ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT | The Texas Tribune

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class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/energy-and-environment/">ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT</a></h1></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/30/mcdonald-observatorys-plea-drillers-cut-lights/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/29/EDIT_6-18-15_McDonaldsObservatory_1000_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt="The McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis on June 18, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/29/EDIT_6-18-15_McDonaldsObservatory_1000_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="The McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis on June 18, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Cooper Neill</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">The McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis on June 18, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/30/mcdonald-observatorys-plea-drillers-cut-lights/">In Starry West Texas, Some Drillers Follow Pleas to Cut Lights</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 30 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-30 06:00"> June 30, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>As the glow from Permian Basin work sites hinders research and amateur stargazing at the McDonald Observatory in far West Texas, some companies are calling on their colleagues to address the problem – and potentially improve safety. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/30/mcdonald-observatorys-plea-drillers-cut-lights/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> <aside class="related"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h2>Related</h2> </header> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/energy/">Catch Up on Energy Issues From This Session</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://apps.texastribune.org/shale-life/">A Look Back: The Shale Life Project</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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/texas-sues-obama-administration-epa-water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/03/31/EPA-Water_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/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> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/texas-sues-obama-administration-epa-water/">Texas Sues EPA Over Provision of Federal Water Law</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 29 Jun 2015 16:50:50 -0500" title="2015-06-29 16:50"> June 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/texas-sues-obama-administration-epa-water/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"><span>Texas is </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/epress/files/2015/June/1%20-%20State's%20Complaint(1).pdf">challenging</a><span> </span><span>the EPA's new "Waters of the U.S." rule, which is aimed at better defining the <span>the scope of bodies of water protected under the Clean Water Act. Critics say the rule <span>will lead to more regulation and a takeover of private property.</span></span></span><br/></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/texas-sues-obama-administration-epa-water/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/supreme-court-mercury-ruling/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/10/TexTrib-Climate001_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/10/TexTrib-Climate001_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Tom Pennington</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/supreme-court-mercury-ruling/">Supreme Court Thwarts EPA Mercury Rules in a Victory for Texas</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 29 Jun 2015 09:49:16 -0500" title="2015-06-29 09:49"> June 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/supreme-court-mercury-ruling/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>A coalition of states including Texas has defeated the Environmental Protection Agency in a battle over major regulations on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www2.epa.gov/international-cooperation/mercury-emissions-global-context">mercury</a>, acid gases and other toxic metals emissions that spew from power plants, including many plants in Texas.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/supreme-court-mercury-ruling/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/26/texas-leading-fight-against-new-smog-standards/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/EPA_TCEQ_SmokeStacks_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/EPA_TCEQ_SmokeStacks_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo illustration by Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/26/texas-leading-fight-against-new-smog-standards/">Texas Leading Challenge to New Smog Standards</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 26 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-26 06:00"> June 26, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/26/texas-leading-fight-against-new-smog-standards/comments/"><span class="value">48</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>The agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws in Texas is paying a private company $1.65 million to conduct research to challenge forthcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency restrictions on ozone pollution, which exacerbates asthma, lung and heart disease.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/26/texas-leading-fight-against-new-smog-standards/"> <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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/texas-sues-obama-administration-epa-water/">Texas Sues EPA Over Provision of Federal Water Law</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 29 Jun 2015 16:50:50 -0500" title="2015-06-29 16:50"> June 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/texas-sues-obama-administration-epa-water/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/texas-sues-obama-administration-epa-water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/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/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/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><span style="line-height: 1.35;"><span>Texas is </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/epress/files/2015/June/1%20-%20State's%20Complaint(1).pdf">challenging</a><span> </span><span>the EPA's new "Waters of the U.S." rule, which is aimed at better defining the <span>the scope of bodies of water protected under the Clean Water Act. Critics say the rule <span>will lead to more regulation and a takeover of private property.</span></span></span><br/></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/texas-sues-obama-administration-epa-water/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/supreme-court-mercury-ruling/">Supreme Court Thwarts EPA Mercury Rules in a Victory for Texas</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 29 Jun 2015 09:49:16 -0500" title="2015-06-29 09:49"> June 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/supreme-court-mercury-ruling/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/supreme-court-mercury-ruling/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/10/TexTrib-Climate001_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/10/TexTrib-Climate001_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Tom Pennington</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A coalition of states including Texas has defeated the Environmental Protection Agency in a battle over major regulations on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www2.epa.gov/international-cooperation/mercury-emissions-global-context">mercury</a>, acid gases and other toxic metals emissions that spew from power plants, including many plants in Texas.