Posted on · Thousands of oil-field workers in Texas may be at risk from what they're breathing at drilling sites. Here's what StateImpact reporter Dave Fehling found in south Texas, one of the busiest places in the nation for oil and gas production.
Posted on · To hear some tell it, Texas is in a bad way when it comes to having enough electricity. The Texas Public Utility Commission is trying to encourage construction of new power plants by raising prices. Next month, those new, higher prices for wholesale electricity take effect. But now, as StateImpact reporter Dave Fehling found, some utility companies say the higher price may not be nearly high enough.
Posted on · One executive says it's nothing short of a "rebirth" of the petrochemical industry. It's happening along the Texas Gulf Coast as big companies are sinking billions of dollars into new plants. StateImpact Texas reporter Dave Fehling headed to one city near the coast to find out why, and what it's doing to create jobs.
Posted on · With this week's 100 degree weather, there's been concern over rolling blackouts to reduce demand for electricity. But insuring they never — or almost never happen — could cost you hundreds of dollars a year. StateImpact Texas reporter Dave Fehling has been investigating what state regulators want you to pay for. And he starts by looking back at a time last year when Texas was hit with abnormal temperatures — abnormally cold temperatures.
Posted on · They're some of the ugliest places in Texas. What are called "brownfields" — old industrial properties where there's often toxic waste still in the soil and groundwater. With cities like Dallas and Houston re-developing their urban cores, brownfields are a growing concern.
Posted on · It's called "the revolving door" — people who once worked for the state of Texas, but who quit to work — sometimes — for the very companies they used to regulate. Critics say the state's ethics laws are too lax. StateImpact reporter Dave Fehling has been looking into this.
Posted on · They were once deemed to be among the worst threats to human health in Texas. It took a federal program to clean them up. And the work isn't finished — even after 30 years. StateImpact reporter Dave Fehling has the story of "the Superfund."
Posted on · With the summer heat headed our way, a new report says Texas should allow electricity prices to go up dramtically during critial times of high demand.
Posted on · One Texas oil and gas billionaire is getting special recognition for what he has done to help a little bird. Our StateImpact Texas reporter Dave Fehling has the story of protecting an "endangered species" at a time when not everyone agrees on how important that is.
Posted on · With hotter weather now keeping air conditioners running longer in Texas, you might not agree with this statement: electricity doesn't cost enough. But that contention is at the heart of a debate over what the state can do to avert power shortages.
Posted on · The debate over TransCanada’s proposed oil pipeline from the tars sands of Alberta to the Texas Gulf Coast has focused largely on the environmental and economic impacts. People in favor, say it will bring jobs and energy security. Opponents say it will damage the environment. But the project might have another consequence that’s been largely overlooked: it could actually raise gas prices for many American consumers.
Posted on · In the past year, oil hit a high of $111 a barrel. It's been dropping lately into the 90'. No one really knows where the price is headed next. But in Texas, they’ll tell you where it is right now is about as good as it gets. StateImpact Texas reporter Dave Fehling has the story of the "Goldilocks price."
Posted on · Social media sabotage is in high gear in Texas’ later-than-usual primary, from fake Twitter feeds to deceptive website domains to allegations of email and Facebook forgery.
Posted on · If you're getting ready for the summer grilling season, be warned. You can expect the price of a steak or hamburger to be higher this summer. The reason? Cattle prices have been hitting all-time highs this year.
Posted on · The chemical industry says it's making great progress in reducing pollution from its facilities. But some people who live near those plants couldn't disagree more. StateImpact reporter Dave Fehling is back from the latest place where the two sides are clashing in Texas. A place where a lawyer representing thousands of residents says he has found a way of to enforce environmental laws more effectively than the government can.