ECONOMY | The Texas Tribune

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class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content index"> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/economy/">ECONOMY</a></h1></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/30/dallas-weigh-rest-breaks-construction-workers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/15/Worker-2_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/15/Worker-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Stuart Lozowick</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/30/dallas-weigh-rest-breaks-construction-workers/">In Dallas, A Push to Give Some Workers a Break</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a> and <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 30 Sep 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-09-30 06:00"> Sept. 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/30/dallas-weigh-rest-breaks-construction-workers/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-6fd172f1-1b2d-89ae-4e06-2632592af3d7"><span>Safety advocates staged a “thirst strike” on the steps of Dallas City Hall Tuesday, calling on city leaders to guarantee periodic rest breaks to construction workers who toil for hours in the city’s sweltering summers. Austin is the only Texas city with a similar rule.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/30/dallas-weigh-rest-breaks-construction-workers/"> <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/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/">Workplace Deaths Up in Texas, Which Still Tops List</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/14/after-worker-dies-heat-houston-company-fined-13800/">After Worker Dies In Heat, Houston Company Fined $13,800</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/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/15/Worker-1_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/15/Worker-1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Elvert Barnes</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/">Workplace Deaths Up in Texas, Which Still Tops List</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 17 Sep 2015 15:44:38 -0500" title="2015-09-17 15:44"> Sept. 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>The number of people killed on the job in Texas increased in 2014, and the state retained its grim spot as the county’s leader in workplace deaths, according to preliminary federal data released Thursday. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/14/after-worker-dies-heat-houston-company-fined-13800/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/09/14/OSHA-Recycling_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/09/14/OSHA-Recycling_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Benjamin Pender / Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/14/after-worker-dies-heat-houston-company-fined-13800/">After Worker Dies In Heat, Houston Company Fined $13,800</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:16:17 -0500" title="2015-09-14 17:16"> Sept. 14, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>After finding a Houston-based recycling company at fault when a temporary worker died of heat illness, federal regulators are issuing a fine of $13,800. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/14/after-worker-dies-heat-houston-company-fined-13800/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/10/examiners-company-not-blame-north-texas-quakes/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/01/21/7C2A3668_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="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."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/01/21/7C2A3668_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="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." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">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.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/10/examiners-company-not-blame-north-texas-quakes/">Examiners: Company Not To Blame For Quakes</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 10 Sep 2015 19:01:49 -0500" title="2015-09-10 19:01"> Sept. 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/10/examiners-company-not-blame-north-texas-quakes/comments/"><span class="value">71</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>The Texas Railroad Commission looks poised to clear a second oilfield company of responsibility for a series of earthquakes that rattled two North Texas towns — despite research suggesting otherwise.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/10/examiners-company-not-blame-north-texas-quakes/"> <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/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/">Workplace Deaths Up in Texas, Which Still Tops List</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 17 Sep 2015 15:44:38 -0500" title="2015-09-17 15:44"> Sept. 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/15/Worker-1_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/15/Worker-1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Elvert Barnes</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The number of people killed on the job in Texas increased in 2014, and the state retained its grim spot as the county’s leader in workplace deaths, according to preliminary federal data released Thursday. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/17/workplace-deaths-texas-us-leader/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/14/after-worker-dies-heat-houston-company-fined-13800/">After Worker Dies In Heat, Houston Company Fined $13,800</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:16:17 -0500" title="2015-09-14 17:16"> Sept. 14, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/14/after-worker-dies-heat-houston-company-fined-13800/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/09/14/OSHA-Recycling_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/09/14/OSHA-Recycling_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Benjamin Pender / Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>After finding a Houston-based recycling company at fault when a temporary worker died of heat illness, federal regulators are issuing a fine of $13,800. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/14/after-worker-dies-heat-houston-company-fined-13800/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/10/examiners-company-not-blame-north-texas-quakes/">Examiners: Company Not To Blame For Quakes</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 10 Sep 2015 19:01:49 -0500" title="2015-09-10 19:01"> Sept. 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/10/examiners-company-not-blame-north-texas-quakes/comments/"><span class="value">71</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/10/examiners-company-not-blame-north-texas-quakes/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/01/21/7C2A3668_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="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."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/01/21/7C2A3668_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="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." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">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.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas Railroad Commission looks poised to clear a second oilfield company of responsibility for a series of earthquakes that rattled two North Texas towns — despite research suggesting otherwise.