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South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new bill
Read full article: South Texas county leaders will lose some authority over SpaceX launches under new billThe lawmakers behind the bill promised there would not be an increase in the number of days the beach is closed.
West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needs
Read full article: West Texas lawmakers push bills to divert some oil and gas taxes to help oil-producing counties with roads, other needsReps. Tom Craddick and Brooks Landgraf want to divert 10% of taxes collected on oil and gas production to help budget-strapped counties keep up with growth.
Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.
Read full article: Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.The state’s water supply faces numerous threats. And by one estimate, the state’s municipal supply will not meet demand by 2030 if there’s a severe drought and no water solutions are implemented.
A Republican effort to set deadlines to plug orphan wells in Texas hits resistance
Read full article: A Republican effort to set deadlines to plug orphan wells in Texas hits resistanceThe bill would have set deadlines for the oil and gas industry to plug inactive wells, which can pose a danger to the environment.
Here’s why global energy leaders will be in Houston this week
Read full article: Here’s why global energy leaders will be in Houston this weekIndustry leaders from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and a host of energy technology firms will converge in Houston for CERAWeek by S&P Global, the world’s premier energy conference.
With Texas facing soaring electricity demand, the politics of energy quietly shift at the Capitol
Read full article: With Texas facing soaring electricity demand, the politics of energy quietly shift at the CapitolThe Legislature has tried to clamp down on renewable energy resources in the past, but many lawmakers are recognizing the need to support all types of generation to meet record demand growth.
ERCOT approves $54 million plan to move CenterPoint’s mobile generators to San Antonio
Read full article: ERCOT approves $54 million plan to move CenterPoint’s mobile generators to San AntonioAll Texans connected to the state grid will now pay for the generators rather than just CenterPoint customers.
In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and work
Read full article: In Odessa, multiple efforts are underway to help immigrants stay and workA naturalized citizen, along with other business leaders, are working to create new resources for undocumented people living in the Permian Basin.
Feds approve another deepwater oil export terminal off Texas coast
Read full article: Feds approve another deepwater oil export terminal off Texas coastThe terminal continues an oil export infrastructure buildout that pushes growth in U.S. oil production as momentum fades on a phase-out of fossil fuels.
As Texas’ energy demand soars, a pilot program looks to bolster grid with “virtual power plants” fueled by people’s homes
Read full article: As Texas’ energy demand soars, a pilot program looks to bolster grid with “virtual power plants” fueled by people’s homesSome Texans who install residential batteries, solar panels and smart thermostats can now send power back to the grid and get a credit on their bill.
Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in state
Read full article: Large earthquake strikes West Texas, among strongest ever in stateThe 5.0 magnitude earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in state history. Scientists have warned for years that increased fracking in West Texas is causing higher earthquake activity.
Texas’ energy demand may exceed supply in 2026, but experts caution against panic
Read full article: Texas’ energy demand may exceed supply in 2026, but experts caution against panicSome experts are skeptical the grid would see as much demand growth as ERCOT predicts, and other ERCOT models showed things getting tight but not tipping into a deficit.
Chevron announces significant workforce reduction, could lay off up to 20 percent of employees
Read full article: Chevron announces significant workforce reduction, could lay off up to 20 percent of employeesAccording to a report by CNBC, Chevron announced plans to reduce its workforce by 15% to 20% as part of a cost-cutting strategy.
Project 2025 adviser takes the reins at EPA region including Texas
Read full article: Project 2025 adviser takes the reins at EPA region including TexasScott Mason IV, a former deputy energy secretary for Oklahoma and member of the Cherokee nation, is the new administrator for the region that covers Texas and four neighboring states.
Advanced nuclear reactors to be developed at Texas A&M
Read full article: Advanced nuclear reactors to be developed at Texas A&MFour leading nuclear reactor companies—Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy, and Aalo Atomics—are setting up at Texas A&M's Rellis Campus to develop cutting-edge small modular reactor technology.
Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want more property tax cuts. Here’s how they may do it.Gov. Greg Abbott said cutting taxes is a top priority, however, state lawmakers don’t have as much money to plug into tax cuts as they did two years ago.