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/29/supreme-court-mercury-ruling/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/26/texas-leading-fight-against-new-smog-standards/">Texas Leading Challenge to New Smog Standards</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 26 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-26 06:00"> June 26, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/26/texas-leading-fight-against-new-smog-standards/comments/"><span class="value">48</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/26/texas-leading-fight-against-new-smog-standards/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/EPA_TCEQ_SmokeStacks_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/EPA_TCEQ_SmokeStacks_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo illustration by Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws in Texas is paying a private company $1.65 million to conduct research to challenge forthcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency restrictions on ozone pollution, which exacerbates asthma, lung and heart disease.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/26/texas-leading-fight-against-new-smog-standards/"> <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/20150630135642/http://apps.texastribune.org/reservoirs/">Texas Reservoir Levels Rise as Drought Subsides</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 18 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-18 06:00"> June 18, 2015 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://apps.texastribune.org/reservoirs/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/17/Texas-Reservoir-art_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/17/Texas-Reservoir-art_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/25/railroad-commission-executive-director-step-down/">Railroad Commission Executive Director to Retire</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:04:25 -0500" title="2015-06-25 13:04"> June 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/25/railroad-commission-executive-director-step-down/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/25/railroad-commission-executive-director-step-down/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Rister-Milton_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Milton Rister"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Rister-Milton_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Milton Rister" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Milton Rister</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Milton Rister, executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission, plans to leave the agency on Aug. 31, according to a letter he sent to commissioners.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/25/railroad-commission-executive-director-step-down/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/22/federal-climate-rules-loom-no-decision-made-texas/">Texas Balking as Federal Climate Rules Loom</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 22 Jun 2015 15:24:48 -0500" title="2015-06-22 15:24"> June 22, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/22/federal-climate-rules-loom-no-decision-made-texas/comments/"><span class="value">28</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/22/federal-climate-rules-loom-no-decision-made-texas/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/22/7C2A8842_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to media after keynoting a June 2015 event hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation regarding impact of the EPA's Clean Power Plan."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/22/7C2A8842_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to media after keynoting a June 2015 event hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation regarding impact of the EPA's Clean Power Plan." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to media after keynoting a June 2015 event hosted by the Texas Public Policy Foundation regarding impact of the EPA's Clean Power Plan.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Come August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may require Texas to cut 200 billion pounds of carbon emissions over the next two decades. Top Republican officials still won’t confirm whether Texas will flout those rules — an option that some critics call risky.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/22/federal-climate-rules-loom-no-decision-made-texas/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/18/law-extends-electricity-help-poor-texans/">Law Extends Electric Bill Help for Poor Texans</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 18 Jun 2015 08:53:46 -0500" title="2015-06-18 08:53"> June 18, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/18/law-extends-electricity-help-poor-texans/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/18/law-extends-electricity-help-poor-texans/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/30/Turner8_gesture_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Longtime State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, details his plan to run for mayor of Houston during TTEvents conversation on April 30, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/30/Turner8_gesture_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Longtime State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, details his plan to run for mayor of Houston during TTEvents conversation on April 30, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Longtime State Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, details his plan to run for mayor of Houston during TTEvents conversation on April 30, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Low-income Texans can enjoy a discount on their electricity bills for a little longer. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> on Wednesday signed legislation ensuring that the remaining balance of the state’s “System Benefit Fund” would go toward that purpose.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/18/law-extends-electricity-help-poor-texans/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://apps.texastribune.org/reservoirs/">Texas Reservoir Levels Rise as Drought Subsides</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 18 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-18 06:00"> June 18, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://apps.texastribune.org/reservoirs/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/17/Texas-Reservoir-art_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/17/Texas-Reservoir-art_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>As recently as 2011, Texas endured the most intense drought in recorded state history. But the rainfall so far in 2015 has left less than <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.twdb.texas.gov/newsmedia/drought/doc/weekly_drought_report.pdf">1 percent of the state</a> in drought conditions. And Texas reservoirs are not far behind; they're collectively about 83 percent full.