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/10/examiners-company-not-blame-north-texas-quakes/"> <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/20151007060442/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/">The Texas Tribune's Local Debt Explorer Gets an Update</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/annie-daniel/">Annie Daniel</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 3 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-03 06:00"> April 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/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="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/08/coal-dependent-power-company-eyes-west-texas-sun/">Coal-Dependent Power Company Eyes West Texas Sun</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 8 Sep 2015 12:54:47 -0500" title="2015-09-08 12:54"> Sept. 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/08/coal-dependent-power-company-eyes-west-texas-sun/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/08/coal-dependent-power-company-eyes-west-texas-sun/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Solar-2_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Solar-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Andreas Demmelbauer</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The state’s biggest electricity generator is adding solar power to its mix. In the latest sign that solar energy is fast gaining a foothold in Texas, Dallas-based Luminant has announced plans to tap 116 megawatts of West Texas solar power.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/08/coal-dependent-power-company-eyes-west-texas-sun/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/02/cuellar-house-will-pass-bill-lifting-crude-export-/">Cuellar: House Will Pass Bill Lifting Crude Export Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 2 Sep 2015 13:48:14 -0500" title="2015-09-02 13:48"> Sept. 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/02/cuellar-house-will-pass-bill-lifting-crude-export-/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/02/cuellar-house-will-pass-bill-lifting-crude-export-/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/19/_01F2562_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) speaks with state Rep. Doug Miller R-New Braunfels, during a visit to the Texas Capitol on Feb. 19, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/19/_01F2562_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) speaks with state Rep. Doug Miller R-New Braunfels, during a visit to the Texas Capitol on Feb. 19, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) speaks with state Rep. Doug Miller R-New Braunfels, during a visit to the Texas Capitol on Feb. 19, 2013.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A Texas Democrat says he believes the U.S. House will pass legislation lifting the country’s 40-year-old ban on most crude oil exports — even amid a frenzy of activity in the upcoming session.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/02/cuellar-house-will-pass-bill-lifting-crude-export-/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/texas-disputing-epa-implementation-clean-water-rul/">Judge Casts EPA Rule into Muddy Legal Waters</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a>, <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/kiah-kiah-collier/">Kiah Collier</a> and Ally Mutnick </li><li><time datetime="Fri, 28 Aug 2015 19:13:15 -0500" title="2015-08-28 19:13"> Aug. 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/texas-disputing-epa-implementation-clean-water-rul/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/texas-disputing-epa-implementation-clean-water-rul/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/03/31/EPA-Water_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/03/31/EPA-Water_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>After a setback in court Thursday, can the federal government enforce its controversial "Waters of the U.S." rule in Texas? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says yes. Texas says no.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/texas-disputing-epa-implementation-clean-water-rul/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/mammoth-bankruptcy-deal-looms-texas-utility-regula/">Massive Bankruptcy Tests Texas Utility Regulators</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 28 Aug 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-08-28 06:00"> Aug. 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/mammoth-bankruptcy-deal-looms-texas-utility-regula/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/mammoth-bankruptcy-deal-looms-texas-utility-regula/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/ONCOR_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/ONCOR_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Camil Tulcan / Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>In coming months, the Public Utility Commission is expected to weigh in on an unprecedented plan to help Texas' largest power company emerge from bankruptcy, with huge implications for the electric grid and Texas ratepayers. Along with the financial world, consumer advocates will be watching closely. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/mammoth-bankruptcy-deal-looms-texas-utility-regula/"> <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/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/">Obama Unveils Climate Rules, With Texas-Wide Implications</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/kiah-kiah-collier/">Kiah Collier</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 3 Aug 2015 15:16:26 -0500" title="2015-08-03 15:16"> Aug. 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/comments/"><span class="value">47</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/12/04/SmokeStack_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/12/04/SmokeStack_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Thomas Bougher</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>President Obama on Monday unveiled the final version of his state-by-state effort to combat climate change by reshaping the nation’s energy sector – a plan that has roiled Republican leaders in Texas.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/">Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and Jeremy Lin </li><li><time datetime="Mon, 3 Aug 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-08-03 06:00"> Aug. 3, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Licenses_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Licenses_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Jeremy Lin </cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Fourteen years after lawmakers first tacked on a $200 annual licensing fee for some occupations, the so-called professionals tax will be repealed Sept. 1. <span>This story is part of our </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/31ways/84R/">31 Days, 31 Ways</a><span> series. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/">Grid Operator Asks Texans to Temporarily Curb Electricity Use</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Jul 2015 11:15:46 -0500" title="2015-07-30 11:15"> July 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/comments/"><span class="value">20</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-BlackoutsErcot028_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-BlackoutsErcot028_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The operator of the electric grid that covers most of the state called for Texans to temporarily curb their electricity use for a few hours on Thursday afternoon as record-breaking demands strain the state’s energy resources.