Shale Drilling Leaks More Methane Than Thought
Gas producers in North Texas’ Barnett Shale are responsible for significantly more methane pollution than previously estimated, according to a new series of studies. Full Story
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Oil Rig Count Rises for First Time This Year
The number of oil rigs operating in the U.S. has risen for the first time this year, suggesting stabilization in the American market. Analysts say U.S. crude prices have settled around $60 a barrel. Full Story
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Under BP Deal, Another $788 Million Will Flow to Texas
Texas is set to receive another $788 million stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill under a settlement between BP, the federal government and five Gulf Coast states. Full Story
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![The Deepwater Horizon fire in 2010.]()
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Despite Rains, Lake Release Limits Upheld
Despite recent wet weather, state environmental regulators have extended limits on downstream releases from Lakes Travis and Buchanan, meaning rice farmers and other customers will go without water from the lakes for the fourth straight year. Full Story
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New in Trib+Water: Aquifers Worldwide Are in Decline
In this week's edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Aquifers globally are draining more rapidly than they can refill, a new water partnership is launched in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and an interview with Steve DiMarco of Texas A&M University. Full Story
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In Starry West Texas, Some Drillers Follow Pleas to Cut Lights
As the glow from Permian Basin work sites hinders research and amateur stargazing at the McDonald Observatory in far West Texas, some companies are calling on their colleagues to address the problem. Full Story
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![The McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis on June 18, 2015.]()
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Texas Sues EPA Over Provision of Federal Water Law
Texas is challenging the EPA's new "Waters of the U.S." rule, which is aimed at better defining the the scope of bodies of water protected under the Clean Water Act. Critics say the rule will lead to more regulation and a takeover of private property. Full Story
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Supreme Court Thwarts EPA Mercury Rules in a Victory for Texas
A coalition of states including Texas has defeated the Environmental Protection Agency in a battle over major regulations on mercury, acid gases and other toxic metals emissions that spew from power plants, including many plants in Texas. Full Story
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![Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011.]()
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Texas Leading Challenge to New Smog Standards
The agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws in Texas is paying a private company $1.65 million to conduct research to challenge forthcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency restrictions on ozone pollution, which exacerbates asthma, lung and heart disease. Full Story
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Railroad Commission Executive Director to Retire
Milton Rister, executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission, plans to leave the agency on Aug. 31, according to a letter he sent to commissioners. Full Story
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Texas Balking as Federal Climate Rules Loom
Come August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may require Texas to cut 200 billion pounds of carbon emissions over the next two decades. Top Republican officials still won’t confirm whether Texas will flout those rules — an option that some critics call risky. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to media after keynoting a June 2015 event hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation regarding impact of the EPA's Clean Power Plan.]()
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Law Extends Electric Bill Help for Poor Texans
Low-income Texans can enjoy a discount on their electricity bills for a little longer. Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed legislation ensuring that the remaining balance of the state’s “System Benefit Fund” would go toward that purpose. Full Story
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![Longtime State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, details his plan to run for mayor of Houston during TTEvents conversation on April 30, 2015.]()
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Texas Reservoir Levels Rise as Drought Subsides
As recently as 2011, Texas endured the most intense drought in recorded state history. But the rainfall so far in 2015 has left less than 1 percent of the state in drought conditions. And Texas reservoirs are not far behind; they're collectively about 83 percent full. Full Story
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Denton Repeals Fracking Ban
The North Texas city of Denton made headlines last year when voters there banned the oil drilling technique known as fracking. Early Wednesday morning, the Denton City Council repealed that ban. Full Story
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![Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton’s ban on the process.]()
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New in Trib+Water: Drought, Flood Lessons Learned?
In this week's edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: Fears that with rain's arrival conservation will be forgotten, using aquifers to ease future droughts and an interview with Samuel D. Brody of Texas A&M University. Full Story
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Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed legislation that could make it tougher for local governments to sue big-time polluters – an effort that largely targets Harris County prosecutors. Full Story
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![The San Jacinto River Waste Pits, an EPA Superfund site that is contaminated with dioxins, is located off Interstate 10 east of Houston.]()
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Texas, Petroleum Industry Broaden Their Lawsuits Against Denton
The Texas Oil and Gas Association and the state’s General Land Office have expanded the scope of their lawsuits against Denton. Both are taking aim at the city’s moratorium on new gas drilling in addition to the toothless fracking ban still on its books. Full Story
![Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton’s ban on the process.]()
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Catch Up on Our Environmental Coverage From the 84th Session
Take a look at the environmental issues we kept an eye during the 84th legislative session. You can also use our Texas Legislative Guide to see everything else we covered during the session. Full Story
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Regulators: No Evidence Wells Caused 4.0 Quake
After wrapping up a round of testing, Texas regulators say they have found no evidence that injecting oilfield waste into five disposal wells triggered the largest recorded earthquake in North Texas’ history. Full Story
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![Kaylen Holmesly, a 7th grade resident of Azle, Texas, testifies before the Texas Railroad Commission and voiced her concern about an increased number of earthquakes around Eagle Mountain Lake on January 21st, 2014.]()
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Catch Up on Energy Issues From This Session
The Texas oil boom slowed during the 84th legislative session, creating implications for the state's budget. See how lawmakers responded to volatile oil prices, local drilling ordinances and other energy issues this session in the Texas Legislative Guide. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Emily Albracht