Desalination has become a buzzword in water discussions around the state, amid concerns over future supplies. But tapping salty aquifers, or even seawater from the Gulf of Mexico, carries costs.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
Interactive: How Cost of Water in Texas Stacks Up
Texas cities have traditionally enjoyed lower water rates than most metro areas in the nation. Use this interactive to see how Texas cities compare in regard to water rates, single-family usage and weather.
Posted in
Energy
In Era of Drought, Texas Cities Boost Water Rates
The drought has pushed Texas cities to raise rates to pay for new water supplies and to encourage conservation. But raising rates often triggers public resistance in a state that is wary of too much government.
Posted in
Energy
EPA, Armendariz Blasted at House Hearing
At a House subcommittee hearing Wednesday, congressional Republicans heaped criticism on the EPA and its former south-central region chief, Al Armendariz, who had been scheduled to testify but canceled at the last minute.
Posted in
Energy
30 Years Later, Superfund Site Still a Threat
The federal government created the so-called Superfund in 1980 to clean up hazardous-waste sites. And as Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas, the work in Texas still isn’t finished.
Posted in
Energy
Proposed SpaceX Launch Site in Texas Draws Concerns
SpaceX, which just sent the first private spacecraft to the International Space Station, has proposed building a launch pad in Texas. But the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is concerned the proposed site is too close to endangered species.
Posted in
Energy
Report on Electric Grid Cites Concerns With Reserves
A 135-page report by a Massachusetts-based consulting group is the latest analysis suggesting that the Texas electric grid does not have adequate reserves for future years.
Posted in
Energy
Michael Burgess: The TT Interview
The Republican congressman from Lewisville on his objections to a law setting higher efficiency standards for lightbulbs and how he intends to stop the Department of Energy from enforcing the standards.
Posted in
Energy
Rice Farmers Renew Battle for Colorado River Water
The Lower Colorado River Authority earlier this year approved a far-reaching water plan that determined, in part, how much water rice farmers could draw from the Colorado River. But as Mose Buchele reports for StateImpact Texas, aggrieved rice farmers aren’t done making their case.
Posted in
Energy
Report: Texas’ Energy Use Could Exceed Capacity by 2022
Texas’ chief power-grid operator forecasts that in 10 years, demand for electricity in Texas will outpace the state’s capacity to generate it. Demand for electricity is rising with growth in the population and the economy.