Texas regulators grapple with a growing problem: old oil wells leaking polluted water
Read full article: Texas regulators grapple with a growing problem: old oil wells leaking polluted waterTwo years after lawmakers created a $10 million program to address leaking wells in rural counties, none of the money has been distributed.
Southeast Asia looks to nuclear power to supercharge its energy transition
Read full article: Southeast Asia looks to nuclear power to supercharge its energy transitionMost countries in fast-growing Southeast Asia are looking to develop nuclear energy in their quest for cleaner and more reliable energy.
CenterPoint Energy settles rate case, will lower power costs for customers
Read full article: CenterPoint Energy settles rate case, will lower power costs for customersHouston’s main electrical company backed off plans to raise rates after facing sharp criticism for its response to massive power outages after Hurricane Beryl.
An East Texas town debates where to place EV charging stations as Trump threatens subsidies
Read full article: An East Texas town debates where to place EV charging stations as Trump threatens subsidiesSome residents see the charging stations as an economic boom to the town, while others find it an assault on the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Texas regulators overhaul oilfield waste rule for the first time in four decades
Read full article: Texas regulators overhaul oilfield waste rule for the first time in four decadesThe new rule modernizes some aspects of commercial oilfield waste disposal and recycling. But rules for burying oilfield waste on private property remain limited.
Oil companies leaked less methane in West Texas, a new report says. Environmentalists are skeptical.
Read full article: Oil companies leaked less methane in West Texas, a new report says. Environmentalists are skeptical.Methane is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and is 80 times the potency of carbon dioxide.
The Texas Legislature is back. Here’s what we’re watching.
Read full article: The Texas Legislature is back. Here’s what we’re watching.From debating school vouchers and improving the state’s water supply to reining in property taxes, the GOP-led body will look to pass its conservative priorities amid fighting within the party.
Energy experts weigh in on Texas’ power grid sustainability compared to 2021
Read full article: Energy experts weigh in on Texas’ power grid sustainability compared to 2021“These kinds of temperatures don’t lead to levels of demand that are particularly difficult to meet,” energy expert Doug Lewin explained
Texas power grid faces test as temperatures continue to plummet. Can it sustain?
Read full article: Texas power grid faces test as temperatures continue to plummet. Can it sustain?As the winter chill sets in, Texans are questioning whether the state's power grid is prepared to handle the cold months ahead.
South Texas coal-fired power plant to switch to clean energy after receiving more than $1 billion in federal money
Read full article: South Texas coal-fired power plant to switch to clean energy after receiving more than $1 billion in federal moneySan Miguel Electric Cooperative's plan to turn into a solar and battery plant will leave only 14 coal-fired power plants in the state.
Texas regulators shelve an electricity market reform proposal they say does too little to shore up grid
Read full article: Texas regulators shelve an electricity market reform proposal they say does too little to shore up gridThe Public Utility Commission found that the performance credit mechanism, a financial tool the Legislature capped at $1 billion, would only marginally improve reliability of the state power grid.
Growing oil industry support for methane reduction rule could help it survive Trump’s return
Read full article: Growing oil industry support for methane reduction rule could help it survive Trump’s returnTexas regulators are taking public comment about how they should implement an EPA rule to reduce methane leaks from the oil and gas industry.
Recycled oilfield water could aid drought-stricken West Texas
Read full article: Recycled oilfield water could aid drought-stricken West TexasOilfield wastewater injected underground is causing earthquakes and blowouts. Now, pilot projects are exploring whether this water could be treated and used to grow crops.
Enron is clearly messing with us, but company insists it’s not all a ‘joke’
Read full article: Enron is clearly messing with us, but company insists it’s not all a ‘joke’An Enron spokesperson confirmed CEO Connor Gaydos’ affiliation with "Birds Aren’t Real," and that the website is a parody, but stressed the company is not a “joke” and is serious about working to help solve the global energy crisis.
Grid operator says Texas is better prepared for extreme cold this winter
Read full article: Grid operator says Texas is better prepared for extreme cold this winterERCOT says conditions this winter could spark extreme cold, but additional power supply and continued weatherization efforts will lower the risk of power outages.
