Oil and Gas Industry

A new report analyzing data gathered by the TECQ finds the drop stemmed largely from the pandemic-related downturn in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. Rising production in 2021 is already leading to a comparable rise in illegal pollution.

The report highlights how oil and gas regulators at the Railroad Commission of Texas have a financial stake in the very companies they regulate.

There's a process for decommissioning old oil platforms and pipelines, but the federal agencies in charge are understaffed.

In a letter to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants commissioners to encourage the construction and maintenance of coal, gas and nuclear plants. He also asked that regulators impose reliability costs on renewable power like wind and solar.

The company said Wednesday it is resuming operations, but it could be days before the supply chain is back to normal.

The site in Orange Grove can operate for another five years, but neighbors want the commission to address its potentially toxic air pollution.

ERCOT has released a preliminary report about the causes of the power outages during February’s winter storm. But some stakeholders are already calling for it to be clarified — or even retracted. Industry experts say the news media and public are misinterpreting the data.

A bill filed to reduce federal oversight of the Texas fossil fuel industry could also force the closure of one of the state’s most iconic swimming holes.

Officials have said making sure the state never suffers a blackout like the one it just went through is a top priority this legislative session. What can they do to keep that promise?

What can Texas do to stop blackouts from happening again? Texas lawmakers are looking into it.