</p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://apps.texastribune.org/reservoirs/"> <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="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/energy/">Catch Up on Energy Issues From This Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 12 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-12 06:00"> June 12, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/energy/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/84lege-leadart-energy_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/84lege-leadart-energy_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Emily Albracht</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The Texas oil boom slowed during the 84th legislative session, creating implications for the state's budget. See how lawmakers responded to volatile oil prices, local drilling ordinances and other </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/energy/" target="_blank">energy issues</a><span> this session in the </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/" target="_blank">Texas Legislative Guide</a><span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/energy/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/10/abbott-nixes-water-conservation-contract-bidding-b/">Water Conservation, Contract Bidding Bills Fall Victim to Abbott's Veto</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:13:00 -0500" title="2015-06-10 12:13"> June 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/10/abbott-nixes-water-conservation-contract-bidding-b/comments/"><span class="value">29</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/10/abbott-nixes-water-conservation-contract-bidding-b/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/18/A_BDB4141CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott discusses HB40 with the press prior to its ceremonial signing in the Governor's Reception Room on May 18, 2015. The bill gives the state exclusive control over regulation of oil and gas operations, and preempting local laws against fracking."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/18/A_BDB4141CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott discusses HB40 with the press prior to its ceremonial signing in the Governor's Reception Room on May 18, 2015. The bill gives the state exclusive control over regulation of oil and gas operations, and preempting local laws against fracking." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott discusses HB40 with the press prior to its ceremonial signing in the Governor's Reception Room on May 18, 2015. The bill gives the state exclusive control over regulation of oil and gas operations, and preempting local laws against fracking.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> has vetoed two more pieces of legislation in the wake of the 84th legislative session.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/10/abbott-nixes-water-conservation-contract-bidding-b/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/09/porter-takes-over-railroad-commission-chairman/">Porter Takes Over as Railroad Commission Chairman</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 9 Jun 2015 11:51:45 -0500" title="2015-06-09 11:51"> June 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/09/porter-takes-over-railroad-commission-chairman/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/09/porter-takes-over-railroad-commission-chairman/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/09/08/DavidPorterRRC_copy_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Railroad Commissioner David Porter was elected to a six-year term on the Railroad Commission in 2010."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/09/08/DavidPorterRRC_copy_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Railroad Commissioner David Porter was elected to a six-year term on the Railroad Commission in 2010." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Railroad Commissioner David Porter was elected to a six-year term on the Railroad Commission in 2010.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas Railroad Commission has a new leader. The state’s three-member oil and gas regulator on Tuesday unanimously elected <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/david-porter/">David Porter</a> as its chairman. He replaces <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/christi-craddick/">Christi Craddick</a> in the largely ceremonial role.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/09/porter-takes-over-railroad-commission-chairman/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_150x1000_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/20150630135642/https://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> <section class="summary"> <p><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> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/comments/"><span class="value">26</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://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/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://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="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://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/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/"> <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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/25/railroad-commission-executive-director-step-down/">Railroad Commission Executive Director to Retire</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/22/federal-climate-rules-loom-no-decision-made-texas/">Texas Balking as Federal Climate Rules Loom</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/18/law-extends-electricity-help-poor-texans/">Law Extends Electric Bill Help for Poor Texans</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://apps.texastribune.org/reservoirs/">Texas Reservoir Levels Rise as Drought Subsides</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/17/denton-repeals-fracking-ban/">Denton Repeals Fracking Ban</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/">New in Trib+Water: Drought, Flood Lessons Learned?</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/">Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/texas-and-petroleum-industry-broaden-lawsuits-agai/">Texas, Petroleum Industry Broaden Their Lawsuits Against Denton</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/environment/">Catch Up on Our Environmental Coverage From the 84th Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/12/railroad-commission-no-industry-ties-large-north-t/">Regulators: No Evidence Wells Caused 4.0 Quake</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/energy/">Catch Up on Energy Issues From This Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/10/abbott-nixes-water-conservation-contract-bidding-b/">Water Conservation, Contract Bidding Bills Fall Victim to Abbott's Veto</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/09/porter-takes-over-railroad-commission-chairman/">Porter Takes Over as Railroad Commission Chairman</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/">Despite Early Momentum, Energy Legislation Flames Out at End of Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/epa-fracking-no-widespread-affects-water/">EPA Finds No "Widespread" Fracking Effects on Water</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/03/more-questions-answers-denton-ponders-next-steps/">With