ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT | The Texas Tribune

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href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/join/"> Support Us </a> </li> </ul> </nav> <div class="ad last"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/join/" title="Contribute Today" style="display: block; padding-top: .5em"> <div style="background:url(//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/membership/TT-support-us-front-page-btn120x60.jpg) no-repeat; width: 120px; height:60px; background-size: 120px 60px;"></div> </a> </div> <div class="below_nav"> <h1 id="logo"><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/common/images/logo.png" alt="The Texas Tribune"></a></h1> <time datetime="2015-06-07T10:02:04.322700">Sunday, June 7, 2015</time> </div> </header> </div> <div class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content index"> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/energy-and-environment/">ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT</a></h1></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_474x1000_q100.JPG" alt="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Stephen Spillman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/">Despite Early Momentum, Energy Legislation Flames Out at End of Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 6 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-06 06:00"> June 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"><span>Who killed the House and Senate's top energy bills? Their autopsy evokes the names of T. Boone Pickens and Koch Industries and involves plenty of squabbling between the chambers. </span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> <aside class="related"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h2>Related</h2> </header> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/most-visible-budget-disputes-senate-fared-better/">On Most Visible Budget Disputes, Senate Fared Better</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/patrick-and-straus-top-20-priority-bills/">A Look at the Priority Bills for Straus and Patrick</a></li> </ul> </aside> </div> </article> </section> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> <article class=" item_1"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/17/TxTrib-UrbanDrilling005_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/17/TxTrib-UrbanDrilling005_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Mark Graham</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/">EPA Finds No "Widespread" Fracking Effects on Water</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 14:25:36 -0500" title="2015-06-04 14:25"> June 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/comments/"><span class="value">25</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>A draft report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds no evidence that hydraulic fracturing has “led to widespread, systemic impacts” on the nation’s drinking water supplies, though the practice has harmed water in some cases.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/10/Denton-Fracking_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/10/Denton-Fracking_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Brandi Korte / Frack Free Denton</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/">With Fracking Ban Overruled, Denton Ponders Next Steps</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 3 Jun 2015 06:43:27 -0500" title="2015-06-03 06:43"> June 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/comments/"><span class="value">41</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Frustrated Denton residents flooded a city council meeting Tuesday for a conversation about fracking that stretched late into the night. Now that state lawmakers have slapped down the city's fracking ban, residents wonder what else they can do. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-reservoir-levels/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/15/TT-reservoir-art_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Photo illustration"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/15/TT-reservoir-art_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Photo illustration" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Texas Tribune</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Photo illustration</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-reservoir-levels/">After the Rain, How Full Are Texas Reservoirs?</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 3 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-03 06:00"> June 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>After years of drought, heavy rain across the state has finally refilled many Texas reservoirs. Check out the Tribune's Reservoir App to see where the drought has receded, and which Texas communities' reservoirs are still parched.</p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-reservoir-levels/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="show-for-medium-down"> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/">EPA Finds No "Widespread" Fracking Effects on Water</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 14:25:36 -0500" title="2015-06-04 14:25"> June 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/comments/"><span class="value">25</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/17/TxTrib-UrbanDrilling005_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/17/TxTrib-UrbanDrilling005_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Mark Graham</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Fracking in Fort Worth, Sept. 27, 2013</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A draft report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds no evidence that hydraulic fracturing has “led to widespread, systemic impacts” on the nation’s drinking water supplies, though the practice has harmed water in some cases.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/">With Fracking Ban Overruled, Denton Ponders Next Steps</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 3 Jun 2015 06:43:27 -0500" title="2015-06-03 06:43"> June 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/comments/"><span class="value">41</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/10/Denton-Fracking_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/10/Denton-Fracking_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Brandi Korte / Frack Free Denton</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A grassroots effort to ban fracking in Denton succeeded last fall, but has now been trumped by state lawmakers.