In a surprise move, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has withdrawn its opposition to a planned Eagle Pass coal mine that opponents allege would pollute the area’s air and water supply.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Energy
TribuneFest: Smitherman’s Energy Plan for Texas
At the Trib’s April 13 energy symposium at the University of Houston, Railroad Comission Chairman Barry Smitherman sketched out his vision of an energy plan for the state.
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Energy
GOP Candidates for Railroad Commission Share a Target: The EPA
One overriding theme unifies the multiple Republican candidates for two Texas Railroad Commission slots: The Environmental Protection Agency has overreached and must be scaled back.
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Energy
Combs, Others Say Plan Protects Rare Lizards, Oil and Gas Interests
Comptroller Susan Combs and other officials testified in favor of a plan that aims to balance protecting a rare lizard species and maintaining oil and gas production in its habitat.
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Energy
EPA’s Armendariz Resigns Days After “Crucify” Comment Surfaces
The resignation of Al Armendariz, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency for the Southwest region, was met with regret by environmental groups and relief in the oil and gas industry.