Business
Houston’s GDP growth rate of 1.9% ranked near the bottom of U.S. metro areas in 2021
Posted on · The pandemic slowdown led the region’s oil and natural gas sector to crater in value by 51%, dragging down manufacturing with it.
Tag: oil and gas
Houston Matters
Oil’s effect on Houston’s economy (Jan. 4, 2023)
Posted on · On Wednesday's show: Some recent numbers suggest Houston's GDP grew slower than the rest of the nation last year. Is that true -- and is it the fault of oil and gas?
Texas
5.3 magnitude earthquake rocks West Texas, with reports of shaking all the way to Austin
Posted on · The epicenter of Wednesday's quake was about 35 miles northwest of Pecos, south of the New Mexico border, and likely was caused by oil and gas activity in the area.
Houston Matters
Checking in on Harvey recovery, five years later (Aug. 23, 2022)
Posted on · On Tuesday's show: Five years after Hurricane Harvey we discuss what's been done to recover from the storm, how architecture and design could play a role in preventing flooding, and whether home buyouts after flood events truly work.
Politics
GOP runoff for Railroad commissioner asks voters, ‘What is the job of a Texas oil regulator?’
Posted on · The Republican primary contest between challenger Sarah Stogner and incumbent Wayne Christian has been characterized by twists and turns, accusations of corruption and some light nudity.
Houston Matters
Europe importing Texas oil, and Houstonian pet peeves (May 2, 2022)
Posted on · On Monday's show: Europe is importing more Texas oil to offset the loss of supplies from Russia. Plus Houstonians share their pet peeves. And we get an update on sports.
Houston Matters
Council Member Tarsha Jackson, and how big oil cast doubt on climate change (April 19, 2022)
Posted on · On Tuesday's show: City Council Member Tarsha Jackson discusses issues facing the city, we discuss the fossil fuel industry’s history of casting doubt and delaying action on climate change, and local baker Hemlata "Hemu" Basumatary from the Netflix baking show Is It Cake? talks about her craft.
Energy
The U.S. will boost oil production in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but energy independence remains a dream
Posted on · Republicans are demanding the Biden administration increase oil and gas production in the face of sky-high prices, but there’s only so much the White House can do.
Energy & Environment
Surging gasoline prices bring back memories of past energy wars
Posted on · American gas stations displaying high prices this summer and fall will matter more than all the campaign billboards put together in affecting the November midterm elections.
Town Square
International Women’s Day focuses on raising awareness against bias and taking action for equality
Posted on · National experts join us to discuss the situations and injustices that women face in the US and globally. Plus, with breaking news of President Biden’s ban on Russian oil imports, we discuss what that means for Houston’s oil and gas industry.
Energy & Environment
ExxonMobil joins business exodus from Russia after decades of close ties
Posted on · The American oil and gas giant is "beginning the process to discontinue operations" at the Sakhalin-1 project off Russia's eastern coast. The company also says it won't make new investments in Russia.
Business
Exxon Mobil has reached a contract agreement with its locked out Beaumont workers
Posted on · Union members voted 214-133 to ratify the company’s latest offer, which added holiday time off and updated job descriptions for some union positions.
Houston Matters
The return property taxpayers get for their money (Jan. 31, 2022)
Posted on · On Monday's show: A massive sale of oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico last year has been invalidated, and a new study examines whether taxpayers in the city may be paying for more than they receive in services from the county.
Houston Matters
Methane emissions, and the week in politics (Jan. 26, 2022)
Posted on · On Wednesday's show: Methane leaking from oil and gas facilities in the Permian Basin, the week in politics, and the annual car and boat shows join forces.
Energy & Environment
Benchmark oil prices are at their highest point since 2014. Experts say that’s good for Houston’s economy
Posted on · About one-third of Houston's economy is tied to the oil and gas industry.