The latest energy news from The Texas Tribune.
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday that it will hear a major cross-border water case that pits Tarrant County against Oklahoma. North Texas wants water, but Oklahoma doesn't want to sell. Full Story
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Using less water is the cheapest way to meet Texas’ water needs. So what could Texas lawmakers do to promote water savings? Among the proposals are requiring meters on farmers' wells and a sales-tax exemption for water-efficient appliances. Full Story
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For thousands of West Texans, severe water restrictions are in store if the heavens don't provide precipitation soon. State leaders say the unrelenting drought means they must find a way to fund a statewide water plan. Full Story
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Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, who has waged a vociferous legal battle with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its regulation of industries and pollution, said he is hopeful for change at the EPA with the departure of its leader, Lisa Jackson. Full Story
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Drought, oil and gas production, fast lanes and toll lanes made headlines in 2012 in the Tribune. Here's a look back at the year's biggest stories on energy and the environment and transportation. Full Story
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The courts aren't expected to finish their work on school finance until after the regular legislative session, giving lawmakers an excuse for leaving some expensive work incomplete for now. Full Story
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In a growing trend across Texas, municipalities and public agencies are reaching out to the private sector for funding. Advocates say it's the only way to meet Texas’ growing water needs, but critics worry about accountability and rising water rates. Full Story
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If there is a silver lining to the intensifying drought, it is that after years of hand-wringing from water experts, Texas seems poised to get serious about financing water projects. Competing proposals are floating around the statehouse. Full Story
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A veritable flurry of rule-making is under way at the Texas Railroad Commission, involving everything from how oil and gas wells are drilled to the recycling of fracking water. Full Story
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With more car makers adding electric and natural gas vehicles to their offerings, the need for alternative fueling stations is increasing — and the state is grappling with how to respond. Full Story
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At this morning's TribLive conversation, Railroad Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman talked about the economic impact of the state's various shale plays, as well as concerns about the negative effects on roads, water and air quality. Full Story
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It's a common occurrence: A tree or branch falls on a power line, cutting off electricity to nearby residents. On Thursday, though, the state's Public Utility Commission will vote on rules aiming to make that a little less likely in the future. Full Story
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Guaranteeing safe, clean and available water supplies should be a top priority when lawmakers assemble for their regular legislative session next month. Full Story
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A report published Monday forecasts that the Texas power grid will be a little shakier next summer than previously projected. Thanks to the anticipation of slower power demand, the grid will be a little less shaky in 2014 and beyond. Full Story
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A major overhaul to oil and gas drilling rules is under way at the Texas Railroad Commission. The initiative has received a cautious welcome from both environmentalists and some industry groups. Full Story
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The same day a highly critical review of a controversial University of Texas fracking study was released, UT announced that the lead author of the study and the head of the institute that released it had resigned. Full Story
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Methane, a byproduct of landfill waste, can be used to generate electricity or power industrial equipment. But in Texas, future methane-capturing landfill projects may be at risk. Full Story
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For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders in government and politics, we asked about big-ticket infrastructure issues — whether lawmakers will approve any of them and where they might look for money. Full Story
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The board of the Dallas-based utility company Oncor recently authorized a $17 million payment to its chairman and chief executive, Robert Shapard, according to an SEC filing on Nov. 21, the day before Thanksgiving. Full Story
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The scorching summer months have passed, but the state recorded barely any rainfall in November, sparking fears that Texas could be in store for a dry and potentially devastating winter. Full Story
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