Natural gas drilling is booming across the country. But when a well blows out or catches fire, who gets called to fix it? Dave Fehling and Scott Detrow of StateImpact Texas report on the Texas wranglers busy capping wells in states like Pennsylvania.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Energy
At UT, a Possible Breakthrough in Solar Power
The solar-energy industry faced several setbacks in 2011. But as Mose Buchele of KUT News and StateImpact Texas reports, one UT professor thinks he’s found a way to exponentially increase the amount of energy harvested from solar technology.
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Energy
Court Stays Cross-State Rule for Texas
A federal court ordered Friday that the Environmental Protection Agency’s controversial cross-state air pollution rule be stayed — to the delight of Texas officials and the chagrin of environmentalists.
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Energy
Year of Drought and Heat May Leave Long-Lasting Damage
The statewide drought, and the accompanying extreme heat and severe wildfires, made 2011 a historic year for Texas. But as Mose Buchele of KUT News and StateImpact Texas reports, some effects of this year’s weather will likely be felt for years to come.
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Energy
Texas Electric Grid Faces More Uncertainty in 2012
Will the lights stay on in 2012? Even Texas grid operators, who are coming off a tumultuous year, cannot say for certain. A lot will depend on the weather — namely, whether the state suffers through another piping-hot summer.
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Energy
Weekend Insider: Texas Energy Shortage, Perry’s Cost to Taxpayers
In this episode of Weekend Insider, reporter Kate Galbraith talks about whether Texas will have enough electricity to make it through another hot summer. And reporter Jay Root tries to track down just how much Gov. Rick Perry’s run for the White House is costing Texas taxpayers.
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Energy
Despite Drought, Trinity River Still Flowing
In a curious development amid the year’s record-setting drought, the Trinity River — which runs south from Dallas and empties into the Gulf just east of Houston — has kept on flowing. Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports on where all the water is coming from.
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Energy
Texas Greens Cheer New EPA Mercury Rules
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.
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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.