The Environmental Protection Agency announced a new rule on Wednesday aimed at reducing the amount of mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants. It is unlikely to improve Texas officials’ low opinion of the federal agency.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
Tree Ring Study Warns of Long Droughts
A new study of tree rings indicates droughts are typically a once-a-decade phenomon in Texas and that the state has had several “mega-droughts” lasting 15 to 30 years over the centuries.
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Energy
Building Codes to Tighten Across Texas
In January, Texas will adopt a statewide building code that should cut the energy consumption of new single-family homes by more than 15 percent — and big cities like Houston are jumping even further ahead.
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Energy
Texas Could Feel Effects of Alarming Wyoming Fracking Study
A report from the Environmental Protection Agency showing that gas drilling led to water contamination in a Wyoming town sent shockwaves through the energy industry this week. Mose Buchele of KUT News reports on what the findings could mean for drilling in Texas.
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Energy
Price Caps at Center of Energy Debate
Though a state commission is considering raising the cap on energy prices, Dave Fehling of KUHF News and StateImpact Texas reports that some think allowing rates to rise won’t be enough to ensure that companies can keep building plants in a state that keeps on growing.
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Energy
Fracking Disclosure to Start in February
Rules requiring the disclosure of chemicals used in the controversial hydraulic fracturing process will take effect in Texas in February, the Texas Railroad Commission decided on Tuesday.
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Energy
2011: A Bad Year for Ozone Pollution
Levels of lung-damaging ozone spiked this year across Texas, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Scientists are still trying to understand why, though the hot weather is likely part of the cause. Questions are also rising about the ozone impacts of oil and gas drilling.
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Demographics
TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Root on Rick Perry’s controversial new ad, Tan on the fallout, Aaronson’s map of where the food stamps go, my interview with Stephen Colbert’s campaign finance lawyer, Aguilar on the drop in the number of illegal immigrants crossing into Texas, Hamilton on the growth of unregulated colleges, Galbraith’s interview with S. David Freeman on the environmental failures of public power, Grissom on the newest state agency and and Hamilton and M. Smith on a sudden change at the top of UT’s law school: The best of our best content from December 5 to 9, 2011.
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Energy
Plea for Donations Highlights Worries Over Park Funding
State officials launched a campaign this week soliciting donations to help fund Texas parks, which saw a drop-off in visitors this year because of record heat and wildfires. Matt Largey of KUT News reports.
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Energy
Jon Wellinghoff: The TT Interview
The chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on managing wind energy, how electric cars could change the grid and what he’s learned by monitoring his electricity consumption at home .