Fracking Ban Overruled, Denton Ponders Next Steps</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/20150630135642/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/20150630135642/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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/barnett-shale/">Barnett Shale</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/crez-transmission-lines/">Crez Transmission Lines</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/eagle-ford-shale/">The Eagle Ford Shale</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/electric-reliability-council-of-texas/">Electric Reliability 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6</a></h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642im_/https://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/20150630135642/https://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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/17/denton-repeals-fracking-ban/">Denton Repeals Fracking Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by Mose Buchele, KUT News/StateImpact Texas </li><li><time datetime="Wed, 17 Jun 2015 09:10:29 -0500" title="2015-06-17 09:10"> June 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/17/denton-repeals-fracking-ban/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/17/denton-repeals-fracking-ban/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://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/20150630135642/https://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>The North Texas city of Denton made headlines last year when voters there </span><span>banned the oil drilling technique known as fracking. Early Wednesday morning, the D</span><span>enton City Council repealed that ban.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/17/denton-repeals-fracking-ban/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/">New in Trib+Water: Drought, Flood Lessons Learned?</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 17 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-17 06:00"> June 17, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.texastribune.org/plus/water/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://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/20150630135642/https://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: Fears that with rain's arrival conservation will be forgotten, using aquifers to ease future droughts </span><span>and an i</span><span>nterview with <span>Samuel D. Brody of</span><span> Texas A&M University.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/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/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/">Abbott Signs Bill to Limit Pollution Lawsuits</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 16 Jun 2015 18:51:07 -0500" title="2015-06-16 18:51"> June 16, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/comments/"><span class="value">47</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/10/15/SanJacintoWater-Danger_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="The San Jacinto River Waste Pits, an EPA Superfund site that is contaminated with dioxins, is located on Interstate 10 east of Houston."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/10/15/SanJacintoWater-Danger_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="The San Jacinto River Waste Pits, an EPA Superfund site that is contaminated with dioxins, is located on Interstate 10 east of Houston." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Michael Stravato</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">The San Jacinto River Waste Pits, an EPA Superfund site that is contaminated with dioxins, is located on Interstate 10 east of Houston.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> has signed legislation that could make it tougher for local governments to sue big-time polluters – an effort that largely targets Harris County prosecutors. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/abbott-signs-bill-limit-pollution-lawsuits/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/texas-and-petroleum-industry-broaden-lawsuits-agai/">Texas, Petroleum Industry Broaden Their Lawsuits Against Denton</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 16 Jun 2015 11:03:13 -0500" title="2015-06-16 11:03"> June 16, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/texas-and-petroleum-industry-broaden-lawsuits-agai/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/texas-and-petroleum-industry-broaden-lawsuits-agai/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://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/20150630135642/https://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>The Texas Oil and Gas Association and the state’s General Land Office have expanded the scope of their lawsuits against Denton. Both are taking aim at the city’s moratorium on new gas drilling in addition to the toothless fracking ban still on its books. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/16/texas-and-petroleum-industry-broaden-lawsuits-agai/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/environment/">Catch Up on Our Environmental Coverage From the 84th Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 16 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-16 06:00"> June 16, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/environment/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/09/84lege-leadart-environment_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/09/84lege-leadart-environment_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo illustration by Emily Albracht</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Take a look at the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/environment/" target="_blank">environmental issues</a> we kept an eye during the 84th legislative session. You can also use our <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/" target="_blank">Texas Legislative Guide</a> to see everything else we covered during the session.</p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150630135642/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/environment/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/12/railroad-commission-no-industry-ties-large-north-t/">Regulators: No Evidence Wells Caused 4.0 Quake</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:59:19 -0500" title="2015-06-12 13:59"> June 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/12/railroad-commission-no-industry-ties-large-north-t/comments/"><span class="value">42</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/12/railroad-commission-no-industry-ties-large-north-t/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150630135642im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/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/20150630135642/https://s3.amazonaws.com/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><span>After wrapping up a round of testing, Texas regulators say they have found no evidence that injecting oilfield waste into five disposal wells triggered the largest recorded earthquake in North Texas’ history.</span></p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150630135642/https://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/12/railroad-commission-no-industry-ties-large-north-t/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> 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