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. Full Story
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Kate Galbraith
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Kate Galbraith covered energy and environment for the Tribune from 2010 to 2013. Previously she reported on clean energy for The New York Times from 2008 to 2009, serving as the lead writer for the Times' Green blog. She began her career at The Economist in 2000 and spent 2005 to 2007 in Austin as the magazine's Southwest correspondent. A Nieman fellow in journalism at Harvard University from 2007 to 2008, she has an undergraduate degree in English from Harvard and a master's degree from the London School of Economics. She is co-author of “The Great Texas Wind Rush,” a book about how the oil and gas state won the race to wind power.
Past Contributions
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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S. David Freeman: The TT Interview
The former general manager of the Lower Colorado River Authority talks about rebuilding the organization after the "Trailergate" sex scandal, the environmental failures of public power and why electricity deregulation is a "huge mistake." Full Story
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Updated: Grid Operator Warns Summer Blackout Threat Could Recur
In a report released Thursday, the state's electric grid operator indicated that next summer could see a repeat of the rolling blackout threats that plagued Texas past summer. The reason: rising demand for electricity and some power plants going offline. Full Story
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Experts: Texas Drought to Continue Through Spring
The drought that has plagued Texas is virtually certain to continue at least until early summer, climate experts said on Tuesday at a conference in Fort Worth. But what happens after that is anyone's guess. Full Story
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Military Bases Battle Encroachment of Cities
The ever-expanding suburbs of San Antonio have created light, noise and endangered species challenges for Camp Bullis, where all military medics train. Other bases around Texas are also facing an array of encroachment issues. Full Story
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Going Back for Seconds: The Tribune Festival
Here's something to be thankful for: Our festival website is updated with an audio slideshow for each of the panel discussions. Peruse the panels listed in the program or watch video albums from all of the subject tracks on our Vimeo site. Full Story
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Updated: EPA, Despite Fire From Texas, Issues State's First Greenhouse Gas Permit
On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency, which took over greenhouse gas permitting in Texas in the face of the state's resistance, issued its first such permit in the state — to a yet-to-be-built natural gas power plant in Llano County. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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