The state’s top lawyer has filed a pile of lawsuits against the federal government. Two decisions last week — on redistricting maps and the state’s voter ID law — went against Attorney General Greg Abbott and the state.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
Two Units at Major Texas Coal-Fired Power Plant to Shut
Texas will lose about 1 percent of its power supply over the winter and spring as Luminant temporarily shuts two units at its 1970s-era Monticello coal plant. The company blamed low power prices.
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Energy
Space-Tech Cameras May Help Spot Wildfires
In the year since wildfires destroyed thousands of homes across Central Texas, officials have looked for ways to reduce the threat of fires. They’ve since found one, in technology developed not for fighting fires but for exploring outer space.
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Energy
Solar Power Could Aid Texas Electric Grid, Officials Say
Texas lags in solar-power development, and lawmakers have been reluctant to promote it with incentives. Nonetheless, solar power can play a role in aiding Texas’ strained electric grid, industry officials and regulators said at a meeting in San Antonio.
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Energy
A Year After Fires, Communities Focus on Prevention
Sept. 4 marks one year since wildfires ravaged Central Texas, causing officials and residents to rethink how they manage their land. Since then, some communities have taken it upon themselves to make their surroundings safer in the event of another wildfire.
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Energy
Central Texans Recount an Escape From Roaring Fires
Nearly a year after wildfires tore through Central Texas, Spicewood residents Melvin Pulver and Debbie Opdahl recount how Pulver survived the Pedernales fire Sept. 4 through quick thinking and a little luck.
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Energy
U.N.-Backed Agenda 21 Triggers Strong Reactions From Many in Texas
Where did a Lubbock County judge get the idea that the U.S. might cede sovereignty to the U.N.? In Texas, activists fearful of such a prospect have cited a 20-year-old resolution called Agenda 21.
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Energy
A Year Later, Tracing the Roots of Texas’ Wildfires
As the anniversary of last year’s Central Texas wildfires draws near, KUT News and StateImpact Texas revisit what led to the worst fires in state history, and how the state has changed since last summer.
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Energy
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Conventions, Pollution, Planned Parenthood
A look at the upcoming Republican and Democratic party conventions, the state’s win in a court battle over women’s health programs, and a second win on federal cross-state pollution rules.
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Energy
Texas State Receives Major Gift for Water Research
Texas State University in San Marcos on Friday will announce a major gift from the Meadows Foundation. The $1 million donation will help launch the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.