The new data center will work directly with a nearby windfarm to use energy the windfarm can’t send to the state’s electricity grid.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
Texas voters have final say on $20 billion package to secure state’s water supply
No new taxes would be collected for the package that would give the state’s water department $1 billion to spend on projects like cleaning salty water, flood control and reservoirs.
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Hill Country floods
FEMA has denied or not advanced most Kerr County aid applications after deadly July 4 flood
Advocates are questioning why so many applicants from the flood-ravaged county have not received federal disaster help. Nonprofits are trying to fill in the gaps.
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Hill Country floods
Texas youth camps say cost of implementing new safety requirements will force them to close
During a Friday state hearing, parents of July 4 flood victims said camps should prioritize the safety even if costs are high.
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Environment
A North Texas community will vote to form a city in an effort to quiet down a crypto mine
Leaders of the effort say they moved to rural Hood County for its quiet country charm, which was shattered by what locals call “that roar” from the facility.
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Environment
Exxon delays planned plastics plant on Texas coast
The announcement comes six weeks after a judge struck down the local school district’s decision to give Exxon a tax break for the $10 billion plant in Calhoun County.
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Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
Economic boom or environmental disaster? Rural Texas grapples with pros, cons of data centers
Local leaders see data centers, which help power the world’s shift to artificial intelligence, as a way to keep their towns open. Residents worry their way of life — and water — is at stake.
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TribCast
TribCast: Will the Texas renewable energy powerhouse survive?
This week, Matthew and Eleanor speak with Eric Goff, founder of an energy policy advising firm, about the growth of wind and solar power in Texas and whether it will continue after recent federal efforts targeting the industry.
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Hill Country floods
Central Texas floods reveal need to shore up disaster response in unincorporated areas
Almost one-third of Americans live in areas like Travis County’s Sandy Creek, where disaster aid can be spotty.
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Economy
About $675 million earmarked for Texas projects is in limbo as Congress careens toward shutdown
Texas’ congressional delegation obtained tentative funding for infrastructure improvements, university research and other initiatives, but the nearly 350 earmarks are all in jeopardy.