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Frustrated Denton residents flooded a city council meeting Tuesday for a conversation about fracking that stretched late into the night. Now that state lawmakers have slapped down the city's fracking ban, residents wonder what else they can do. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-reservoir-levels/">After the Rain, How Full Are Texas Reservoirs?</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 3 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-03 06:00"> June 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-reservoir-levels/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/15/TT-reservoir-art_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Photo illustration"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/15/TT-reservoir-art_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Photo illustration" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Texas Tribune</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Photo illustration</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>After years of drought, heavy rain across the state has finally refilled many Texas reservoirs. Check out the Tribune's Reservoir App to see where the drought has receded, and which Texas communities' reservoirs are still parched.</p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/texas-reservoir-levels/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 gap hide-for-medium-down left_rail"> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab data"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Data</h1> <h2> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/">New in Trib+Water: Closer Look at Blanco River Flood</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 3 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-03 06:00"> June 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/08/Tribwater_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/08/Tribwater_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/"><span>+</span> More Data</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <aside class="ad_container sidebar_block"> <div class="sponsor_image_holder"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_LeftRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/">New in Trib+Water: Closer Look at Blanco River Flood</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 3 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-03 06:00"> June 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/08/Tribwater_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/04/08/Tribwater_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>In this week's edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: <span>Texas floods expose risks of rapid growth in Blanco River basin, controversy over EPA Clean Water Rule</span> </span><span>and an i</span><span>nterview with <span>Bridget Scanlon of the University of Texas at Austin's Jackson School of Geosciences</span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/">Fracked Again, Denton Says Fight Isn't Over</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 22:16:11 -0500" title="2015-06-01 22:16"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/comments/"><span class="value">30</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/EDIT_6-1-15_Fracking_5857_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="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鈥檚 ban on the process."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/EDIT_6-1-15_Fracking_5857_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="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鈥檚 ban on the process." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Cooper Neill</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">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鈥檚 ban on the process.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Seven months after a rag-tag group of local activists scored a surprising victory over the state’s powerful oil and gas industry when Denton voted to ban hydraulic fracturing, a natural gas company Monday resumed operations under a state law passed to overturn Denton's ban.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/chambers-settle-railroad-commission-squabble-avoid/">Chambers Settle Railroad Commission Squabble</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 31 May 2015 21:50:53 -0500" title="2015-05-31 21:50"> May 31, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/chambers-settle-railroad-commission-squabble-avoid/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/chambers-settle-railroad-commission-squabble-avoid/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/21/RRC-Seal_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/21/RRC-Seal_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Railroad Commission of Texas is set to go under intense legislative scrutiny next session after all, under an agreement by state House and Senate lawmakers.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/chambers-settle-railroad-commission-squabble-avoid/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/hays-county-groundwater-bill/">Hays County Groundwater Bill Heads to Governor's Desk</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 31 May 2015 18:59:31 -0500" title="2015-05-31 18:59"> May 31, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/hays-county-groundwater-bill/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/hays-county-groundwater-bill/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/IsaacJason1_TT_crop_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/IsaacJason1_TT_crop_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A bill designed to protect western Hays County residents' water wells in light of a massive groundwater pumping project is headed to Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>'s desk<strong> — </strong>following an emotional week of political drama over the issue. