Much of the discussion at a Wednesday House committee hearing centered around efforts by drilling companies to recycle water or reduce their water consumption. Environmentalists questioned whether they are doing enough.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
TPWD Looks to Rebound After Devastating Year
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is still feeling the effects of last year’s wildfires, drought and budget cuts, but officials say the situation is improving with increased park attendance and donations.
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Energy
As Temperatures Soar, State Weighs Risks of Blackouts
This week’s 100-degree weather across the state has raised important questions about how often Texas would need to force rolling blackouts to keep pace with demand. For the state, it mostly comes down how much power it has in its reserves — and how much it’s willing to spend for it.
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Energy
Life by the Drop: Drought, Water and the Future of Texas
Drought may be a part of life in Texas, but last year’s crisis left an indelible mark on the state. In a special report on the 2011 drought, KUT News, StateImpact Texas and Texas Monthly examine how the state will manage a growing population amid a shrinking water supply.
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Demographics
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Aguilar on the aftermath of changes in U.S. immigration policy, Batheja on how the Republican candidates for Senate are handling that sensitive issue, KUT’s Philpott on new driver’s license laws and immigration, M. Smith on racial tensions and an ousted police chief in Jasper, Galbraith on the state’s efforts to limit electric service blackouts, Hamilton on the hot Campbell-Wentworth Senate runoff in Central Texas, Murphy maps the May primary voting, Root on the restoration of the arson-damaged Texas Governor’s Mansion and Dehn’s latest Weekend Insider on obese Texans: The best of our best content from June 18 to 22, 2012.
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Energy
Even in Coastal Areas, Drought Leaves Lasting Concerns
As last year’s drought intensified, the Colorado River brought less fresh water to the Gulf of Mexico. For the latest installment in KUT News’ series on water issues, Mose Buchele looks at Matagorda Bay, where water quality has suffered — and the economy, too.
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Energy
Drought Maps Show Improvement, but Dry Conditions Linger
For the first time since March 2011, no part of Texas is under the worst stage of drought, according to new U.S. Drought Monitor data. But as Laura Rice of KUT News reports, some parts of the state are drier than they’ve been in the last few months.
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Energy
Texas’ Blackout Avoidance Measures Could Cost Billions, Group Says
Texas’ efforts to stave off future blackouts could cost ordinary households hundreds of dollars per year, a filing by a Texas industrial group suggests. Texas regulators are due to vote on the proposal next week.
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Energy
In a More Urban Texas, Farmers Face Uncertain Future
The drought has permanently changed life for some Texans, but in many ways, the scarcity just underlined a looming crisis. For the latest installment in KUT News’ series on water issues, Mose Buchele looks at Wharton County, where water concerns have imperiled a generation of rice farmers.
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Energy
State’s Readiness for Hurricane Season Touted
The 2012 hurricane season is here. TxDOT officials point to recent drills and expanded social media efforts as evidence that they are better prepared to help Texans with potential mass evacuations.