Business
Report: Texas Electricity Consumers Face Too Many Hidden Fees
Posted on · A consumer advocacy group recommends regulators do more to help consumers choose the right electricity plan.
Energy & Environment
Politics
Partnership Pushes For $3 Billion From Texas Rainy Day Fund For Harvey Relief, Flood Control Infrastructure
Posted on · The Greater Houston Partnership, like Governor Greg Abbott, has named disaster recovery one of its top priorities for the 2019 Texas Legislature.
Energy & Environment
Butterflies Vs. Border Wall: National Butterfly Center Seeks Restraining Order
Posted on · The center says government officials have already cut down trees on its private property in anticipation of a border wall. The planned wall would split its property in two.
Transportation
Judge’s Ruling Could Have Big Implications For Proposed High-Speed Rail Line
Posted on · The ruling could prevent the rail line’s developers from using eminent domain to acquire land for the project.
Houston Matters
Report: U.S. Will Be A Net Exporter Of Energy By 2020
Posted on · Houston Matters learns more about the annual industry outlook from the Energy Information Administration.
In-Depth
Despite Booming Economy, A Skyrocketing Cost-Of-Living Makes The Permian Basin Unaffordable For Many
Posted on · “If it’s a bust, they’re out of work. If it’s a boom, they can’t afford to live here.”
News
Hill Country Town Picks Up Pieces After Sand Plants Head West
Posted on · Sand-mining operations are moving west to be closer to oil operations, leaving behind small towns that depended on the industry.
Texas
Report: Unauthorized Air Pollution In Texas Up 27 Percent In 2017
Posted on · An analysis by the research arm of Environment Texas found 275 companies across the state reported emitting 63 million pounds of hazardous and climate-warming pollutants from their facilities in 2017.
In-Depth
Central Texas Pipeline Reignites Fight Over Land Rights
Posted on · A fight is brewing in Texas Hill Country, where company Kinder Morgan plans to lay a part of its 430-mile natural gas Permian Highway Pipeline.
Business
Growing Japanese Investment In Houston Fueled By Need For LNG
Posted on · Houston exports to Japan have multiplied over the past decade.
Energy & Environment
Report: Permian Basin Oil Producers Flaring More Natural Gas Than Reported
Posted on · An analysis of government satellite data by the Environmental Defense Fund shows that the amount of natural gas that energy companies burned off in 2017 is twice as high as what they reported to state regulators.
Energy & Environment
New Study Looks At Environmental Dangers Posed By Cruise Ship Emissions
Posted on · Researchers say emissions can pose a threat to coastal cities like Galveston that are working to lure more cruise business.
Energy & Environment
How Researchers Are Keeping Tabs On Oil And Gas Emissions In West Texas
Posted on · Houston-based drillers are finding record amounts of oil in West Texas, but environmentalists say they're finding methane, benzene, and other vapors escaping from oil and gas facilities.
News
Government Report Recommends Addressing Migration Caused By Climate Change
Posted on · The report cites Central America as one of the regions where climate change could lead to increased international migration.
Energy & Environment
Report: Texas Coal Power Plants Leaching Toxic Pollutants Into Groundwater
Posted on · Analyzing groundwater monitoring data that power companies are now required to report to the federal government, the Environmental Integrity Project found that groundwater under 16 Texas coal plants had unsafe levels of contaminants including arsenic. The pollution is linked to disposal pits for spent coal.