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/hays-county-groundwater-bill/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 hide-for-medium-down mid_rail"> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/climate-change-factor-floods-largely-ignored/">Climate Change, a Factor in Texas Floods, Largely Ignored</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a> and <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 27 May 2015 19:15:37 -0500" title="2015-05-27 19:15"> May 27, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/climate-change-factor-floods-largely-ignored/comments/"><span class="value">40</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/climate-change-factor-floods-largely-ignored/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/27/Screen_Shot_2015-05-27_at_4.41.38_PM_png_150x1000_q100.png" alt="A flood-damaged house in Wimberley, May 25, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/27/Screen_Shot_2015-05-27_at_4.41.38_PM_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="A flood-damaged house in Wimberley, May 25, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon/KUT News</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A flood-damaged house in Wimberley, May 25, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Climate change is <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/07/13/growth-adds-denial-and-vulnerability-climate-chang/">taking a toll</a> on Texas, and the devastating floods across the state are some of the best evidence yet of that phenomenon, state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon said. But efforts to consider climate change policy in Texas have fallen flat.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/climate-change-factor-floods-largely-ignored/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/smooth-sailing-shark-fin-ban-senate/">In Senate, Smooth Sailing for Shark Fin Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 27 May 2015 12:26:48 -0500" title="2015-05-27 12:26"> May 27, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/smooth-sailing-shark-fin-ban-senate/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/smooth-sailing-shark-fin-ban-senate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/15/Shark_Fin_SoupTT_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="A bowl of shark fin soup with crab meat at Ho Ho Chinese BBQ in Austin."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/15/Shark_Fin_SoupTT_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A bowl of shark fin soup with crab meat at Ho Ho Chinese BBQ in Austin." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Ryan McCrimmon</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A bowl of shark fin soup with crab meat at Ho Ho Chinese BBQ in Austin.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A measure to ban the trade of shark fins in Texas is headed to Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a><span>’s desk after clearing the Texas Senate on Wednesday. The fins are collected by a brutal fishing process: cutting off a live shark's fin and leaving the shark to die.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/smooth-sailing-shark-fin-ban-senate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/central-texas-flooding-fears-date-back-decades/">Before Central Texas Flooding, Officials Sounded Alarm</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 26 May 2015 22:15:52 -0500" title="2015-05-26 22:15"> May 26, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/central-texas-flooding-fears-date-back-decades/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/central-texas-flooding-fears-date-back-decades/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/26/Screen_Shot_2015-05-26_at_10.59.17_PM_png_150x1000_q100.png" alt="Residents of Wimberley survey the devastation after the Blanco River crested its banks along River Road in Wimberley on May 25, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/26/Screen_Shot_2015-05-26_at_10.59.17_PM_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="Residents of Wimberley survey the devastation after the Blanco River crested its banks along River Road in Wimberley on May 25, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon/KUT News</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Residents of Wimberley survey the devastation after the Blanco River crested its banks along River Road in Wimberley on May 25, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>When Wimberley residents woke up Sunday to flooding, the surprise was palpable: The area had been going through a drought. But months earlier, local officials had voiced concerns about the rapidly growing region's vulnerability to flooding.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/central-texas-flooding-fears-date-back-decades/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/advocates-fret-disaster-bill-wont-make-cut-house/">Disaster Recovery Bill in Peril After Storms Devastate Texas</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 26 May 2015 12:31:32 -0500" title="2015-05-26 12:31"> May 26, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/advocates-fret-disaster-bill-wont-make-cut-house/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/advocates-fret-disaster-bill-wont-make-cut-house/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/26/ATXFlood_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Flooding in Austin, May 26, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/26/ATXFlood_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Flooding in Austin, May 26, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Morgan Smith</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Flooding in Austin, May 26, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Texas housing advocates are sounding the alarm about disaster recovery legislation they say would be critical for those affected by the kinds of storms that devastated some parts of the state this week. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/advocates-fret-disaster-bill-wont-make-cut-house/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/25/house-votes-keep-grid-decisions-texas/">House Votes to Keep Grid Decisions in Texas</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 25 May 2015 17:09:04 -0500" title="2015-05-25 17:09"> May 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/25/house-votes-keep-grid-decisions-texas/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/25/house-votes-keep-grid-decisions-texas/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/ERCOT_Blackouts_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/ERCOT_Blackouts_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman / John Rogers</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The state House on Monday voted to make sure Texans have the final say over who gets to connect to the Texas’ near-island of an electric grid. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/25/house-votes-keep-grid-decisions-texas/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/24/texas-house-approves-twia-overhaul/">Texas House Approves TWIA Overhaul</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 24 May 2015 23:54:50 -0500" title="2015-05-24 23:54"> May 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/24/texas-house-approves-twia-overhaul/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/24/texas-house-approves-twia-overhaul/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/17/Ike-House-TWIA_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Galveston, TX - September 21, 2008"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/17/Ike-House-TWIA_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Galveston, TX - September 21, 2008" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Josh Henderson</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Galveston, TX - September 21, 2008</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, the often-tapped insurer of last resort for Gulf Coast property owners, looks poised to get a major overhaul.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/24/texas-house-approves-twia-overhaul/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 show-for-medium-down"> <ul class="mobile_headlines"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/">New in Trib+Water: Closer Look at Blanco River Flood</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/though-fracked-again-denton-says-fight-isnt-over/">Fracked Again, Denton Says Fight Isn't Over</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/chambers-settle-railroad-commission-squabble-avoid/">Chambers Settle Railroad Commission Squabble</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/hays-county-groundwater-bill/">Hays County Groundwater Bill Heads to Governor's Desk</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/proposal-would-delay-railroad-commission-scrutiny/">Proposal Would Delay Railroad Commission Scrutiny</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/abbott-signs-call-lift-crude-oil-export-ban/">Abbott Signs Call to Lift Crude Oil Export Ban</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/texas-drought-eases-but-aquifers-are/">Drought Eases, but Aquifers Are Slow to Recharge</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/after-error-hays-county-groundwater-bill-saved/">After Error, Hays County Groundwater Legislation Gets New Life</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/fema-gives-texans-more-time-assess-flood-damage/">FEMA Gives Texans More Time to Assess Flood Damage</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/hays-county-groundwater-regulation-efforts-likely-/">Hays County Groundwater Regulation Efforts Likely Dead</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/climate-change-factor-floods-largely-ignored/">Climate Change, a Factor in Texas Floods, Largely Ignored</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/smooth-sailing-shark-fin-ban-senate/">In Senate, Smooth Sailing for Shark Fin Ban</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/central-texas-flooding-fears-date-back-decades/">Before Central Texas Flooding, Officials Sounded Alarm</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/26/advocates-fret-disaster-bill-wont-make-cut-house/">Disaster Recovery Bill in Peril After Storms Devastate Texas</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/25/house-votes-keep-grid-decisions-texas/">House Votes to Keep Grid Decisions in Texas</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/24/texas-house-approves-twia-overhaul/">Texas House Approves TWIA Overhaul</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <p class="section_disclosure"> The Meadows Foundation and the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/support-us/donors-and-members/>have supported</a> coverage of water issues at The Texas Tribune. The Mitchell Foundation and the Energy Foundation <a href=" http: www.texastribune.org support-us donors-and-members ">have supported</a> energy coverage, and the Burdine Johnson Foundation <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/support-us/donors-and-members/">has supported</a> coverage of the environment. </p> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/barnett-shale/">Barnett Shale</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/crez-transmission-lines/">Crez Transmission Lines</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/eagle-ford-shale/">The Eagle Ford Shale</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/electric-reliability-council-of-texas/">Electric Reliability 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<ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 10 Mar 2015 16:46:47 -0500" title="2015-03-10 16:46"> March 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/video-life-after-proposition-6/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/03/10/video-life-after-proposition-6/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/WaterSymposium_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/WaterSymposium_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/proposal-would-delay-railroad-commission-scrutiny/">Proposal Would Delay Railroad Commission Scrutiny</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 30 May 2015 12:43:31 -0500" title="2015-05-30 12:43"> May 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/proposal-would-delay-railroad-commission-scrutiny/comments/"><span class="value">11</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/proposal-would-delay-railroad-commission-scrutiny/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/21/RRC-Seal_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/06/21/RRC-Seal_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Railroad Commission of Texas would avoid intense legislative scrutiny until 2023 under a deal reached late Friday, a surprise six-year reprieve that rankled the oil and gas regulator’s critics.