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.
Energy & Environment
Energy & Environment
HISD should do more to address lead contamination in the water at schools, local groups say
Posted on · Past testing by the district found more than 200 schools had at least one tap test positive for lead contamination.
Energy & Environment
Texas oil and gas pulled in nearly $16 billion in taxes and royalties last year as the industry recovers from pandemic downturn
Posted on · The Texas Oil and Gas Association's annual energy and economic impact report says both taxes and royalties paid to the state went up by more than 20% over the previous fiscal year.
Energy & Environment
Energy experts say renewable energy will be key in making Texas’ electricity more reliable in 2022
Posted on · To learn more about what’s expected in 2022 for clean energy, Houston Public Media spoke with Gavin Dillingham, Vice President of Research for energy with the Houston Advanced Research Center.
Energy & Environment
Texas gas supply plummeted during last weekend’s cold snap. That spells trouble for the grid
Posted on · Almost one year after a historic power failure, the state’s natural gas system has been tested by a far milder cold spell. Some energy experts say it did not pass the test.
Energy & Environment
Oil prices are stable for now, but Houston’s oil and gas industry could face other challenges in 2022
Posted on · To learn more about the outlook for the oil and gas industry in 2022, Houston Public Media spoke with Mitch Fane, U.S. Oil and Gas Leader with consulting firm Ernst & Young.
Energy & Environment
2 injured workers file $10 million lawsuit against ExxonMobil after Baytown refinery explosion
Posted on · Both men suffered head injuries, major orthopedic injury to their spines, and were burned all over their bodies, according to the lawsuit.
Breaking News
At least 4 injured after Baytown refinery explosion, sheriff says
Posted on · The “major industrial accident” occurred just after 1 a.m. Thursday, officials said.
Energy & Environment
Community air monitoring is growing in Houston as accessibility to local data expands
Posted on · After years of dealing with toxic air pollution, residents of overburdened communities are taking matters into their own hands and installing a growing network of community air monitors.
Climate Change
Social justice and labor rights activists are protesting a major Houston energy conference
Posted on · As leaders from the biggest oil and gas companies gather in Houston for the World Petroleum Congress, others took to the park outside the convention to demand action on climate change and better labor practices.
Energy & Environment
Biden is tapping oil reserves to try to bring down high gas prices
Posted on · China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom are also tapping their emergency stocks. The goal is to try to bring down oil prices, which have been causing consumers pain at the pump.
Energy & Environment
EPA chief visits Houston’s heavily polluted neighborhoods as residents call for accountability
Posted on · During EPA Administrator Michael Regan's visit, residents expressed concerns about a range of issues, including concrete batch plants, creosote contamination and the cumulative impact of pollution from multiple facilities concentrated in the same area.
Energy & Environment
Extreme winter weather still threatens Texas’ electric grid, ERCOT assessment finds
Posted on · According to a seasonal report, the grid is well positioned to supply enough power to meet demand under normal and moderately challenging winter conditions. But extreme weather could cause more blackouts.
Energy & Environment
The Biden administration sold oil and gas leases days after the climate summit
Posted on · The Biden administration oversaw one of the largest oil and gas lease sales in American history just days after pledging to take action on climate change at the international climate summit.
Energy & Environment
Top U.S. environmental regulator to visit Houston neighborhoods where Black and Latino residents bear brunt of pollution
Posted on · Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan on Friday will meet with community leaders and advocates in Houston neighborhoods where pollution has impacted people’s health.