No, Enron isn’t actually returning; here’s how the company is ‘relaunching’
Read full article: No, Enron isn’t actually returning; here’s how the company is ‘relaunching’There's a lot of chatter about Enron, the once-failed and Houston-based commodity company, and its apparent re-launch. How accurate is it exactly?
Crypto miners must register with state and reveal power usage under new Texas rule
Read full article: Crypto miners must register with state and reveal power usage under new Texas ruleThe Public Utility Commission of Texas adopted the rule amid surging demand for power across the state and a growing crypto mining industry in Texas.
A West Texas lawmaker wants to redirect millions of tax dollars to plug abandoned wells, curb emissions
Read full article: A West Texas lawmaker wants to redirect millions of tax dollars to plug abandoned wells, curb emissionsThe proposal comes after the state’s oil and gas regulatory agency said it needs more money to plug wells that are in some instances erupting.
Republican Christi Craddick reelected to Railroad Commission, the state’s oil and gas regulatory agency
Read full article: Republican Christi Craddick reelected to Railroad Commission, the state’s oil and gas regulatory agencyThe three-member board oversees Texas’ oil and gas industry. The agency has faced criticism over safety concerns linked to fracking, well blowouts and groundwater protection.
State oil regulator requests $100 million to tackle West Texas well blowouts
Read full article: State oil regulator requests $100 million to tackle West Texas well blowoutsAbandoned wells in the Permian Basin are increasingly erupting with briney, polluted water. The Texas Railroad Commission says it needs emergency money to respond.
Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission race
Read full article: Level of oil and gas regulation at heart of Texas Railroad Commission raceIncumbent Christi Craddick is touting the health of the Texas energy industry and its impact on the economy. Her top opponent says regulation on the commission is too lax.
“Should we be worried?”: Another well blowout in West Texas has a town smelling of rotten eggs
Read full article: “Should we be worried?”: Another well blowout in West Texas has a town smelling of rotten eggsExperts warn that more blowouts should be expected unless oil and gas companies change their methods.
This energy provider startup is disrupting the industry with transparency and honesty in billing
Read full article: This energy provider startup is disrupting the industry with transparency and honesty in billingAre you in the market for a new energy provider? Now might be the best time to switch. Here's what you need to know that could help you save on your monthly electricity bill.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Legislature will review Deloitte’s contracts after public loan project scandal
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Legislature will review Deloitte’s contracts after public loan project scandalThe examination of Deloitte’s existing contracts comes after it failed to catch red flags in a company’s application for a loan to build or upgrade power plants in the state.
How Texas’ environmental agency weakened a once-rigorous air pollution monitoring team
Read full article: How Texas’ environmental agency weakened a once-rigorous air pollution monitoring teamFormer employees say the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality gutted the unit soon after the fracking boom swept the state oil industry. The operation never returned to what it was before.
West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.
Read full article: West Texans split on proposed direct air capture project that could be largest in U.S.Residents were worried about the impact on their drinking water while business leaders were excited for the new jobs.
Ken Paxton sues Biden administration over listing Texas lizard as endangered
Read full article: Ken Paxton sues Biden administration over listing Texas lizard as endangeredThe lawsuit claims federal regulators have undermined the Texas oil and gas industry by misusing environmental law, negatively impacting drilling and production.
Study finds levels of a dangerous gas “off the scales” in Central Texas oilfield
Read full article: Study finds levels of a dangerous gas “off the scales” in Central Texas oilfieldThe smell of oil wells has long permeated Caldwell County, near Austin and San Antonio. Now researchers have documented wells releasing dangerous amounts of hydrogen sulfide gas.
Texas lawmakers question agency's ability to oversee $5 billion energy loan program after initial glitch
Read full article: Texas lawmakers question agency's ability to oversee $5 billion energy loan program after initial glitchLawmakers tasked the Public Utility Commission with overseeing the Texas Energy Fund, though the agency has no experience running a loan program.
Ask Amy: Why are we stuck with CenterPoint Energy? Why no competition? Can they be fired?
Read full article: Ask Amy: Why are we stuck with CenterPoint Energy? Why no competition? Can they be fired?From electric rates to power outages, it seems like we have heard a lot lately about CenterPoint Energy. In this week’s “Ask Amy” segment, investigative reporter Amy Davis answers a question from viewer Don Conger: ”Why are we stuck with CenterPoint? Why don’t they have any competition? Can they be fired?”
Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hours
Read full article: Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hoursTexas isn’t expected to take a direct hit when the storm makes landfall as a hurricane. But storm surge and dangerous winds are possible.
Texas proposes first new rules for oilfield waste in 40 years
Read full article: Texas proposes first new rules for oilfield waste in 40 yearsWhile environmentalists say the new rules don’t do enough to protect groundwater, oil and gas operators are contesting stricter requirements for waste pits near wells.
Houston energy trader pleads guilty for role in paying $600K in international bribes
Read full article: Houston energy trader pleads guilty for role in paying $600K in international bribesTo hide the scheme, Javier Aguilar and his co-conspirators used alias email accounts to discuss the scheme with code words for the bribes like “shoes,” “medicine,” “invitations,” and “coffee.”
The oil industry is booming. This West Texas small business worries it’s been left behind.
Read full article: The oil industry is booming. This West Texas small business worries it’s been left behind.Before the pandemic, Ben Bilbrey worked with some of the largest oil companies. Now he’s waiting for the phone to ring.
How Houston residents can monitor electric usage in real time
Read full article: How Houston residents can monitor electric usage in real timeSaving on electricity means turning off devices and lights and bumping up your thermostat to a temperature some of you may think is uncomfortable. Many of you don’t do it because you don’t know how much you can save. There is an easy way to track your usage and see how small changes to your routine can save you money on your electric bill.
Federal court orders regulators to fix process, reconsider gas export projects in South Texas
Read full article: Federal court orders regulators to fix process, reconsider gas export projects in South TexasThis week’s ruling was the latest twist since cities and groups in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley sued to block the projects.
ERCOT forecast to reach near historic peak of energy demand. How much can it take?
Read full article: ERCOT forecast to reach near historic peak of energy demand. How much can it take?Naturally, with the growing power demand, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that ERCOT will reach another peak. According to ERCOT’s records, its grid has reached peak demand hours consecutively each year. In August 2023, the record peaked at 85,508 MW, surpassing its peak demand from July 2022, which was at 80,148 MW.
Unregulated oilfield power lines are suspected of sparking Texas wildfires
Read full article: Unregulated oilfield power lines are suspected of sparking Texas wildfiresNo state agency is taking responsibility for making sure the privately built lines that power many oil and gas sites are safe. Such lines have been blamed for sparking two recent Panhandle fires.
CenterPoint CEO promises improvements as Texas scrutinizes company’s Beryl response
Read full article: CenterPoint CEO promises improvements as Texas scrutinizes company’s Beryl responseJason Wells told regulators the company will launch a new outage tracker by Aug. 1. It will also trim more tree limbs near power lines and hire an executive to focus on emergency response.
Public Utility Commission releases investigative report CenterPoint Energy’s Hurricane Beryl response
Read full article: Public Utility Commission releases investigative report CenterPoint Energy’s Hurricane Beryl responseThe company’s power outages in July have drawn the ire of state leaders. Here’s what you need to know.
A federal utility assistance program favors cold-weather states, giving less money to hot places like Texas
Read full article: A federal utility assistance program favors cold-weather states, giving less money to hot places like TexasThe program helps low-income people with heating and cooling bills, but advocates say it disadvantages Texas and other warm-weather states, even though extreme heat is a key cause of weather-related deaths.
Residential solar is growing in Texas amid worries about reliable power during events like Hurricane Beryl
Read full article: Residential solar is growing in Texas amid worries about reliable power during events like Hurricane BerylIn Harris County, more federal money is available to help low- and moderate-income residents install rooftop solar.
Texans heading into a second week without electricity are battling heat, frustration and boredom
Read full article: Texans heading into a second week without electricity are battling heat, frustration and boredomMore than 200,000 CenterPoint Energy customers without power struggle with the heat one week after Hurricane Beryl swept through southeast Texas.
Abbott reprimands CenterPoint and calls for an investigation into the utility’s response to Beryl blackouts
Read full article: Abbott reprimands CenterPoint and calls for an investigation into the utility’s response to Beryl blackoutsAbbott demanded that the utility company produce a plan by the end of July outlining how it will improve power reliability ahead of future storms.