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/proposal-would-delay-railroad-commission-scrutiny/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/abbott-signs-call-lift-crude-oil-export-ban/">Abbott Signs Call to Lift Crude Oil Export Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 29 May 2015 15:43:45 -0500" title="2015-05-29 15:43"> May 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/abbott-signs-call-lift-crude-oil-export-ban/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/abbott-signs-call-lift-crude-oil-export-ban/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Industry-1_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Industry-1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Paul Lowry</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Texas has officially asked Congress to lift its 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> on Friday signed a resolution that calls the federal ban a “relic from an era of scarcity and flawed price control policies.” </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/abbott-signs-call-lift-crude-oil-export-ban/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/texas-drought-eases-but-aquifers-are/">Drought Eases, but Aquifers Are Slow to Recharge</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by Laura Rice, Texas Standard </li><li><time datetime="Fri, 29 May 2015 05:59:00 -0500" title="2015-05-29 05:59"> May 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/texas-drought-eases-but-aquifers-are/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/texas-drought-eases-but-aquifers-are/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/31/SanMarcosRiver-EdwardsAquifer_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="A view downstream from the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Water from the Edwards Aquifer flows from San Marcos Springs into the San Marcos River."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/31/SanMarcosRiver-EdwardsAquifer_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A view downstream from the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Water from the Edwards Aquifer flows from San Marcos Springs into the San Marcos River." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Jason Samfield</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A view downstream from the headwaters of the San Marcos River. Water from the Edwards Aquifer flows from San Marcos Springs into the San Marcos River.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Heavy rains have led to substantial drought relief throughout Texas, but aquifers — which provide about 60 percent of the state's water supply — have been slower to replenish.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/texas-drought-eases-but-aquifers-are/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/after-error-hays-county-groundwater-bill-saved/">After Error, Hays County Groundwater Legislation Gets New Life</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/matthew-watkins/">Matthew Watkins</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 28 May 2015 20:28:04 -0500" title="2015-05-28 20:28"> May 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/after-error-hays-county-groundwater-bill-saved/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/after-error-hays-county-groundwater-bill-saved/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/IsaacJason1_TT_crop_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/IsaacJason1_TT_crop_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A bill designed to protect western Hays County residents' water wells received a surprising, last-minute reprieve Thursday night — after a procedural error killed the legislation the day before. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/after-error-hays-county-groundwater-bill-saved/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/fema-gives-texans-more-time-assess-flood-damage/">FEMA Gives Texans More Time to Assess Flood Damage</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 28 May 2015 18:27:24 -0500" title="2015-05-28 18:27"> May 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/fema-gives-texans-more-time-assess-flood-damage/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/fema-gives-texans-more-time-assess-flood-damage/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/27/7C2A4963_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="A destroyed bridge over the Blanco River near Fischer Store Road near Wimberley, Texas, is shown on May 27, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/27/7C2A4963_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="A destroyed bridge over the Blanco River near Fischer Store Road near Wimberley, Texas, is shown on May 27, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A destroyed bridge over the Blanco River near Fischer Store Road near Wimberley, Texas, is shown on May 27, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Federal officials are giving Texans more time to assess the damage to their property so they can file insurance claims after the deadly flooding that recently devastated some parts of the state. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/fema-gives-texans-more-time-assess-flood-damage/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/hays-county-groundwater-regulation-efforts-likely-/">Hays County Groundwater Regulation Efforts Likely Dead</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 28 May 2015 15:05:55 -0500" title="2015-05-28 15:05"> May 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/hays-county-groundwater-regulation-efforts-likely-/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/hays-county-groundwater-regulation-efforts-likely-/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/IsaacJason1_TT_crop_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/IsaacJason1_TT_crop_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, on the floor of the House on May 15, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>After </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/23/hays-county-pumping-project/">fears</a><span> of a massive, unregulated groundwater pumping project sparked a passionate display of political </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/hays-water-fight-highlights-issues/">activism</a><span> by</span><strong> </strong><span>Texas Hill Country residents earlier this year, the resulting legislative efforts appear to have failed.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150607150457/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/hays-county-groundwater-regulation-efforts-likely-/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a 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