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/">Jerry Patterson to George P. Bush: Focus Less on "Derriere"</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Jul 2015 09:04:30 -0500" title="2015-07-30 09:04"> July 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/14/PattersonJerry111CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Then-Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson told an audience about his political plans at a Texas Tribune event on Feb. 14, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/02/14/PattersonJerry111CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Then-Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson told an audience about his political plans at a Texas Tribune event on Feb. 14, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Credit: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Then-Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson told an audience about his political plans at a Texas Tribune event on Feb. 14, 2013.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Upset about the way a recent state audit painted the agency he lead for 12 years, former Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson is jabbing his successor, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/george-p-bush/">George P. Bush</a>, for failing to push back against the audit’s findings.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/">Despite Early Optimism, Trade With Cuba Dipping</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Juli谩n Aguilar</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 30 Jul 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-07-30 06:00"> July 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/houston_shipchannel_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Shipping container cranes in the Port of Houston"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/houston_shipchannel_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Shipping container cranes in the Port of Houston" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Shipping container cranes in the Port of Houston</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span><span><span>When the U.S. announced it would lift its embargo last winter, </span><span>experts were excited about the prospect of increased trade with Cuba. But Texas' trade with the island nation has dropped, and when things might pick up isn't easy to predict.</span></span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/">Perry Launches Populist Offensive Against Big Banks</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 29 Jul 2015 14:28:10 -0500" title="2015-07-29 14:28"> July 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/comments/"><span class="value">125</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/29/Perry-Explains_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday delivered a speech on Wall Street reform in New York. The Republican presidential candidate vowed that if elected, the United States "will not bail out a single bank on Wall Street.""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/29/Perry-Explains_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday delivered a speech on Wall Street reform in New York. The Republican presidential candidate vowed that if elected, the United States "will not bail out a single bank on Wall Street."" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by MSNBC livestream screenshot</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday delivered a speech on Wall Street reform in New York. The Republican presidential candidate vowed that if elected, the United States "will not bail out a single bank on Wall Street."</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday launched an offensive against banks that are too big to fail, making a pitch for Wall Street reform.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/"> <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="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/08/coal-dependent-power-company-eyes-west-texas-sun/">Coal-Dependent Power Company Eyes West Texas Sun</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/02/cuellar-house-will-pass-bill-lifting-crude-export-/">Cuellar: House Will Pass Bill Lifting Crude Export Ban</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/texas-disputing-epa-implementation-clean-water-rul/">Judge Casts EPA Rule into Muddy Legal Waters</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/28/mammoth-bankruptcy-deal-looms-texas-utility-regula/">Massive Bankruptcy Tests Texas Utility Regulators</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/austin-sues-texas-over-unequal-appraisal-system/">Austin Sues Texas Over "Unequal" Property Appraisal System</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/now-texas-economy-shrugs-low-oil-prices/">For Now, Texas Economy Shrugs Off Low Oil Prices</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/18/obamas-methane-proposal-impact-texas/">Obama Proposal Targets Methane Emissions</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/12/abbott-texans-try-use-less-power/">Abbott to Texans: Try to Use Less Power</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/11/ut-japan-partner-cut-energy-use-data-centers/">UT, Japan Partner to Cut Data Center Energy Use</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/">New Law Will Help More Texans Go Solar</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/obama-unveils-climate-rules-texas-wide-implication/">Obama Unveils Climate Rules, With Texas-Wide Implications</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/03/31-days-professional-fees/">Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/ercot-asks-texans-temporarily-curb-energy-use/">Grid Operator Asks Texans to Temporarily Curb Electricity Use</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/patterson-george-p-bush-focus-less-derriere/">Jerry Patterson to George P. Bush: Focus Less on "Derriere"</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/30/despite-early-optimism-trade-cuba-dipping/">Despite Early Optimism, Trade With Cuba Dipping</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/29/perry-wall-street-reform-speech/">Perry Launches Populist Offensive Against Big Banks</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/budget/">Budget</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/eagle-ford-shale/">The Eagle Ford Shale</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/economy/">Economy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/federal-stimulus-package/">Federal Stimulus Package</a></li> </ul> </div> <footer class="clearfix featurebox-footer"> <a target="_blank" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/"> <span>+</span> View All </a> </footer> </aside> <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_RightRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab video"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Video</h1> <h2><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/video-a-conversation-with-dennis-bonnen/">Video: A Conversation With Dennis Bonnen</a></h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 13 May 2015 09:30:17 -0500" title="2015-05-13 09:30"> May 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/video-a-conversation-with-dennis-bonnen/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2015/05/13/video-a-conversation-with-dennis-bonnen/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ABonnen3cms_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/ABonnen3cms_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/austin-sues-texas-over-unequal-appraisal-system/">Austin Sues Texas Over "Unequal" Property Appraisal System</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 24 Aug 2015 17:16:41 -0500" title="2015-08-24 17:16"> Aug. 