CenterPoint exudes chaos, but also appears to be restoring power faster than it previously has
Read full article: CenterPoint exudes chaos, but also appears to be restoring power faster than it previously hasAccording to state filings, the utility is restoring power at a relatively quicker pace than after prior storms. Texans are still fed up.
How to make your Texas home more energy efficient and get money from the government
Read full article: How to make your Texas home more energy efficient and get money from the governmentFederal tax incentives are available to weatherize your house and switch to more energy efficient appliances. Rebates are coming.
Truckers hope protest over unpaid hours and lack of restrooms will spark a Permian Basin labor movement
Read full article: Truckers hope protest over unpaid hours and lack of restrooms will spark a Permian Basin labor movementTruckers say they can wait up to 18 hours without pay to load or unload fracking sand. The drilling sites often lack restrooms.
Ask Amy: How long will Texas electric rates be this high?
Read full article: Ask Amy: How long will Texas electric rates be this high?Why are electricity rates so high? When will they go down? What’s the best way to save money on electricity rates? Electric broker Mike Harrington with American Enerpower joins Amy to discuss electricity rates and your power bill.
Texas electricity demand could nearly double in six years, grid operator predicts
Read full article: Texas electricity demand could nearly double in six years, grid operator predictsThe prediction by ERCOT reflects a new way of counting future demand and a spike in requests to connect to the grid from large power users.
ERCOT Chairman Paul Foster stepping down from Board of Directors
Read full article: ERCOT Chairman Paul Foster stepping down from Board of DirectorsThe announcement was made Tuesday in a brief social media post describing Foster's work as "integral to ERCOT and to the electric power industry in Texas."
Three months after the Texas’ largest wildfire, Panhandle residents are preparing for the next one
Read full article: Three months after the Texas’ largest wildfire, Panhandle residents are preparing for the next oneShort of an immediate statewide response, Texans who lost homes and livestock are taking matters into their own hands to better prepare their property for a wildfire.
Texas lizard added to endangered species list over the oil and gas industry’s objections
Read full article: Texas lizard added to endangered species list over the oil and gas industry’s objectionsThe dunes sagebrush lizard lives in the same West Texas land that supports the state’s biggest oil and gas fields, and industry leaders say the new designation will hurt drilling and production.
U.S. oil and gas production is booming. So are the industry’s donations to its GOP allies
Read full article: U.S. oil and gas production is booming. So are the industry’s donations to its GOP alliesThe biggest recipient of campaign donations from the industry isn’t Donald Trump or President Joe Biden, it’s a Texas House member who represents part of the Permian Basin.
“We lost everything”: East Texas residents confront their future after flooding
Read full article: “We lost everything”: East Texas residents confront their future after floodingDozens of evacuees, including the elderly and barefoot children, crowded in an old school building Friday, praying for clear skies on Monday.
Decayed power pole sparked the largest wildfire in state history, Texas House committee confirms
Read full article: Decayed power pole sparked the largest wildfire in state history, Texas House committee confirmsA lack of air support and ineffective coordination hurt efforts to contain this year's Panhandle fires, the committee said.
Companies aim to release more treated oilfield wastewater into rivers and streams
Read full article: Companies aim to release more treated oilfield wastewater into rivers and streamsTexas regulators are issuing permits to discharge large volumes of treated “produced water” into some waterways. Questions remain about the toxic pollutants found in the wastewater.
Coal power plants must reduce pollution under new federal rules
Read full article: Coal power plants must reduce pollution under new federal rulesThe rules will require coal-fueled plants, including Texas plants that produced about 12% of power on the state’s grid this year, to reduce carbon emissions and mercury pollution and handle disposed coal ash more safely.
What is composting? This Earth Day, we’re getting rid of food waste the natural way with ZeroWaste Houston🌎
Read full article: What is composting? This Earth Day, we’re getting rid of food waste the natural way with ZeroWaste Houston🌎What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by learning about composting? Join us as we explore the natural way to get rid of food waste with ZeroWaste Houston 🌎 #EarthDay #Composting #ZeroWasteHouston