Aaronson on why the latest Texas job gains are a mixed bag, Aguilar on the fight over an Eagle Pass coal mine, Batheja on nasty U.S. Senate race ads, Galbraith on El Paso’s water woes, Grissom on John Bradley’s tough primary, Hamilton and M. Smith on the controversial chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, Murphy’s cool higher ed stats interactive, Ramsey talks to Robert Draper about what’s wrong with Congress, Ramshaw on Joe Barton vs. himself, Root on Perry’s Mitt embrace and my exclusive sit-down with the chancellor of the UT System: The best of our best content from May 14-18, 2012.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Energy
Helium Sales Legislation Would Impact Panhandle
A site near Amarillo operated by the federal government produces about a third of the world’s helium, which is needed for MRIs and semiconductors. Lawmakers are looking to keep vital sales of the gas from being interrupted.
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Energy
With the Rio Grande Dry, El Paso Turns to Water Alternatives
The Rio Grande, which supplied 39 percent of El Paso’s water last year, is dry near the city — a situation that has not occurred for nearly 10 years. El Paso is pumping more groundwater and cranking up its desalination plant.
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Energy
In Keystone Debate, Concerns Over Higher Gas Prices
The debate over the Keystone XL pipeline has focused mainly on economic benefits and environmental concerns. But as Mose Buchele of KUT News reports for StateImpact Texas, the project might have another indirect consequence that’s largely been overlooked: higher gas prices.
Posted in
Energy
Major Player in Fight Against Mexican Coal Company Bows Out
In a surprise move, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has withdrawn its opposition to a planned Eagle Pass coal mine that opponents allege would pollute the area’s air and water supply.
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Energy
In Texas, Price of Oil Hits a Sweet Spot
In Texas right now, gas prices are high enough to boost the oil industry but not high enough to hurt demand. Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas on how the “Goldilocks price” — not too high, not too low — is benefiting the state’s economic prospects.
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Energy
Increase in Natural Gas “Flaring” Tied to Pipeline Shortages
With oil production on the rise in Texas, drilling companies are increasingly burning off the natural gas that surfaces with the oil, because they can’t get pipelines in place fast enough to transport it.
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Energy
Keeping the Lights on in Texas
Of crucifixions, sagebrush lizards, political primaries and brownouts.
Posted in
Energy
Rains Pushing Cattle Prices to All-Time Highs in Texas
Cattle prices have hit record highs in Texas, and that, naturally, means consumers can expect to pay more for beef. Mose Buchele of KUT News reports for StateImpact Texas on what the drought has to do with the rise in prices.
Posted in
Energy
Houston Lawyer Turns to Class-Action Suits to Battle Refineries
In the past, settlement money involving large-scale industrial accidents has largely gone to the state. But as Dave Fehling of StateImpact Texas reports, one Houston lawyer representing thousands of Texas residents says he has found a way to enforce environmental laws better than the government can.