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/austin-sues-texas-over-unequal-appraisal-system/comments/"><span class="value">30</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/austin-sues-texas-over-unequal-appraisal-system/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/08/24/Austin-PropTax_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/08/24/Austin-PropTax_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Dave Wilson</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The city of Austin filed a lawsuit Monday against the state of Texas charging that the current property appraisal system is unconstitutional and <span>creates “an imbalance in the tax burdens between residential and commercial property owners.”</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/austin-sues-texas-over-unequal-appraisal-system/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/now-texas-economy-shrugs-low-oil-prices/">For Now, Texas Economy Shrugs Off Low Oil Prices</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 24 Aug 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-08-24 06:00"> Aug. 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/now-texas-economy-shrugs-low-oil-prices/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/now-texas-economy-shrugs-low-oil-prices/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/_S3R7638_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Comptroller Glenn Hegar releases the revenue estimate on Jan. 12, 2015 to reporters and state officials the day before the legislative session."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/_S3R7638_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Comptroller Glenn Hegar releases the revenue estimate on Jan. 12, 2015 to reporters and state officials the day before the legislative session." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Comptroller Glenn Hegar releases the revenue estimate on Jan. 12, 2015 to reporters and state officials the day before the legislative session.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A barrel of West Texas crude is selling for </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&s=rwtc&f=w">near $40</a><span> these days, a roughly 60 percent plunge from the roaring summer of 2014. Drilling communities are worried, but state officials aren't sweating.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/24/now-texas-economy-shrugs-low-oil-prices/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/18/obamas-methane-proposal-impact-texas/">Obama Proposal Targets Methane Emissions</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:28:17 -0500" title="2015-08-18 16:28"> Aug. 18, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/18/obamas-methane-proposal-impact-texas/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/18/obamas-methane-proposal-impact-texas/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/09/Well-head-post-frack_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/09/Well-head-post-frack_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Joshua Doubek</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The federal EPA on Tuesday proposed another set of rules aimed at battling climate change. These would slash oil and gas sector emissions of methane, which often leaks from well pads, compressor stations, processing plants and other equipment used in production.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/18/obamas-methane-proposal-impact-texas/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/12/abbott-texans-try-use-less-power/">Abbott to Texans: Try to Use Less Power</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 12 Aug 2015 13:59:05 -0500" title="2015-08-12 13:59"> Aug. 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/12/abbott-texans-try-use-less-power/comments/"><span class="value">45</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/12/abbott-texans-try-use-less-power/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-BlackoutsErcot028_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-BlackoutsErcot028_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Grid technicians monitor screens at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' state-of-the-art backup control center in Bastrop.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> on Wednesday made this appeal to Texans: Curb your electricity use, if you can – for the grid’s sake.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/12/abbott-texans-try-use-less-power/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/11/ut-japan-partner-cut-energy-use-data-centers/">UT, Japan Partner to Cut Data Center Energy Use</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 11 Aug 2015 00:00:01 -0500" title="2015-08-11 00:00"> Aug. 11, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/11/ut-japan-partner-cut-energy-use-data-centers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/08/11/TXTrib_Computers_006_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos speaks at a press conference at the University of Texas at Austin, where officials announced a new partnership with the Japanese government aimed at boosting energy efficiency at data centers."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/08/11/TXTrib_Computers_006_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos speaks at a press conference at the University of Texas at Austin, where officials announced a new partnership with the Japanese government aimed at boosting energy efficiency at data centers." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Gabriel Perez</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos speaks at a press conference at the University of Texas at Austin, where officials announced a new partnership with the Japanese government aimed at boosting energy efficiency at data centers.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The University of Texas at Austin and the Japanese government are joining forces to tackle a growing problem of the digital age: As data centers crop up across the U.S., they're sucking up a lot of electricity. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/11/ut-japan-partner-cut-energy-use-data-centers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/">New Law Will Help More Texans Go Solar</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and Jeremy Lin </li><li><time datetime="Wed, 5 Aug 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-08-05 06:00"> Aug. 5, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/comments/"><span class="value">25</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442im_/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Solar_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/31/31Days-Solar_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Gabriel Crist贸ver P茅rez</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Nipendra Patel in front of his home in the Bastrop community of The Colony. Patel's roof is marked with studs meant to support solar panels, but the neighborhood's developer blocked their installation.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A loophole in state law allowed some developers to block solar installations on homes in new neighborhoods. Now it's been plugged. <span>This story is part of our </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/31ways/84R/" target="_blank">31 Days, 31 Ways series</a><span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/08/05/new-law-will-let-more-texans-go-solar/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/economy/all/" title=""><span>+</span> More News</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-r"> <footer id="site_footer" class="wrapper-r"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> </div> <div id="footer" class="grid"> <dl id="staff_writers" class="cell w-3"> <dt>Writers</dt> <div class="cell w-6"> <dd> <a href="/web/20151007060442/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a> </dd> <dd> <a 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