With the arrival of higher temperatures now boosting energy demand in the state, higher electricity prices aren’t likely to prove popular with Texans. But as Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas, some say that’s the only way to avoid rolling blackouts.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
Guest Column: Beach Ruling Protects Property Rights
The Texas Supreme Court protected property owners on the state’s coast and also left the state’s beaches open and accessible to the general public. But beaches don’t become public overnight, when hurricanes strike.
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Energy
Guest Column: Texas Beaches Are for the Public
The Texas Supreme Court got it wrong when it ruled earlier this year that the state’s Open Beaches Act doesn’t apply to three properties in Galveston. The Texas shoreline might now perish in court, trial by trial.
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Energy
Conserving Water a Daily Chore for One Central Texas Community
Within the past year, the drought has spurred many municipalities in Texas to impose water restrictions. But as Andy Uhler of KUT News reports, the stakes are much higher in Las Lomitas, a low-income community in Travis County whose residents lack running water.
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Energy
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
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.
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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.
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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.