The drought that began in October 2010 has continued into 2012, and it has taken a toll on Texas’ water supplies. As the summer of 2012 draws to a close, these communities are at risk of running out of water within 180 days.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
Group Pushing to Boost State’s Role in Space Exploration
A commercial space race has begun, and this week the Texas Space Alliance, an aerospace development lobby group, reached out to the Legislature in hopes of making the state part of the enterprise.
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Energy
When Power Fails, the Grid is Rarely to Blame
Texans are already used to the lights going out because of everyday issues like storms, equipment problems or people driving into utility poles. So why is there so much fuss about preventing the occasional grid-wide power outage?
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Energy
Quail Making Rebound, but Hunters May Not Return
After populations in Texas plummeted last year due to disease and drought, quail counts are on the rise this season. But that small increase might not be enough to bring hunters out in full force.
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Energy
Wildfire Season Intensifying, Report Says
Wildfire season across the American West and Texas is getting longer and more destructive every year, according to a new report from the research organization Climate Central.
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Energy
A Year After Wildfires, Calls for More Prescribed Burns
More landowners and public safety officials have begun calling on the state to respond to last year’s devastating wildfires by lighting more fires — so-called prescribed burns that help remove the dry grass and brush that fuel the blazes.
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Energy
Expiring Tax Credit Threatens Wind Boom
Texas is the top wind power state, but the expiration of a key tax credit at the end of this year could significantly impact the state, which contains about a fifth of the nation’s turbines.
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Energy
Environmental Groups: Commission Stalling on Clean Energy
Environmental groups filed a petition on Wednesday accusing the state’s Public Utility Commission of failing to meet renewable energy targets and thus depriving the state of more solar and geothermal power.
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Energy
Billionaire’s Firm Makes Initial Payments in Deal Over Radioactive Dump
Dallas billionaire Harold Simmons’ Waste Control Specialists, which runs a radioactive waste dump in Andrews County, has made its first payments to the county and state after years of controversy.
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Energy
Perry Staffer Named Railroad Commission Executive Director
Milton Rister, a former Republican political operative who is currently a member of the governor’s senior staff, will become the new executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission.