1, the real challenge comes off the track.
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Energy
Utility’s Proposal to Help Rice Farmers Faces Pushback
The Lower Colorado River Authority, the utility that controls the water in the Highland Lakes, has come under fire from Central Texans for a proposal to send water downstream to rice farmers, who were cut off earlier this year due to drought conditions.
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Energy
Sierra Club’s Radioactive Waste Fight Heats Up
The battle between the Sierra Club and Harold Simmons’ Waste Control Specialists nuclear disposal site is intensifying as Andrews County joins the fray with a lawsuit against the environmental group.
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Energy
TCEQ Chairman Plans Meeting With New EPA Regional Chief
Bryan Shaw, the TCEQ chairman, told an Austin conference he has already had two “productive” calls with Ron Curry, the new regional head of the Environmental Protection Agency. The two plan to meet within about a month, Shaw said.
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Energy
What are Mangrove Trees Telling Us About the Texas Coast?
A research team is studying how changes in land development and vegetation are affecting the ability of Texas coast wetlands to absorb carbon dioxide. An increase in mangrove population is raising new questions for the team.
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Energy
Symbol of Texas Owes its Survival in Part to Oklahoma
As Bevo arrives in Dallas ahead of Saturday’s Red River Rivalry game, it’s worth remembering that longhorn cattle might have gone extinct nearly a century ago but for the quick actions of some federal employees, who assembled a herd on an Oklahoma wildlife refuge.