The latest environment news from The Texas Tribune.
Texas' chief power-grid operator forecasts that in 10 years, demand for electricity in Texas will outpace the state's capacity to generate it. Demand for electricity is rising with growth in the population and the economy. Full Story
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With the arrival of higher temperatures now boosting energy demand in the state, higher electricity prices aren't likely to prove popular with Texans. But as Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas, some say that's the only way to avoid rolling blackouts. Full Story
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The Texas Supreme Court got it wrong when it ruled earlier this year that the state's Open Beaches Act doesn't apply to three properties in Galveston. The Texas shoreline might now perish in court, trial by trial. Full Story
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The Texas Supreme Court protected property owners on the state's coast and also left the state's beaches open and accessible to the general public. But beaches don't become public overnight, when hurricanes strike. Full Story
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Within the past year, the drought has spurred many municipalities in Texas to impose water restrictions. But as Andy Uhler of KUT News reports, the stakes are much higher in Las Lomitas, a low-income community in Travis County whose residents lack running water. Full Story
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Aaronson on why the latest Texas job gains are a mixed bag, Aguilar on the fight over an Eagle Pass coal mine, Batheja on nasty U.S. Senate race ads, Galbraith on El Paso's water woes, Grissom on John Bradley's tough primary, Hamilton and M. Smith on the controversial chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, Murphy's cool higher ed stats interactive, Ramsey talks to Robert Draper about what's wrong with Congress, Ramshaw on Joe Barton vs. himself, Root on Perry's Mitt embrace and my exclusive sit-down with the chancellor of the UT System: The best of our best content from May 14-18, 2012. Full Story
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A site near Amarillo operated by the federal government produces about a third of the world's helium, which is needed for MRIs and semiconductors. Lawmakers are looking to keep vital sales of the gas from being interrupted. Full Story
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The Rio Grande, which supplied 39 percent of El Paso's water last year, is dry near the city — a situation that has not occurred for nearly 10 years. El Paso is pumping more groundwater and cranking up its desalination plant. Full Story
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The debate over the Keystone XL pipeline has focused mainly on economic benefits and environmental concerns. But as Mose Buchele of KUT News reports for StateImpact Texas, the project might have another indirect consequence that's largely been overlooked: higher gas prices. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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Of crucifixions, sagebrush lizards, political primaries and brownouts. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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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. Full Story
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At the Trib's April 13 energy symposium at the University of Houston, I talked with state Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, the House Energy Resources Committee chairman, and state Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, a committee member. Full Story
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